This is not my first time at the shoe making rodeo. Typically I have made pairs for my children (booties and chucks), but from time to time I whip up a pair for myself (whale slip ons and cameo mary janes). After a recent trip to Nordstrom where I was eyeballing a pair of colorful Toms I had new shoes on the brain. Today over at BlogHer I spotlighted the most adorable pair of Toms made to look like owls and it sealed the deal - I must make myself some new shoes.
SUPPLIES
Plain Shoes (I got mine from Pearl River)
Quilting Yo-Yo's
Fabric Scraps
Fabric Fusion Glue
Paint Brush
Scissors
Water
The first thing I did was raid my stash of fabric scraps. I don't hardly sew a lick, but nothing gets me more excited than coming across a bag of vintage quilting fabric scraps at a flea market. I have used the scraps to make ping pong ball necklaces, bracelets and more. Anywhoo, get your scraps together. The more random the better as far as I am concerned.
Using Liquid Fusion glue I started attaching my scraps to my plain white shoes. I diluted my glue with water and applied it with a paint brush. I would trim, glue and brush as I went. There is no right or wrong way. The more wet the fabric is the easier it is to mold to your shoes.
One tip is to fold the strips over the edges of the shoes to give it a nice finished look.
Rather than covering the straps in scraps I opted for some vintage quilting yo-yo's that I had.
After the shoe is completely covered how you want it allow the shoes to dry completely.
After the shoes are dry they might be a little stiff. A few rounds in the washing machine and some everyday wear should help with that.
I could have spent $40 at the mall, but I like my own custom quilted pair of shoes even better.
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Craft on!
