SHOE MODS

MADE SIMPLE

Check out these easy ways to make your shoes all your own. BY IVORY EILEEN

A doodle is a type of sketch, an unfocused drawing made while a person’s attention is otherwise occupied. They are simple drawings that can have a meaning, a shape, or just irregular forms. —Wikipedia

The doodler in my house is my sweetheart, Mike T. He’s always drawing on something. I ask him, “Can you put some color into my shoes, maybe match them to my skirt?” and in about 5 minutes I have a brand-new pair of shoes — custom! Here are two easy ways you can do it, too.

LEFT: Stencils and spray paint. RIGHT: Doodles!

Stencils and Spray Paint
MATERIALS
» Newspaper
» Tape Masking tape works well.
» Stencils These can be store-bought, such
as drafting templates, or you can make your
own by drawing designs on cardstock and
cutting them out.
» Spray paint Any kind will work.

NOTE: You must be 18 or older to buy spray paint in the store. If you can’t get spray paint, just use the Sharpie paint pens with your stencil.

1. Cover your work area with newspaper.

2. Tape off any part of the shoe where you don’t want the paint to go. If there are buttons or straps that should stay the way they are, tape them up. You can also stuff the shoes with newspaper; this helps the surface stay firm and keeps the paint out.

 

3. Hold the stencil firmly against the surface of the shoe, shake the can of paint first, then give a little

spray. (You can test the spray first on the newspaper before you really go for it!)

Wipe the wet paint off the stencil with some newspaper — always keep it dry! — and spray again.

 

4. You can layer stencils, for instance yellow moons and red stars, to make your shoes multicolored.

Doodle by Hand with Paint Pens

Photograph by Sam Murphy, illustrations on shoes by Mike Thibault

MATERIALS
» Sharpie oil-based paint markers
These come in 4 sizes and 15 colors.

1. Have fun, and doodle away!

Yes, that’s all there is to it! Random lines, shapes, and patterns don’t require a big plan or very much thought. Just think about the color scheme: what colors will work well together, and whether they’ll go with your favorite handbag.

 

Ivory Eileen is an art docent and jewelry-maker living in Sonoma County, Calif. You can see her work at paperorganics.com.