Suggest a new activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Report a bug

Optional, 1 image up to 5 MB.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Life Casting

Life Casting

Min number of participants 1
Age 14+ yrs.
Safety support by adult Recommended
Min duration 1.5 h
Cost Medium
Environment Indoor / Outdoor

Use alginate moulding compound and plaster bandage to take detailed three-dimensional casts of your hands, faces, or torsos — an intimate creative process that results in a lasting sculptural portrait of your time together.

The Essentials

Steps

  1. Choose the body part to cast, such as a hand, face, or baby's feet, and clean the skin so no lotion or oil interferes with the mold.
  2. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to skin and any hair (like eyebrows) that shouldn't stick to the molding material.
  3. Mix alginate powder with water according to the package instructions, working quickly since it sets within minutes.
  4. Apply the alginate evenly over the body part, holding still until it fully sets into a rubbery mold, usually a few minutes.
  5. Carefully remove the mold once set, then pour plaster or casting resin into the impression and let it cure fully, often several hours.
  6. Peel away the alginate mold once the cast is hard to reveal the finished piece, then clean up any rough edges.

Tips

  • Use body-safe alginate specifically made for life casting, not the type used for dental impressions, since formulations differ.
  • Keep the body part completely still during the setting process, since even slight movement can distort the final mold.
  • For faces, use breathing tubes if casting the whole face, and never cover the nose without them for safety.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area, since plaster and some casting materials release heat and fumes as they cure.
  • Practice on a less critical body part first, like a hand, before attempting a more delicate cast like a face or newborn's feet.
Activities

Similar activities (see all)

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Karaoke

Karaoke

Grabbing a microphone and belting out the lyrics to a favorite song while the rest of the family cheers, boos, or joins in on the chorus — a loud, judgment-free performance night that works just as well at home as in a private booth.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Terrarium Building

Terrarium Building

Layering pebbles, soil, moss, and small plants inside a glass jar to create a tiny self-contained garden — a calm, hands-on nature craft that teaches kids about ecosystems while leaving them with a living decoration for their room.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Treasure Map Making

Treasure Map Making

Draw a map of your garden or neighbourhood, hide a small prize, mark it with an X, and let children follow the clues to find it — a timeless adventure activity that builds spatial thinking.