Couples Lifecasting
Hello!
This was my most requested topic to write a blogpost about when I did a question box on Instagram…so here we are!
Couple lifecasts - two adults, hands entwined, their love immortalised in stone.
I LOVE doing couples casts. There's something special about asking someone to stay still…and they actually listen! That’s the bonus part of working with adults when the majority of the time your customers a tiny babies lol!
But I also love it because it captures a moment of connection between two people. Sometime’s it’s romantic, sometimes it’s platonic, and sometimes it’s unconditional. And there’s always a story.
From the perspective of a lifecasting artist writing this post for other lifecasters, there are a few things you’ll need to consider if attempting this design…
Alginate Quantity
First things first, you're going to need a lot more alginate than you would for a baby casting. For a couples cast, I use a 4-litre container* and fill it with 3.5-litres of water and 1kg of alginate.
*It's important to find a container that's large enough to comfortably fit two hands and allow for some movement without bumping the sides - different hand positions may mean you need a larger container. I have a 5-litre option too.
Tools & Equipment
Along with more alginate, you're going to need an even bigger container to mix it in. Don’t make the mistake of mixing it in the same container that’s going to be used for casting! Aim for something that is 1.5-2 times the size of the casting container. I use a 10-litre bucket.
The same goes for your tools – you’ll need a bigger whisk…or even better an electric drill with a paint mixing attachment.
Pose Selection
When lifecasting couples, we're not just creating a keepsake; you’re capturing their story. The pose they choose says a lot. A crucial part of our job is to guide couples in this process, ensuring the chosen pose is both meaningful to them and technically possible for us to cast. I ask them first if they have a preferred hand hold, or if they’d like to see some examples (and I have a catalogue of different hand position photos for them to view).
Alginate Temp
If you haven’t done a couples cast already - you’ll want to have a cooler water temperature than what you cast babies with. I usually cast babies with 37 degree water, but with couples I use 30 degrees - which gives me a longer amount of time to mix and work with the alginate.
Making the Mould
Having two people involved does mean you need to be on top of your planning game. Do a practice run and have a chat with them about what to expect - the feeling of the alginate, the setting time, what to do if they feel the edge of the container etc beforehand. Remember, the moulding process needs both participants to stay still, so make sure they're comfortable and in position before you start. Also, if rings are involved they’ll need to be prepared if necessary.
You’ll want to have your water and alginate pre-measured, so you can quickly combine and mix thoroughly. You’ll also want to be wearing gloves because it can get very messy very quickly, and being able to whip off your gloves to have clean hands is ideal.
Once you’ve mixed the alginate, poured it into the casting container, and bought it over to the couple, you’ll guide them through the process, making sure they aren’t touching the sides, and are staying still.
Then, when it comes to removing their hands you’ll guide them through what to expect (it’s created a vacuum and will be a bit of work to get out), one person slowly removes their hand at a time, and if they are wearing rings, to make sure they are removing their hand so the ring doesn’t damage the mould.
Lastly, you’ll need to check you’re happy with the mould - repeat the whole process if not…or tidy the inside of the mould, and fill it with stone.
Not sure how much plaster to mix up?
Check out this post, or this video where I explain my formula.
Occasion Casting
Couples lifecasting is a great idea for so many occasions, and not just the usual suspects like anniversaries or Valentine’s Day. Have you ever thought about live casting at a wedding? Imagine casting the newly weds at the ceremony, and then demoulding the sculpture in front of guests the guests at the reception!
So there you have it, friends
I hope this gives you a better idea of what to expect from couples lifecasting. Remember, the key ingredient is preparation. So, are you ready to double the fun in your lifecasting journey? Leave a comment below to share your couples casting experiences!
As always, if you need any more guidance or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
Until next time, keep spreading the love and the alginate!
Happy lifecasting x
Rosie
