Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Appointments
Where are you located?
Little Willow Life Casting is based in Papamoa. We offer studio appointments as well as home visits in Tauranga & surrounding areas and frequent pop-up studios in Auckland.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book directly through the website. Simply select your preferred casting service and choose an available appointment time.
Is a deposit required to book?
Yes, a $50 deposit is required to secure your appointment. This is deducted from the total cost of your casting.
Do you offer home visits?
Absolutely! We can bring the casting experience to you. A travel fee of $1 per kilometre for the return journey applies.
How long does an appointment take?
Most appointments take approximately 60 minutes. This allows time for moulding, discussing your design and settling little ones if needed.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
We understand plans can change, so if you need to reschedule, please give us as much notice as possible. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows mean appointment times that could have been to other families are lost.
Please note, your booking deposit is transferrable but non-refundable.
Baby & Family Casting
What is the best age for casting?
We recommend booking within your baby's first 5 months, when their hands & feet are still small and they're generally easier to mould. However, we can also cast older babies and children.
Can you cast babies older than 6 months?
Yes! Older babies can be more challenging as they're stronger and more active, but we offer casting options for different ages.
Is the casting process safe for my baby?
100%. We use hypo-allergenic, skin-safe casting materials. The moulding process is gentle, quick, warm and non-invasive.
How long does the moulding material take to set?
The moulding material takes approximately 30-60 seconds, so your baby's hand or foot only needs to remain in position briefly.
What happens if baby moves or cries?
That's completely normal! We work around your baby's needs and allow time for feeds, cuddles and settling when needed.
If baby is extremely unsettled during the appointment, we may need to rebook the appointment and additional moulding charges may apply.
Can I include siblings in the same frame?
Of course! Sibling frames are a beautiful way to capture the differences in their hands and feet, regardless of their ages. I encourage sibling frames!
Do you offer adult and family castings?
Yes. I create castings for couples, families and other personalised combinations. Contact me to discuss your ideas!
Can I have multiple children cast during one appointment?
Absolutely, I encourage sibling/family castings to book the same appointment. Appointments for multiple members require extra time so please allow 1-2 hours.
What should I bring to my baby's casting appointment?
All clients receive a pre-appointment email outlining the details and requirements of the appointment including what to bring/what to wear. Generally, whatever you'd usually pack in your baby's nappy bag is all you'll need to bring.
Pricing & Payments
How much does baby hand and feet casting cost?
Pricing depends on your baby's age, the number of casts and your chosen frame or design. Visit our pricing page for current collections and prices.
Why does casting cost more for older babies?
Older babies tend to be stronger and more active, making the moulding process more challenging. Larger casts also require a deeper frame and additional materials.
Do you offer Afterpay?
Yes! Afterpay is available, allowing you to spread the cost over instalments. If you prefer flexible payment plans other than Afterpay, please discuss this during your appointment.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes! Gift vouchers can be purchased on the website and sent directly to your recipient, or emailed to you with a printable and personalisable PDF voucher.
How does payment work?
A $50 deposit is required to secure your booking and is deducted from the total cost of your casting.
Your final design and pricing are confirmed during your appointment, at which further payment is required. You can choose between:
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50% of the total cost - with the remaining balance due upon completion
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$100 on the appointment day, with the remaining balance due upon completion
Are there any additional costs?
Pricing covers what's included in your chosen collection and upgrades/total cost is thoroughly discussed during your appointment so there are no unexpected surprises.
Frames & Personalisation
Can I choose my frame and cast colours?
Absolutely! I offer a range of frame finishes and cast colours to suit your personal style, which can be viewed and chosen during your appointment. Please note "Classic Collection" is a fixed frame colour, but you're still welcome to choose the preferred cast colours.
How long will it take to receive my keepsake?
My usual turnaround time is approximately 6-10 weeks, depending on the size and number of casts.
This timeframe may vary depending on your chosen design, current workload and framing supplier availability.
An estimated completion timeframe will be discussed during your appointment.
Can I include a photo in my frame?
Of course. Selected collections include space for a photograph alongside your casts.
Photos must be supplied digitally by the client, preferably in their original, high-resolution format. Please keep in mind that the quality of the finished print depends on the quality of the image provided, and low-resolution or blurry photos cannot be improved.
Do you offer delivery?
Collection is our preferred option, as our keepsakes are delicate and can be damaged during transit. While couriering is possible, it is at the client's own risk due to the fragile nature of the casts. Please discuss any delivery requirements with us during your appointment.
Personal delivery may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Can I personalise my frame with a name or birth details?
Yes! Personalised engraved plaques and/or MDF name letters are included in each collection.
What happens if my casts get damaged?
I use high-quality casting materials to create durable, long-lasting keepsakes. However, casts are delicate by nature and should always be handled with care.
If your casts are accidentally chipped, cracked or broken, please get in touch. Depending on the extent of the damage, repairs may be possible.
Each repair is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and additional charges may apply depending on the work required. While not all damage can be repaired, I'll always do my best to restore your keepsake wherever possible.
Memorial, Pet & Custom Casting
Do you offer memorial castings?
Yes. I create meaningful memorial keepsakes with sensitivity and care, helping families preserve a lasting physical connection with their loved one.
Do you offer pet castings?
Yes! I offer personalised pet paw castings and keepsakes. Get in touch to discuss options available for your furry family member.
Can I request a custom casting design.
Of course! If you have a particular frame layout, combination of casts, or unique keepsake in mind, I'd love to hear your ideas. Contact me to discuss what's possible.
Can you create a casting if my loved one has already passed away?
Depending on the circumstances, yes. Memorial castings can be created after a loved one or pet has passed away, provided their physical hand, foot, or paw is available for moulding.
As the casting process requires direct contact, I'm unable to create 3D castings from photographs.
Please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances and what may be possible.
Do you work with funeral homes and vet clinics?
Yes! I work closely with a range of funeral directors and veterinarians in the area, and welcome any and all enquiries from funeral homes and vet clinics looking to offer meaningful memorial keepsakes.
Can I arrange a memorial casting on short notice?
Absolutely. I understand that memorial castings can be time-sensitive and aren't always something that's planned in advance.
I do my best to accommodate urgent requests for both loved ones and pets, including outside regular appointment hours where possible, and work closely with funeral directors and veterinarians to organise a suitable time.
Pet/Memorial castings appointments take place at the funeral home/family home/vet clinic and not in studio.