PGCE-qualified teacher · Teaching since 2004
Private one-to-one hand casting training
Always 1:1 with Glenda, in a working studio, with real models and lifetime support. Students travel here from across the UK and around the world.
Private 1:1 training · Real babies, never dolls · UK & international students · Lifetime support
Learn Directly From Someone Who Still Creates Keepsakes
Hello, my name is Glenda, and I’ve spent more than 20 years creating professional life casting pieces for real families, babies, pets and bereaved families.
Since 2004, I’ve also been teaching people from across the UK and around the world how to develop these skills for themselves.
When you train with me, you’re learning directly from someone who still works with real clients and understands what it takes to create beautiful, professional pieces in the real world.
Training takes place in my working studio in Dorset and is private, practical and personal. You don’t just watch. You actually do the work.
Why Train With Me?
Private 1:1 training
Your training is focused entirely on you, your experience and what you want to achieve. No large classes. No sitting at the back watching someone else work.
Real models. Real experience.
Where appropriate, you’ll work with real babies, families and pets, because real people and animals don’t always behave like demonstration models. If a model is unwell on the day, I always have a backup arranged, so your training goes ahead as planned.
I Still Cast for Real Clients
I’m a PGCE-qualified teacher, and I still create professional life casting pieces for real clients, so what I teach comes from more than two decades of actually doing the job.
Worried when you leave?
Every student receives lifetime WhatsApp and email support, so when you get home and something doesn’t go to plan, you’re not left trying to figure it out alone. This is free of charge.
Why Students Travel to Dorset
Students travel from across the UK, and from Ireland, Norway, Germany, Cyprus, India, Tanzania and the USA, to train with me. Training takes place in my private working studio in Dorset, where you’ll have the space and time to learn without the distractions of a large training environment.
I can also help with practical information about travelling, accommodation and arranging your training dates.
UK students · International students · Flexible training dates
3D Keepsakes Training Options
Hand Casting Training — £550 per day
Professional baby and family hand casting training using real models, with practical tuition in casting, troubleshooting, refining and finishing. Can be completed in 1 day or 2.
VIEW HAND CASTING COURSE
Advanced 3D Life Casting — £650
Already casting and want to take your skills further? Develop advanced techniques including complex family compositions, multi-step castings, refining, repairs and professional finishing.
Book Hand Casting Days 1 and 2 with your Advanced day and pay £1,650 upfront — saving £100.
Memorial Life Casting Training — £650 per day
Specialist training for professionals working with families in hospice, NHS, funeral and bereavement settings. Learn the practical and technical skills involved in sensitive memorial life casting.
VIEW MEMORIAL COURSE
Airbrush Masterclass — £350 for half a day
Take your finishing to another level with specialist airbrushing training for life casting and keepsake work.
VIEW AIRBRUSH MASTERCLASS
Further Training Courses to Expand Your Business
Pet Keepsake Training Courses
What You Could Be Making
A few of the finished pieces students learn to make. Tap a photo to see the course.
| Your Training | Precious Memories |
|---|---|
| Investment | Day 1 £550 · Day 2 £550 · Day 3 Advanced £650 · All three days £1,650 |
| Course length | 1, 2 or 3 days. Day 3 Advanced can be taken later |
| Training | Private 1:1, taught personally by Glenda, from complete beginners to experienced casters |
| Experience | PGCE-qualified teacher, with 20+ years of professional life casting |
| Real models | Real babies, families and pets, arranged by me, so you don’t have to find your own |
| Included | Professional materials, the casts you make, your training videos and notes, a certificate, and a trusted supplier list with trade discounts |
| After your training | Lifetime WhatsApp and email support, free |
| Your business | Yours to run as you choose. No franchise fees and no territory limits |
| Dates and location | Flexible dates arranged around you, at my studio in Dorset. UK and overseas students welcome |
| Reviews and awards | 5.0 from 128 Tripadvisor reviews · Travellers’ Choice 2024 & 2025 |
Book Hand Casting Days 1 and 2 with your Advanced day, paid upfront, and save £100 compared with booking separately.
Don’t Just Take My Word For It
Louise, Ireland
“I had researched a number of trainers beforehand and contacted others too, some were very expensive and some felt quite fixed in their approach. One phone call with Glenda and instantly she stood out.”
Louise completed the 3-day intensive training, working hands-on with baby and dog models, and went home feeling confident and excited about putting her new skills into practice.
Jodie, Legacy Pet Cremations
“Glenda is simply amazing. No question is silly, she explains and demonstrates thoroughly, and makes sure you understand before moving on. I learnt skills that have genuinely elevated our business.”
Aislinn, South East
“What truly sets Glenda apart is the incredible post-training support long after the course ends. I left feeling confident, supported and excited.”
Salma, Tanzania
“Making the journey all the way from Tanzania was honestly so worth it. Knowing she is always there if I need support gives me so much confidence.”
Ada, Scottish Highlands
“Travelling from the Scottish Highlands was the best decision I’ve ever made. A brand new baby on day one, not a doll. She gives her all and teaches you all the tricks.”
Chloe, Children’s Hospice
“We came away feeling much more confident and quite emotional that we were able to create such beautiful pieces for families going through the hardest times.”
Amy, So Cherished UK
“I never imagined I could turn a creative hobby into a real business, but with Glenda’s patient mentoring, I now work around my family and earn doing something I love.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the hand casting training cost?
Hand casting training starts at £550 for Day 1 and £550 for Day 2. Day 3 Advanced is £650. Book all three days together for £1,650 and save £100. Day 3 can also be taken later.
Is the training really 1:1?
Yes. Your training is private and taught personally by me, so we can concentrate on your experience, questions and goals.
Do I work with real babies and families?
Where appropriate, yes. I use real models so that you gain experience dealing with the situations that happen when you’re actually working with clients.
Do I need previous experience?
No. Beginners are welcome. Training can also be adapted for people who already have experience and want to develop more advanced skills.
Can I split the 3-day training?
Absolutely! Day 3 can be taken later if that works better for you.
Do you offer specialist training?
As well as hand casting, I offer advanced 3D life casting, airbrushing, memorial life casting, pet and memorial pet casting, raised 2D tiles, belly bump casting and jewellery training.
Do you train people from outside the UK?
Yes. Students have travelled from Ireland, Norway, Germany, Cyprus, India, Tanzania and the USA to train with me. I can help with accommodation and travel, and plan your training days around your flights.
Where does the training take place?
All training is 1:1 at my studio in Lytchett Matravers, near Poole in Dorset. Students travel to me from across the UK and overseas, and I can help with nearby accommodation.
What happens after my training?
You don’t simply leave with a certificate and no support. Lifetime WhatsApp and email support is included, so you can contact me when you need help, advice or reassurance after your training.
Not Sure Which Training Is Right For You?
Tell me what you’d like to learn, what experience you already have and what you’re hoping to do with your skills. I’ll help you work out which training makes sense for you.
No obligation. No pressure. Just an honest conversation.
Already Have a Keepsake in Mind, Rather Than Training?
If you’re looking for a finished keepsake rather than training to make your own, I also create bespoke pieces here in my Dorset studio: