If you love a good DIY project and you love shoes and accessories, then I can’t wait to show you this easy and fun way to add some personal flair to a pair of flats, boots, sneakers, or even a handbag!
As long as you can cut tape and dab on paint, this DIY is a great way to add a geometric print to lots of accessories.
Related: Check out our accessories archive for more ideas.
What type of shoes work best for this DIY?
- Shoes that are made of a suede or suede-like material work best for this project (flats like these are perfect and I used these pink boots), but the key is choosing a fabric that the tape will stick to and that the paint will soak into as well (so more fabric than shiny).
- Shoes that don’t have a lot of buckles or zippers. A few is fine if you can tape around them, but more of a blank canvas makes it easier.
Here’s a step-by-step for how I printed mine at home:
How to paint your shoes:
- Use painter’s tape to create a fun, geometric pattern. Think stripes or triangle or any shape you are comfortable cutting out about 50 times. 😉
- You can cut the tape pieces in half with varying lengths for a fun, irregular stripe. Or, like for these boots, you can tape off one side of the shoe by taping down the middle line and covering that one side with smaller strips in a checkerboard pattern.
- Be sure to press the edges of the tape over the seams around the sole and inside the shoe for the cleanest results.
- Use matte fabric paint (this one is my favorite) and a pouncer (my favorite way to do this) or small, flat brush to paint a coat over the entire surface.
- After you paint, let it dry, peel off the tape, and repeat on the other side—remember to cover zippers, heels, or any shoe edges that you don’t want painted with tape!
- When dry, remove the tape and reveal your design. Enjoy your new pair of shoes! It’s fun having a piece of clothing that no one else has.
Can I use this tutorial on other items?
- Yes!! If you follow the same fabric selection guidelines (faux suede or suede-like material, nothing really shiny), then you can also do this DIY on purses, jackets, skirts, or whatever you like!
You could also use star stickers to mask off an area for a fun pattern!
If you love the look but don’t want to go through all the steps, you can also go for a pair like this with the stripes already added.
Throw your new flats into a cute weekend bag and you’re ready for a road trip! xo. Elsie
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tape works best for this?
While washi or masking tape will work for this project, I would use painter’s tape, as it tends to have the best sealing quality to keep the paint out of your blocked areas and is strong enough to be peeled off easily.
If you use washi tape, just make sure it is a thicker variety so it doesn’t shred into small pieces when you try to peel it off.
Can I touch up the paint on my shoes as needed?
Yes! Keep some of the fabric paint and and dab a bit on as needed as they wear or tape off areas again and repaint as needed.
Looking for other ways to transform a pair of shoes? Check out these posts!
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 1 pair of shoes (suede or faux suede is best)
- matte fabric paint (any color)
- painter's tape (or masking tape/washi tape)
- sponge pouncer (or a foam brush/small flat brush)
Instructions
- Use painter’s tape to create a fun, geometric pattern.
- You can cut the tape pieces in half with varying lengths for a fun, irregular stripe. Or, you can tape off one side of the shoe by taping down the middle line and covering that one side with smaller strips in a checkerboard pattern.
- Be sure to press the edges of the tape over the seams around the sole and inside the shoe for the cleanest results.
- Use matte fabric paint and a pouncer, or small, flat brush to paint a coat over the entire surface.
- After you paint, let it dry, peel off the tape, and repeat on the other side—remember to cover zippers, heels, or any shoe edges that you don’t want painted with tape!
- When dry, remove the tape and reveal your design. Enjoy your new pair of shoes!
I’ll let u kno how mine come out. My current total # of shoes/boots is @ 327. If I bring another new pair in2 my house… I’ll be divorced – thanx my brain is racing with ideas already.
Me encanta y es lo primero que voy a hacer
I love the flat shoes that you did with the abstract look and I understand that you painted over the entire shoe with a different color fabric paint, but what I dont get is why did the masking tape design change? That’s what I’m NOT getting..
Thanks
Love the color of the flats! Super cute! They look awesome painted too 🙂
XO Nat
http://www.natinlove.com?cm=1
Nat in Love
great idea. 🙂
http://www.style-ettos.blogspot.in
Interesting!
Sarah=)
www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage
They look amazing! This is awesome idea! I love it! My flats are so boring :D, but with this will look awesome!
xx
Biskvittka.blgospot.com
Great idea!!! XO! ♥
These are beautiful! Now to dig out all of those old shoes that I have lying around… *raids the shoe cupboard*
these are so cute love the teal color best they look straight from the store. I want some will have to do this thanks for the idea! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
I really love this… it’s beautiful and looks so doable (enough that I will actually try it!) Thanks 🙂
WOW! I just love your new made shoes!! You’d never be able to tell they were originally the first shoe! =)
These are so cute! I just got a bunch of paint on a pair of flats (I work at a preschool) so I’m definitely going to have to put this project on my to-do list now! 🙂
I love this idea because it’s so difficult to find flats that have an interesting pattern
Really want to try these! So fun, and sounds (!) easy too! Love how it all stacks up so well in the bag!
Beautiful flats, I can’t wait to try this DIY soon!
Jess
http://deepinthemeadows.com
You girls certainly got some great ideas, well done and keep up the great work
Such a cute and simple diy! Love it 🙂
♥Brooke
http://youreinbrookelynn.blogspot.com/
Lovely way to make some plain flats unique! Makes me want some more flats.
Now I have another excuse (like I needed one, haha) to go shopping for some cheap flats to be customized to my own taste.
I hope you had tons of fun in your new cute flats. 🙂
xx Kaisa
http://reindeertrails.blogspot.com.es