Recycling footwear

This is excerpted from the Sewing.Org newsletter:

"Monthly SEW-lution: Shoe Painting

Reuse, Remake, Restyle applies to shoes too! Instead of throwing them away, why not refurbish an old pair of shoes with paint. Specifically manufactured paints are available, but artists=92 acrylics formulated to dry flexible can also be an option. First, clean shoes with a non- soapy product, air dry, then wipe with a specially-formulated de- glazer. Acetone nail polish remover can be substituted if necessary. Fill gouges or blemishes with a product available for this purpose, let dry then use very fine sand paper to gently smooth the repair. Many applicators can be used but a 1/2=94 flat bristle brush works best for getting into tight areas, especially around the soles. Wrap the shoe with craft netting and use a sponge to randomly dab on various colors to produce a snakeskin effect. Use two or three coats of paint with a minimum of one hour drying time between coats. Never use a hair dryer or heat gun as this can damage the paint. Let shoes dry twenty four hours before coating with flexible varnish, neutral shoe wax or furniture polish. Acrylic finishers in matte, satin, gloss or high gloss are also available. Always consult manufacturer=92s instructions for compatibility with leather, suede, vinyl or synthetics."............

Another way to accessorize? jennellh

Reply to
Jennifer in Ottawa
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Funny that I have seen several references to painting shoes lately. During the late 1970's when I was writing for the craft industry there was a product sold especially for painting shoes. I remember doing an article on this subject and illustrating it with a pair of red cowboy boots I bought at the resale shop. On one boot I followed the stitching pattern and painted the toe area blue and a decorative area white. The photograph showed the original solid red shoe and the painted shoe side by side. The idea of painting shoes did not go over with the consumer and the major paint company dropped the leather paint from their line. Guess it is time to recycle that article.

Susan

Reply to
Susan Laity Price

When I was younger (1970s) and more fashion conscious, and everything had to be co-ordinated, I used to change the colour of my shoes regularly. It was much cheaper than buying new shoes for a one off occasion.

Reply to
DiMa

Reply to
Jennifer in Ottawa

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