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When I was a kid I wanted gold shoes. When I heard about Cinderella’s glass slippers I thought they were stupid. They could cut you, you couldn’t see them and glass isn’t worth much. Gold slippers by comparison are safer, visibly beautiful and even as I child I understood the value of something that can hocked.
Fortunately for my sister, she will be receiving these shoes quick smart. It’s not because they aren’t cool because they are. It’s also not because they are considerably too wide for my narrow feet because I could deal with it. These shoes will be going to my sister simply because I magically turn into the biggest tool on earth when I put them on.
This is through no fault of the shoes at all. It is because I can’t seem to help myself and constantly say “24K, baby” in a creepy voice whenever I look at them. Even when I manage to not allow myself to say it, I think it and that is almost worse. My subconscious is constantly being reminded of what a dork I am and I can’t be having that!
When I’m not thinking of the annoying catch phrase my mind has created for these gilded beauties, I’m singing about hos . After all, 24K is on the go. And for those of you who have never seen Dangerous Minds, shame on you. It may very well be Ms. Pfeiffer’s opus and is well worth 99 minutes. :)
But back to the task at hand, if you think that you can handle the glitz that accompanies these fabulous sneaks, I’d highly encourage you to kick out a pair for yourself. Or you know what? Christmas is right around a corner make some for original Christmas gifts!
For this tutorial you will need:
- Canvas sneakers (mine are men’s which is causing the width problem for me)
- Cheap gold acrylic paint
- Gold liquid gilding (I used Martha Stewart brand)
- Disposable paint brush and gloves
- Mod Podge (as sealer)
First up paint a base coat of cheapie acrylic gold on the shoe’s canvas. Allow to fully dry.
While I am typing this it is 73 outside but it may be chilly where you are. You MUST use this stuff in an open area or well ventilated even if it is cold because this stuff means business and has crazy awful fumes.
So if you’re being safe, now paint your shoes with a moderate coat of liquid gilding. This stuff is considerably thinner and runnier than regular paint so take care that it doesn’t drip down onto your rubber soles.
You may find, as I did, that you’ll need to make a second pass. I started out nervously looking at my little jar worrying that it wouldn’t cover both shoes. I used 2 full coats on both shoes and I still have just under half a bottle left. Yeah!
Now when I painted on my base coat night before I thought those gold kicks were pretty dang awesome. But look at the crazy difference you get with the liquid gilding. Also see where I found out how much thinner the gilding was? It pooled on the black striping of my soles and I couldn’t get the stuff off for anything.
Finish with a thin coat of Mod Podge to protect from tarnishing. Allow to dry and that is that! See you soon to get the Christmas craze back on!
I literally just spilled a bottle of bleach and it got all over 3 pairs of my Chucks. We are giving this a shot! Thanks!
Gor-geous!! I can just picture myself in these and will definitely wear a pair in this color. Must be the Leo the lion boldness in me. :) Thanks for posting
Hey! I’ve checked everywhere and I couldn’t find the Liquid Gilding. I live in India and it’s not available. Would it be okay to just use the acrylic paint and then mod podge? And my converse are green, so should I bleach them first?
In the end they may not be as metallic as mine but that’s totally okay! You might have to do a few coats but bleaching shouldn’t be necessary. In fact the shoes might come apart. I’d just see how a few coats of gold acrylic go!
Question…how did you keep the lace loops from getting paint on them?? did you place a protective coat of oil or something over it??
I actually just kept removing the gold with cotton swabs I had on hand. It was really pretty easy.
Did you use matte mod podge or the glossy finish? They look so shiny in the photos and the link is to the matte mod podge online. I want to make sure my shoes are shiny like yours!
Thanks!
I did use matte it’s just that the gilding is so shiny! I think I’d recommend Fabric Mod Podge (not sure if that was out or not when I did this DIY) but the fabric kind is a better sealer for fabric plus it won’t wash off!
These are gorgeous! Can you please update us regarding their status now after being worn? Did they crack?
xxx
I am pleased to announce that my sister wears them 3-4 times a week since they were made and they have not cracked! :)
I would like to paint my son’s shoes golden. The shoes are when he was 1 year old, now he is 24. I want to paint them gold and send it to him as a present. Where can I do that, do you know?
Thank you,
edgar
Hi, Edgar – the way they preserve the shoes is actually by bronzing them. If you search the internet for “bronze baby shoes” a good number of providers will pop up for you to check out!
Thanks for the advice!
