10 Tips to Care for Your Antique Ceramics

To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle touch and they'll last you a long time. This month we'll give you some useful tips to help you care for them.

1. When you are cleaning delicate ceramics, remember to use a soft-bristled brush to wash antique ceramics in warm soapy water.

2. Rinse with warm, clear water.

3. Don't rub ceramics dry; let them dry naturally.

4. Avoid abrasive products and bleach.

5. Avoid soaking antique ceramics. If there are any repairs, extended soaking could loosen them.

6. Avoid plate hangers. They do great damage to antique ceramics because over time the pressure from the hanger will cause cracks.

7. Display ceramics on sturdy plate stands or plate rails.

8. Avoid hanging antique ceramics such as cups, pots or vases by their handles or other weak areas.

9. Don't attempt repairs. It is tricky work and you'll never be able to match the paint colours exactly on your own. Bring a damaged ceramic to a qualified ceramics restorer. Repairing a bad restoration disaster will cost you more than fixing it right the first time.

10. Avoid serving food on restored ceramics; the chemicals used in the restoration could be hazardous.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com

---

Pond Filter

A pond filter is one of the most important components for your pond, without one your pond water would get really mucky. The kind you need depends... Read More

Light Up the Night! Quick Facts about Outdoor Lighting

When the days start to get shorter, the darkness may drive us inside from our porches, patios or decks. Don't despair ? outdoor lighting can lengthen the... Read More

The Basics of Growing Roses

So you want to grow roses? They are a beautiful choice for your garden and not nearly as difficult to grow as you might think. Choose a... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Care For Your Push Reel Mower

Though most Push Reel Mowers made today are durable, they do require some basic care and simple maintenance in order to keep them running smoothly. Taking the... Read More

The Home Garden

The garden should be near the house and away from trees. If it's some distance away from the house, it will not be as well looked after,... Read More

Summer Pond Tips

Low Oxygen levels Kill FishUse an oxygen tester and air stones to keep your available oxygen level to at least 7.0 parts per million of dissolved oxygen... Read More

Wooden Greenhouses

An important addition to any British back garden, the greenhouse is firmly established in the British way of life. It's probably the inclement weather that drives the... Read More

June Gardening Tips

These are just a few gardening tips for you to consider here in late June. Many people seem to think that just because all the plants have... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are familiar with the genus Vaccinium as it has among its members several current or potential commercial crops,... Read More

5 Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Push Reel Mower

Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though, in reality they've never really left; they've just gotten better. There are a number of reasons why... Read More

Lawn Care Information

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us might be guilty of over-kill when it comes to tending our family turf. What may be the... Read More

Budget For Your Garden

Have you ever thought about how much it costs to maintain your garden? Most people never give it much thought - spending the odd day in the... Read More

Care of Dendrobium Orchids

DendrobiumsThis month I am focusing our attention to the care of Dendrobiums. These are one of the most popular of retail orchid plants. They are a true... Read More

Orchid Care What The Flower Tells

In Orchid Care The Flower Will Tell You About Some DiseasesTale for orchid care the flower. The orchid flower is usually a thing of beauty. When diseases... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and inviting outdoor space is to incorporate the use of park benches into your outdoor decor. Whether they... Read More

Garden Fencing

I made my very first garden when I was six in a small corner at the end of my grandmother's garden. It was a small patch, not... Read More

Potting Benches: Beautiful and Practical

Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden creating beautiful floral arrangements that can be enjoyed by all? Do you spend more time gathering up your... Read More

Flower Meanings & History of Flowers

The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people of all nations and backgrounds for centuries. Flowers have been bred and cultivated for their decorative beauty... Read More

Are You Being Taken Advantage of when Ordering Flowers Online?

Did you know that you can send flowers many different ways on the internet? With a few different options of delivering and ordering flowers online, you must... Read More

Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat

Summer is over, but for many of us - the heat remains. Here a couple of things to do to keep your fish healthy and your pond... Read More

Want a Garden but Not Enough Room or Soil? Then Hydroponics Gardening could be for You

Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants a garden but doesn't have enough land or soil. Hydroponics gardening is, essentially, a way to cultivate... Read More

Bare Root Roses

Bare Root Roses, what to look for when buyingThe first thing to look for is the plant's grade.Nearly all bare root roses sold today are grown in... Read More

How to Attract Butterfly Activity...

The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no accident if you planned your garden carefully. The adult butterfly flitters from flower to flower - sipping... Read More

Mosquito Farms? Is That What Water Gardens Are?

What is nicer that a lovely backyard garden pond. The lush growth rising above the water, graceful fish darting about and the soothing sound of the water.... Read More

Commercial and Residential Flagpoles

The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan. Erected in 2003, the carbon steel pole juts 416 feet into the sky and weighs a staggering... Read More

Tips for Choosing a Chiminea for Your Backyard or Patio

Imagine that you want to stay warm in your backyard on a cool, starry night. One of the ways you can do so is to invest in... Read More