Welcome to this page of information. You will have come here because you have bought one of my wooden or leather pieces, in which case – thank you, or you just would like to know how to care for items you have. Here you can find information on how to clean and oil your item and what the various finishes are and if you should be aware of anything.
WOOD
First of all if you have a wooden spoon or bowl do use it! Yes, they can be beautiful to look at but a hand carved spoon is something that should be handled and used as only then will you feel its true character and it takes on a lovely patina.
In this world of allergy awareness you should always take care and listen to what your body is telling you. Some of the oils I use are derived from nuts which may cause an allergic reaction. If you notice a problem, or know that someone is particularly sensitive to certain things, it is good practice to check it out first.
FINISHES
I have used various finishes over the years and at the moment have settled on pure tung oil and a polish, I make myself, which is just a mix of beeswax and mineral oil.
PURE TUNG OIL Extracted from the nut of the china wood tree. Used as a base in many blended finishes. Once applied it is left to cure and once cured it gives a good base to a rich finish. It is considered food safe.
RAW LINSEED OIL Pressed from flax seeds. Not to be confused with boiled linseed, which contains metallic driers. It is recognised as a food additive so is considered food safe.
MINERAL OIL Although derived from petroleum, it is colorless, odorless, tasteless and entirely inert. Sold as a laxative in the pharmacy and as a wood finish in hardware and kitchen-supply stores.
WALNUT OIL Pressed from the nuts of the walnut tree. Sold as a salad oil in health food stores and in large grocery stores. Walnut oil dries and won’t go rancid.
BEESWAX The work of the honey bee. Can be mixed with an oil to create a better-smelling, slightly more water repellent finish.
HEMP OIL This is an oil pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant. It will penetrate to provide a protective, water-resistant finish. Hemp Oil is completely food safe, which means it can be used on kitchen or food display items such as cutting boards, salad bowls and wooden utensils, as well as baby toys, cots and pet furniture.
MILK PAINT Milk Paint is environmentally safe and non-toxic. There is a slight milky odour when it is applied, but it is completely odourless when dry. The paint is safe for children’s furniture and toys, is food safe and can also be used for interiors of homes of people who are allergic to modern paints.
CINNAMON A sweet, woody spice that comes from the bark of cinnamon tree. I use it to colour my kolrosing patterns
If you have any feedback on the pieces I sell and the finishes I use then please do contact me.
ITEM BY ITEM
SPOONS – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
SCOOPS – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
COOK SPOONS AND SPATULAS – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
BOWLS – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
PLATES – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
BOARDS – wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil.
SHRINK POTS – if using for food wash in warm soapy water and dry. Do not put them in the dishwasher as they get heated up too much and will twist and possibly crack. Wipe them over with a little mineral oil or hemp oil. If they are just ornamental then give then oil them occasionally to stop them drying out to much. Central heating does not provide the nicest atmosphere for a natural product like wood.
ANIMAL FIGURES – a regular polish with a good quality beeswax does wonders for these.
SHOE HORNS – a regular polish with a good quality beeswax does wonders for these.
LEATHER
The leather items are made from vegetable tanned leather and most have a waxed finish.
Over time they will show scratches and dents from the general wear and tear of everyday use. You will nevre be able to restore them to their initial pristine condition but reather come to enjoy the feel and patina of the well used piece. An occasional buff up with some leather cream will help it to last for many years.
