Creating a personal piece of art can be a fun and meaningful activity, especially when it captures something as intimate as the bond between loved ones. Our Holding Hands Casting Kit allows you to preserve a moment in time with a unique keepsake you can cherish forever. Follow this comprehensive guide — including practical tips from real customer experiences — to help ensure your cast turns out beautifully on the first try.

Before You Begin – Read This First!

⚠️ Note: Please use these online instructions, as they are the most up to date and are easier to follow. The printed manual in the kit is an older version.

⚠️ Timing is critical: This kit works quickly once mixed. Read all the instructions from start to finish before you begin so you know exactly what to do and when. Once the alginate and water are combined, you have only 60–90 seconds before it starts to set — so there’s no time to stop and check the next step. It's a good idea to do the practice run, outlined below.

Getting Prepared

What’s Included in Your Kit

• Mixing bucket – to prepare the step 1 alginate mould
• Alginate (Step 1 powder) – creates the mould of your hands
• Gypsum (Step 2 powder) – poured into the mould to form your cast
• Stand – for displaying your finished sculpture
• Mixing stick – for stirring
• Pick tool – for removing leftover mould pieces & bubbles from the cast
• Gold paint & silver paint – to decorate and finish your sculpture
• 2 paintbrushes – for applying the finishing paints
• Instruction booklet – printed guide included in the kit

What You’ll Need (Not Included)

• Measuring jug – for accurate water measurements
• Whisk or electric hand mixer – for smooth, lump-free step 1 alginate powder mixing
• Scissors – much easier than tearing the sachets open
• Spare bowl or container – to mix the step 2 gypsum powder; an old one is best
• Skin-safe oil or petroleum jelly – to coat hands before immersion

Optional:

• Sandpaper – for smoothing the finished cast once dry
• Old towel, newspaper or tablecloth – to protect your work surface and catch splashes
• Disposable paper liner – makes step 2 gypsum cleanup much easier
• Sieve - to break up clumps in the powders as you pour them into water
  

Pro Tips

• Find Your Pose: Before mixing any materials, decide how you want your hands to be positioned. Use a low surface to rest comfortably, as the process will take about 10–15 minutes of stillness.

• Quick Set-Up – Timing Is Everything: The alginate sets quickly. You have about 60–90 seconds after combining the water and step 1 alginate before it begins to firm up, so have everything ready beforehand. Place hands in within the bucket while the mixture is pink.

• Mix Smoothly – No Clumps: Use a whisk or electric hand mixer for best results, ensuring a completely smooth mixture before you begin. Don't worry, the alginate will easily wash away and is non-toxic.

• Stay Still: Once your hands are in the mixture, keep them completely steady. Any movement can affect the mould’s detail. Adults should help children hold steady.

• Lubricate Your Hands: Apply a small amount of skin-safe oil or petroleum jelly to your hands before immersing them in the mixture. This will facilitate easier removal of your hands from the cast, ensuring a smoother process.

• Safe Disposal: Let any leftover mixture harden before throwing it in the bin. Do not pour it down the sink to avoid plumbing issues.

• Use an Old Container for the Step 2 Powder: When mixing the step 2 gypsum powder, avoid your best kitchenware. Gypsum, like plaster, can cling and be difficult to clean, so an older bowl, household bucket, or spare container is ideal.

Practice Run (Highly Recommended)

It’s a good idea to do a quick trial before making your full cast. It’s like a dress rehearsal - small scale, no pressure, and a big confidence boost:

1. Mix – In a plastic cup, whisk 30g / 1.05 oz (3 tablespoons) of Step 1 alginate into 120ml / 4 fl oz cold water for 60–90 seconds until smooth and pink. Using cold water slows the setting process, giving you extra time to mix it smoothly without lumps.

2. Watch the Colour – Work while it’s fully pink; once it fades, it’s setting. In the real cast, hands must be placed quickly before setting begins.

3. Insert Finger – Position centrally, away from the sides and bottom, and hold still for a perfect 360° capture.

4. Set & Remove – Hold for about 10 minutes, then gently wiggle free without tearing.

5. Test the Pour – In a separate cup or container, mix a small 40g / 1.41oz batch (3 tablespoons) of Step 2 gypsum with 20ml / 0.68 fl oz water (add more if needed) until not too thick. Aim for a pancake mix consistency. Once ready, pour in slowly, tap the sides to release bubbles, and let set for 4 hours before removing. 

This will help you get familiar with mixing speed, texture, and setting time before working on the main piece.

Making the Full Cast

Mixing

1. Prepare Your Space & Add Water: Work somewhere easy to clean, cover your work area to catch spills and lay out all components before you start. You should have read the full instructions beforehand so you can work quickly and confidently. Add 2 litres / 2.11 quarts of cold water into the provided bucket.

2. Mixing the Alginate: Use scissors to open the alginate bag (it’s much easier than tearing). Before adding to the water, give the powder a quick stir with the included mixing stick to break up any clumps. Then pour in all the step 1 alginate powder while whisking vigorously for 60–90 seconds until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Once mixed, the alginate will appear pink and remain liquid for a short time — during this stage, gently tap the sides of the bucket to help release any trapped bubbles. A smoother, bubble-free mix will give you a more detailed mould. As the colour begins to fade from pink toward white, the setting process has started, so move quickly to Step 3.

Creating the Mould

3. Hand Positioning: Lightly lubricate your hands, then submerge them straight away into the bucket, in your chosen pose. Keep them centred and slightly raised off the bottom & sides of the bucket. To do this, let your hands reach the bottom of the bucket, then raise them up slightly.

4. Setting Time: Hold your pose for about 10-15 minutes, during which the mixture will change from pink to white as it hardens.

5. Removing Your Hands: Once fully set, gently wiggle and slowly pull your hands free to protect the mould’s details. Being too heavy handed can affect the mould.

Casting the Final Piece

6. Prepare the Gypsum: Combine all the step 2 gypsum powder with 500ml / 16.91 fl oz of cold water, sifting and stirring until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add more water. Use the included mixing stick (or a fork if preferred) — avoid using the whisk, as plaster can cling and be tricky to clean. For best results, mix in an old bowl, household bucket, or spare container rather than your best kitchenware. If you have a paper liner, even better, as it makes tidying up much easier. Once the desired consistency is reached, be ready to move on immediately—don’t allow the mixture to start setting.

7. Pour into the Mould: Slowly pour the mixture into the mould so it flows into all the fine details and helps prevent air bubbles. Once filled, gently swirl the bucket to ensure complete coverage, rocking it back and forth, and tap the sides to release any trapped air.

8. Final Set: Leave the cast in the mould to dry for 4 hours. Gently remove the cast from the mould to avoid damage, then use the provided pick tool to carefully remove any remaining bits of mould. Remember to put any remaining mixture into a bin, not down a sink.

⚠️ Don’t leave your cast in the mould longer than 4 hours, as this can make removal difficult.

Finishing Touches

9. Painting & Finishing: Let the cast continue drying for 36–72 hours. Use sandpaper and the pick tool to gently smooth away any remaining air bubbles, then apply the included gold or silver paint for decoration, or use a clear sealant if you’d prefer a natural finish. Finally, place it on the stand and display it proudly!

Using the Holding Hands Casting Kit is a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones while creating a lasting memento. With a little preparation, quick mixing, and steady hands, you’ll have a beautiful sculpture to treasure for years to come.