Hand-holding Bespoke Lifecast Sculpture (two hands ages 10+)

What is lifecasting?

The term “lifecasting” refers to the process of taking a mould from a living human body or body part in order to create a three-dimensional replica.

Where will my lifecasting session take place?

Lifecasting sessions take place at my studio just outside Whitwell, on the south side of the beautiful Isle of Wight. In special cases sessions can be arranged for me to come to your home (if you are based on the island), subject to my availability and ensuring you have a suitable space to carry out the process.

Who does my lifecasting?

Your lifecasting process will be carried out by myself (India Allin, she/her) and one of my trained lifecasting assistants. I am the founder and lead artist of Studio Delma, my decorative arts studio where I specialise in sculptural plaster artworks. I was taught the art of lifecasting in university in 2016 when I studied Prop Making, and have since continued to expand my skills and knowledge in this area. I’m now bringing my lifecasting services to the public after much time spent testing, developing and finessing a seamless service & high quality final product. If you would like to ensure an all-women lifecasting team for your session, just let me know and that can be arranged.

What happens at the lifecasting session?

When you arrive for your lifecasting session, I’ll talk you through the materials & process and make you comfortable. We’ll then make sure your hands are clean and presentable (I’ll have nail files on hand to combat any snags!), practice your chosen pose and prepare the moulding materials. My assistant and I will mix the alginate in a bucket or another suitably sized vessel, then you will gently plunge your hands into the bucket and hold still until it sets. The water will be a temperate 26 degrees celsius and the alginate should set within 3 minutes. Once it is set you simply have to gently start wiggling your fingers and flexing your wrists until they can be removed from the mould (hopefully without damaging the delicate mould). The whole process is very quick, but I build extra time into the session in case I spot any issues with the mould after your hands have been removed. If this does happen, we’ll have plenty of time to go for round two. Once I’m happy with the mould, you are free to go and I will get on with casting your replica.

How long will my appointment take?

You should allow up to 2 hours for your lifecasting session depending on the pose and number of hands involved (I will advise you of this when booking), but usually 1-1.5 hours will be sufficient.

What should I wear to my appointment?

I will provide disposable aprons to protect your clothing, but it’s probably best not to wear your Sunday best, just in case some of the moulding and casting materials sneak their way onto your clothing. Also make sure you’re able to roll your sleeves up to at least your elbow.

Are the materials & process safe? Does it hurt?

Yes the process is completely safe. The only material that comes into direct contact with your skin during the lifecasting process is Alginate, a naturally occurring product made from seaweed and algae. Alginate is considered both food and dermatologically safe. You may have encountered alginate before at the dentist as it is commonly used to take dental impressions. It is also used extensively in the make-up, special effects & prop-making industries as it’s excellent for taking quick and detailed impressions from almost any material. Alginate is non-toxic and degrades in around one year, making it a far more sustainable option than other common moulding materials such as silicone rubber.

I have a skin condition or wound, can I still participate in the lifecasting process?

Although cases of skin irritation caused by alginate are incredibly rare, I will happily arrange to do a small patch test a week before your session for your peace of mind to ensure the material doesn’t cause you any issues. If you have any cuts, scrapes, grazes or open wounds, it would be best to let these fully heal before scheduling your lifecasting session.

Can I wear rings?

In most cases yes, but I will need to see the ring ahead of your lifecasting session to confirm. Some ring shapes & designs don’t lend themselves well to the moulding process and won’t be successfully replicated by the mould. Plain wedding bands are included in the standard price, and ornate rings (e.g stones in settings etc) are charged at an extra £15 per ring due to the extra time they take to perfect on the sculpture after casting.

Can I have long nails, acrylics or extensions for the lifecasting session?

Unfortunately not. Your nails will need to be short for the lifecasting process to successfully replicate them. Long nails or acrylics when replicated in plaster will be very weak & brittle, and will likely snap off, if not immediately during the demoulding process certainly in transit. If you arrive for your appointment with long nails (i.e. extending beyond the fingertip) we will need to cut & file them neatly at the studio to ensure your lifecast sculpture comes out as perfectly as possible.

What is the booking & payment process?

To book a lifecasting session with me, head over to my online shop and purchase the “Holding Hands Lifecast Sculpture (two hands ages 10+)”. Once you have completed your purchase I will contact you via email within 48 hours to discuss the design of your sculpture and book in your lifecasting session.

What if I need to reschedule my booking?

If you need to reschedule your lifecasting session please let me know via email as soon as possible. Wherever possible I will do my best to accommodate your request to reschedule your appointment.

What if I want to cancel my booking?

You may cancel your booking and receive a full refund up to 7 days before the booking date and time for the lifecasting session. Cancellations made within 5-7 days of the lifecasting session will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the lifecasting session will not be refunded.

How soon will I get my lifecast sculpture?

You will receive your lifecast sculpture 8-10 weeks after your lifecasting session. Plaster takes several weeks to fully dry depending on the environmental conditions, after which I will need time to apply the finish & mount your lifecast before sending it out to you.

How will I receive my lifecast sculpture?

If you are based on the Isle of Wight we can arrange for collection from my studio or private delivery. For mainland UK customers it will be wrapped securely within an inch of its life and sent via courier.

Can I take photos/videos at the casting appointment?

Of course! The lifecasting session should be a fun and memorable experience for you so you are welcome to take photos and videos, or even bring along a professional photographer or videographer to document the experience. From time to time I may also take photos for promotional purposes. Please let me know ahead of the session if you prefer not to have your session documented to feature in any of my promotional material.

Can you lifecast other body parts?

Lifecasting is possible for pretty much any part of the body but I’m keeping it simple for now by only offering hand casting. I will happily recommend other businesses offering lifecasting services for other body parts.

What finishes are available?

The standard finish options are as follows:

-Matt white

-Antique gold

-Antique silver

-Antique copper

-Neon

The possibilities are endless with regard to finishes, so if you have something special in mind get in touch and we can discuss options.

Can you paint my lifecast with a special design?

Definitely. Get in touch to discuss your special finish ideas.

How will my lifecast be presented?

Lifecasts come mounted to a black painted wooden base. Colours, shapes and sizes are fully customisable and can be discussed and agreed upon individually.

How long will my lifecast last?

If treated with care, the lifecast should last more than a lifetime. Plaster is strong but not unbreakable so always keep them in a safe spot. The finish will be waterproof but not suitable for outdoor life. Marks can be gently wiped with a damp cloth. If any accidents do happen, you’re welcome to get in touch with me about repairs, touch-ups and refinishing.

Can I have multiples of my lifecast?

No - Alginate is a single-use moulding material, meaning that in order to remove your sculpture from the mould the mould has to be torn apart. This means I can’t cast multiples from the same mould, so your lifecast really will be one-of-a-kind.