Out & About Summer 2019

Out&About leisure

Glitter:

works best on shoes with a fabric-feel finish, but will work on leather and some plastic shoes. If the surface is very shiny, eg patent leather, it can be difficult to get a good finish, but it can be done. In the examples shown, the purple glittery shoes started life as leopard print and were painted before the glitter was applied. The blue glittery ones were a navy faux suede finish and have just had the glitter applied to them. If changing the colour, first paint shoes with acrylic paint – two or three coats depending on original pattern and depth of colour desired. Mix a generous amount of micro glitter into a small amount of Decopatch glue. Apply two or three coats of glitter/glue combo. Being generous with the micro glitter when mixing makes coverage much easier.

Hints and tips

• Always start with clean, dust-free shoes. Wipe with a damp cloth and allow to dry thoroughly before you begin. • Pegs can be useful to hold ribbons and braids in place while the glue dries on tops and edges, particularly wellies. • Have patience. Let each coat of paint or glue dry thoroughly before applying the next. You’ll get a much better finish. • Although the majority of these techniques are permanent and fairly hard-wearing, care should be taken, as with any decorated shoes.

• Anything coated with Decopatch Glue becomes water resistant – don’t go wading in them but light rain should not be a problem. • With all methods, allow the shoes to

thoroughly dry for at least 24- 48 hours before wearing them.

• If in doubt – come and talk to me. We can work out the best method for your shoes together.

These are just a few ideas – the possibilities are endless. If you need any help, advice or inspiration do please feel free to come and talk to me at Rainbows. If you’re not sure about working on your shoes alone, or which method would be best for you, why not book in for a workshop and we can start them together. I am also happy to take on commissions, I love decorating shoes. Come and talk to me.

F iona Crooks Smith is co-founder and owner of Rainbows of Newbury, an arts and crafts supply shop in Inch’s Yard.

Rainbows is a treasure trove of crafting goodies selling a multitude of yumminess, including Decopatch supplies, DMC embroidery threads, King Cole knitting yarns and patterns, Decoart paints and mediums, Gutermann sewing threads, ribbons and braids, buttons, general haberdashery, beads, jewellery- making supplies, foam and silk clay and other modelling mediums, polystyrene, maché and wooden shapes and objects to decorate, and SO much more.

Fiona arranges both children’s and grown-up crafting parties, and runs ad hoc workshops and taster sessions on Decopatch, basic jewellery making, needle and wet felting, block printing, mixed media paints and mediums, learn-to-knit sessions and much more. ‘It is always worth asking’ 9 Inch’s Yard, Market Street, Newbury, RG14 5DP rainbowsofnewbury@gmail.com 01635 34180

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O&A SUMMER 2019