Are you tired of plain white sneakers? Want to add some style to your Mary Jane shoes? Decorating shoes is a skill that doesn't cost much and you get a piece of wearable art. Read on to learn how to decorate shoes with paint, glitter or rhinestones, and try other fun ideas for all kinds of shoes.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Decorate with Paint
Step 1. Buy sneakers
The first thing that is needed to decorate shoes with paint is sneakers made of canvas. You can buy it in white, black, and many other color options in the store. Try buying several pairs so you can try out a few different designs, or try decorating just one pair for your masterpiece.
- You can buy sneakers with or without laces - both are equally well decorated.
- Paint old sneakers if you don't want to buy new ones. Painting shoes is a great way to bring your old shoes back to life.
Step 2. Choose paint
Fabric paint is designed to stick to the fabric used to make canvas shoes and many paint options are water repellent. Fabric paint can last a long time. You can buy them at art supply stores and these paints come in many colors.
Step 3. Create a design
Draw the design on a piece of paper before you start decorating the shoes. Plan what to paint on the upper, heel, and both sides of the shoe. Decide whether you will make the same design on each shoe or a different design. Here are a few ideas:
- Choose a pattern and color for the background. For example, you could paint a shoe with a star pattern over purple.
- Make the shoes two colors. Paint the toe and heel of the shoe the same color while the center of the shoe is a contrasting color.
- Create interesting shapes. Paint a picture of lips or a cut of watermelon on the front of the shoe.
- Create a silly design. Draw a banana on one shoe and a monkey's face on the other, or paint one shoe to resemble a crocodile's feet and the other to resemble a bear's hand.
Step 4. Draw your design in pencil on the shoe
Make a sketch in advance so that it is easier for you to paint it neatly. If you made a mistake while creating the image, you can delete it and try again.
Step 5. Paint the shoes
Pour paint of different colors into different containers. Use a small brush to apply the first color. Rinse the brush and apply the second color. Repeat until you've finished coloring the design you've drawn.
Step 6. Wait for the paint to dry
Wait a few hours for the paint to dry and you can put on the shoes you just decorated.
Method 2 of 3: Decorate with Glitter or Rhinestones
Step 1. Choose shoes to decorate
Glitter and rhinestones can be used to decorate all kinds of shoes - not just canvas shoes. Use glitter or rhinestones to make flip-flops, formal shoes, sneakers, or other types of shoes look more attractive.
Step 2. Purchase the necessary glue and tools
The only materials you need to decorate with glitter and rhinestones are glue and glitter and rhinestones of your choice. You can go to a craft supply store and buy the following items:
- Sprayed glue. This type of glue is easy to apply because you only need to spray it instead of applying it with a brush. You can use the painting method if you don't want to use sprayed glue.
- Glitter with one or more colors. Buy glitter in bulk to make sure your shoes are completely covered (if that's what you want).
- Rhinestones, buttons or other embellishments. Craft supply stores stock all sorts of rhinestones and other small items that have one flat surface making it easy to attach them to another. Choose this decoration in the color and shape you like.
Step 3. Decide what kind of design you will do
Covering the entire surface of the shoe with glitter is very eye-catching and is currently a trending trend. You can decorate your shoes this way or opt for a more muted design.
- Outline with glitter. You can apply glitter in a line along the top of the sole if you just want to add a little glitter.
- You can stick rhinestones over a glitter background.
- You can create glitter lines interspersed with lines made of rhinestone.
- Make a heart or star shape with rhinestones with glitter on the edges.
Step 4. Apply glue
Spray or apply the first shoe according to the design you made. If you apply glitter all over the shoe, you can spray glue all over the shoe. If you are making a pattern, only spray glue where it is.
- If you have to cover an area that shouldn't be exposed to glue, you can protect it with protective tape.
- For more complex designs, we recommend using a brush to apply a small amount of glue.
Step 5. Glue the glitter and rhinestones
Sprinkle glitter where you want it to be. For rhinestones, you just need to emphasize it to the surface of the shoe. To make sure the rhinestone sticks firmly, you can apply a small amount of glue to the underside before attaching it to the shoe.
Step 6. Repeat with the other shoe
When you have finished decorating the first shoe, you can decorate the second shoe.
Step 7. Let the shoes dry
Wait a few hours before putting on the shoes. Glitter and rhinestones are not machine washable and water resistant, so be careful when you wear these shoes.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Other Ideas
Step 1. Use a marker (try looking for the Sharpie brand) to decorate your shoes
You can choose black or buy a pack of colorful markers. Use this marker to write words, such as quotes, or create pictures.
- You can write poems or lyrics to your favorite songs.
- Draw caricatures of your favorite animal or celebrity.
- Ask friends to sign your shoes or scribble on yours.
Step 2. Buy unique lace
Lace is available in a variety of patterns and colors. You can find animal prints, circles, tie-dye, small characters, and all sorts of other unique designs.
- Instead of buying lace, how about making your own? Use ribbon, baker's twine, or pre-stitched fabric to make the lace.
- If your laces are plain white, you can decorate them too. Add a little rhinestone or glitter, or use fabric paint to create a pattern.
Step 3. Use super glue to attach the larger size decoration
Glue ribbons, buttons, and other embellishments to the shoes with super glue.
