Flutter & Fondness: The Love-Winged Messenger

Care Instructions for Charms

General Handling

• Handle your polymer clay charms with clean hands to prevent oil and dirt transfer
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Avoid dropping on hard surfaces as polymer clay can chip or break despite the varnish protection
• Keep away from excessive heat (above 175°F/80°C) which can weaken the clay structure

Cleaning

• Gently wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust or dirt
• For stubborn spots, use a minimal amount of mild soap with water
• Never use harsh chemicals, alcohol-based cleaners, or acetone as these will damage the varnish coating
• Dry immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth after any contact with water

Water Exposure

• Your varnished charms have some water resistance but are NOT waterproof
• Brief exposure to water is generally safe, but avoid prolonged soaking
• Never submerge in water or wear while swimming, bathing, or showering
• If your charm gets wet, pat dry immediately with a soft cloth

Safety Information

• Properly cured polymer clay is non-toxic and safe for skin contact
• All our charms are fully cured at the appropriate temperature according to manufacturer guidelines
• While cured polymer clay is considered safe, these items are not intended for children under 3 years old due to small parts
• These charms are decorative items only and should not be chewed on or placed in the mouth
• Individuals with sensitive skin may want to limit direct skin contact with the varnish

Varnish Care

• The protective varnish coating can scratch if exposed to rough surfaces
• Avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, oils, and hand sanitizers which can deteriorate the varnish
• If the varnish begins to dull over time, do not attempt to apply additional varnish without proper preparation

With proper care, your handcrafted polymer clay charms should maintain their beauty for many years to come.

Care Instructions for Bookmarks

Handling

• Always handle your paper bookmarks with clean, dry hands
• Avoid touching the decorative surfaces excessively to prevent oil transfer from fingers
• Hold bookmarks by the edges or tassel (if present) when possible
• Insert and remove from books carefully to prevent bending or creasing
• When not in use, store flat in a book or protective sleeve

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• For long-term storage, place bookmarks between acid-free tissue paper or in archival sleeves
• Avoid storing in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms or kitchens
• Keep away from heat sources that can cause paper to become brittle
• If stacking multiple bookmarks, place them between pages of a heavy book to keep them flat

Environmental Considerations

• Paper bookmarks are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage
• Protect from moisture and humidity which can cause warping, mould growth, or ink bleeding
• Shield from direct sunlight to prevent colour fading and paper yellowing
• Keep away from food and beverages to avoid stains
• Be mindful that paper naturally ages over time and may develop a slight yellow tint with years of use

Cleaning

• Remove dust with a soft, dry microfibre cloth, gently wiping the surface
  
• Never use liquid cleaners, water, or wet wipes on paper bookmarks
• If your bookmark becomes soiled, it's often better to accept the mark than risk damage from cleaning
  

Damage Prevention

• Never fold or crease your paper bookmarks
• Avoid paperclips or binder clips which can leave permanent indentations
• Don't leave bookmarks in books for extremely long periods (years) as this can create permanent bends
• Keep away from items that might transfer ink onto the bookmark
• Protect edges from tears by avoiding rough handling

With proper care, quality paper bookmarks can last for many years and continue to bring joy while preserving your place in favourite books.