This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
I don’t know about you, but I have THREE pairs of black flats that I never wear. They are all really plain and I got a really great deal on them. Every time, seeing that low, low price tag made me see the deal and not the fact that I already had a pair or two pairs sitting in my closet that haven’t been worn a single time. After all, black flats are a classic, right?
So, this week I decided to do something about it. While I have plenty of black and brown shoes, the ones I wear are bright and colorful! So – I took some bright teal lace and some fabric glue and made a pair of shoes that I love so much, that I have them on my hot little feet as I type this… :)
For this DIY you are going to need: a pair of plain shoes – they can be flats or pumps, the concept is basically the same, some lace in a color that you love, some fabric glue, some scissors and an x-acto knife.
STEP 1: If your shoes have been gracing the inside of your closet for some time, it may be necessary to give them a quick dust. You don’t want to be sticking cobwebs or something onto your cute new shoes! Next, take your fabric glue and make a big patch right on the middle of the toe of your shoe. Place your lace as you would like it and push down into the glue.
STEP 2: To make sure that we have our two shoes as similar to one another as possible, place them side by side. Repeat step one with the second shoe, trying to make sure that your lace placement is as close the the other as possible. Let both dry for a bit, or until they quit shifting around when you touch them.
STEP 3: Continue gluing down your lace with the glue. I would place a large dollop of glue and use an old small bristled paint brush to smooth it out and then push the lace down into it. This kept my hands fairly clean. The last thing you want is tacky fingers pulling up your lacy work!
Take care while you go to keep your seams looking nice. My lace had slightly scalloped edges, so I would place the scalloped portion into the curves on the other piece to keep the look uniform and avoid overlap.
STEP 4: Do one side of each shoe, going all the way to the heel. Be sure to have a bit of the lace loose and hanging over the edge of the shoe. Allow the one side to dry to where it isn’t slippy and then do the other side and go around the back of the heel.
I made my lace cross over my foot just past the toe. You can do the same (if you’re like me and HATE toe cleavage) or you can trim to have the original shape of the shoe. Your choice!
STEP 5: Fold over the lace and glue it down inside of the shoe to make a nice, seamless edge.
STEP 6: Go around the inside of your shoes and the bottom and tack down any lace that didn’t stick down the first go ’round. Allow to dry completely.
STEP 7: Using your scissors and x-acto knife, go around the edges of the sole of your shoe and the heel. Remove all excess lace, trying to keep your cuts as straight as possible.
That’s it… Your old lifeless shoes have been made into some new, fun lacy things that you’ll hopefully wear like crazy! I know that I will :) Happy Shoesday to you!
