DIY shoes?

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I was working on a few projects earlier this week and one of them inluded Metallic acrylic paint. For some reason, when I saw my target wedges later that evening, a light bulb went off in my head.
Maybe I’ll paint the “toes” of my shoes? (because who doesn’t think that on a daily basis?)

I really don’t know what I was thinking, but I happen to own a pair of wedges (in patent) that are nearly identical to these target ones, so I thought, “if it doesn’t work, oh well!”
Well, it worked. And I was actually impressed with the straight line I was left with! Tape adheres to suede well, so there was no chance of any paint seeping under it.

This project doesn’t really need a tutorial: all I did was tape off the tips of my shoes and paint it. I pulled the tape before the paint dried, and then let the shoes dry completely.
And I kind of liked them! I never in my life would have thought that “painted” shoes would be something I’m comfortable wearing in public. . .mostly because I figured you could usually tell if they were authentic or not.

But in this case, the mixture of the rose gold metallic paint and the suede shoes–it works. I can’t explain it.


I wore these yesterday and one of my clients complimented them. I immediately followed up her compliment with,”Thank you! I painted them yesterday.”
Her jaw dropped and she knelt down immediately to get a closer look. 

I think these shoes passed the “DIY but doesn’t really look like it” test.

So get to work, you owners of plain shoes. Paint those suckers.

*a few of you asked on instagram how these would hold up with scuffing. while I haven’t scuffed them yet, I would imagine you just fill in the scuffs with more paint, should it happen.

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A Wedding Story says · 11.29.12

Only you would think of this!! They turned out really awesome…who would have thought?!

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Jill says · 11.29.12

I think I want to be you when I grow up, lol.
Super cool!

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wakeywakeysunshine says · 11.29.12

Kate- Love this idea.. So simple, yet it looks awesome!

Have a good Thursday!

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Christie @ Pathtothehalf says · 11.29.12

Super cute! And on a side note I am attempting one of your hair tuts today! Fingers crossed 🙂

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Kate says · 11.29.12

good luck!

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Genelle says · 11.29.12

Genius! I have a pair of suede flats that are all beat up in the front. I might take a page out of your book now. 🙂

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Rebecca says · 11.29.12

Cute! I’ve wanted to do that, but was unsure about what paint to use. Good to know that the Martha Stewart paint works! She has the best colors 🙂

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Mrs. J says · 11.29.12

So cute! Love the outfit too…. can you label it all out so we can copy…. ???

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Kate says · 11.29.12

Loft jeans, J.Crew factory cardigan, old Banana Republic top and the diy shoes!

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Jenna says · 11.29.12

CUTE!

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Rachel says · 11.29.12

I actually painted a pair of flats that I had a few months about because they were stained with salt from sidewalks. I just painted them a shimmery blue all over and I love them! It was an easy way to get shoes in the exact color I wanted–and they do get a lot of compliments, for sure, because they look so unique!

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Debra says · 11.29.12

Kate, these look great! I really like them. Maybe you could add a clear coat of paint to protect them. Just a thought. Great post!

[email protected]

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Kate says · 11.29.12

I’m not sure that they need it? Painting on suede is pretty permanent!

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still being [molly] says · 11.29.12

LOVE it! i have actually done this to a couple pairs of shoes – but i started with like a cheap $5 pair of imitation keds from Walmart to make sure i knew what i was doing. i liked the result so i did it some more. it’s kind of addicting once you start. lol!!

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Heather Carson says · 11.29.12

perfect way to spice up some kicks!

xo – heather
http://www.ThisLifeIsYours.com

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Courtney says · 11.29.12

I love these! Such a fantastic idea!

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HMB says · 11.29.12

I did this to a pair of Target flats earlier this summer and they’re adorable!! I used spray paint and a gloss finish. The paint does crack a little but not enough that’s it’s obvious and I plan on just putting another coat on at some point. They’re in the right column in this post… http://pineapplesandpearls.blogspot.com/2012/08/august-so-far-via-instagram.html

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Katherine says · 11.29.12

I’m so excited – I already have the paint & an old pair of Target suede wedges that need some new life. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

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Catie @ Catie's Corner says · 11.29.12

Soo cute, Kate! They turned out gorgeous.

