Product Care and Handling

Diana Carmichael Pewter Tableware

Modern pewter contains no lead and is safe to use with food.

Diana Carmichael uses the highest quality pewter, which is predominantly a tin alloy and contains no lead. The low melting temperature and ease with which pewter flows make the metal ideal for casting. This white metal is an alloy of tin with small amounts of antimony and copper. The tin gives it sheen, provides resistance to corrosion and ductility, and prevents oxidation in casting of the metal. The antimony hardens and whitens the metal, and its expanding properties during cooling give the castings sharp, detailed impressions when taken from the mold. Copper is added for ductility and hardness. The proportions of antimony and copper may vary slightly, but the pewter contains no lead whatsoever.

These handcrafted pieces require a minimum amount of care to keep them in their original state. You can hand-wash them in warm, soapy water when necessary, and then rinse them in clean water and dry with a soft clean cloth. We recommend that you use a non-abrasive material to avoid scratching the piece and leaving it dull and gray. If neglected, lead-free pewter takes on a patina, but cleaning as indicated above, or with a chamois, will restore the glow. Finger marks can be removed with methylated spirits if necessary. Do not place in the dishwasher.

Do not to store the pieces with other sharp objects as they will cause the piece to become marked.

Cared for properly, your Diana Carmichael piece will last for generations.

Carole Nevin Hand-Painted Table Linen

All items are UVB-protected and will not fade in the sunlight.

All items are 100-percent cotton.

All items are hand-painted and need gentle care.

Washing instructions are found on each item and differ by item. Tablecloths and napkins can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle using gentle detergent in warm water and tumble-dried on a low heat. Iron items on the reverse side. Do not spot clean with harsh detergents.

Iron on reverse side of painted fabric.

Placemats: Dry flat and do not hang. Do not squeeze or wring.

Handy Stain Removal Hints

It is important to treat stains as soon as they occur. However, use solvents sparingly. Too much solvent can have an adverse effect on the fabric's color.

CHEWING GUM: Place the stained garment in a plastic bag and freeze overnight. The gum will scrape off easily.
CHOCOLATE: Rub off gently with a blunt knife. Sponge with a warm water mixture. Rinse off with cold water.
COFFEE AND TEA: Soak in a lukewarm detergent solution. Then treat with a dab of methylated spirits.
CRAYON OR WAX: Place stains between two sheets of paper towels, go over the area with an iron, replacing the paper as the crayon adheres to the paper.
FRUIT OR FRUIT JUICES: Rub the stain with salt before washing. Rinse in cold water and soak in liquid detergent, then wash with normal detergent.
GREASE: Scrape as much off as possible with a blunt knife, then work in detergent with fingers. Wash immediately.
OIL: Eucalyptus oil is a good oil and grease remover. Using a cotton swab, apply to the stained area and then wash as normal.
TOMATO SAUCE/KETCHUP: Rinse in cold water and soak in liquid detergent.
WINE: Cover with salt to absorb the alcohol then soak in cold water and proceed to wash as normal.

Abafazi Mohair Throws

Mohair is an exquisite fiber with a delicate appearance, but it is surprisingly durable and strong. Mohair is extremely flame retardant and tends to be moisture-resistant.

With its anti-static quality, it resists and repels dirt, so rarely requires cleaning. Normally, mohair can be hand-washed, but because of their feather and bead adornments, your Abafazi throws require special care. Spot clean any stains and lay flat to dry. To store your throw, fold and place on a shelf. Never hang your throw.