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How to up cycle old shoes

Up Cycle Old Shoes

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I found an old pair of white sneakers in the back of my closet.  I tried washing them but they still looked stained and boring.  So I pulled out some permanent markers and started doodling.

I found an old pair of white sneakers in the back of my closet. I tried washing them but they still looked stained and boring. So I pulled out some permanent markers and started doodling.

After I outlined most of the seams I began to add patterns.  I was distracted while drawing a line and oops!

After I outlined most of the seams I began to add patterns. I was distracted while drawing a line and oops!

So I turned the oops into a swirl.

So I turned the oops into a swirl.

Then I repeated the swirls creating a pattern.

Then I repeated the swirls creating a pattern.

After I added a sun I elaborated on the swirls to create tree/vine like images.

After I added a sun I elaborated on the swirls to create tree/vine like images.

The heels became an evening sky. I didn't worry about perfection - just interesting shapes.

The heels became an evening sky. I didn't worry about perfection - just interesting shapes.

The continuing growth.

The continuing growth.

Because I'd used so many rounded forms I thought is was time for some lines.

Because I'd used so many rounded forms I thought is was time for some lines.

The color fun begins!

The color fun begins!

I think this is my favorite section.

I think this is my favorite section.

After adding colors all over the shoe tongues looked bare.

After adding colors all over the shoe tongues looked bare.

The laces got some dots then it was time to set the ink.  I tumbled the shoes in the dryer for about 30 minutes on high.

The laces got some dots then it was time to set the ink. I tumbled the shoes in the dryer for about 30 minutes on high.

Now my colorful shoes are a new addition to my art teacher wardrobe. Think of the possibilities!

  • White sneakers-old or new
  • Sharpies- lots of colors