Caring for scrimshaw and resin art at home
This guide lists the habits we recommend to collectors who own Tree of Life scrimshaw lines on antler, fossil ivory, or cast resin. The same ideas apply whether the piece hangs on a wall, sits on a desk, or travels with you as jewelry. For the longer studio story and how the work is made, read the About Us studio page.
1. Pick a stable spot away from harsh sun
Long exposure to hot sunlight can warm resin unevenly and can fade pigments over years. Choose a wall with indirect light. Keep tabletop pieces away from south-facing sills unless the glass filters UV. Steady room temperature matters more than chasing an exact number on the thermostat. Avoid hanging art directly over radiators or forced-air vents where heat cycles on and off all day.
2. Dust with soft tools, not sprays
Use a clean camel-hair or microfiber brush. Work lightly so grit does not catch in engraved lines. Do not spray household polish, glass cleaner, or alcohol mixes on scrimshaw or resin. Liquids can creep under frame corners and cloud matte resin. If you need more than dry dusting, barely dampen a lint-free cloth with water, wipe once, then dry right away with a second cloth.
3. Handle jewelry and small frames by the edges
Oils from hands are normal, yet they build up fastest on raised border areas. Hold money clips and pendant backs when you can. When you remove earrings for storage, lay them on clean fabric instead of bare countertops so backs and posts do not pick up scratches.
4. Store off-season ornaments with padding
Wrap each ornament in acid-free tissue inside a rigid box. Keep weight off carved relief so nothing presses on fine points. Label the box by season so you are not digging through stacks and bumping surfaces.
5. When to ask a professional
If a frame corner loosens, resin chips, or antler shows a new crack, pause home experiments with glue. Photograph the area, note how the piece is stored, then contact the studio with details. We can suggest careful repair paths that match the original casting process.
After you set up these routines, you can browse new work from the Tree of Life Artworks home page, or open the framed art collection and the miniature resin frames collection to compare sizes before you buy.
