Redesign Your Old Shoes: Neon Delight

     Canvas tennis shoes are the hottest trend for this spring and summer. You can spice your shoes up by adding your own personal touch. There are many different ways to make them your own using glitter like I have shown in my previous post, Redesign Your Old Shoes: Glitter Ombre Design, sequins, paint, or buttons. You can transform a pair of shoes that have started to stain, fade, or become dirty. This is the perfect way to give your shoes some added life instead of throwing them out. When we buy new shoes, we are actually contributing to the amount of fabric waste produced daily. Today, I am going to show you how to create a unique design using paint. One of the hottest trends for summer is neon colors, but if you are fair skinned like me, they wash you out. I love these colors, but I find that I am only able to wear them is through accessories, such as a scarf or pair of shoes. I decided to incorporate a neon color into a pair of shoes I've upcycled to express my bubbly and bold personality.

Materials: 

   Your canvas tennis shoes that need transformation 

   Design Inspiration (could be Pinterest, a shoe style have such as oxfords, drawings)

   Paint Brush

   Fabric Paint
   Masking Tape

Steps:
1) Place masking tape on the soles of your shoes to avoid painting them and remove your shoelaces.
Find your design inspiration and select your colors of fabric paint. The reason we are using fabric paint is because it will allow your shoes to be breathable and flexible.
2) Apply the first color of paint to your shoe. Allow to dry completely before applying your next color. Repeat the process until you have completed your design. I applied two coats of each color and allowed the shoes to dry completely before removing the masking tape.
3) Last, place the laces back in and wear your shoes out.

Now all you have to do is wait for the compliments to pour in. :) I'd love to see photos of your shoe remakes. 

 

Redesign Your Old Shoes: Glitter Ombre Design

     Cute canvas tennis shoes have been the latest craze the past two spring and summer seasons. There are a variety of styles ranging from solid to pattern. Personally, I like to purchase the solid colors because they can go with just about anything and can even add a pop of color to a simple outfit. Eventually at the end of the shoes' life, the color can start to fade or stain, or become boring. Instead of throwing this pair of shoes away, you can upcycle them, giving them a fresh new look reflecting your style or the latest trends. The design options are unlimited, as you can use fabric pens, sequins, glitter, patterned shoelaces, or fabric paint. 

     I have selected two different designs to redesign my shoes. The first design is an ombre glitter design because ever since I can remember, I've enjoyed sparkles, glitter, and shine whether it is apparel or accessories. This design was really neat, but it didn't work out how I originally planned, so I had to come up with my own instructions. I also found some improvements for the next glitter pair I make. 

        Supplies: 

               A Pair of old shoes, preferably white
               Masking Tape

               3 Containers of glitter in one shade from light to dark (See photo below)

               1 Container of fabric paint (I used acrylic before and it made the shoe stiff)

              Newspapers

               1 Paintbrush

Steps:

1) First take the laces out of the shoes to make it easier to paint. You will need place masking tape to cover the rubber soles to avoid getting paint on them. It will also allow you to make a straight line if needed. Lay your newspapers down, as this project is very messy.

2) Next section your shoe off to see where each color of glitter will start and end. In order to create an ombre effect, I started with the lightest color at the back of the shoe (from the heel to just before the tongue of the shoe), the medium shade in the middle, and the darkest color on the front (the toe and bottom of the laces). You want your colors to run together, so it looks transitional.  

 3) Starting at the back of the shoe, paint the section with white fabric paint. You want to make sure the area is covered pretty well, as this acts like the glue for the glitter. When I did my first pair of shoes, I used acrylic paint and tried to mix the glitter with the paint to paint it on. This resulted in a disaster because the glitter clumped, so I resulted to the paint and shake method.

4) Take the lightest color of glitter and shake it over the painted area. More is better to ensure you have maximum coverage. Shake off the excess. Repeat the paint and shake process with the other two glitter colors. 

5) Let Dry Overnight. I placed some Modge Podge sealer on, which added shine and helped seal some of the glitter, but it made my shoes kind of stiff.

6) Once they have dried completely, remove the masking tape, put your new shoelaces in and they are ready to wear.

    Put your new shoes on and wait for the compliments to roll in! You have a one-of-a-kind shoe, be prepared for some of the glitter to fall off. My glitter fell off at my crease lines, so I plan on adding more glitter in these areas. You know what they say “She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten.” ;)