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{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four says · 11.29.12

FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Anonymous says · 11.29.12

cute!

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SIENA.STYLE says · 11.29.12

wow that looks so cute:)
kisses from Milano
http://sienastyle.blogspot.it/

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Just What Jess is Up to says · 11.29.12

So cute! Love it! 🙂 Did you get the paint at a craft store?

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Christina says · 11.29.12

So cute!

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Rebecca Fletcher says · 11.29.12

I love the way these look! So festive! 🙂

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Kristina says · 11.29.12

I have some of that paint! As well as some shoes that could probably use a facelift. I smell a project in my future.

Kristina

Kristina does the Internets

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Caitlin says · 11.29.12

Those are sooooo cute!

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Caitlin says · 11.29.12

Those are sooooo cute!

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Ponies and Pearls says · 11.29.12

Gorgeous! What an easy way to dress up and customize your shoes!

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thisisshansblog says · 11.29.12

Those turned out super cute! Makes me want to go buy some shoes and paint to do it myself (and probably still be more cost effective than the jcrew pair I’ve been coveting)…

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Lindsay @ Trial By Sapphire says · 11.29.12

Genius! Love!

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Anonymous says · 11.29.12

I LOVE your outfit!! Will you make a post showing where you got the pieces from??

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Jen says · 11.30.12

She did, a few comments above 🙂

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Mrs. Crazy says · 11.29.12

Love, Love, Love!! Gotta try…. think silver on black??

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Jen says · 11.30.12

You are just the cutest thing…EVER!!!!!!

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Sara says · 11.30.12

Would any kind of tape work? I’m afraid I’d use the wrong kind and the paint would seep all over.

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GeorginaGoodman says · 11.30.12 Reply
Sarah Paul says · 11.30.12

Wonderful blog… i like it.. keep it up..

King Iron Works

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Megan says · 12.01.12

Wow, these turned out great! I love the gold with the suede. I’m definitely going to have to try this 🙂

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Ryan says · 12.01.12

I love the metallic tipped shoes! Nice job

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beautyofedu says · 12.02.12

LOVE this!!! What a great idea for a completely new look! I just stumbled upon your blog via pinterest. You seem very talented! I will definitely be stopping by again 🙂

beautyofedu.com

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SH says · 12.03.12

This is adorable! And great for upcoming Christmas parties.
thehartungs.blogspot.ca

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Barend Venter says · 12.04.12

http://www.themiragemall.com/clothes/ Find quality shoes at sale prices all year round!

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Lori Jewel says · 12.08.12

I am positive that I couldn’t pull this off but you did a great job…so creative!
Lori from http://shoehunting.blogspot.com/

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JULIE says · 03.25.13

Where is the necklace from in this post? Love the whole look.

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Hannah Keller says · 04.21.13

If you feel like doing another shoe project, I think you would like this one!
http://kittenhood.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/guest-post-diy-cat-toe-shoes/

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awkwardflamingo says · 07.19.13

Kate,

I’ve had this post in my head for a few days as I’m still trying to find shoes for my September 7 wedding. I LOVE these (http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1223888/dana-buchman-wedges-women.jsp) and have them in black, so I know I could wear them all day, but the silver toe doesn’t go with my dress. Do you think it would work to paint the toes pink, much like you did here?

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Sarah Edwards says · 01.25.14

I watch for shoes that are easy to get on and off for the child. FELL ON SIDEWALK

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Paige Aldrich says · 04.15.14

To protect the shoes against scuffing water resistant spray might work or at least help.

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kiran says · 06.17.14

awesome, the golden color add grace in those shoes

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shiney says · 11.03.14

Wow! dat was an amazing idea. Well, i have nude wedges which had sm kind of buckle in the front. Unfortunately, one buckle ripped off and went missing so had to remove the buckle of other shoe also. Now my wedges have white mark on them as d buckle has been removed. How can i fix it to make it wearbale again? please help. 🙁

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Linda says · 05.16.16

Did you paint on the suede? I’m hopping to use color white for my entire red suede heel. Do you think it’ll work?

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