Frequently Asked Questions...

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

You can email info@onceuponacasting.co.uk or get in touch via the contact us page to check availability and book an appointment. All appointments are confirmed once a non-refundable deposit of £20 has been paid to secure your casting slot. This will be deducted from your remaining balance. If you cancel within 48 hours or are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, you will lose your deposit and be required to pay a new deposit, should you wish to rebook. 

HOW OLD DOES MY BABY NEED TO BE?

Casts can be taken from birth all the way to 100+ years! It really is for everyone!

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE APPOINTMENT?

• The appointment should take approximately 30-45 minutes but I usually allow 1 hour to finalise everything/allow time for possible recasting.
• Casting moulds are created using a high-quality material called alginate. 
• The alginate is prepared and poured into a container where your baby’s hand or foot is placed. It is important for your baby to be as still as possible at this stage so I recommend casting during their most relaxed time of the day e.g., before and after a feed or during a nap. 
• It takes around 1.5-3 minutes for the alginate to set into a rubbery consistency which is when I gently remove your baby’s hand or foot.
• Once I have taken your cast, you are free to head off and leave me to work on the next stage of creating your beautiful hand or foot cast(s). 
   

IS IT SAFE?

​I use a high-quality, hypo-allergenic alginate which is used by dentists to take impressions of teeth. It is derived from seaweed and is completely safe to use on your baby’s delicate skin.

WHAT IF MY BABY DOESNT SIT STILL?

I’d recommend booking the appointment during their most relaxed time of the day such as before/after a nap or during a feeding. However, I understand babies can be extra wriggly/unpredictable so do not worry at all. I will only attempt the casting once they are comfortable and settled.​

WHAT IF THE CASTING IS UNSUCCESSFUL THE FIRST TIME?

​I will check the casts before you leave so that if they are not suitable, I can re cast whilst you are still available. 99% of the time the moulds are acceptable but occasionally they may need to be retaken due to baby moving whilst the mixture sets. If it takes longer than your hour slot to cast the moulds successfully, a new appointment will need to be booked with a new deposit. If an error has been identified after you leave e.g. after demoulding the cast, I will invite you back for a recast without charge. 

CAN I FEED MY BABY DURING THE APPOINTMENT?

​Yes of course! You are welcome to bottle feed or breastfeed during the appointment. Sometimes this helps to keep your little one settled during the casting!

WHERE DOES THE APPOINTMENT TAKE PLACE?

The appointment takes place at my home studio in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. I have some limited availability throughout the year where I am able to travel out but this will incur a travel fee. Please contact us to find out more. ​

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO COLLECT MY FINISHED CAST?

The average time is 12 weeks. This may vary depending on the size of your order so please bare this in mind. It may take less time but you will be notified when your order is ready for collection.

​WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO BE COMPLETED?

Each casting is completely unique to you and is worked on by hand so a lot of time and hard work goes into the process. The cast has to be fully dried out before painting and framing which can take between 4-6 weeks in itself. This could be longer for larger casts. Once dried, the castings are then refined, sanded, sealed, painted​ and mounted to a frame or plinth.​

Your frame will be custom ordered based on your chosen design so this can also contribute towards the time of completion.