For centuries, Polish pottery has been decorated with traditional folk art patterns, most of which are the color blue. This Polish stoneware is made with high quality white clay, which is high-fired to attain its extreme durability. It is important to care for your beautifully handmade Polish pottery so that you will have it to enjoy for years to come. Therefore, we gathered a few simple tips to care for your handmade Polish pottery.

Simple Caring Tips

• To avoid cracking, make sure the stoneware is completely dry before placing it in the oven or microwave.

• If the stoneware is cold from pulling it out of the refrigerator, make sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven or microwave.

• After removing the stoneware piece from the oven or microwave, do NOT place it on a cold surface or handle it with a wet cloth.

• Soaking is not required since Polish pottery has a non-porous protective glaze.

Polish pottery is truly one-of-a-kind, as it has high durability and original design.  The glaze applied to Polish stoneware provides non-stick properties, and protects it from chipping.  Whether you delight in collecting Polish pottery or want a vibrant piece of stoneware with captivating designs for the dinner table, we hope these tips will keep your Polish pottery looking brand new so you can treasure it and pass it on for many generations.

Capodimonte is the finest Italian porcelain. These sculptures can be placed on the dining table or mantel to create an elegant Italian touch. If you have a Capodimonte flower, the flower and petals can break very easily due to the delicacy of the porcelain. Therefore, it is important to establish a safe cleaning routine to maintain your sculpture’s stunning look.  Here’s how to care for your handmade Capodimonte porcelain to maintain its long-lasting beauty.

How To Remove Dust

Any decorative piece that is displayed on the shelf accumulates dust. The best way to remove dust from the surface is to use a feather duster or a soft, dry cloth. You can also use a small, soft-bristled brush to remove dust from hard to reach areas. However, the best way to avoid exposure to dust is to display it behind a glass shelf.

How To Clean

Sometimes, it will be necessary to clean your Capodimonte porcelain. In this case, you can use a damp soft cloth and gently clean the sculpture. Allow the porcelain to air dry on top of a cloth or paper towel. It is best to be very careful while cleaning Capodimonte flowers, especially the leaves of the flower, since these pieces are very fragile.

How To Display It

At Uno Alla Volta, our Capodimonte porcelain is handcrafted in the most meticulous detail, which requires many hours of work at the hands of the artisan. Taking care of these beautiful sculptures will preserve their beauty for many generations. You can place your collection behind a glass display case to prevent it from shattering since Capodimonte are fragile pieces.

A lot of skill goes into handcrafting our Italian suede and leather handbags from our sister artisans, Alessandra & Elisabetta. From Florentine bucket bags to leather structured bags, these handmade bags are made with a natural material, which needs to be treated with special care for long-lasting beauty. Whether you have recently purchased a Uno Alla Volta handbag or plan to in the near future, then we’ve got you covered! Here are the best ways to care for your handmade bag so that it remains in pristine condition for many years to enjoy.

Florentine Leather

One of the best ways to lengthen the life of leather is to avoid using leather treatment, which may clog the pores of the leather due to active chemicals. Since leather can absorb leaks such as makeup, perfume, and pens, it is best to remove these items after a day out to avoid staining the material. If this does occur, you may need to take it to a professional so they can treat the bag. Other situations may occur such as heavy rain or an accidental spill. We suggest using a soft cloth to gently wipe off any wet spots as quickly as possible. When the bag is not in use, store it in a dust bag to prevent scratches and dust accumulation so that the leather maintains its sheen.

Florentine Suede

Suede is a delicate material. Over time, suede can accumulate dirt. A cleaning brush will help scrub out any dirt lingering on the bag. To remove any dirt or dust, use light strokes and gently brush the bag in one direction. If your bag gets soaked in the rain, use a dry cloth to soak up any excess water and then let it dry in a well-ventilated area. Once dried, lightly brush the bag with the suede brush for a fresh, clean look. If you don’t plan on using your bag for quite some time, you can store it in a dust bag, pillowcase, or in a box.

Maintaining Its Shape

If you plan to store your bag away for the season, a great way to maintain the bags original shape is to stuff it. You can use newspaper, tissue paper, or even a sweater or t-shirt that you planned on tossing or donating. Also, store your straps inside the bag to prevent any scuffs. These are our best solutions to making your investments last so you can pass your handmade handbag down for many generations.

Murano glass jewelry is beautifully handmade with delicate and striking glass beads. These handmade beads are created one at a time with different patterns and colors, and some may contain millefiori accents. To keep your jewelry in pristine condition, here are a few ways to care for your handmade Murano glass jewelry so you can treasure it for many years to come and pass it on to the next generation.

Storing Your Jewelry

To prevent your jewelry from accumulating dust, always store it in its original jewelry box. This will also prevent it from being damaged or lost. If you want to combine another piece of jewelry in the same box, then make sure to wrap each one with a soft tissue paper. This way your jewelry does not become tangled.

