July 24, 2010

Finally, a project!

I have been totally missing my sewing machine and my house full of things I want to craft and work on. I see all these cute projects gals are doing and I can't wait to get home and try some out. I finally did find one project that I could do in our little make shift home here and I'm really excited about it!

For a while now I've been wanting a pair of bright red flats but haven't found any that were exactly what I had in mind. Soooooo with all this DIY stuff going on I figured I'd make some! I've seen blogs where people spray paint shoes and I figured I'd try my hand at it. I found these little beauties for 50% off of $12.99 so I figured for $6.50 I could experiment and wouldn't be heartbroken if the whole thing was a disaster (but I really would have been).


I went to Wal Mart and bought some Krylon spray paint in Banner Red.  I taped off the sole of the shoe,
(I would strongly recommend using masking tape instead of scotch tape but like I mentioned our home is pretty skin and bones here and it's what I had. In hindsight I would have just bought some instead of buying the exacto knife I needed to scrape all the paint off the soles after it leaked through. Smart.)

stuffed the insides with paper towel and took it outside to paint.


I was surprised at how much the canvas fabric soaked in the paint and was actually a little skeptical that it would ever cover! If I were to do this again (and I will...) I would like to try a plastic/vinyl shoe and see how that covers. I let the shoes dry in between coats (and I  mean for like days.... ah when life gets in the way of projects.) and was really happy to see it finally start to cover the pattern. I used the entire can and actually wished I had a little more paint for a few touch ups. After all that I ended up with THESE! Sexy schmexy little red flats! Don't you want to hug and kiss them?


I had to take a little sand paper (who am I kidding, I used a nail file...) to the inside edges because the spray paint had dried kinda rough and was going to make hamburger of my heels but that totally did the trick and I wore them out to dinner with no problem. I'm pretty much in love with them and will be on the look out for my next pair of cheap flats to make-over. Think of all the colors and embellishments... mmmm!

Here's one more photo cause they're so darn cute and well, because those little toes are just as adorable!

12 comments:

  1. AnonymousJuly 24, 2010

    I loved the blog and I loved the shoes and I love those little toes and I love YOU!

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  2. AnonymousJuly 25, 2010

    A-dorable. I want to make some now! I bet shoes that are a little less "porous" would be easier and use less paint for your next ones. If you end up doing another bright color over a pattern, get a cheap grey primer, it will make a world of difference in how it covers. Also you should add our blog to the list of ones your read cuz you love us. Do I need to sign my name?

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  3. K, you DO need to sign your name!! I love you?? Tell me!! And thanks for the tips, no wonder I love you!

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  4. WOO HOO!! I LOVE THEM!!! They turned out AWESOME!!!!! I want a pair!! Too bad I have skiis for feet otherwise us sisters could share!! Darn it all!

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  5. Ok, I've got it!
    Someone I love + someone that knows a lot about paint = Cynthia!! Was it you? It was you!

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  6. Now that is a great idea!!!!!!!!!

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  7. Awesome! Who knew you could spray paint shoes! I'll be following you. :O)

    ~ www.billiemonster.com ~

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  8. I googled spray painted shoes to see if it was even a possibility, and I am stoked to do it now! I have the shoes and the yellow spray paint... after my kiddos go to sleep I will embark! i anm also excited i found your blog, I am your newest follower! you have a darling little blog!
    follow back at justinandashleyrefresh.com

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  9. I love you red ballet flats 👠❤️

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