FAQ’s
Everything you might be wondering before your casting.
A little reassurance before the tiny hands, wriggly feet and all the details in between.
Your Casting Appointment
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The moulding itself is incredibly quick. Each hand or foot usually takes just 30–60 seconds while the alginate sets into a soft, flexible mould.
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Most casting appointments take around 30–60 minutes.
The casting itself is only a small part of your appointment. We'll also spend time choosing your frame, colours, layout and finishing details, so your keepsake feels completely personal to you.
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Not at all. A little wriggling is completely normal and our casting process allows for movement.
If your baby moves enough to affect the mould, we'll simply take another impression.
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Your baby can be awake or asleep, and you're very welcome to feed them while their impressions are being taken. In fact, feeding can be a lovely way to keep little ones relaxed.
For older babies and children, we also have distraction toys on hand if needed.
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There's very little you need to do beforehand. A relaxed baby makes things easier, so feeding before or during the appointment can be helpful.
Choose an outfit that makes it easy to uncover their forearms and lower legs. As the casting material can stick to fabric, we recommend avoiding anything particularly precious.
For older children, feel free to bring a favourite toy or something that helps keep them happily distracted.
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Yes. The casting material used is a safe, non-toxic alginate made from seaweed.
We mix it with warm water to help it set quickly and keep the experience as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
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Any age.
The first few weeks are particularly special because newborns still have all those beautiful wrinkles and tiny details that change incredibly quickly. But there is no age limit.
Cherished Keepsakes has created castings from premature babies through to children and adults, so it's never really too early or too late to preserve a moment.
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No. Each mould can only be used once.
If you'd like additional sets created, extra impressions will need to be taken during your casting appointment, so please let us know at the time.
About the Casting
Creating your keepsake
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Cherished Keepsakes offers a beautiful range of solid timber frames in a selection of finishes, along with an extensive choice of matboard colours and styles.
Our standard frame collection is included within applicable designs, with upgraded frame options also available for an additional cost.
Rebecca will guide you through the choices during your appointment so you can create something that works beautifully in your home.
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If you have an idea that isn't part of our usual designs, we'd love to hear it. From different layouts and combinations to something completely unique, Rebecca can work with you to explore what's possible.
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Yes. Existing castings can potentially be reframed or incorporated into a completely new design.
As every piece is different, get in touch with Rebecca to discuss what you have and what you'd like to create.
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That's completely fine.
You can provide any outstanding photographs or certificates after your casting appointment. Please keep in mind that your turnaround time will begin once all the items required to complete your keepsake have been received.
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Yes. Any photographs, birth certificates or commemorative certificates you'd like included will need to be supplied by you.
Your photograph can be professionally taken or one you love from your own camera roll. Simply email the digital image to us and we'll take care of printing it for your keepsake.
If you'd like recommendations for photographers offering smaller or more affordable packages, Rebecca can also point you in the right direction.
Collection,
Home Visits & Gifting
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Each casting needs time to fully cure before it can be carefully smoothed, finished, painted, mounted and framed.
While pieces are typically completed within 6–8 weeks, we recommend allowing up to 10 weeks in case materials or selected items need to be ordered.
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Collection is recommended for finished framed pieces due to the delicate nature of the casts, frame and glass.
If you need to arrange a courier, please speak with Rebecca. This may be possible by prior arrangement, however transit will be at the customer's responsibility and a waiver will be required.
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Yes. Home visits are available for Sydney-based clients, with the fee depending on your location.
Your completed keepsake will also be delivered back to you once finished.
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Yes. Gift vouchers can be purchased for an amount of your choice and either collected or posted to you.
Need one quickly? A printable option is also available.
Bereavement Casting
Preserving the details that matter when time is incredibly precious.
If you have recently lost a baby or loved one, we're so sorry for your loss.
Cherished Keepsakes offers bereavement casting across Sydney for people of all ages. Rebecca can work with you and the relevant care teams to arrange the casting as sensitively and gently as possible.
Please get in touch directly and we'll help organise what is needed.