Care Instructions
-Leather Bags:
Your handbag has been coated with a gentle protection cream; however, the handbag's vegetable-tanned leather will require a little care. It is important that you follow the guidelines below.
When your bag is new please be aware that excess dye may still be on the outside edges. If you wish to clean your handbag, you can use bee's wax. Always use neutral, rather than a particular colour (which will contain a dye) and test on an inconspicuous area of the bag.
Be aware that the leathers are dyed and as such for the first few wears they may transfer a small amount of colour onto clothing. This is a typical characteristic of vegetable tanned leathers and will mean that your bag will age beautifully.
For the first month of actual use, avoid taking the handbag out in wet weather. This should give the fibres sufficient time to become more flexible and therefore less likely to react to water.
After the first month of use, any spots of water or rain can be gently wiped into the leather, rather than allowing droplets to just sit on the surface.
Our natural leather products will patina over time resulting in a darker,uneven coloration. Leather fans will recognize this as the ultimate sign of quality, the process itself can be quickened but cannot and should not be avoided.
Do not store your handbag near heat as this could – and probably will - dry out the leather. Leather is a natural material and with use, your handbag will develop some marks or scratches. Don't try and avoid this; it'll gradually wear in the leather and will add to the bag’s uniqueness.
All of the hardware on our bags is made from brass, therefore, it will darken over time as the metal oxidizes in the atmosphere. This will not damage the hardware, but should you wish to polish it, you can use any readily available brass polish. Before polishing the brass, make sure that you protect the leather by covering it with a protective cloth.
(Information from Greg Wood Leather)
-Wool Felt Bags:
Wool has a low degree of dry soil pick-up compared with other fibers. To remove any accumulation of general airborne debris,100% Wool Deign Felt should be occasionally vacuumed or may be gently brushed by hand. Please note that slight shedding of fibers is normal and not indicative of any defect. These loosened fibers are easily vacuumed away and will decrease over time.
Lanolin, the naturally occurring waxy coating on wool fibers, makes wool water repellent and provides an inherent stain resistance. This allows time for liquid spills to be blotted away before permanent staining can occur. If a wet spill should occur, blot up the liquid as soon as possible with a dry cloth to avoid absorption. Soiled areas may be spot cleaned with warm water or a mild, dry cleaning solvent. Avoid aggressive rubbing as this can continue the felting process and change the surface appearance of the felt. If the felt can be removed, obtaining the services of a professional dry cleaning company that is familiar with the special care of wool is recommended.
(Information from FilzFelt)