Candles and Candle Making

Tips for Maintaining Leather Shoes

One of the best investments you can make is on quality leather shoes. The only catch is that you must take care of those shoes religiously. A quality pair of shoes will last you a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Also, the products you use on your leather footwear do not have to cost more than the price of the shoes. There are a number of tips to help you maintain those leather shoes so they will not only last longer, but will maintain a great look.

The first thing to remember is that two pairs of good quality leather shoes will last more than twice as long as one pair. This mathematical impossibility is nonetheless true, because by purchasing two pair of leather shoes, you can wear one pair every other day and allow the shoes to dry on a cedar shoe tree to absorb the moisture from your skin and from the leather while still holding the shoe in the correct shape. In this case, 1 + 1 = 3.

Cleaning your leather shoes is largely a matter of daily care and daily attention to any blemishes. Using all natural shoe care products allows the leather to breathe. Suggested cleaning products include those made specifically for leather, such as saddle soap. If you use saddle soap, and follow the treatment with mink oil, you will almost always have great success in keeping your footwear looking like new. These products can be found in most areas where shoe care items are found. Goop hand cleaner which can be found in most automotive supplies stores is another great product for getting the leather clean, without damaging the product. Goop is waterless and is excellent for removing oil and grease from the surface of the leather. Pine gum will help to restore your shoes when they are the victim of small nicks, scratches and cuts. This product soaks into the leather and serves as an excellent camouflage. If the color of the leather has faded, pine gum will help to restore the color and appearance.

If you often find that you are walking or working where there is a lot of moisture, you can provide some waterproofing for your leather shoes or boots. This will help to protect the footwear from salt stains, snow and from water. If shoes do get damp, store them on a shoe tree to dry, but never place the leather shoes close to direct heat such as a stove or fireplace unit. Beeswax provides excellent water-repellent properties for protecting your leather shoes from the elements. There are also waterproofing type products sold where shoe care products appear that will help protect your shoes against the elements.

Conditioning your footwear helps to maintain soft and supple leather. Preventing cracks in the surface of the leather means that less harmful agents can attack the leather. Keeping the leather soft means the shoes will fit more comfortably too. Lanolin is great for softening the leather, while emu oil restores the natural moisture of the leather by deep penetration into the shoe.

When you are cleaning and conditioning your shoes do not forget to take care of the inside of the shoe. Using Eucalyptus oil or Tea Tree oil prevents the deterioration of the stitching by fighting against mildew and mold in the interior of the shoe as well as in the top stitching.

Keep in mind that specialty leather products such as suede or patent leather have special products intended specifically for their care. For example, you would not want to use some of the oil or cream based products in caring for suede shoes. Often regular, gentle brushing to remove loose soil and a spray on suede cleaner will be just the thing for cleaning that type of leather.

If you find problems developing in the stitching or the soles of the show, or anywhere on the shoe in fact, put the cost of repairing the shoe against the cost of replace them and make a trip to the local repair shop for shoes. The price of a good repairman is well worth it in terms of lengthened shoe life.

Finally, many people have success in caring for their shoes with various household products not specifically created for leather shoes. For example, petroleum jelly rubbed gently into the leather then allowed to sit before a bit before being wiped off keeps leather uniform shoes looking great. Others swear by furniture polish sprayed on lightly and wiped down with a cloth.

The most important part of maintaining leather shoes is the daily condition, cleaning and care.

About the Author

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about fashion topics including Naot | Naot Shoes

Leather/wood care and waterproofing trick

Simple Wood Teether, Beeswax Finish (Set of Two) This simple set of two 3″ wooden teething rings has been sanded smooth and finished with our own, organic beeswax and olive oil polish. Your wood rings will be packaged in a tasteful cloth muslin storage bag. The nice, 3″ size of the rings let them grow with your child. The simple rings a perfect teether and an early infant toy. Attach a crocheted or leather band to one of the rings, and it beco…

Williamsville Wax $7.45 In early America, craftsmen created beautiful, long-lasting protection for furniture and woodwork by blending natural beeswax with the deep-cleaning and rejuvenating power of lemon citrus oil imported from the Caribbean. The Williamsville family of wood care and leather care products brings that same warm, natural beauty and protection to all furniture and woodwork, whether natural, or finished wi…

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Aussie Leather Conditioner – 15 ounces $10.62 A new product containing beeswax developed for Australian horsemen to withstand hot, dry climatic conditions. In addition to being an excellent conditioner, it also waterproofs leather. Directions: Clean article with saddle soap. Polish with Aussie Conditioner using a brush or cloth. A second application, for very dry weather, may be needed. Polish with a soft cloth….

