Little Lou-Lou gets very attached to her shoes , they always seam to wear out before she is ready to
retire lay them to rest so we have gotten creative(can you believe).
This is the result of water puddle jumping, jungle gym climbing, and some crazy fast bike riding. I assure you these month old shoes have earned each and every scuff. But as loved as they are I refuse to let Lou-Lou wear these outside the house which brought her to tears but since we have been down this road before(the black patine leather--ugh!--) I knew just what to do.
Their is nothing that can't be made pretty with a little paint! While I was "being creating" my husband commented that we would never get out of the mall because everyone was going to stop us and ask where we got those shoes. I passed his comment off as part of his relentless support but as we walked through the mall i was stopped several times.
Here s How You Can Do It!
Upcycle or Recycle those worn out Shoes In to A wearable work of art.
No artiest skill required, Only the ability to think like a child.
I use everyday craft paint or artiest acrylics or just any paint i have near by. It should be noted that painting the shoes will not make them armor plated and they will get scuffed again which is why you should just have fun with this, the only person you need impress is your child. If your shoe is dark in color (black, brown,navy) choose paint colors that are bright. If light in color choose colors that are complimentary to the shoe style or an outfit they are to be worn with.
A small paint brush or brushes is/are required as that the shoes are small.andd uhh yes a good paint brush will make things a little easier but use what you have.
A little cup of water and a few paper towels are uses to wipe paint from brushes when switching paint colors and the water can be used to thin thick acrylic paint
.
Now do Your thing MaMa. If you have trouble with the way your design looks try going back and outlining your with a dark color, you can use a Sharpie if you like just make sure your paint is dry. If you are doing polka-dots apply them is threes so that you do not accidentally make dotted lines. Do the entire shoe then go back and tweak it. As with any art just go with it, use your mistakes to create something new or let them dry and go back over them or if you can wipe them off, just don't be so hard on yourself that you keep wipeing them off , you may never finish if you don't leave something on the shoe.
The final step is the most important. If you have used any paint that is matte or dull in color don't worry Just use a Clear glossy glaze. Or if for you like that look use a matte glaze. You must seal your design, this can be done with and clear glaze. I use a clear acrylic made to seal feaux finishes on walls or a spray on gloss. Any clear glossy paint will do just make sure that the shoes are dry before doing this or your design will smear.
Your Child will love these. I let mine help but i know not every one can do this. Her little sloppy dolka-dots make her smile when she looks down at her feet. I am OK as long as the scuffs are covered.
Try this its fun and makes for a great conversation starter for both you and your child.
