Fine, Handcrafted Pewter in the Great American Tradition
Napkin Ring

Gibson Pewter Shop News - September 2009

Events & Announcements

In spite of some challenging weather (and costumes!), Hillsborough's premiere of the Living History Event in late August was a positive experience. We saw many new faces in the pewter shop and I enjoyed casting spoons both days with my young apprentice, Lily Gibson. Visitors enjoyed reenactments and entertainment in six locations around town. Everyone who visited us that weekend thought the event was great! Fingers crossed that we'll do it again next year.

The 6th Annual Hillsborough Area Artisans Fall Open Studio Tour is Friday and Saturday, September 19 & 20. The leaves are beginning to turn and the apples are ripe, so it's a great time to be out on New Hampshire country roads.

On September 26th at 6 pm at the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society in Hopkinton, NH, I'll be previewing a new piece at the 19th Annual "Tomorrow's Masterpieces" Art Show & Sale. The Show opens with an Artist's Champagne Reception.

Once again the League of NH Craftsmen and New Hampshire Made are teaming up to offer New Hampshire Open Doors over Veteran's Day Weekend, November 7-8. As a member of both organizations, I relish the chance to show the pewter craft to new people. Pick an unfamiliar corner of the State and go exploring. Click here for complete details and maps.

Monthly Raffle Winner

Nancy Fuller was our August winner of Grape Earrings. Pour yourself a glass of red or white and enjoy an early fall sunset.

Each month, we select a winner of our monthly gift of a pair of Gibson Pewter Earrings. For September, we plan to gift a pair of our cute Small Star Earrings. Cool clear nights are perfect for stargazing.

Anyone who registers in the box in the right-hand corner of the website receives periodic updates about our new products and promotions, and those names are among those we select from each month.

Make the Most of Fall's Bounty

There is a crispness in the air—early this year—but pleasing as apples, squash, greens and cabbages are ready to be picked for some serious seasonal cooking.

Keep our Salt Bowl & Spoon handy by the stove, as you concoct a hearty and satisfying soup or stew with the fall's harvest. A pinch of this and a dash of salt....

Pewter Cleaning Tip

Return the luster to your pewter plates

Before I polish my pewter plates, I soak them in extremely hot water for several minutes in a dish pan.

I take a pad of super fine steel wool (0000), place it in the water, squeeze it out, and apply a teaspoon of Dawn dish liquid. Then I take the plate out of the water and begin firmly rubbing the steel wool in a circular pattern from the middle to the outside diameter of the plate. Repeat this rubbing on both sides and dry the plate with a soft cotton towel or cloth.

I always apply a metal polish. I like (and sell) 3M Chrome & Metal Polish. Apply the polish with a cotton ball and wipe it away with a soft cotton rag before it dries.

Fill the dish pan again with hot water and rinse the plate while rubbing a few drops of the Dawn dish liquid on both sides of the plate. Dry the plate completely with a soft cotton cloth or diaper. I do this type of cleaning process to each of my plates at least once a year!

Learn more about maintaining pewter and antique pewter restoration here.

Product References in this Newsletter

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