During the summer, graduate student Katie Hartnett had some free time — so she decided to paint a pair of shoes.
No expert by any means, Hartnett said she saw the idea on Pinterest and decided to try it for herself.
“I don’t have any art background, really anyone can do it as along as you have the time to put into it,” Hartnett said.
She ordered the supplies and ended up making about 10 pairs of shoes for herself and to sell.
“I’ve always done crafty things when I get bored,” Hartnett said.
Hartnett told The State News her method to creating a unique pair of shoes so other people could try it for themselves.
“They’re super unique and then you can have it be whatever you want,” Hartnett said.
You will need:
A pair of canvas shoes
Acrylic paints or fabric markers
Paint brushes
Old newspaper to cover the work area
Acrylic finisher to seal in your design
Step 1: Gather the materials.
Find a pair of shoes to decorate. An old pair of vans or converse will work. Or, Target sells a variety of plain-colored canvas sneakers in prices ranging from $13.99 to $16.99. For acrylic paint or fabric markers, Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts, Hobby Lobby or Michaels sell a variety of colors. To paint detailed designs, small paintbrushes will also be useful. Most of these materials can also be found at craft stores.
Step 2: Prepare the workspace.
Crafts are inevitably messy, so it’s best to put down old newspapers or rags to protect any floors or furniture from being damaged in the workplace.
Step 3: Paint your design!
Stripes, Aztec print, polka-dots — try whatever design you like best. Hartnett chose to use a variety of colors and create an Aztec design on her shoes because she said it was easier for her. You could make the shoes even more customized by adding your initials or other designs that fit your personality.
Step 4: Seal in the design with acrylic finisher.
After painting your custom masterpiece on the shoe, the last thing you want is for it to rub off onto something else or be ruined by mud or water. Spray your shoe with an acrylic finisher, which can be found at craft stores, to keep the design in place.
Step 5: Impress your friends and family by wearing the shoes.
Every design is unique, so wearing these new, customized shoes will have your friends and family asking you to make them a pair!
