Sweet baby bellies

(LAST UPDATED: 15.1.2020)
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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 eg. having professional photos taken of you or doing a belly cast of your pregnant form.

But I think the  sweetest way to capture the beauty of pregnancy is   Belly painting.  It has become very popular around the world and it's no wonder - can you think of any other as creative and fun a way to celebrate your bump than have it become a piece of art!

Painting is designed 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  the artist the freedom to create something beautiful, adorable or cute to decorate your bump   (here's a gallery for some ideas).  Sometimes the painting is given as a surprise present at the baby shower, and it's great to see how spot-on the friends have been with the subject they've asked for the painting! 

Options are endless, you can choose to have only the belly painted or even the whole body for a very unique and beautiful portrait.    The finished artwork is always photographed to capture  this wonderful and 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 other parent can also take part in the session or even be painted too to create a lovely family portrait! :)

Relaxing, pampering & confidence boosting

Most of my clients have had their belly painted in the beginning of their maternity leave. That's when they have more time to themselves and of course this a great way to spend your time off! :D Naturally "the canvas" is bigger then too, which is great for round shaped paintings. 

These paintings always make the clients smile (or cry to be honest, sometimes they are so moved by the end-result that even I get teary). The painting session is also a good time for the you to just relax and enjoy and concentrate on your baby.   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!

If you have been thinking of booking a pregnancy photoshoot, but don't confident enough about yourself for posing, belly painting is a perfect way to have your baby belly captured. Many pregnant women also 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.  

Practical info on belly painting

• Depending on the complexity of the painting, the session usually takes 1-2 hours (belly only). A half or a full body take from 3 hours  upwards.
• The suggested timing for belly painting is during the last 3 month of the pregnancy, depending on the size of the bump. 
• The paints are non-toxic and meant for skin. I use only cosmetic paint that are meant for skin.  They are   the same ones that are used for kids face painting. They come off with water and soap. 
• Belly painting is a great gift idea for a baby shower!   Forget the diaper cake and give the  new mum  a    little bit of colourful pampering.    Belly art is    also a cool way to tell others if it's a boy or a girl you are expecting.

Belly painting is definitely one of my favourite types of commissions. It is such a priviledge to get to paint the bump of a new mother-to-be. It's a beautiful way to celebrate new life and I feel honoured to have my brush strokes capture the special time in someone's life. ​

Don't you just love those beautiful bumps! <3   More pictures and information can be found on my   Belly painting page.

What is your favourite idea for a belly painting?  Or have you already been pregnant and had your belly decorated?  Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!  <3