Taking photos to make memories of growing up? That's passé now. Try cast impressions to literally permanently freeze your memories. Harsha Jain really opened up the market for this when she started Lasting Impressions in 2017. But first, let us get to know Harsha a little better and what prompted her to venture into this field. Harsha tells us that when she was in class IX, she won a national competition for soft-toy making and also taught it to other girls. Then, she dabbled with making customised booklets for Hallmark and currently, bakes cakes under her brand Cuppy Cake. She has also taught children the art of scarp book-making, coffee painting, decoupage, gift-wrapping and more.
This summer, she even conducted classes for children on cast impressions. "Actually, the material used for creating impressions is quite expensive, but for the kids' workshop, I spoke to my vendors and got them to arrange a kit at a competitive price. This was because I conduct these workshops with a no-profit motive. I just want children to get exposure," says the 33-year-old. Clearly, she is trying to expand the scope of cast impressions, popular among new mothers who like to get an impression cast of their children's feet or with newly married couples, and taking it to children too.
But we wonder why this art form is a trend nowadays. What about it makes it resonate with everybody so well? "In earlier days, there was a tradition to take footprints or handprints of babies or newly married couples with kumkum or haldi. So traditionally, the practice itself resonates with us," explains Harsha. She is happy to report that the art form has made a mark with children as well as she has a permanent student base who turns to her for learning anything new, including cast impressions.
Today, Harsha Jain is a familiar name and has done impressions of some celebrities as well. We ask her what she does differently to stand out in the market and she says, "I feel that my work speaks for itself. The impressions are so clear that you can even take it to the astrologer and he can read it," she shares and laughs. And pushing the envelope once again, Harsha is going to start the Ashirvad series for hand casting the impressions of elders.
Some of her work
Things you didn't know about casting
- What you dip your hands into is called impressions material and is made of resin which is non-toxic and 100 per cent child-friendly
- It is in a liquid consistency and firms up in about two to three minutes
- Hydro stone is poured into the mould of the impression
- It takes about six to eight hours to dry
- Then the cast is given a finishing and is coloured. There is an option of framing it as well
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