It all started when I was giving a baby shower for my best friend. A bit weary of all the tried and true games and activities of past baby showers, I wanted something different, something fun but meaningful.

Upon creative reflection on one of my walks, it came to me. How 'bout casting the belly of my friend, the mom-to-be, the way my teacher friend had made masks on her students' faces with pretreated strips of cloth. I called her up and asked her if she thought it would work on a pregnant belly. She didn't see why not.

And that's how it all began. I did my first casting of my friend's belly to squeals of laughter and delight as a surprise event at her baby shower in 1995. Then I decorated it for her and gave it as a gift, after the baby was born and her body lost its unfathomable, beautiful pregnant shape. I thought I had invented the whole idea and process but it turns out that others around the country had come to the same creative point.

My friend now has a "Belly Bowl" to celebrate and remember the amazing shape her body took as it stretched to hold her growing daughter. For all my customers, it becomes "Birth Art" to hang on the wall or place on a bureau or table.

I hope you will consider doing this for yourself or a friend. There's nothing like it!

Scroll down for more pictures and instructions to order a kit.

Thanks for your interest.
with joy,

Catherine Freemire
.......craftswoman and personal/professional coach

Friends and family apply the plaster strips to the expectant mother. The casting process takes about 30-45 minutes. It's great to do at a baby shower with a group of women friends or as a family art project; partners and children love to get in on the fun. As you see, it is not required for the woman to be naked. She can wear a bra or a rolled up T-shirt under her bra and old pants rolled down to the bikini line.

This cast was covered with scroll-patterned hand-made paper, inside and out. The inside has accent paper shapes with small beads scattered about and one larger bead in the middle.

I recommend casting only the woman's belly for this reason. The sculpture can stand as the belly, itself, or it can be turned over and transformed into a decorative bowl that can sit on a table or shelf.

A full torso casting can be stunning. Though it doesn't allow it to be a "bowl", it can be hung on a wall or placed on a stand. This piece was cast by an inexperienced husband and it turned out beautifully. So, you too can do it!! It was then decorated by me.

Kit Includes:

Belly Cast Kit Prices

• Detailed directions for preparation and casting

• All materials needed for one belly casting

Belly Kit, Regular

$59.99

• Idea list for decorating the belly cast

Full Torso, Large kit

79.99

• (Materials for decoration not included)

Shipping

$8.00

Bonus item included in my kit only:

• 1 button perfect for belly casts