That adorable pink teddy bear you saw in the CDHM galleries may look similar to the furry prize hanging from a clothespin at the local fair, but it's not the same. Likewise, the beautiful Persian cat sitting elegantly on a satin and silk pillow is not the same as the real thing. But both the pink teddy and the Persian cat are carefully crafted, artisan-made originals and should be treated as such.

TOP, Tiny teddy bear by Aleah Klay
RIGHT, Micro thread teddy bear by Mariella Vitale

All animals and bears are made of various materials and fibers. Some we are familiar with, some not so much, but in either case the first step in caring for your precious new possession is to know exactly what materials were used in creating it. So go to the source! Ask the craftsman. A reputable artisan will gladly tell you what the materials are, the glues that were used to complete it, and they can also give you some pointers on taking care of a particular piece.