Seasonal Care: Your Carving Through the Year

Why Seasons Matter

Olive pit is organic material, and organic material breathes with the weather. Humidity swings move moisture in and out of the shell; temperature changes stress the carved detail. A piece cared for by season will outlive its owner; one ignored through a dry winter may crack in a week.

Winter: The Danger Season

Heated indoor air can drop below 30% humidity — far drier than the material tolerates for long.

- Keep displayed pieces away from radiators and heat vents. - Handle more often; skin oils are the best humidifier available. - Consider a room humidifier if you live in a dry climate.

Summer: Sweat and Sun

Perspiration is mildly acidic and, over years, can dull a surface. Direct sun bleaches tone.

- Wipe worn pieces with a dry soft cloth at day's end. - Never leave a piece on a car dashboard or windowsill. - Remove before swimming — chlorinated water is the worst possible bath.

Spring and Autumn: The Working Seasons

These are the seasons for maintenance: inspection, gentle cleaning, and storage decisions.

- Examine each piece under good light for hairline cracks or loose elements. - Rotate display pieces so no single work bears months of light on one face. - Before storing anything long-term, handle it well so the surface carries oil into storage.

The Five-Minute Routine

Once a month: wash and dry your hands, take each piece one at a time, look it over slowly in strong light, and feel for anything new — a rough edge, a catch, a changed sound when tapped gently. The routine takes minutes and catches nearly every problem while it is still minor.