FAQ
How to Care for Leather
Your new leather item has been made with love and care out of natural leather, and we need to take a few measures to care for it. Leather can take quite a hammering, but not too much!
TIP 1
If leather gets wet, dry it slowly at room temperature with gentle air – speed drying (hair-dryer…) will cause the leather to stiffen up and crinkle.
TIP 2
Leather can become too dry, it is skin after all! We used Mink Oil or Neatsfoot oil to add moisture and waterproof the leather. You could use Dubbin or a lighter leather cream for wallets.
TIP 3
If leather gets dirty, just use a damp cloth to clean – do not use soap or foreign substances to clean your leather.
TIP 4
Leather stretches out, but not back! Do not overfill a wallet or handbag!
TIP 5
Don’t wrap it in plastic, leather wants to breathe a little.
TIP 6
Enjoy your leather; it was made to be enjoyed!
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How to measure your wrist for an accurate bracelet size
To find the perfect bracelet size, follow these steps:
1. Measure your wrist with a flexible tape or strip of paper just below the wrist bone (where you normally wear your bracelet).
2. When using paper, mark and measure with a ruler.
3. Add the following to your measurement:
Snug fit - add 6 to 13 mm
Comfort fit - add 19 to 25 mm
Loose fit - add 32 mm
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Will my leather change colour over time
People that love using leather products also love the weathered look that develops over time with regular use. The hallmark of genuine leather - a patina or soft sheen that develops on the surface, giving it a specific character, either darkening it slightly, or giving is a slight honey
glaze. Leather items are very personal to their owner, and the scratches and marks that develop with use tells a story of the owner!
Vegetable tanned leather will develop a very nice patina, on the other hand chrome tanned leather will hardly develop a patina at all.
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How do I make the feathers on leather
The feathers are part of the original leather:
First water is used to get the leather wet, and allowed to penetrate for a few minutes. When the surface looks dry, the feather design is transferred to the leather with a stylus.
The design is then cut into the leather with a swivel knife.
A bevel tool and maul is used to bevel the edges of the feather, and the shaft.
After bevelling, the stylus is used to scratch the barbs on the feather.
A sharp knife or scalpel is used to cut into and under the vane to a point close to the shaft. (for some earrings I cut the feather loose completely).
The feather is then dyed and sealed, and during the sealing process it is also formed into the ragged "old feather" look.
​Returns & Refunds
We endeavour to inspect all goods thoroughly prior to dispatch to ensure quality. Any goods returned due to being defective will be inspected and refund may be rejected should the defect be deemed the result of general wear, or failure to comply with cleaning instructions, abuse or third party damage. In the case of goods being defective at the time of receipt, we will offer to either exchange the goods (subject to stock availability), or refund the purchase price of the goods by way of store credit, or to the credit card used for payment.
Unless goods are faulty, we will not refund any costs incurred in the process of returning goods to us. It is recommended that any returns are tracked accordingly by yourself. Additionally, we will not provide compensation for the original shipping cost or any import duties or taxes that may have been incurred.
The above shall not limit our obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, and any other applicable laws of New Zealand.
Here's what you need to do:
a. Email us: utsuwaleather@gmail.com
b. Clearly state what the problem is and include the following information: Website order number, date of purchase, description of item, best daytime contact number and if possible a photograph of the fault or damage.
c. We will contact you within 1-2 working days to arrange the best solution for you.
d. DO NOT return the goods before receiving your "Return Email.
e. If you are sending any goods back to us please write your Website Order number and name on the outside of the package.
If you would like more info please Contact Us
Privacy Policy
All personal information collected from the website is held by Utsuwa Ltd in a secure database. We however do not hold any payment information. If at any point you require access to your personal information, you have the right under the Privacy Act 1993 to request this information from Utsuwa Ltd, and also have the right to correct or request us to delete any information held on our database. Please contact us via email if you wish to notify us of any changes.
