Much of the nancybird collection is a combination of leather, linen, cotton and silk, and is hand printed and sometimes hand embroidered. The nature of the materials used means that there are sometimes small variations in colour, feel, and surface. These are characteristics of the materials used and are not considered flaws or faults, and are part of the beauty of using natural materials.
Leather – The leathers used are intended to wear and soften with age.
The leather colour has been dyed, not painted on the surface. Leather which has painted or surface colour will have a more even surface but it never feels as nice, and with wear painted colour can come off or crack. Dyed leather does not have this characteristic and if taken care of it will never crack or peel.
Dyeing, especially on lighter colours, means that the natural variations of the hides, such as scar marks, creases and colour variation will show more easily. This is to be expected using a natural material with the signs of life on the hide, just as we have these variations on our skin. We respect and enjoy these variations and certainly do not consider them as a fault.
Leather protector spray can be used on purchase of your item. This usually waterproofs the leather and to some extent the fabric also. Leather cream or conditioner is recommended occasionally to nourish the leather and protect it from extensive rubbing and scratches. Water-proofing, cleaning and conditioning of your bag may be done either by yourself or by taking it to a handbag repairer to do this for you.
We highly recommend testing the conditioning/cleaning product you purchase in an inconspicuous area first, before applying to the whole bag. Please follow the instructions of the product you choose to use carefully- we will not be held responsible if you have not followed instructions properly. As the leather cream is reintroducing oils into the leather, on lighter colours it may darken the colour to some extent, which will fade with time. Please carefully test the product first, and allow to dry naturally to see results before proceeding.
We use an Australian product called Oakwood, for both cleaning and conditioning. These are the two products we use – cleaner and conditioner.
We do not recommend wipe on/wipe off or “polishing” conditioners – these can leave cloudy marks, and are really intended for shoes or hard leathers, and are not suitable for our products.
Lighter colours do mark more easily, ensure that the leather is kept away from things such as pens and oil. Be careful also of wearing with denim – the dye used in denim is not stable, this dye can rub off onto the leather. Leather cleaners can be useful but may not completely remove a stain or mark from lighter colours.
We recommend storing leathergoods in the dust bag provided in a dry and dark place when not in use; some leathers are prone to fading if left in strong light.
Be careful of the bottom corners of your bag – these get the most wear. Keeping your bag off the floor, and conditioning the corners will help.
Fabric – It is recommended to regularly Scotchguard or waterproof spray the outer fabrics on your bag, wallet or belt. Always follow the instructions of the product you are using and test the product in an inconspicuous area first. Be careful not to saturate fabric with Scotchguard, as it may leave marks on leather. To clean a mark on fabric, the area can be lightly sponged with a weak wool wash solution. Sponge the whole panel lightly to prevent watermarking. Scotchguard area after it has dried. Do not rub extensively over a hand printed area.
Hardware – Try to prevent the hardware from getting wet.
Nancybird items are not made for “heavy duty” usage, due to their soft leathers and fabrics used. They can certainly be used every day, but they must be treated as you would a special coat or favourite pair of shoes – with love and care.