I mentioned last week that I have been competing in the One Crafty Contest over at One Artsy Mama and the last challenge we had involved Mod Podge! When Amy revealed the main ingredient for this challenge I knew right away I wanted to make over a pair of shoes! It’s something I’ve never done before and this was the perfect opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and try something new. Sadly, these little shoes didn’t get me into the top 10, but I still love them anyways :)
I’ve had this pair of Steve Madden wedges for close to seven years and even though I haven’t worn them for the last three, I haven’t been able to part with them because they are seriously one of the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. Which makes them the perfect candidate for this makeover.
I found the gray linen fabric in my craft supply and paired it with a contrasting floral print (If you’ve been around a while you’ll notice the fabric is left over from my Tempo Mambo curtain debacle). I used Fabric Mod Podge to adhere the fabric to the shoes, then adorned them with a fabric flower and thumb tack studs to give them a little an edgy look. The makeover was a success and I can’t wait to wear my favorite shoes again!
And I know you are wondering what they looked like before, so here they are in all their glory:
Seriously, what a transformation. These just went from completely worn and about to head to the Goodwill, to a new pair of bright and cheerful wedges for summer!
I think half of my closet is gray, so these shoes will be the perfect match to several of my outfits AND they will add a bit of color.
I used thumbtacks to appear as studs to create an edgy look and cover up the seam.
If you are curious just how I did this transformation, you are in luck because I actually did a tutorial for this one! Here’s how.
1. Start with a pair of old shoes. I started with an old pair of wedges that were on their way to the Goodwill. Good thing I never made it to the drop off because I am so glad I was able to give these little puppies a makeover.
For this project I used Fabric Mod Podge, but I think the outdoor one would work well too, especially for shoes.
2. I cut two (four total) strips of fabric for the each side of the shoe.
3. Apply a generous amount of Mod Podge to one side of the fabric.
4. I wrapped the fabric around the shoe and smoothed out the bubbles and creases.
5. I folded the fabric along the edges to make a clean line and trimmed the excess fabric.
6. To cover the toe, I cut a u-shape piece of fabric and (used the same technique as above) placed the fabric over the toe and smoothed it out.
7. I wrapped the fabric all the way onto the sole of the shoe (you’ll trim it at the end).
8. To cover the wedge, I cut two pieces of fabric in the shape of the wedge. To get the right shape, I placed the fabric onto the wedge and traced the outline of the area.
9. Place a generous layer of Mod Podge onto the fabric and wrap the wedge. I cut the excess fabric from the bottom during this stage.
10. Smooth it out until it makes a perfect seam with the first layer.
11. I didn’t want one detail going unnoticed with these shoes, so I made new inserts to make them feel brand new again!
And here is a quick little flower tutorial.
12. Cut 8 circles (total) and 8 slightly smaller circles (total) and 2 circles for the bases.
13. Place a dot of hot glue inside the wrong side of the fabric and quarter fold it. And here’s a newsflash, I’m not perfect and neither are my circles so I trimmed them once I got to this stage.
14. Using one of the bases, hot glue each quarter fold onto the base.
15. 4 folds will make a complete circle.
16. Repeat steps 13-15 with the smaller circles and hot glue them directly onto the larger ones.
17. Add a few thumbtacks for an embellishment and you are done! Instead of a thumbtacks you could use a bead or button!
And lastly (not pictured), place the thumbtacks around the seam where the two fabrics meet for an added touch.
I really enjoyed this project because it was something new and I got a new pair of shoes out of it. Bonus. I highly encourage everyone to try it. I would love to see your projects when you are done!
Linking to some of the parties here along with Today’s Creative Blog, TipJunkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Funky Junk Interiors, My Repurposed Life, The CSI Project
Sorry you didn’t get through in the competition:( I voted for these shoes!
You did a fantastic job on them and I love the pop of colour from the floral print!!!
Oh my goodness, those are SOOO cute! You got robbed :o) But I must thank you for introducing me to Fabric Modge Podge, I’m not sure I knew about that one!!
