How to Make Moccasins Out of Tennis Shoes

Transform a pair of inexpensive canvas tennis shoes into moccasins to wear for a play or skit or to simply make a fun fashion statement. These "moccasins" incorporate several characteristic design elements of real moccasins, including fringe, a simulated leather appearance, and a beaded design on the shoes' uppers. Any color canvas tennis shoes can be used, as the shoes are covered with light brown fabric paint to give the fabric the look of leather.

Things You'll Need

• Lightweight canvas tennis shoes
• Scrap of canvas or denim material
• Tape measure
• Light brown fabric paint
• Craft paintbrush
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Paper clips
• Seed beads

Instructions

1. Make the fringe. Measure the distance around the collar (ankle part) of the tennis shoe. Cut a scrap of canvas or denim two inches wide by this length for adult shoes, and 1 1/2 inches by this length for children's shoes. Make vertical cuts into the fabric at 1/4-inch spaces, stopping 1/2 inch from the top. Paint both sides of the fabric with brown fabric paint after the cuts have been made. Let dry.

2. Remove shoelaces from shoes. Paint laces and shoes with brown fabric paint, being sure to also paint the tongues of the shoes. Let dry.

3. Apply fabric glue around the collar of the tennis shoes. Place the top of the fringe on the glue. Use paper clips to hold the fringe in place until it is thoroughly dry.

4. Squeeze out glue to make a starburst or other pattern of your choice on the shoes' uppers. While the glue is still wet, place seed beads onto the glue. Press lightly to ensure adhesion. Let dry.

5. Replace laces in shoes.