Are you tired of your normal white sneakers? Do you want to add a personal touch to your Mary Janes? Decorating shoes is an inexpensive craft project that allows you to immediately create a work of art that you can also wear. Read on to learn how to decorate shoes with patent leather, glitter or rhinestones, and try other fun ideas for all types of shoes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Decorate with Paint
Step 1. Get a pair of tennis shoes
To decorate shoes with patent leather you need to use canvas tennis shoes. You can buy them in white, black and many other colors in department stores or shoe stores. Grab a few pairs to try out different styles, or just pick a pair for your masterpiece.
- You can choose canvas shoes with or without laces, both types will be fine.
- Paint an old pair of shoes if you don't want to buy a brand new one. Painting shoes you've already worn is a great way to give them new life.
Step 2. Choose the paint
Textile paint is designed to adhere to the canvas of the shoes and is also waterproof in many cases. Thanks to the fabric paint your masterpiece can be worn many times. Go to a fine art store and choose paint in any color you want.
Step 3. Design your design
Draw your design on a piece of paper before starting. Plan what you want to paint on the toes, heels and sides. Decide if you want to paint both shoes the same or do something different on each one. Here are some ideas:
- Choose a subject and background color. For example, you can paint shoes with a star on a purple background.
- Make two-tone shoes. Dress the toes and heels in one color and the midsection of the shoes in a contrasting color.
- Make an interesting drawing. Paint lips or a slice of watermelon on the toes of your shoes.
- Make a stupid drawing. Paint a banana on one shoe and a monkey face on the other, or paint one shoe so that it looks like a crocodile's paw while the other has to look like a bear's paw.
Step 4. Draw the subject in pencil on the shoes
Outline your drawing first, so that it will be easier to paint accurately. If it doesn't suit you, you can just cancel and try again.
Step 5. Paint the shoes
Put the different colors of paint in separate containers. Use a small brush to apply the first color. Rinse the brush and apply the second color. Repeat this until you are done completely filling the project you drew.
Step 6. Let the paint dry
Wait for the paint to dry for several hours before putting on the shoes with the new decorations.
Method 2 of 3: Decorate with Glitter or Rhinestones
Step 1. Choose the shoes to decorate
Glitter and rhinestones can be used to decorate all types of shoes, not just canvas ones. You can use them to spice up your flip flops, dress shoes, tennis shoes, or any other type of footwear.
Step 2. Purchase the glue and accessories
The only materials needed are glue, plus glitter and rhinestones of your choice. Go to a haberdashery and get the following materials:
- Spray adhesive. This facilitates the application of the glue; all you have to do is spray it on, rather than smear it. You can of course also use a brush if you don't want to buy spray glue.
- Uniform or multicolored glitter. Buy a large pack or regular box of glitter to make sure the shoes are covered entirely (if that's the effect you want to achieve).
- Rhinestones, buttons or other trinkets. Haberdashers provide all kinds of rhinestones and other small accessories with a flat side, which makes them easy to glue to another surface. Choose the colors and shapes you prefer.
Step 3. Decide on the design
Covering your shoes entirely with glitter has a striking effect, and it's also a trend popping up in stores. You can fill them completely or make a more delicate design to decorate them.
- Make a border with glitter. Plan to paint a line of glitter just above the soles if you just want a hint of glitter.
- Make a glitter base dotted with rhinestones.
- Make alternating strips of glitter and rhinestones.
- Make a heart or rhinestone star with hints of glitter along the edges.
Step 4. Apply the sticker
Spray or paint the first shoe with glue according to the design you created. If you put glitter all over the shoe, go ahead and spray everything. If you are making a pattern, spray only in the area where the design goes.
- If you need to protect areas that are not to be coated with glue, use masking tape.
- For more complicated designs, it is best to use a brush to apply a little glue at a time.
Step 5. Apply the glitter and rhinestones
Sprinkle glitter on the areas where you plan to put it. To apply the rhinestones, simply press on the surface of the shoe. For added safety, you can apply some glue to the bottom of the rhinestone before pressing it onto the shoe.
Step 6. Repeat with the other shoe
When you are done with the first shoe, move on to the second.
Step 7. Let the shoes dry
Wait several hours before putting them on. You can't wash the glitter and rhinestones in the washing machine, they are also not waterproof, so be careful when wearing shoes.
Method 3 of 3: Try Other Decorative Ideas
Step 1. Use the markers to decorate the shoes
Choose classic black or use a box of colored markers to create a design. You can use them to write words, like a quote, or to create a sketch.
- Consider writing a poem or your favorite song.
- Draw a cartoon of your favorite pet or celebrity.
- Ask your friends to sign the shoes and make a scribble.
Step 2. Put on unique laces
You can find them in various models and colors. Look for laces with animals, polka dots, psychedelic designs, small print, and all sorts of other great prints.
- Instead of buying the laces, why don't you make them yourself? Use ribbon, baker's twine, or hemmed pieces of fabric to make decorative laces.
- If the shoes have plain white laces, you can decorate those as well. Add some small rhinestones or glitter, or use paint to make a design.
Step 3. Use strong glue to apply larger decorations
Glue the ribbons, buttons, and other small shoe decorations with Attak-type glue.