Cleaning Your Jewelry

Clean your jewelry regularly. For best results, use a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry clean. You may also use a soft cotton fabric. Avoid using water to clean your jewelry, which can potentially damage the polish.

Prevent Your Jewelry From Damage

Keep your jewelry safe by avoiding any contact of perfume and hairspray, which can potentially tarnish the piece of jewelry. If you are applying makeup, it’s best to wait to put on jewelry until after you are done. Do not wear jewelry in the shower, swimming pool, or when playing sports.

Wedding season peaks from late spring to early fall. From the best venue to the perfect wedding dress, there are many things to consider when it comes to your wedding day. But how can you complete your look without stunning, sparkling jewelry? Here are 5 stunning pieces of handmade bridal jewelry that will make your day even more special.

Piotrs Sparkling Swarovski Crystal Collar Necklace

On your special day, leave plenty of sparkle in people’s eyes by wearing a dazzling collar necklace filled with Swarovski crystals. This necklace will complement a pure white gown and give off an ambiance of Hollywood glamour.

Murano Glass Pearl Clip On Drop Hoops

Complete your wedding day look with pearls. If your style is classic, then a pair of pearl earrings will truly reflect your personal taste. Pearls are a timeless piece of jewelry and it will always hold value. These pearl clip-on hoops are lampworked one at a time using the centuries-old traditions of Murano glassmaking.

Murano Glass Silver Knot Clip On Earrings

Ready to tie the knot? This  one-of-a-kind pair of earrings is perfect for a more subtle look. They are lampworked skillfully over a hot flame on Venice’s famed isle of Murano. The small seed beads are intertwined to achieve this elegant design, which will give you a touch of sophistication on your wedding day.

Piotrs Sparkling Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

Throughout the day, you will be greeting your guests and they will definitely take notice of this stunning piece of jewelry. Depending on the type of gown you have chosen, a Swarovski crystal bracelet can add a sparkling touch of elegance to your look.

Murano Glass Pearl Choker Necklace

This multi-strand pearl necklace featuring crystal rondelles will stun all your guests. The beauty of pearls remains supreme and it will continually be a timeless piece of jewelry. You can always look back at your wedding album and you will not regret this elegant necklace.

Decorating a nursery for the first time is one of the countless things to be excited about when expecting. Everything from wall art to stuffed animals will add the final touch to your baby’s room. If you are currently searching for ideas on how to decorate your nursery, here are 5 handmade accents that you will adore and be able to pass on for many generations.

Fox Recycled Glass Nightlight

Light up the room with an adorable nightlight. Nightlights create the perfect nighttime glow for your little one. This fox nightlight will go perfectly with an animal-themed nursery room. Handcrafted from recycled glass, each nightlight is fused in an energy-efficient kiln.

Hand Painted Giraffe Wall Art

Wall art is the perfect accent to complete the look of your baby’s room. Whether it’s stars, alphabets, flowers, or animals, inspire your baby’s imagination with adorable wall art to look at. This sweet giraffe wall art is sketched on a canvas and then hand-painted in lively colors.

Kelsey’s Porcelain Clay Owl Trinkets

Celebrate your newborn with timeless trinkets. These adorable owls are the perfect size to place on your baby’s shelf next to a library of children’s books. These owl trinkets are made from porcelain clay and meticulously hand-painted with vibrant colors.

Reversible Florentine Seahorse Pillow

Do you want to decorate your nursery with a coastal or nautical theme? A coastal themed nursery is very welcoming and relaxing, an environment that all moms need. Hand-stitched with unique patterns, this seahorse pillow will bring the ocean to your home in a vibrant way.

Emerald is the official birthstone for the month of May. This stone is a beautiful, rich, cool green color that was treasured by Cleopatra during her reign. The word “emerald” is derived from the Persian word “green gem”, which symbolizes peace, growth, and healing. Want to learn more?  Let’s explore more about this calming stone:

The Formation of Emeralds

Emerald crystals grow one molecule at a time, which takes adequate time and space. Emeralds are formed in a hydrothermal process, which occurs when hydrothermal fluids break away from magma that is deep in the Earth’s crust. However, some emeralds are formed in pegmatite deposits, which can be found in sheets of rock. When conditions are perfect, emerald crystals will begin to form.

The History of Emeralds

Throughout history, many royal families adored emerald. In ancient Egypt, they would place emerald stone in jewelry and burials. In India, crowns were embellished with these luscious stones. Elizabeth Taylor, a British-American actress, businesswoman, and humanitarian also has a collection of emerald jewelry, which consists of necklaces, rings, and brooches.

Emerald Jewelry

Murano Glass Emerald Sparkle Necklace

Carefully strung one at a time, this stunning emerald Murano glass necklace is layered with a variety of lampworked beads.

