'Angel' casts keep memories alive

A Hamilton woman is creating beautiful works of art in the hope it will bring comfort to grieving parents.

Jen Christiansen, 29, has adapted her body casting business to incorporate "angel casting".

Mrs Christiansen started Preggy Pukus almost five years ago casting women's pregnant bellies, baby and family casts, and also animal paws, but recently decided to offer her services free to families that had lost their babies.

"I've only been doing it [angel casting] since September and have been honoured to have had a handful of clients," said Mrs Christiansen.

The "angel's" hands, feet and/or bottom are cast in resin rock, every crease is detailed perfectly, then they are painted and beautifully framed with the family's choice of photographs or poems.

"Families have been so grateful. For one family I made 10 casts so the whole family could have one," said Mrs Christiansen.

"My husband makes the frames up for me, but it does get costly. It comes out of my own pocket but I will never charge for baby angel casts. Any profits I make with my other casts all go in to my angel casting."

Mrs Christiansen said since she started providing angel casting she has been overwhelmed at the response within the community and is working on providing DIY kits to the NICU unit at Waikato Hospital.

"People have said they wish they had known about it before. I hear that a lot," said Mrs Christiansen.

"I'm trying to spread the word on Facebook and through my website."

The death of a child can be debilitating, leaving little more than memories, but angel casting can provide a personalised keepsake.

"With babies that pass away very young, the families don't have much evidence they were here - no toys or clothes - but these casts give them something tangible, proof their baby was here, something to hold," said Mrs Christiansen.

For more information on angel casting email Jen through www.preggypukus.co.nz or visit her Facebook page Preggy Pukus.