Caring for Your Beautiful Handwoven Baskets
Your handwoven basket is not just a stunning piece—it’s a true celebration of craftsmanship, sustainability, and love. Carefully handcrafted from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), a resilient and flexible natural fiber that thrives in Ghana, each basket is a work of art. This eco-friendly material is harvested by hand, sun-dried, split, and twisted into strong, pliable strands, all set to be woven into a piece designed to last for years. It takes about two weeks to create each basket, ensuring every detail is perfect. To keep your basket looking its best and provide a safe, cozy space for your little one, follow our care guidelines and enjoy the lasting beauty and durability of this special creation.
Simple step by step guild to rework its shape.
We want your basket to look its best! If it arrives a bit out of shape (which can happen during shipping), don't worry—it's super easy to fix. Here's how to get it back to its perfect form:
1. **Spray with Water**
Start by lightly spraying the entire basket with water. Make sure to start from the top, then move on to the sides, and finish with the base.
2. **Let it Rest**
Leave the basket for a few minutes to let the water do its work. The natural materials will absorb the moisture, making it easier to reshape.
3. **Mould It Back into Shape**
Gently reshape the basket by hand. The natural fibers are very forgiving, so it will be simple to mold it back to its original form.
And that’s it! With a little care, your basket will be good as new in no time.
Maintaining your basket for years to come
1. **Regular Dusting and Cleaning**
Gently dust your basket with a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose dirt or debris. For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid soaking the basket, as excessive moisture can weaken the natural fibers.
2. **Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Moisture**
While the basket is made from durable materials, prolonged exposure to water or humidity can cause the fibers to weaken or warp. If your basket gets wet, gently pat it dry with a towel and allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
3. **Keep Away from Direct Sunlight**
To prevent fading or drying out of the natural fibers, avoid placing your basket in direct sunlight for extended periods.
4. **Store with Care**
When not in use, store your basket in a cool, dry place. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it to maintain its shape and structure.
5. **Handle with Love**
The baskets are handwoven from natural materials provided by the Earth. If, for reasons beyond our control, they become misshapen during delivery, a simple spray of water can mold them back into shape within minutes. Just let them dry afterward. These baskets are made to last through the generations. Each basket is individually handcrafted, taking around two weeks to make. They truly are special and unique. While your basket is sturdy, it’s still a handmade item. Avoid pulling or tugging on the woven fibers to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
6. **Refresh the Look**
Over time, the natural fibers may develop a unique patina, adding to the basket’s charm. If you’d like to refresh its appearance, gently wipe it with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a small amount of white vinegar.
By following these care instructions, you’ll ensure that your ethically beautiful handwoven baby basket remains a cherished heirloom for years to come. Thank you for supporting sustainable craftsmanship and the talented artisans of Ghana.
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**Leather Care**
It is important to follow these steps to maintain the quality of the leather used on your product:
- Regularly wipe down leather with a leather conditioner, balm, or wax (beeswax and castor oil are good natural DIY home conditioners). We recommend conditioning your leather monthly.
- Always store leather products in a cool, dry place with plenty of airflow. Leather is an organic material that is prone to mold growth when stored in an area with restricted airflow and high humidity.
- Regularly inspect your leather products and clean them at the first signs of any mold growth (white vinegar, coconut oil, clove essential oil, and orange essential oil are good natural DIY home leather cleaners). After cleaning, always condition the leather to avoid drying and cracking.
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