02/24/2016
Hello to all the Beautiful Bellies out there and to the Mamas that grow them! This post is a question I received today from a woman in Rhode Island. I thought some of you might have similar questions so here you go!
Jennifer
Hello. how are you? I have a few questions . I just made a belly last night for my babyshower and we kinda had a hard time keeping it together after had it donee think it was because I put too much Vaseline. It broke in a few places. I was wondering what can I do to Fix it .
Any advices ?
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
Hi! Beautiful belly! I will give you as much advice as I can without having seen your cast in person.
You might want to lightly sand and add another layer of 4"x6" artistic plaster bandages ( rigid wrap) to the outside. This will decrease the detail a little but it can give you a chance to smooth out some of the bumps and add strength and continuity to the outside. Ideally, the edges of the plaster bandages will lay flat and be stuck down on all edges. Start at the top and work your way down to the thighs, overlapping the bandages by about 1/4". Make sure the water is as hot as you can safely handle. Lay your belly cast over a box while you work on it. Make sure you use a box this is small enough that the belly sits on it without stretching out and big enough that the belly is supported and doesn't strain in the middle. I use old towels or rags to line the contacting edges of the box.. This prevents the hard edges or corners of the box from digging into or otherwise misshaping your cast.
If you are satisfied with the outside surface, or once you have finished the previous step and the cast is completely dry, then you can move on to trim the edges to create the final shape of the cast. This will create a smooth line and a finished look.
Once you are done trimming, I would gently wipe out any excess Vaseline from the interior. For future belly casts, I recommend using vegetable shortening.
For these next reinforcing steps, allow yourself a couple of hours of uninterrupted time because these steps are best done before the layers dry so that each layer sticks well to the next.
Add a layer of 4"x4"-4"x6" medical grade plaster bandages to the inside, starting at the top and working your way down.
While the first inside layer is still wet, use 4"x2" strips to seal the edges. Choose how much edge you want to show on the outside surface. I usually have 1/4-1/2" showing on the outside and the rest wraps into the inside of the cast. Overlap each strip by about 1/4".
Next, add a final layer of medical grade plaster bandages to the inside. Again, start at the top and work your way to the bottom. Hopefully the first inside layer is still moist.
By adding two layers to the inside, your cast should be sufficiently reinforced. When the cast is completely dry (and this may take several days), you can drill holes for hanging. These should be about the diameter or a pencil and should be located around the armpit area or just under the breasts, about 1/2"-1" from the edge.
Lightly sand any lumps and gently cut any loose strings from the outside surface of the cast.
Now it is time to seal and prime your belly. Use a thin coat of paint for each coat and allow each coat to dry completely before adding the next. paint the inside with at least 2 layers of gesso and then paint the outside with at least 4 layers.
Once the final layer of paint is dry, you may choose to run nylon rope through the holes and it will be ready to hang! Nylon rope may not be the most ornate choice but it has been proven to not cut into the plaster over time.
I hope you found this helpful and please let me know if you have any more questions or require any further clarification. Congratulations!
Best Wishes,
Jada
Jennifer
I have a question what's the difference between artistic plaster and medical grade plaster
I bought this type of plaster wrap is it okay for the inside and outside of the cast
Thank for responding to my questions also
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
The wrap you have is great for the outside because the plaster gets nice and creamy and smooth while you work with it but the fibers are much stronger in the medical grade plaster, making it ideal for strength and holding shape. If you use the medical plaster bandages on the inside, your belly cast will hold up MUCH better over time. If you are in Humboldt County, CA, you can purchase medical grade plaster bandages at Broadway Medical in Eureka (1034 Broadway St).(707) 442-3719
I think they cost $8.50/6"x5yd and $6.50/4"x5yd
Jennifer
Does Michael's carry Medical plaster?
Because that's were I have bought all my stuff at
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
They don't sell it at Michael's
Jennifer
Where would they sell it at ?
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
Michaels is where i buy the rigid wrap too but Broadway Medical is the only place i know of that sells the medical plaster locally
You're in Rhode Island?
Jennifer
Yea Rhode Island
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
YOu could try
New England Medical Supply Co
Address: 365 Eddy St # 2, Providence, RI 02903
Phone:(401) 831-8030
If they don't sell it, they very well may know where you can get it.
Jennifer
Okay lol
Thank u u have been a big help
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
you're welcome! I would love to see a photo of your cast when it's all done!
Would you mind if I posted our conversation on my page? I think it could help others who might have the same questions.
Jennifer
Yes
You can put them up I don't mind at all
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
THank you!!
Jennifer
It's fine with me
I'll send you pictures of my cast when am done
Belly Casts by Jada Howarth
Great! Good luck!
