ten teeny toes
faqs
What happens during a casting appointment?
As parents ourselves, we appreciate that babies, children and adults all have their own routines. Our professional baby casting appointments are available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays by prior appointment only, in Marshalswick, St Albans.
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When you arrive, you will be welcomed into our moulding room. The room is set up as a play room including toys, changing mats and sofas so there is no need to worry about bringing anything to entertain your little one! If your baby needs to be fed or changed on arrival, that is absolutely fine.
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We will show you samples of the different frames, paint colours and engraved name-plates to assist you with designing your special piece of art. Once all parties are relaxed and happy, we will take the mould of your baby’s hands and feet.
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The actual process only takes 2 minutes per mould and you will be holding your baby throughout. Babies are welcome to have a rest, feed or both in between moulds. We often find feeding during feet moulds and burping during hand moulds ensures baby is relaxed and in the right position, if you are comfortable to do so.
We recommend you leave an hour for an appointment to ensure everyone is relaxed and comfortable during the mould making.
We will aim to take two moulds for each casting to ensure we provide you with the best possible results for a perfect matching pair. It’s amazing the positions babies can curl their feet into! Any casts not used in the final artwork will be disposed of or used as samples.
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Once your moulds are made, they will be cast the next day and left to dry out. Then they will be detailed, finished, painted and framed before they are ready for you to collect.
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Can you accommodate more than one baby at once? ​
We can host groups of between 3 and 6 babies* and their parents for a 2 hour coffee morning, afternoon or evening. (We'll even provide the cake!) We will leave you to catch up in our dedicated playroom and give each baby an opportunity to make their mould.
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*All babies attending must purchase at least one item.
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Do you offer home visits?
We do not offer home visits but are within easy access of Wheathampstead, Harpenden, Redbourn, Radlett, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Berkhamstead, Brookmans Park, London Colney, Potters Bar and Welham Green. We are also easily accessible from anywhere in the South East, including, London, Hampshire, Surrey, Essex, Sussex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
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How long will it take until we can collect our frame?
The typical turnaround for a frame is eight weeks, however, if there is an upcoming occasion, we will do everything we can to accommodate you, so please just let us know!
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How do we get our cast once it is ready?
As soon as your artwork is ready, we will send you an email to arrange collection. Usually, customers collect their casts from our studio in St Albans. Alternatively, we can send your frame by special delivery by cannot accept liabiliy for any damages. Please contact us for the cost for this service.
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When and how do we need to make payment?
Payment is due the day after the moulding once you have selected your frame. We will not start creating your artwork until we have received payment. You can pay via cash or cheque whilst you are with us or via bank transfer on your return home.
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Is the 3D moulding material safe for newborns?
The impression material used is dental alginate. Worldwide, this material is used by dentists in children's mouths as well as by lifecasters to make moulds. It is completely safe to use on babies' hands and feet. However, if your child has any kind of skin problem, you must seek advice from your GP before having a cast done.
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Can I take photos during the casting?
Absolutely! Many parents love to capture photos during appointments and that is not a problem at all. We would also love to see any photos you take so would welcome being tagged. We are active on Facebook and Instagram. Find us @tenteenytoes.
Might any photos of our moulds be shared on social media?
We may post sneak peaks of your artwork in progress so if this is a gift or you would not like us to do so, please let us know.
What should our baby/child wear?
We recommend the baby wears something which makes it easy to get to their hands and feet with little disturbance. A vest babygrow with a larger, regular babygrow over the top is ideal. You can then slip this off or roll it up easily. Sock marks will show up in the casts so try not to dress your baby in ribbed socks. We also recommend removing any jewellery and giving your baby a manicure and pedicure before you arrive as long nails and beads may damage the moulds. The moulds may cause a few flakes so we also recommend that parents do not come in their best clothes (though we will provide a towel to place across your lap).
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What age works best for a casting?
You may wish to come very early to capture your new arrival’s ten teeny toes at their smallest or wait until they reach a milestone such as six months or a first baby . This is completely fine; we accept any age from birth up to 100 and beyond, and every moment is a moment to treasure!
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My baby hasn't arrived yet. Can I book an appointment?
Of course. We can make an appointment based on your due date and reschedule if necessary.
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Does my baby need to be asleep?
Although some babies may fall asleep during the mould or indeed sleep through the entire visit, your baby does not need to be asleep. We are able to work with wiggly fingers and toes too!
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Can I breastfeed whilst you make the mould?
Absolutely. You can breastfeed while we take the mould or, if you would like some privacy, we can leave you to relax and return when you and your little one are ready.
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Are you able to customise frames?
Every framed casting we create is a bespoke piece of art and if you want to add anything into the frame, or fit it to a certain decor, just contact us and we will go out of our way to make it perfect for you. We can add the baby's first nursery wallpaper as a backing to the frame, for example. Engraved name plates are also available.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Gift vouchers are available for any monetary amount or frame in its entirety. Please contact us for further details or visit the ‘Gift vouchers’ section of our website.
Is parking available?
There is plenty of free, off-street parking available outside our studio.
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Any other questions?
If you have any other questions, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.