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Clarks Bushacre Lo (Men’s) – Beeswax Leather $82.95 This take on the classic Desert boot features a cushioned footbed, metal eyelits, removable insole, synthetic lining, and a synthetic crepe sole. Available Colors: Beeswax Leather, Brown Suede, Dark Brown Leather.

Clarks Bushacre 2 (Men’s) – Beeswax Leather $79.95 The Bushacre is a twist on the classic Desert boot. It features metal eyelets, a synthetic lining, and a synthetic crepe sole. Available Colors: Sand Suede, Beeswax Leather, Black Suede, Brown Suede, Grey Suede, Steel Blue Suede.

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Clarks Un.Splendor (Men’s) – Beeswax Leather $133.95 This shoe features multiple straps, a round toe, and is made of leather.

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Clarks Wallabee Boot (Men’s) – Beeswax Leather $144.95 This footwear classic originated in 1965 when Lance Clark sketched out a moccasin built on our nature-formed last to create the world’s first comfort shoe. Genuine plantation crepe outsole cushions the foot. Nature-formed last allows for natural toe spread. Genuine plantation crepe outsole. Removable EVA footbed with leather sockliner. Suede and full grain leather uppers. Roomy toe box. Cushions foot and buffers shock. Wicks away moisture. Breathable and conforms to the foot. Reduces foot fatigue. Enhances natural walking motion and promotes foot health. Available Colors: Black Leather, Brown Oily Leather, Sand Suede, Beeswax Leather, Black Suede, Brown Suede, Taupe Distressed.

Clarks Desert Trek (Women’s) – Beeswax Leather $98.95 Recognizable for its signature center stitched seam, the Desert Trek has been a footwear classic for nearly 30 years. Roomy toe box allows for natural toe spread. Genuine plantation crepe outsole cushions foot and buffers shock. Original Desert Boot design. Plantation crepe outsole. Suede lined counter. Nature formed last. Unique classic appearance. Cushions foot and buffers shock. Maintains heel stability. Allows for natural toe spread.Timeless styling. Reduces foot fatigue. Prevents slipping and ensures fit. Enhances natural walking motion and promotes foot health. Available Colors: Sand Suede, Beeswax Leather.

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Clarks Desert Boot (Men’s) – Beeswax Leather $114.95 An international cult classic, the Desert Boot was inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British officers in World War II. Soft, supple suede full grain leather uppers and genuine plantation crepe outsole deliver all-day comfort. Timeless styling has remained unchanged for fifty years. Original Desert Boot design. Plantation crepe outsole. Suede lined counter. Nature formed last. Unique classic appearance. Cushions foot and buffers shock. Maintains heel stability. Allows for natural toe spread. Timeless styling. Reduces foot fatigue. Prevents slipping and ensures fit. Enhances natural walking motion and promotes foot health. Available Colors: Beeswax Leather, Black Suede, Brown Suede, Oakwood Suede, Navy Suede, Black Suede/Yellow Pop, Grey Perf/Plaid Lining, Off White Nubuck/Brown Pop, Off White Nubuck/Celery Pop, Off White/Orange Nubuck, Union Jack Synthetic.

Clarks Originals Desert Boots for Men – Beeswax Leather – 11.5 M – Casual $109.99 Inspired by the footwear of British officers in World War II Exceedingly simple design Comfortable and long-wearing Unlined leather upper Crepe outsole The iconic Desert Boot was inspired by the footwear of British officers in World War II. The exceedingly simple design is surprisingly comfortable and long-wearing; so much so that the style has changed little in 60 years. Unlined leather upper is soft and breathable; crepe outsole provides durable comfort. Color: Beeswax Leather. Imported. Manufacturer style : 78358. Inspired by the footwear of British officers in World War II Exceedingly simple design Comfortable and long-wearing Unlined leather upper Crepe outsole The iconic Desert Boot was inspired by the footwear of British officers in World War II. The

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Mind Your Own Beeswax $5.43 Mind Your Own Beeswax

NATURAL BEESWAX $5.49 Beeswax in convenient push-up tube applicator. Remember, when you buy your beads and bead supplies from Artbeads.com, FREE SHIPPING is available in the USA with orders of $10 or more.

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Pure Beeswax Candles $1.52 Naturally these pure beeswax candles will bee a great addition to any occasion Favors that complement todays trend toward naturallyinspired decorations and themes are truly sensational And these favors surely make the most of one of natures marvels – the honey comb Each white beeswax candle measures 1 34 x 2 and has a distinctive honey comb pattern finish delightfully accented with a realistic looking bee perched at its top From our exclusive Natural Selections collection each comes packaged in an earthy wooden framed box wrapped with clear plastic enhanced with both a designer Natural Selections label and a pure beeswax label Note Due to the high temperatures between May 1 Sept 1 we recommend that all candles be shipped using our express method Any melted candles shipped by ground will not be accepted for returns

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Beeswax Ear Candles 50pk $137.49 Beeswax Ear CandlesPlain Beeswax Ear Cone Candles are a safe and effective way to clear ear canals of wax build-up. Things you will need are: two or more candles, a container of water, lighter or matches, a paper plate, moist towel, an assistant, scissors, pillow. Cone candles are used to clean ears and are believed to help with various ear disorders. These cone candles are sometimes referred to as ear candles and are believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. Because of the success of this technique it spread to Greece and China and is now practiced through-out the world..

