Care Instructions

I use a wide variety of mediums including alcohol Inks, watercolour paints, liquid watercolour, acrylic paint, decoupage, mosaics, textiles, art resin, and gilding foils to name a few. Care of my handmade items is really about common sense and anyting specific will be included with the item. 

Generally:

• Hand painted scarves can be gently hand washed and are colourfast.
• Alcohol inks aren’t UV resistant and can change colour or fade if left in full sun for extended periods of time even though I do add a coat of UV resistant sealer. 
• Acrylic paint on fabric is colourfast and won’t wash out.
• Acrylic paint on glass is incredibly tough too, but don’t put it in the dishwasher.
• You can’t put anything with metallic inks, foils, etc, in the microwave.
• It’s not recommended that you put hand painted items in the dishwasher although I have tested this and they have been generally OK. Dishwasher detergent is incredibly caustic and will dull the colour.
• Decoupage is one of the most resilient crafts although that is more about the specific glues I use rather than the paper. They will deteriorate if you leave them in the sun or rain for extended periods of time. That said, I’ve had decoupaged planters (and alcohol inks on china) survive floods with remarkably little damage but I wouldn’t recommend it! 
• Art resin and alcohol inks/varnish, generally aren’t food safe. I know there are some brands that say they are but I would prefer to err on the side of caution and never have inks right up to the rim of a cup. Ever!
• Art resin can get a bit tacky if you leave it in the blazing hot sun. 
• Art resin on chopping boards should not be used for direct food contact, and will mark if cut with a knife. 
• Terra cotta planters are sealed inside and out with a non-toxic sealer prior to decoupage.You can plant directly into the pot – it is water resistant but I can’t guarantee it’s 100% waterproof. 
• In nearly all cases, hand wash or use a damp cloth.
• Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaners.

If you care for your original, hand painted, hand made items, they will last for a very long time.