Capture the Perfect Baby Handprint or Footprint

Capture the Perfect Baby Print

Capturing the perfect print can be intimidating, but have no fear! Here are some pointers to getting the perfect impression for your Pinkies & Piggies Keepsake by Echo Glassworks:

Make the print while the baby is relaxed and occupied. Doing the impression while baby is sleeping is very tempting (no harm trying!), but pressing their hand/foot into the modeling compound will likely wake them. Many people have success while baby is eating, but anything that really captures their attention will do.
Have a buddy help - the impression can be done solo (especially with older kids), but it is helpful to have one person hold and/or distract the baby so the second person has two hands free to press their little hand or foot into the compound
Remember, this is a soft material made to gently capture baby impressions; it won't hurt baby at all. A good impression requires some depth, about half as deep as their hand/fingers. Creating enough depth in the impression will require you to press firmly: start with the heel or heel of the hand and work your way up toward the ends of each finger or toe. Baby may be confused and protest, but they'll be just fine!
Decide what a perfect print means to you. Sometimes, the impression won't be exactly like you had pictured it: maybe the thumb is bent, baby curled their toes at the last minute, or a bit of their sweater got captured in the imprint as well. These can all be part of the memory of getting baby's imprint, and reflect some of baby's early personality! As long as the impression is otherwise fine (adequate depth, the print is clear, etc), you're free to seal it up and call it art!

About those flat baby feet: when making a footprint, you may be surprised by the lack of an arch. Babies usually don't have an arch until about 2-6 years old; by then, their feet will likely be too large for an Echo Glassworks Keepsake. Hands and feet come in all shapes and sizes; that's the beauty of capturing your baby's unique print!
About those little infant fists: for the first 3-6 months, babies reflexively make a fist when pressure is applied to the palm (palmar grasp reflex). This makes capturing a good handprint tricky, and many people opt for a footprint at this early age, as a footprint is simple. But if you really want an infant handprint, it will likely be easiest during the first day or two after baby's birth, before the reflex gets stronger. Missed that window? Try anyway, it does no harm and you can always try again!

Some reasons to try again: sometimes, the impression is too shallow (not half the depth of their hand, foot, fingers, or toes), is too deep (exposing the bottom of the dish), got smudged, or captured something in the print that you don't wish to keep (your own fingerprint is blocking theirs, for example); these are all indications to try again. Sometimes, babies (or adults!) get tired of this game and start expressing frustration; simply seal the modeling compound back in the bag and try again another time. When sealed, the compound can last for at least a year, so there is time to try again!
How to try again: you can attempt to "flip" the compound over to use the flat side, but if that doesn't work, simply roll the modeling compound into a ball and flatten it out with something perfectly flat and smooth (I recommend the included parchment paper and/or the back of the lid). Why not flatten it with your bare hand? Because deeper adult whirls, swirls, and lines will be captured in the compound and will remain there even after baby's more delicate impression is made.
Review your impression: visually check the impression for depth, clarity, and overall shape. Remember, what you send in to Echo Glassworks is exactly how your Pinkies & Piggies Keepsake will appear when you receive it!

Original Pinkies & Piggies® Glass Keepsake

$125.00 USD

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Hold onto details that matter. Pinkies & Piggies® preserves the exact lines, curves, and character of your baby's handprint or footprint. Each piece is fully custom-cast glass, crafted from an impression you make at home using the Impression Kit.