O/T - DIY - Upcycle your tennis shoes into a Summer Fashion Statement

NaturalBornWoman · ‎10-21-2012

I must say this project turned out to be one of my most popular ones among my best GF's. We're like "S^x in the City" plus TWO! Every year we have our annual holiday gift exchange over a big fondue of cheese & my homemade Challah while the wine flows. This past season I gifted the girls with these hand painted oxford tennis shoes in various color combos tailored to their individual likes. Never have I heard so many grown women scream with glee & jump up & down like little girls - LoL! Needless to say, they liked them - really, really, liked them.

I buy most of my "craft" tennis shoes on sale or clearance (slip on's & lace-up's)@ stores like Target, Kohl's, Payless or Walmart where you can find good quality brands with comfort in mind. Fabric paint sales are year round @ my local Michaels & JoAnn's Fabric where I also find the stray used to waterproof.

Below are links to "How to" videos. Plan to post some tips & more pics (more designs such as Damask & Tribal) as I locate them within my computer archives. These are fashion forward & darn cute for any girl of any age. Hope this post will inspire at least a few to try something new & wear something fun - Enjoy!

(Just yesterday, while wearing my Black & Tan's @ the grocery - 5 women were asking where to buy - the lady right behind me in the check out line followed me all the way to my car - she just had to ask & I was thrilled to share).

/> Never knew there is a difference between an Oxford & a Derby until this project <a href= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKvaRfffjqA Black & Tan Oxford

http://momspark.net/faux-painted-oxfords-diy/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qB6KBNSs2c Tan & White Oxford

/> Give me a WK or Posh sweater & jeans & my painted oxfords - Ready, Set, Go!

NaturalBornWoman · ‎10-21-2012

Youtube video of Damask design

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNOmwtMmdno

I did these in the classic Black & White on a pair of slip on's - you can find many, many damask print samples on the Web. Making your own stencil is easy; just trace using mylar- then cut out with a very sharp x-acto knife.

muttmom · ‎11-28-2012

These are adorable. If only this type of tennis shoe was comfortable. Even Keds start hurting me after awhile.

golding76 · ‎05-19-2012

So clever and fun, NBW! Your friends are lucky to receive such mirthful footwear.

ROMARY · ‎04-28-2010

More DIY's from more posters!

'More or less', 'Right or wrong', 'In general', and 'Just thinking out loud ' (as usual).

mkinpa · ‎10-07-2010

Some great ideas- looking at the damask to color coordinate with IM floral cardigans or the Linea Butterfly Cardigan. So much potential-thanks!

We love DIY at work and I am going to forward this idea- did you see the the Starry Night sneakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s70ss2Wt9TM

or the Union Jack- for my DD- who loves all things British Rock. I may try the taping technique for a chevron effect- or the even some simple dots for a polka dot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlouFRGuhac

NaturalBornWoman · ‎10-21-2012

MK in PA - Speaking of polka dots; I revamp'd old 'favorite' jeans for a friend's daughter using a bleach pen - super cute - she loves 'em! Make a 1 1/2"" square to engineer the layout of each dot - simple & fast project!

http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2013/10/21/diy-polka-dot-denim-spruce-up-old-jeans.html

NaturalBornWoman · ‎10-21-2012

More ideas for you MK in PA

http://scraphacker.com/diy-sneakers/

I love the Missoni inspired look - prefer differing values of same hue. This link also has DIY polka dot tennis shoes

Enjoy!

mkinpa · ‎10-07-2010

Love it! Off to look for sneakers- Kmart used to have a decent selection and resonably priced. Who knew all the projects- thanks again for the post. I am actually looking forward to Monday to share at work!