Paint Fabric Shoes

Plain fabric shoes are a canvas for the budding fashion artist and it's a creative opportunity you shouldn't pass up. Grab a pair of plain white fabric shoes, some fabric paints, and a few decorative pieces and start improving your shoe wardrobe from today!

Steps

Painting shoe designs

Coming up with a design

1. Decide on a design for the shoes. It's best to keep the design simple, especially when you're new to this. Some design ideas that might inspire your own include:
   • Polka dots
   • Stripes
   • Squiggles
   • Circles
   • Bows
   • Smiley faces
   • Simple animal shapes, such as a cat face outline with whiskers, Scotty dog outline or a snake.

Preparing for painting

1. Remove the shoelaces from the fabric shoes if they have them. If the shoe is very soft, such as those shown in the photos, stuff each shoe with paper to keep the shoe shape while working on it. Canvas tennis or sports shoes will be stiffer to work with than those shown. This may make for an easier canvas to paint on without needing to be stuffed.
   • If you are concerned about paint getting on the soles, cover with painters or masking tape.
2. Draw the chosen design onto the shoes. Use pencil to do this, or a fine fabric pen. You may find it easiest to trace around a template or through a stencil if you're not so crash hot at freehand drawing. Stencils can be especially helpful for more complex or exacting designs. Or, you can paint directly with a stencil (see separate method below).
   • Designs can be outlined with a fine-tipped marker pen. However, it is advised to test a small area first, to see if the pen runs.
3. Pour the fabric paint(s) into suitable containers or a palette. Alternatively, use fabric paint pens, which are less messy and often easier to use; they can be applied direct from the pen.
   • Choose colors that match well together and don't clash.
   • You can use acrylic paints but you must add acrylic primer first, or the paint won't stick. The primer takes about an hour to dry.

Painting the shoes

1. Apply fabric paint to the shoes, following the design that you've decided upon (see above for ideas).
   • For adding delicate lines and free form drawings, use a slim, fine paintbrush.
   • For dots/polka dots, dip the end of a pencil, cotton bud or dowel stick direct into the paint and press in place on the shoe. Or, see the specific method provided below.
   • If using a stencil, refer to the specific method below.
2. Allow each shoe to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
3. Add a sealant. To ensure that the design stays intact and is durable, choose a suitable fabric sealant. For example, Mod Podge Outdoor or Scotchguard will protect shoes; read the label for application specifics.

Finishing up

1. Once dried, restore the shoelaces, if relevant. Alternatively, use patterned or colorful ribbon instead or any other form of cord, cut fabric, snipped zips, etc., in place of laces.
   • Another alternative is to use pre-printed shoelaces which already have a cute design on them.
   • Beads can be threaded onto shoelaces or ribbon for an added decorative effect. Don't add too many, though, about three large ones is sufficient.
2. Wear the shoes with a matching outfit. Enjoy showing off your designs to friends and strangers.

Spotty shoes

Easy and cute, add spots to make your canvas shoes a lot funkier in a short space of time.

1. Purchase small dot stickers. Choose the exact size that you want the dots to be on your shoes.
2. Stick the dots on the shoes exactly where you want them. Add as many or as few as you'd like. When they're all in place, draw around them in pencil, to leave behind the pattern.
   • Be sure to add a few dots that "disappear" at the edges; this gives the impression of an evenly spaced pattern.
3. Remove the stickers. The remaining outlines will now guide the painting.
4. Use a small, fine paintbrush to paint inside each of the drawn circles. Keep them within the lines and paint them neatly. Keep the edges well rounded.
5. Continue until all of the spots have been painted in place. Allow to dry thoroughly.
6. Add a sealant. To ensure that the design stays intact and is durable, choose a suitable fabric sealant. For example, Mod Podge Outdoor or Scotchguard will protect shoes; read the label for application specifics.
7. Enjoy your new spotty shoes. They're bound to be a lot funkier than the plain ones you had before.

Painting stencils on shoes

1. Print, purchase or make the stencil. Decide on the design you'd like on your shoe, then either look for a stencil in a store or online, or draw up your own. Cut or press it out, as appropriate.
2. Place the stencil on the shoe where you want the stencil design to be added. If it's liable to move, tape it down onto the shoe, to ensure that it won't budge.
3. Color through the stencil pieces using fabric paint pens. When you're done, carefully remove the stencil to reveal the completed design.
4. Shift to another part of the shoe if adding other stencils. Repeat the process.
   • If repeating a stencil on the opposite shoe, reverse it so that it mirrors the flow of the design rather than repeats it exactly.
5. When you're happy with the design, allow the paint to dry.
6. Add a sealant. To ensure that the design stays intact and is durable, choose a suitable fabric sealant. For example, Mod Podge Outdoor or Scotchguard will protect shoes; read the label for application specifics.
7. Done. The shoes are now finished and ready for wearing.

Tips

• Choose easy designs, such as large geometric shapes, for younger kids to do, so that they feel capable. They'll love wearing shoes they've designed themselves.
• Areas of shoes that you don't want painted can be covered off with painters or masking tape.
• If you are really good at painting fabric shoes, others might ask you to make some for them. This can be a great way to develop a small online craft business if you're good at it.
• Adding sealant to the finished shoes is optional but highly recommended. The paint will wear off quickly if it is not protected from the elements and wear and tear.

Warnings

• Print from newspaper can leave smudges on white fabric if you're not careful. You might choose butchers paper instead, if you need to stuff weaker shoes.

Things You'll Need

• Plain fabric shoes, with or without shoelaces
• Pencil for outlining designs, make sure it is a light one
• Fabric paints (in any colors you like, including fluorescent); fabric paint pens are best for stencils and fine designs (acrylic paint can also be used but you'll need to prime the shoes first, using an acrylic primer; if you don't do this, the paint has nothing to stick to)
• Newspaper, tissue paper or paper towels
• Decorative items such as beads, ribbons, glitter, etc. (optional)
• Cotton buds, pencil or a wooden dowel piece

Related Articles

• Get Paint Off Canvas Shoes
• Accessorize Plain White Shoes
• Decorate Shoes
• Paint Your Shoes

See also

• Bedazzle Shoes
• Lace Boots
• Lace Shoes
• Color Your Converse
• Make Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers
• Bleach Colored Canvas Shoes
• Add Homemade Ankle Straps to High Heels
• Tie Your Shoe Laces Differently
• Customize Your Shoes
• Make Glitter Shoes

Read more ...