Item Care

If you’re here you’ve probably purchased an item from me (thank you!) or are considering it (yay!) Or maybe you purchased from someone else and searching led you here. That’s great, too!

First off, care of leather items.

Items I make are functional pieces, but getting them soaking wet is not advisable! Depending on the piece, that could ruin it. Everything can take some indirect water or light rain for short periods of time, but what if your item does get soaked?

If it isn’t a mask, let it dry, and it should be fine. Pat it with a soft cloth and put it in a temperate spot. If you would be uncomfortable there (too hot or cold), your item won’t be comfortable, either.

Dry leather is going to be fine in temperature extremes, but wet leather is not. It can warp, wrinkle, discolor… just get ugly. Keep that in mind.

This doesn’t apply to items created with more “extreme” use in mind. There is more than one, or even ten, different kinds of leather. I am talking about tooled, vegetable tanned leather here. =)

If it is a mask, you still might be fine. Pat it dry and reform it to your face as it dries. You may speed up the process with a hairdryer on LOW to the BACK of the piece.

Actually, if your mask could use some slight adjustment, a fine misting of water can be applied to the back, wait 10 minutes, and see if you can gently readjust it. Do NOT violently bend your mask, it will damage the paint and the leather itself leaving you with permanent creases.

Key fobs are going to be the most durable item and don’t worry too much about getting them wet. Just don’t keep them wrapped in plastic… leather can mold!

I generally only seal one side of my items as I have read this lessens the possibility they will somehow trap moisture inside and mold. Other makers swear by sealing both. I am by no means a definite source.

If you’re hoping to bring life back and recondition old items, I suggest neatsfoot oil. It has worked wonders on old cowboy boots around here. I can see it being used on bracers, purses, and other items, too.

Not masks, though. They’re specifically treated to be stiff!

Second, for wire items.

I work mainly in treated copper and aluminum. Bare copper can discolor skin, but is generally considered body safe.

If you are having a problem with a copper piece discoloring your skin, you can seal it with coats of clear nail polish.

If your item gets bent or misshapen, it can generally be eased back slowly, depending on severity. If you cannot do so with your fingers, pliers can be used, but need to be jewelery tools or wrapped in a soft cloth.

Please always feel free to contact me if you have questions or your items have suffered accidents. I care about my pieces and my customers and am happy to see if we can fix things. =)

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