1)Take out the impression clay and press into bottom of plate, making the surface as smooth as possible.

2)Impress your child's hand or foot into it about 1/4" (1cm) deep. The impression is immediate. This step can be repeated over and over until you get what you like.

Tip: If the child is under three you can do it while they sleep. You can also warm it to body temperature in the microwave for 10 seconds.

3)Add the child's name to the plaque. Write a mirror image of the name as it will be turned over when you do the cast.

Tip: Write their name with a magic marker on a napkin or pane of glass, invert it to see how it needs to be written on the plaque.

4)Mark the top of the plaque so that you will know where to place the wire hanger.

5)Take the stone powder and mix with warm water until smooth. Pour into plate. Shake it a little to bring the bubbles to the surface.

6)Set the wire hanger into the plaster as soon as it starts to set. (Approx. 1 minute)

7)Let sit undisturbed for 2 hours.

8)Remove from plate and pull away the impression material. It will stick to the stone. Using your fingers, smooth away as much as you can and then wash the rest away under warm water with a soft brush or wash cloth. (A mushroom brush or an old soft toothbrush work well.) The clay can be re-used. Put it into an airtight container for future use.

You can clean up the edges with fine sandpaper after it is dry. You can also finish it off with metallic spray paints or lacquer. White school glue mixed with water also makes a nice glaze.