I picked up some little black canvas sneakers at Walmart last month. I can’t quite remember what I paid for them… but they were on sale and I want to say it was about $3.00. I thought they were super cute, and that Daphne would want to wear them ASAP, but I was wrong. Apparently, they weren’t pretty enough. I tried multiple times to convince her that black is cool and mysterious- she told me I could have them if I wanted. If only I had little toddler feet…

So, clearly I had to make them “cool” or she wouldn’t wear them, so I got my fabric puff paint, acrylics, and pink ruffled elastic out. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to paint, but I was excited to see what would come of the whole project so I sat on the floor and let my creative process guide. Here’s what happened.

Removed white laces (she can’t tie them yet anyway) and white fabric puff painted (I used Tulip brand fabric paint) an outline. I put hearts on the inside of the heel to help her put them on the correct feet.

When the white paint was dry, I started in with the colors. I went with a purple and pink for the pedals. This is acrylic paint that I used a paintbrush to apply. I did not water down the paint and it took 2 or 3 coats to get the colors bright enough. As I said before, I love acrylic because it’s non-toxic, water based and permanent.

I used some pink ruffle elastic to replace the laces ( I know the camera strap is in that pic, but it’s the only one I took- so embarrassing.) I simply tied a knot in the end of the elastic and wove it in and out of the lace holes until it was done, the secured it with another knot. Now Daphne can put them on herself without needing to really do anything lace or velcro related.

This project was so fun and easy, I am definitely going to do this again- I have been thinking of other cute patterns to paint- fish? stars? paw prints? I think I am almost out of toilet paper, so a trip to Walmart is in my future… I’m going to swing through the shoe department and see what deals I can find.

Have you done this before? If you have, or if you try this, let me know!