Hannah

1. After letting your ProudBelly Cast completely dry (usually for at least 24 hours), apply 1-2 coats of Gesso (acrylic priming paint) depending on how smooth you would like your ProudBelly Cast to be. Gesso is a product that you paint on to smooth out the ridges and prepare the surface for paint. You can find this product at any craft or home improvement store. Let dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Paint entire cast with a light sea green acrylic paint. The acrylic paints that can be bought at your local craft store are perfect. Let dry.

3. Add white paint to lighten the color about 3 shades. Add equal amount of clear glaze. Clear glaze can also be bought at your craft or home improvement store. Glaze is very important as it does 2 things--it extends the drying time so you have time to play around with your design before it dries and when it does dry it allows the color underneath to show through. This gives the finish nice depth instead of looking flat. Using your finger make curly q's covering all of the green. Make them as big or as small as you would like. Leaving as much or as little green showing in between. Let dry.

4. Cut out fairies or butterflies or anything that matches your decor from wallpaper, gift wrap, even heavy paper napkins and decoupage them onto the cast. Decoupage medium can also be bought at your local craft or home improvement store. Let dry completely.

5. Apply 1-2 coats of water based acrylic sealer. This product can also be found at your craft or home improvement store. While the sealer is still wet, sprinkle some ultra fine multi glitter all over the cast. Use your fingers so it is spread evenly.

6. To add your baby's name use stencils or little wooden letters. Paint and attach to your ProudBelly Cast using a hot glue gun.

7. Add ribbon to hang if you desire.

Thanks to Tina Watkins of Baby-Bellys, Maitland, Florida, for providing these decorating tips.