The Story Behind the Stone
About
Hi, I'm Jen, the creative force and artist behind Hamilton Lifecasting Studio. As a mum of five, I understand all too well how quickly time passes in a busy family. For nearly 20 years, I've been capturing our own family's fleeting moments and bonds in stone, and I'm honored to have done the same for thousands of clients from my home studio in Forest Lake.
My journey in lifecasting took on a new depth of meaning following the loss of my brother and parents. It was then that I truly grasped the profound importance of preserving a loved one's physical likeness. Holding my mother's hand cast, with its familiar lines and skin texture, and carrying my brother's fingerprint with me, brought immense comfort and healing. This personal experience inspired me to offer memorial castings and keepsake jewellery, leading me to become an affiliate member of the Funeral Directors Association.
Recognising the need for support in the area of child loss, my husband Aaron and I established a local charity, Angel Casts Charitable Trust. Together with our dedicated volunteers, we have provided complimentary hand and foot castings and ink prints, along with bereavement support, to over 900 Waikato families grappling with the heart-wrenching loss of a child. This aspect of our work will always remain the most meaningful and close to my heart.
"Words can't express how much I'm in love with our family castings! Jennifer's attention to detail and the love that she puts into her work is just amazing. I would hands down recommend Hamilton Lifecasting Studio! Thank you so much x"
"Jen was so amazing to work with for my breastmilk inclusion necklace, her communication was amazing and made sure I was happy with how it all looked before completing! I am so over the moon with how it turned out, way better than I imagined and a special way to cherish the feeding journey with my youngest! Such a beautiful keep sake. Thank you so much Jen! Love love love!"
"I had a ring made from my fingerprint and it is so amazingly done! Gorgeous crushed opal on top of a stunning emerald colour. Jen really outdid herself with this piece as she aimed to get it done and to me within a week and she actually managed to! 1000/10! I would recommend Jen and Hamilton Lifecasting Studio to anybody who wants a special gift or keepsake made for them or someone they love. Thank you so so much Jen!"
"Jen was there for me when I lost my partner in an accident. She goes out of her way to help everyone, and her casts are so realistic its shocking. I can see my partners tattoo on his arm. She was also amazing when we added the kids hands with there dads, and the fingerprint pendants never come off. Thankyou."