Aroha and Tawa Armstrong are turning pregnant tummies into works of art.
In the process, the Rotorua sisters-in-law are helping expectant mums feel beautiful as they create stunning sculptures to remind them of their special time.
The bubbly pair are getting a kick out of producing body moulds of the
pregnant form.
"We do truly think [pregnancy] is a truly beautiful time in a woman's life. We really believe it, not just say it," says Tawa.
Their business, Yummy Mummy, based at Aroha's Mourea home, has changed the way some women view their pregnant bodies.
What started out as a private experiment while both women were pregnant has turned into a fulltime occupation. They have made the unique life-sized forms for around 40 women.
Aroha and Tawa also create moulds of hands, feet, arms, legs and torsos of men, women and children.
The Armstrongs admitted a lot of women were initially shy at being naked in front of someone else but were comfortable by the end of it.
"Our whole kaupapa is to uplift the mums and show them the beauty of their pregnancy ... One mum, her whole life she'd been really shy. She never wanted to show herself to anyone
"After we finished she's sitting there having a cup of tea, laughing, without her top on. It's an experience for the mums. It's really cool."
When the moulds are completed they are presented to the mother wrapped in a decorative cheesecloth ready to be unveiled.
"Each woman loves their own piece. It's so individual. No two are alike," said Aroha.
- NZPA