Michal Golan’s Cobalt And Emerald Mosaic Square Earrings

This pair of earrings is embellished with pieces of emerald mixed with dazzling blue gems and glass beads.

Art Deco Emerald Green Crystal Bracelet

Accented with dazzling Swarovski crystals in emerald and white, this luxurious ring is plated with rhodium, giving off a gleaming touch.

Mother’s Day is the time to treat every superwoman in your life extra special. This day is celebrated in many parts of the world to show appreciation for mothers and mother figures. Whether it’s your mom, grandma, stepmom, or mother-in-law, we’ve got the best handmade gifts that she will appreciate for an eternity.

The Heart Locket

Leon Nussbaum’s Sterling Silver Heart Locket

A heart is a beautiful symbol of love. Send a heart locket necklace to a loved one displaying photos of yourself or your children. It’s a meaningful gift and it will add sophistication to any look. Handcrafted from sterling silver, this necklace will bring human connection to one’s life.

The Murano Glass Rose

Murano Glass Everlasting Red Rose

Unlike a real rose, this Murano glass red rose is everlasting which makes it truly special. Each glass petal is lampworked one at time using the techniques of hand-blowing and shaping.  Colored pieces of molten glass are added to obtain vibrant colors, creating a lovely sculpture for your loved one to treasure for a lifetime.

The Polish Pottery Vase

Polish Pottery Summer Time Handpainted Poppy And Sunflower Vase

Give your loved one the perfect vase to display their beautiful flowers! Featuring garden inspired motifs, a decorative vase will add an immense deal of charm to any space. Polish pottery is one of the finest potteries and it makes the perfect decorating piece for any home, which makes this vase one of the most perfect gifts.

The Hand-Painted Wine Glass

Hand-Gilded Sunflower Wine Glass

Stunning wine glasses are always an excellent gift for wine lovers. Pair your mom’s favorite bottle of wine with a beautiful hand-painted wine glass. With précised detail, stucco sunflowers are applied to the glass and then hand-painted with a layer of color and gold leaf.

The Bucket Bag

Florentine Leather Printed Floral Bucket Bag

Bucket bags have an appealing shape and are mainly made out of leather or suede. These roomy bucket bags are perfect for a mom who is constantly on-the-go!  The unique style and hand-cut tassel send an effortless ambience, which makes each cylindrical-shaped bag the ultimate bag for any mom!

Ordinary glassware can easily be transformed into stylish works of art by applying acrylic paint, stucco, or even gold or silver leaf. To preserve its beautiful designs, you want to treat hand-painted glassware with special care. Here are the best ways to care for your hand-painted wine glasses.

Proper Way To Wash

The proper way to wash your glass is by holding it around the bottom of the glass. If you are handling a stemmed wine glass, do not hold it by the stem because it is a fragile piece that can break easily.

Proper Way To Rinse

Wash your wine glass in lukewarm water with mild dish soap. Hot water can cause the glass to crack. The best way to clean the dirty glass is to use a soft sponge attached to a handle in order  to reach tough spots. Make sure to avoid using anything stiff, which can potentially scratch the surface.

Proper Way To Clean

Let your glass air dry by placing the wine glass upside down on a soft towel. You can also use a lint-free cloth to dry off the glass and to prevent any water stains.

 Removing Stubborn Stains

Any wine residue can be dissolved using white vinegar. Allow enough time for the vinegar to dissolve the stains, and then rinse the glass with lukewarm water.

Check out our hand-painted wine glasses here.

In the past, wearing hats was associated with wealth, status, and power. Today, we wear hats to accessorize an outfit, protect us from sun exposure, or as part of our uniform. Since hats are a noticeable accessory, they will in fact catch an onlooker’s attention. At Uno Alla Volta, we carry a variety of hats that are handmade from different materials. Learning how to properly take care of your handmade hats will for sure make them last for a lifetime.

Felted Wool

Felted wool will require some careful handling to maintain its longevity. This material needs to be gently hand washed in warm water with a small amount of dissolved soap or shampoo. Once washed, shake off the excess water and reshape your hat. Let the hat air dry and then lightly brush it. For maintenance, use a lint roller to remove lint and dust.

Natural Fiber

To keep your natural fiber hat lasting for ages, you need to avoid abrasive detergent. Hand wash the material in cool water with mild shampoo and add a small amount of vinegar to restore acidity. Do not bend or strain the hat because doing so could potentially deform it.

Packable Straw

Over time, you may have to deep clean your straw hat. You can do so by gently using a damp cloth. You can use an everyday home product like window cleaner for tougher stains. Straw hats should not be worn in the rain. If your straw hat does get wet, gently wipe it with a dry cloth and let the rest of the material dry in a shaded area. If necessary, steam your hat to reshape.

Storing your Hat

Store your hat inside a box or hang it from a peg to help it retain its shape and condition. This Vintage Style Hat Box will keep your favorite hat in pristine condition and safe from being misshaped.