Having a baby? Good excuse to get painted.

There is something magical about being pregnant and many mums-to-be want to document that transitory time somehow. Very popular ways to do that are for example having professional photos taken of them or doing a belly cast of their pregnant form. I think there is one even a better way to capture the beauty of being pregnant  - belly painting. Belly painting has become more and more popular around the world within the past few years and it's no wonder - what could be a more creative and fun way to celebrate your bump than have it become a piece of art!

Painting designed just for YOU

Prenatal belly painting or gestational painting is always custom-designed just for you, according to your wishes or ideas. You can also give me the artistic freedom to create something beautiful, adorable or cute to decorate your bump (here's a gallery for some ideas). Options are endless, you can choose to have only the belly painted or even the whole body for a very unique and beautiful portrait. Many pregnant women feel insecure about their growing and changing body and the stretchmarks, but belly painting can hide all of that and make you feel more confident about your body for the photos. 

Relaxing and enjoyable pampering

Depending on the complexity of the painting, the session can take from one hour to four or more. You can sit and relax and enjoy the brushstrokes on the skin. Babies often kick a little during the painting session, which makes it fun. I guess they enjoy it too! Belly painting is a great gift idea for a baby shower, a little bit of pampering to the new mum. It's also a cool way to tell others if it's a boy or a girl you are expecting..

Their whole world. ©Riina Laine

Little lamb. ©Riina Laine

It's a boy! ©Riina Laine

I use paints that are non-toxic and meant for skin, the same ones that are used for kids face painting. They come off with water and soap. The suggested timing for belly painting is during the last 3 month of the pregnancy, depending on the size of the bump. 

The finished artwork is always photographed to create a wonderful reminder of the special time. Having the picture in the baby album or framed in the nursery is a nice keepsake of the beginning of a new life. The father-to-be can also take part in the session to create a family portrait! :)

Prenatal belly painting is a safe, fun and beautiful way to celebrate your body when being pregnant. 
BUT how about this - I think body painting is a beautiful way to celebrate your body anytime. You don't need to have a baby to get painted, do you?

Big belly or not, baby or no baby, 
you can be painted and become a piece of art! :)
I think that could be the topic for my next blog post...