Plain-colored fabric shoes are a canvas that every "fashion addict" artist cannot fail to use. Grab a pair of canvas shoes in a single color, some fabric colors, some decorations and start making your shoes and wardrobe truly unique!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Painting a Fantasy
Find a Fantasy
Step 1. Decide which pattern to use for your shoes
It is always better to focus on a simple design, especially if you are a beginner. Here are some ideas:
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Polka dots
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Stripes
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Scribbles
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You look for
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Flakes
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Smilies
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Simple animal silhouettes, such as stylized kittens, puppies or a snake.
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Preparation
Step 1. Remove shoe laces, if any
If the shoes are very soft, like the ones pictured, fill them with paper so that they hold their shape as you paint them. Canvas tennis shoes or trainers are stiffer and easier to decorate than what you see in the pictures. So you don't need to fill them with paper.
If you are concerned about getting your soles dirty, cover them with masking tape
Step 2. Draw your chosen pattern on the shoe
Use a pencil or fine-tipped pen suitable for the fabric. A stencil or template with the template might help if you don't have a lot of manual skills. Stencils are especially useful for more complex designs. You can also paint directly through the stencil (read on to learn this method in detail).
The designs can also be traced with a fine-tipped fabric marker. However, we recommend that you test it first on a small area of the shoe, to check that the marker works well
Step 3. Pour fabric colors into suitable containers or onto a palette
Alternatively, try fabric pens, which do not get dirty and are often easier to use because they are applied directly to the object to be colored.
- Choose colors that match well.
- You can also use acrylic paints, but remember to apply a primer otherwise the colors won't set. The primer dries in about an hour.
Paint the Shoes
Step 1. Apply the color to the shoes, following the chosen design (refer to the first section at the top of the page for inspiration)
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To add details and free lines, use a fine-tipped brush.
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To make dots and polka dots, wet the tip of a pencil, a cotton swab or a stick in the paint and place it on the fabric, pressing gently. Alternatively, read the method we show you below.
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Step 2. Let your shoes dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step
Step 3. Add a fixing product
To make sure the design stays intact for a long time, choose a specific fixative for the fabric. Read the label to be able to use it correctly.
Finishes
Step 1. When the shoes are dry, re-adjust the laces if necessary
Alternatively, use new laces, colored ribbons or even fabric strips, open zips etc.
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Another alternative is to use pre-painted laces with a cute pattern.
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The beads can be threaded into the laces to add extra decoration. Don't put too many on though: three large beads will suffice.
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Step 2. Wear the shoes with a matching outfit
Have fun showing your masterpiece to friends and strangers.
Method 2 of 3: Spotted Shoes
Simple and effective, stains can decorate your shoes in a cute way and are done in the blink of an eye.
Step 1. Buy some dot stickers
Choose the size you want for your shoes.
Step 2. Glue the dots on the shoes, in the position you prefer
Put as many as you like. When they are in place, draw the outer contours with a pencil, to trace the edges.
Make sure you place a few dots on the edges of the fabric as well, so as to give the idea of an evenly distributed pattern
Step 3. Use a small, fine brush to paint inside the circles you drew
Stay inside the edges and color evenly. Make sure the edges are well rounded.
Step 4. Continue painting until you have colored all the circles
Let it dry well.
Step 5. Add a fixer
Make sure your design doesn't get damaged by applying a specific fabric fixer. Follow the instructions to use it correctly.
Step 6. Have fun showing off your spotted shoes
They are much more fun than those painted with the previous method.
Method 3 of 3: Paint the Shoes with Stencils
Step 1. Purchase, print or create a stencil
Decide on the design you want on your shoes, then buy a suitable stencil in the store or online. Alternatively, you can make it yourself. Cut or press it, as needed.
Step 2. Place the stencil on the shoe, in the position where you want the design to appear
If it is not firm, secure it with tape to avoid smudging.
Step 3. Color through the stencil using fabric markers
When you're done, remove the stencil to show the design.
Step 4. Move to other areas of the shoe if you want to make more designs
Repeat the steps.
If you use the same stencil on the other shoe as well, remember to turn it upside down so that you get a mirror effect rather than an identical and repeated design
Step 5. When you are satisfied with the result, let it dry
Step 6. Add a fixer
Make sure your design doesn't get damaged by applying a specific fabric fixer. Follow the instructions to use it correctly.
Step 7. Done
The shoes are now ready to wear.
Advice
- Choose simple designs, such as large geometric shapes, which even children can paint while having fun. The little ones love to wear things made by themselves.
- You can cover the areas you don't want to paint with masking tape.
- If you are really good at painting shoes, other people may even ask you to create some nice designs for them. This could be a great opportunity to start a small craft business and sell your creations online.
- The final fixative is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. The paint could smudge or spoil quickly without protection from wear and weather.