Karion – you should have plenty of time for a birthday. I haven't worked with iridescent medium in some time but I do not remember a strong odor. I would paint today and allow to dry. Repeat as necessary to get the sheen you are looking for. Do not wash them.
It's kinda an emergency since I have to make it in time for my friends birthday in 5 days… do I have to let it air and stuff and when I wash, it wont come off would it? >< how many days would it take to dry and get rid of any smell if it has?
Do I have to thin the iridescent medium with 50% water if used on canvas shoe? Coz really, its the first time im trying to use this medium >< so I have absolutely no idea… Please help!!
Iridescent medium is brilliant!!! I would definitely give it a go but I might mix it up with some acrylic medium to be safe. You wouldn't need to Mod Podge unless you use the gilding because the gilding actually has metal in it and would tarnish over time. Send me a pic of your iridescent kicks if you get a chance. I just might have to copy you!!
since they dont sell liquid gilding in singapore… i've searched the largest art store in singapore and i cant find it, and i cant order from overseas, so is it possible to replace with iridescent medium?
Hey~ this looks awesome!! Just a question >< could I replace the liquid gilding with iridescent medium and do I wait for the iridescent medium or liquid gilding to dry before putting on the mod podge??
Hey, Shaina – to be honest since the gilding is pretty runny it may be difficult. I figure you can give it a go painting without covering the dots but going in knowing that you may have to. If you're cool with the possibility that it won't work to keep the dots, I say go for it!
This tutorial is great! I want to do this to black and white polka dot converse that I have, would the paint cover the polka dots?
I am sure you and your little one are really gonna rock your 24K shoes, Q-Fash… love it! I'm also so glad that you enjoy the blog. Welcome!
Love love LOVE these! I will be making some for myself and my toddler so we can match<3 Love this site, love your personality(#teamDorks!), and Im pretty sure I've just found my fave place to spend hours online on the weekends!
Hey, Lauri – I actually just take my time and try to paint around. I do keep some cotton swabs on hand, though, because if you act quickly you can remove any paint that accidentally finds its way onto the grommets. Since they are metal, it wipes away easily if taken care of quickly.
I bet that vaseline might work, but honestly I hate the stuff because I make a terrible mess with it, so I can't say for sure. Good luck!
How do you avoid painting the grommet holes? do you put something (like vaseline) to keep the paint off?
Hi, Danni – I uses original Mod Podge. Glad you like them!!
LOVE THIS! What kind of Mod Podge did you use?
thanks!
Allison, these are fabulous! A few year ago I bought a pair of sequined sneakers and I call them my party sneakers. Now I can have a collection of party sneakers! Thanks so much for sharing this fun, fabulous idea!
Every lady needs at least two pairs of party sneakers, anyway. :) Thanks for checking out the post, Linda!
Love it. Think I would try silver ones too. Why not have both,lol.
That makes you an awesome momma in my book MomFoolery!
I have an 11 yr. old daughter with a personality that would fit those shoes! I feel so obligated to make them for her…If I don't, what kind of mom would I be, right?! She's gonna love them! Thanks for the idea!
I love them!
Hey, Supearlbabe – it is no biggie. I honestly only started using the stuff last month! It is all new to us at some point.
I used Martha Stewart Brand liquid gilding in gold. While gold is the most popular, it also comes in silver, bronze and copper, and is available for sale at Michael's hobby stores. I have also seen other brands of gold gilding available in the craft section in Walmart and other stores. They are often located near the little 2 ounce bottles of craft paint (like Folk Art). Just be sure to use junky brushes when using because the weird, oily consistency will royally jack up any decent ones. Best of luck :)
Wow! this is awesome! But Can I ask about the gild? where do you get it? Sorry I'm a noob.
Thank You so much!
Thanks so much for the compliments, ladies.
Amber – silver would be awesome!
TrueBlue – thanks for the share!
Heidi – it's always good to know there are other dorks out there :) Totally ditch the responsibilities and make your shoes. Everything will be more fun when you're wearing GOLD on your feet!
LOL, Allie, this post had me cracking up! Your brain totally seems to work the way that mine does (and I'm constantly trying to find ways to avoid reminding myself that I'm a total dork haha!). I literally have these shoes on my feet right now (in grey, pre-gilding), and I'm sitting here thinking about ditching the rest of my responsibilities this morning to make myself some 24 K kicks! LOVE them!
Love these. I know several basketball players wearing the gold Nikes and have seen gold sneakers on a few women I know :) I've posed the top photo and a link back to you on my blog.
That is SO awesome!!! I might have to try a silver pair sometime!