For a unique keepsake of your pregnancy, try a homemade pregnant belly cast.

A homemade belly cast is best done around 8 months along, although a progression of casts done each month of the pregnancy would also be really neat. This video gives you an idea of the process, with full instructions after the jump:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/y1LYTRCf5CU]

• Important: Have the pregnant mother go pee before beginning!
• Purchase five rolls of plaster gauze or tape measuring five yards long (try a hobby shop).
• Protect your floor with a drop cloth or newspapers.
• Get a bowl filled with warm water, some olive oil, and the plaster gauze (tape).
• Cut the gauze into strips varying from six to twelve inches long.
• Oil the belly and breasts to help keep the plaster from sticking.
• Dip a strip of gauze into the warm water, letting it absorb some for a second or two.
• Pull the strip out and drain excess water over the bucket.
• Starting at the breasts, smooth the strip onto the skin. (For those who want just the belly, not the breasts, start just underneath them)
• Work your way down the body, covering the entire belly and breast region with gauze.
• Don’t worry about the edges at the side of the body, as those can be trimmed later.
• Allow the gauze to air dry for ten minutes.
• Starting at the edges, gently loosen the cast from the body and remove it.
• Let the belly cast finish drying in a safe place for several days.
• Sand gently with fine sandpaper.
• Paint the belly cast with designs, a picture, an affirmation (or apply collage material – maybe family photos printed on plain paper?)
• Cover with shellac or other sealant and let dry.

With a homemade pregnant belly cast, your pregnant body becomes a piece of art and an heirloom keepsake!

Video: Amanda Delight on YouTube