Laura Beth recently posted..PicMonkey Collage Features
What an amazing transformation! I love these!!
Mod Podge Amy recently posted..Five more blogs to visit.
Love the shoes! Great idea to mod podge them.
Jill recently posted..Photoshoot and Photoshop
What a great job again! I love the pop colour against the grey xxx
How fun! Love the idea.
mari recently posted..Summer Kick Off Buckets of Fun!
Holy smokes these shoes are hot! I can’t believe that you can cover shoes like this. I can think of 5 pair that need a transformation right now!
We would love for you to share these in our Crafty Showcase (Sat-Thur) with the Featured links on Friday. It would be an honor if you would stop over and link up this fun crafty idea post or any others you want to share! We really l love stopping in at your blog!
Have a great weekend!
Susie
http://bowdabrablog.com/2012/06/02/saturday-showcase-craft-projects-4/
Susie @Bowdabra recently posted..Saturday Showcase: Craft Projects
These turned out really awesome! I love the fabrics you used. I have a pair of shoes that needs this treatment!
Christine recently posted..What’s Blooming in My Garden: Late May
Taryn! These are darling! Oh, my heart goes pitter patter for a cute pair of shoes :) I might have to try this, now that I have a huge box of Mod Podge supplies :) Thanks!!
Holly @ My Sister’s Suitcase recently posted..Our "Twin Onesie" Poll Results…
clever use of fabric! I didn’t know they made mod podge for fabric. :)
great job
gail
gail recently posted..Jamie’s Vintage Rocking Chair Makeover
You would never guess that they were the same pair of shoes!! They look amazing! We are so glad you joined our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday”. We love to see all of the great recipes and ideas!! Thanks and we hope to see you again next week! -The Sisters
That is quite the transformation! I love the color combo you chose.
Vivienne @ The V Spot recently posted..Upcycle an old bottle to make a dish soap dispenser.
Taryn those are so awesome!!! I never in a million years would have thought of that! You are just so creative and I think the color combo on them is fantastic. Well done my friend! :-)
Vanessa
Vanessa recently posted..When you don’t have a white kitchen…
Love what you did to the wedge! I’ve re-done flats, but never considered something with a heel, but it looks awesome!
These turned out really really cute!!!
Taryn! These are FAB.U.LOUS!
Seriously, love them, girl.
I have this on my to-do list (though, when I’ll get around to them, i don’t know), and I’m kicking myself for giving away the perfect pair of wedges I could have copycatted the print idea on.
Ah well. I’m sure I’ll find something that will work! : )
Abbie (Five days…5 ways) recently posted..Try-it Tuesday: A Love Story {Part 2}—Testing the waters
Super cute!
OH MY!! It doesn’t even look close to being the same pair of shoes!! LOVE IT!!
You better be planning on sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! :)
Christine recently posted..From Dream To Reality – Linky Party #19
Those shoes are SO FLIPPIN CUTE! Awesome job! We would love to have you link up at our party.
http://www.ourdiydiaries.com/2012/05/fab-not-drab-friday_24.html
Jen
Jen @ Our DIY Diaries recently posted..Work on You Wednesday
These are adorable- so fun!! I would love for you to share this (and any other creations) at Pin It and Win It Wednesday @ http://www.cheapcraftymama.com!
Kate recently posted..Picture Frame Tray {easy}
Featuring you, Taryn! : )
Abbie (Five days…5 ways) recently posted..5 Things Thursday: A Love Story {Part 4}—The Rest of the Story
Absolutely ADORE this!! Hope you can link this up at my new linky party Trendy Tuesday!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2012/06/trendy-tuesday-4.html
Sara recently posted..Trendy Tuesday #4
These are absolutely WONDERFUL! I’m featuring you tomorrow on DailyDoItYourself.com ;)
Erin @ How to Nest for Less recently posted..Just a Party with My Peeps {#18}
SO cute!! What a clever idea!
Emily recently posted..Instagram Inspired Gift {Tutorial!}
I love these and sooo need to try it for myself!