Out & About Summer 2019

HOW TO... MAKE FUNKY FESTIVAL FOOTWEAR

FIONA CROOKS SMITH from Rainbows of Newbury in Inch’s Yard shows you how to put new life into an old or plain pair of shoes

Decopatch:

this is a glazed tissue paper that comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns and is used for decoupaging all manner of items. In combination with the Decopatch Glossy Glue it creates a water resistant, hard wearing surface. It works with varying degrees of success on almost any type of shoe, but is particularly suited to smooth-surfaced fairly rigid shoes such as the styles pictured. Simply tear into small pieces, apply glue to shoe and add paper. Glue over paper and ensure all edges are smoothed down. Add more glue and paper, one piece at a time and overlapping just enough to cover surface. Leave to dry.

Embellishments:

ribbons, braids, lace, crystals, beads, small fake flowers and so on – the list is endless. Personally, I don’t think you can beat Hi Tack All Purpose Very Sticky Glue, most definitely my go-to glue. It dries clear and flexible and can be used on so many surfaces. Embellishments can be stuck to any shoe type, but they are particularly suitable for wellies, flip-flops, crocs and other festival footwear. Go wild!

Patent leather paint (Decoart):

a high-gloss paint specifically designed to create or refresh a high-gloss patent leather look on leather and leather-like surfaces. Depending on the colour of paint and the original colour of the shoe, you may need to apply several coats, but it dries to a lovely high-gloss flexible finish.

Fabric paints:

there is a wide variety of fabric paints, including pens, fine liner tubes and paints you apply with a paint brush. There are also many colours and effects to choose from, including glitter, neon, glow-in-the-dark, metallic and dimensional options. They can be used on any fabric shoe, but are ideal for plain canvas and plimsoll type shoes. Let your imagination take flight...

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O&A SUMMER 2019