As a kid I remember pressing my hand into freshly laid cement in my parents new driveway leaving behind my tiny handprint that still remains today. It’s a sweet memory not only for me, but for my parents as well. That’s why when I learned of Captured in Clay, a local company who specializes in making these lasting memories, I called and made an appointment.
Captured in Clay creates handmade clay tiles capturing your child’s (or pet’s!) exact hand or foot impression. Jen Dyke, who acquired Captured in Clay last year from founder Deana Brownlow after 14 years of successful business, runs the company out of her home studio located in Hudsonville, Michigan. She’s a one woman show who creates the tiles from start to finish.
Jen's home studio is located at: 2295 VanBuren Hudsonville, MI 49426
The tiles come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes and most importantly, the material used is 100% non-toxic which makes it safe for your little ones. Prices for tiles range anywhere between $25 and $150 depending on specific design, size and layout. There are fun additions to the tiles such as beads and wires for hanging which adds onto your tile cost.
Two months ago we had our second child and I called Jen for an appointment for the following week. The appointment took less than 30 mins and she was wonderful working with our newborn. She already had everything prepped and ready to go upon our arrival and even had a bin of toys for our toddler to play with while we captured our newborns handprint. Our experience was professional, yet personal even down to the fact that she runs the business out of her home – it was like she was inviting us over for a cup of tea! Because she works alone she did ask for my help in holding our son while she worked with his hand and foot to get just the right impression. She was very good at providing instruction on how to assist her.
Jen took two imprints of both the hand and foot of our son, one for a tile for my mother-in-law (a gift for her birthday) and a circular clay ornament for my mom (that we’ll give to her at Christmas). The tiles took Jen 3 weeks to complete and when they were done she sent me a text letting me know they were ready for pickup, which she leaves beautifully packaged on her door step.
This was our second experience with Captured in Clay and both were wonderful. We now have both sets of our kids hand and foot prints beautifully on display at both of our parents homes. My only regret was not getting a set for our own home!
