Use a bevel tool to cut the square off of the edge of your leather. This will keep the edges from rolling up over time. It is only necessary to bevel one side of the leather: the back side can remain flat. Pay special attention to any sharp corners on your leather piece. These will need to be beveled separately, creating a diagonal or cut corner. With your edges beveled, you can move on to adding whatever finish is appropriate for your leather. You can use a resist to keep it a particular area clear of the finish or to reduce the coloring. Just be sure to always use gloves when using dyes or finishes....unless you like your hands a different color!  Tandy sells excellent finishes in a variety of colors. To apply these, use a paper towel, wool dauber, or a natural or very old sponge (regular sponges contain a chemical that does not react well with the leather). You can also use dyes. There are dyes intended for leather, but some leathers can also be dyed with shoe polish! These should be applied in the same way as the finishes. Acrylic paint thinned with water works on leather, if you'd prefer a painted look. Just use a normal paint brush to apply it. This works better for smaller, detailed sections than larger ones. You'll want to smooth the beveled edges of your piece after dying it. You can use a special tool for this purpose but the cheaper option is to simply rub it with a paper towel or canvas cloth! This will make the edges look shiny and professional. If you plan on doing any stitching, you'll want to add a stitching groove to keep your stitches from being worn down over time. There is a tool for this purpose called a stitch groover. Once you've cut a channel into your leather where the stitching will go, use a pricking iron or overstitch wheel to lightly mark where your individual stitches will go. This will help create an even, professional look. Finally, punch the individual holes you marked using a piercing awl.  When buying an overstitch wheel or pricking iron, get a shorter one to start off with, as it will be more versatile and make it easier to turn corners. When starting a new stitching line or having to otherwise pick up the overstitch wheel to start again, place the first spoke down in the hole of the last section of the line. This will keep the stitches even. Before sewing, you'll want to add any other finishing touches that you know you'll need, like adding snaps. Be aware, however, that adding things like snaps is difficult and requires its own separate set of tools. Once that's done, add your stitching and you're basically done. Rub the whole surface with a cloth to get a nice, smooth final look. As a final measure, you can add a clear final finish on after doing your stitching, if you want to. This is not necessary, however. Enjoy your new creation and don't forget to keep practicing!

Summary: Bevel the edges of your leather. Add finishes, dyes, or paint. Smooth the edges. Punch holes for stitching. Add other details. Add a clear finish if desired.


Clean your shoes after wearing them to prevent them from showing signs of dirt and wear. Combine a small amount of water with a mild liquid detergent or shoe cleaning solution and lightly scrub away dingy and discolored areas. Wet a washcloth and wipe away any dirt and debris clinging to the shoes’ outsoles. By taking good care of your sneakers and keeping them clean, you can ensure that they stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.  Look for specially-designed brushes online or in shoe stores that can be used to clean and polish delicate materials like suede.  Treat dirt and other stains immediately to keep them from setting in. The more you wear a particular pair of shoes, the faster that pair will wear out. Try not to lace up the same pair of shoes every day. Select a different pair every couple of days to minimize stress, foot contact and exposure to the elements. When you’re not wearing a pair, give it a gentle wipe down and store it somewhere cool and dry.  Store your sneakers in their original boxes, or stash them somewhere that’s climate-controlled and away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Too much sunlight can cause colors to fade, while especially hot or cold temperatures can degrade the materials that the shoes are made from.  Choose your footwear carefully for a given day. It might not be a good idea to wear a pair of leather or suede sneakers if the forecast is calling for rain, and black hi-tops will be less comfortable on hotter days than low cut, breathable shoes of a lighter shade. Give each pair of shoes a function, and only use that pair for its intended purpose. For instance, you might have a pair that you only work out in, another pair for that you use exclusively for hiking or slip on when you’re going to get dirty, etc. That way, you won’t be using every pair as all-purpose footwear, and you’ll be able to keep them in pristine condition.  Consider buying two pairs of your favorite shoes—one to wear around and another to put on display. Pick out an older pair to serve as “throwaway” shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or beating up. Set aside a little closet space to organize your shoes, or buy a shelf or rack so that you can exhibit them out in the open. Many shoe aficionados are proud of the collections they’ve put together and like to keep a few of their best pairs where they can be seen. If you’re going to own them, you might as well put them on display proudly. Look for inexpensive storage racks and shelves that you can convert and use to highlight some of your favorite acquisitions.

Summary: Keep your shoes clean. Cycle out the pairs you wear often. Designate shoes for different purposes. Store or display your collection.


For the weeks leading up to the introduction, work on the dog's basic training. You want him to instantly obey commands such as "Sit" and "Stay". This way, you have control over the dog if he starts chasing the cat. Give the cat time to get used to her new environment before she meets your dog. Once she's comfortable in her safe room, let your cat and dog get to know each other. Take the dog for a long walk prior to the meeting so that he is tired when he meets the cat.  Keep your dog on a leash when the two pets meet so he is less likely to be aggressive and so your new cat feels less threatened.  Try and make the introductions when a friend or family member is around so there can be one person per animal. Make sure the cat has a clear escape route so she can leave if it gets too much. When the dog and cat are in the same room, reward the dog when he ignores the cat. Tell him what a clever boy he is and keep his attention with treats. Let him turn to look at the cat but if he starts to growl or show signs chasing such as his hackles rising, tell him to "Sit", and reward the sit. Consider giving the dog an ultra tasty distraction, such as a stuffed Kong, when the cat is in the room. The tasty treat may override his interest in chasing the cat. Also, it teaches the dog to associate the cat with pleasant things such as a treat rather than triggering his predatory behavior. You can open the safe room and let the cat venture into the environment where the dog is. Let them sniff and circle each other, but always be prepared to act if it gets aggressive. This can take weeks, so be patient and let the cat move at the pace that is right for her. Once they get more comfortable and show no aggression, stop using the leash on your dog. However, still monitor their interactions carefully and don't leave them alone together. If there is any biting, chasing, or aggressive behavior from either pet, break him or her up and call an end to the daily interaction session. Keep monitoring them until you are satisfied that they are used to each other.  Don't leave the dog and cat alone in the same room until you are completely comfortable with their interactions. Be extra careful if you're introducing a big dog to a tiny kitten.
Summary: Refresh your dog's training. Separate the cat and dog for at least a week. Introduce your cat to your dog. Distract the dog. Let the cat approach the dog on her own terms. Let them spend more time with each other off leash.