Parents are making ART out of umbilical cords – could you do it?!

Yikes

Writer / April 12 2019

There are lots of beautiful ways to make momentos of your child’s birth, such as hand or foot prints, newborn photo shoots… or umbilical cord art.

A user on Reddit revealed that his aunt had saved his cousin’s umbilical cord, shaped it into a heart and framed it – and shared a photo of the ‘art’.

“My midwife had her son's saved and was letting it dry out in the nursery (I think normally this is not how it's done) and her dog came and stole it from the dresser and ate it,” wrote one user.

“I think I vomited in my mouth a little,” added another.

Other people have used the cord to spell out words (‘Love’ is the most common choice), or the initials of the child. Some also create dreamcatchers, spheres, rings and pendants as keepsakes.

Does anyone know what I just cast in solid sterling silver? I made a mold then cast from the mold so the original can be sent back to the customer for sentimental reasons. Guesses? #riojeweler #riojewelry #customjewelry #custommade #sentimental #etsygifts #etsymaker #etsysuccess #etsy #etsypets #fsgmetal #rockmyworldinc #tampabayetsy #etsysuccessstory #lostwaxcasting #lostwax #rockmyworldinc
Does anyone know what I just cast in solid sterling silver? I made a mold then cast from the mold so the original can be sent back to the customer for sentimental reasons. Guesses? #riojeweler #riojewelry #customjewelry #custommade #sentimental #etsygifts #etsymaker #etsysuccess #etsy #etsypets #fsgmetal #rockmyworldinc #tampabayetsy #etsysuccessstory #lostwaxcasting #lostwax #rockmyworldinc
Do you remember the framed #umbilicalcordkeepsake I was dropping back with a client a little while ago? Well, here it is in all its completed glory. 💖 It brought me so much joy to make this. #placentaart #sacredbeginningsplacentaremedies #sacredbeginningsdoula #postpartum #keepsake #eastmidlands
Do you remember the framed #umbilicalcordkeepsake I was dropping back with a client a little while ago? Well, here it is in all its completed glory. 💖 It brought me so much joy to make this. #placentaart #sacredbeginningsplacentaremedies #sacredbeginningsdoula #postpartum #keepsake #eastmidlands
What could be more sentimental that the cords of two babies combined in one white gold ring with diamonds to celebrate motherhood #newcollection #breastmilkjewellery #worldwideshipping #dnaartist #whitegold #est2014 #placenta #umbilicalcordkeepsake
What could be more sentimental that the cords of two babies combined in one white gold ring with diamonds to celebrate motherhood #newcollection #breastmilkjewellery #worldwideshipping #dnaartist #whitegold #est2014 #placenta #umbilicalcordkeepsake
🌷SPRING PACKAGE 🌻 love the colours of spring 🥰 my client received this package today! #umbilicalcordkeepsake #placentaencapsulation #placentapills #newmum #springbaby #steamedplacenta #postpartum #motherhood #spring #pink #placenta #naturalremedies #holistichealing #unique #naturesway #naturalgifts #naturalart
🌷SPRING PACKAGE 🌻 love the colours of spring 🥰 my client received this package today! #umbilicalcordkeepsake #placentaencapsulation #placentapills #newmum #springbaby #steamedplacenta #postpartum #motherhood #spring #pink #placenta #naturalremedies #holistichealing #unique #naturesway #naturalgifts #naturalart


One jewellery designer, Jackie Kaufman, who specialises in pieces made from the afterbirth, explained to TODAY, “The jewellery I make, for the most part is not beautiful, but has a special meaning to the customers — that makes what I do have meaning.”

If you find it a little off, she adds: “Do not judge. Everyone finds meaning in different things and beauty comes to some in the meaning of the piece, not in the look of it from an outside perspective.”

What do you think? Could you do this?

Nikki is obsessed with all things celebrity and dreams she is a long-lost Kardashian. You'll find her binging Netflix's latest 'must-watch' show with a jar of Nutella by her side.