100% Beeswax Pellets 4 Oz: White $4.98 Package contains 4 ounces. Yaley’s white beeswax pellets are carefully harvested. Only the finest beecombs are selected for this world class beeswax. This added procedure results in consistent 100% beeswax. Melting point is 141 degrees fahrenheit.

Beeswax 1 Lb. Block: White $10.94 A very refined and pure wax, which is preferred by some people because of its natural composition. It is also softer than other waxes. Yaley’s beeswax is carefully harvested. Only the finest beecombs are selected for this world class beexwax. This added procedure results in a consistent high quality 100% pharmaceutical grade beeswax. Beeswax does not drip or smoke and has a longer burn time. Since it is odorless, it won’t interfere with your candles’ fragrances. Melting point is 141 degrees fahrenheit. Package includes (1) 1 pound block of beeswax in white.

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Ear Candle,Beeswax,Herbal 12 Ct: HF $40.13 Featuring Wally’s Edge for a Better Burning Candle! Natural beeswax ear candles, containing the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Echinacea and Tea Tree. As with their Herbal Paraffin Candles, these candles are especially soothing during the cold and flu season and may provide relief from summer allergies and hay fever. Beeswax tends to burn smoother, cleaner and longer than paraffin candles. The beeswax mixed with their own special blend of essential oils make their Herbal 100% Beeswax Ear Candles the best choice for your all-natural ear candling experience.

Ear Candle,Beeswax,Herbal 2 Pack: HF $8 Featuring Wally’s Edge for a Better Burning Candle! Natural beeswax ear candles, containing the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Echinacea and Tea Tree. As with their Herbal Paraffin Candles, these candles are especially soothing during the cold and flu season and may provide relief from summer allergies and hay fever. Beeswax tends to burn smoother, cleaner and longer than paraffin candles. The beeswax mixed with their own special blend of essential oils make their Herbal 100% Beeswax Ear Candles the best choice for your all-natural ear candling experience.

Ear Candle,Beeswax,Herbal 4 Pack: HF $14.66 Featuring Wally’s Edge for a Better Burning Candle! Natural beeswax ear candles, containing the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Echinacea and Tea Tree. As with their Herbal Paraffin Candles, these candles are especially soothing during the cold and flu season and may provide relief from summer allergies and hay fever. Beeswax tends to burn smoother, cleaner and longer than paraffin candles. The beeswax mixed with their own special blend of essential oils make their Herbal 100% Beeswax Ear Candles the best choice for your all-natural ear candling experience.

Topsecret, Personal Beeswax By Park, Barbara $16.97 A hilarious companion to the bestselling series features Junies own original writings along with drawings, stickers, and lots of blank pages with creative prompts designed to get kids drawing and writing about their own topsecret, personal beeswax. Author: Park, Barbara Subtitle: A Journal by Junie B. and Me Publication Date: 2003/02/01 Binding Type: Consumable NonInstitutional Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 5.75 Height: 8.50

Beeswax Candle Votives 3 count: K $11.29 100% Natural Beeswax Crafted from 100% pure beeswax. Naturally smokeless and drip-less, and burn far slower than any other candle. It is the only natural negative ions producer, thus cleaning the air while burning. Nothing compares to the natural aroma and beauty of pure beeswax candles! Burn Time: 15-18 hours

Beeswax Candle 3" Pillar: K $16.28 100% Natural Beeswax / Random colors. Crafted from 100% pure beeswax. Naturally smokeless and drip-less, and burn far slower than any other candle. It is the only natural negative ions producer, thus cleaning the air while burning. Nothing compares to the natural aroma and beauty of pure beeswax candles! 3"x4" Burn Time: 30-40 hours

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Fragrant Massager with Earplugs Natural Beeswax Ear Candles $12.99 Natural beeswax ear candles, containing the essential oils of Eucalyptus, Echinacea and Tea Tree. As with their Herbal Paraffin Candles, these candles are especially soothing during the cold and flu season and may provide relief from summer allergies and hay fever.The beeswax mixed with their own special blend of essential oils make their Herbal 100% Beeswax Ear Candles the best choice for your all-natural ear candling experience.