The Supplies:
1. An old pair of shoes2. Acrylic paint
3. Textile paint medium (converts acrylics to fabric paint)
4. A rag
5. A paintbrush of some sort
The Instructions:
Make sure your shoes are clean and free of greasy spots and dust. Mix your paint with the fabric paint medium as directed on the bottle. This gives the paint some give to avoid cracking.
Apply paint mixture one layer at a time. Make sure to let the paint dry between layers.
You can apply as many layers of paint to fit your fancy. I wasn't going for perfect paint coverage with my shoes. I think the "imperfect" paint job makes them more interesting. I also chose to embellish my shoes with buttons. If you choose to use embellishments make sure you place them on a part of the shoe that doesn't move or crease when you walk so they won't fall off.
Voila!
A practical side note: I haven't worn these shoes in the rain or snow and would venture a guess that the paint probably won't hold up to the elements. Just keep this in mind when you wear your "new" shoes.
9 comments:
you're brilliant!
Wow Annie! Great job!! You're doing an awesome job with your blog!!!
so so fun!
Awesome! I love how you recycled something you already had, and I love that they are one-of-a-kind! Will you update to let us know how they actually do in the wet? Or, if they rub off on pants or anything like that? Do you think it would have more staying power if you used actual fabric paint? And why didn't you use "real" fabric paint? Just curious to know what went through your mind as you were going about this.
You can definitely use "real" fabric paint but fabric paint can be expensive so this was a much cheaper option.
While the paint has yet to rub off on pants, they are prone to scuffs. I also refuse to wear mine in wet weather as I'm nearly positive the paint won't hold up...Even the best made leather shoes won't hold up to the rain and snow (as I learned in Boston).
So while painting shoes is a fun option, it isn't the most durable one.
Thanks for the update! I didn't know that about fabric paint. Durable or not, they sure are cute and original. xo!
Wonderful idea! I have a few pairs of shoes that can use a makeover, They are structurally sound, but sustained some damage, I'm glad I didn't throw them out!
I love how they turned out!
It is possible that, even on leathery surfaces, the textile medium will keep the paint from being damaged by water and scuffs. Textile medium is made to add flexibility and water resistance to acrylic paint. Most "real" fabric paint is very similar in many ways to the acrylic/textile medium mixture. I will say that the "dimensional" fabric paint does not stick to leathery textures quite as well and is a bear to paint (rather than dab or make lines) with.
I love this idea! I would do one thing that isn't shown here. After the shoes dry from the paint, I would apply a very generous coat of outdoor mod podge to protect the paint.
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