Baby and toddler keepsakes: a guide

The three types of keepsake

Glazed hand and footprints

Your baby’s prints on a piece of pottery you decorate, then glazed and fired in our kiln: a plate or piece to hang or display for years. For prices and how to book, just ask us.

Clay impressions

Soft clay or ceramic imprints that catch the finest detail.

• Ceramic clay imprints: small £40, medium £50, large £70
• Framed soft clay impressions (8×8" and 10×8", metallic finishes): £100 single, £120 double

3D castings

Solid plaster casts of tiny hands and feet that keep every crease and curve, finished in your choice of look and set in a high-quality frame or mount. Classic framed castings start at £99 for a 6×5" single frame, and there are doubles, triples and family pieces such as sibling feet (from £170) and parent and baby (from £225). “From” prices are a starting point, and the final price depends on the finish and frame you choose.

What age is best?

All our keepsakes are suitable from birth, and we take hand and foot casts for babies and children using baby-safe, non-toxic materials. Newborn hands and feet change fast, so many families come in the first weeks, but there’s no wrong time: a first birthday, a new sibling or a gift for grandparents all make lovely moments to capture. Sibling and family pieces mean older children can join in too.

What happens at an appointment

• Book in Chester. Request a casting or clay impression appointment online, or get in touch, and we’ll find a time that suits you and your little one.
• We take the cast gently in our studio at 5 Eastgate Row North, with non-toxic materials. There’s no rush: we work around naps, feeds and wriggles.
• Finished to treasure. Your piece is finished, framed or mounted, and ready to collect. Finishes, mounts and frame colours are discussed at your appointment.

Bringing a pram? Step-free access is via Godstall Lane, opposite the cathedral. Please call us on 01244 328976 before you come.

How long does it take?

Glazed pottery keepsakes are fired in our kiln and take about 4 weeks (a little longer in school and seasonal holidays). We’ll email you when your keepsake is ready, then just pop in during opening hours within 2 weeks to collect it. No appointment needed. Painted pottery is collection only, so we can’t post it.

Baby Art Keepsake Christmas Course (ages 0 to 3)

A five-week course on Thursdays, 12 November to 10 December 2026, 10:30 to 11:30, for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 3 with a grown-up. £125 for all five sessions, including all materials and firing, plus a free coffee for you each week. Only 10 places.

Keepsakes as gifts

Gift vouchers are available and valid for 12 months. Our keepsake baubles aren’t just for Christmas, and you can make one with us at any time of year. We also run seasonal baby keepsake sessions, so keep an eye on What’s On.