Paint Your Kicks

Let your shoes proclaim your love of wearable art and make a bold statement! (Translation: be prepared for everyone to notice your cool shoes.) In this workshop we will use a very specific method for creating designs and applying quality products to shoes so that your design lasts for years, rain or shine (tested in Seattle). The techniques learned will make you want to design a pair to go with every casual outfit you wear. You are encouraged to have a “theme” in mind for your shoes. Think funky, elegant, or whimsical for a design; drawing skills are not necessary to create artsy shoes.

Kit Fee: $7

Supply List:

• Pair of new or used, dark-colored shoes or clogs (black are best) in good condition; choose cheap ones for your first pair (i.e., don’t bring your Docs). Avoid boots or sandals. Choose a plain design without a lot of details, buckles, etc. They can be leather OR synthetic leather; some stitching is OK and could become a design element.
• Basic tools: pencil, assorted paint brushes from tiny detail up to 1/4” wide
• Container(s) for water
• Small paint pallet for mixing colors
• 4-6 small, clean rags (I recycle old t-shirts by cutting them up) plus baby wipes
• Cheap painter’s mask (for mouth/nose during the varnishing step—we’ll try to go outdoors if weather permits)
  
  Optional:
• simple stencils, bold rubber stamps and Staz-on inkpad, or simple images to trace if not comfortable with drawing the images
  
  Kit Fee Includes:
• leather shoe paint and sealer to finish a pair of shoes.
  
  Teacher Will Bring:
• Non-toxic leather paint—I use a very specific type and brand, NO craft paints!
• Non-toxic (but kind of stinky) acrylic sealer
• Extra stencils, rubber stamps, inks
• Tracing paper, sand paper
• Paper towels, newspapers
• Small cups of paint (it takes surprisingly little)