How to Design Your Own Shoes for Kids

Shoes with flair are much more fun than plain shoes.

Clothing for children tends to be colorful, whimsical and fun, so why shouldn't kids get to make their own shoes?

Things You'll Need

• Old pair of kids' shoes
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton ball
• Pencil
• Chalk
• Paint pens
• Craft glue
• Rhinestones
• Pom-poms
• Colorful shoelaces
• Beads
• Nylon string
• Clear photo finishing spray

Instructions

Steps

1. Select an old pair of the child's shoes, preferably one in which she is physically comfortable.

2. Soak the cotton balls in rubbing alcohol.

3. Rub the wet cotton balls firmly all over the shoes to remove dirt, dust, stains and impurities that could prevent decorations from sticking to the shoe's surface.

4. Allow at least 10 minutes for the alcohol to dry and for the material to regain its natural texture.

5. Sketch designs on the shoe's surface and tongue with a pencil for light-colored shoes or chalk for dark-colored shoes.

6. Paint the designs slowly with the paint pen, allowing the paint to fully dry before applying another coat or painting closely with another color.

7. Apply at least three coats to achieve a vibrant color.

8. Place glue in places the child wishes to affix bedazzled items, such as rhinestones or pom-poms.

9. Press rhinestones and pom-poms firmly into the glue and hold for two minutes while the glue sets.

10. Allow glue to dry for the suggested time listed on the label.

11. Lace shoes with colorful laces based on the child's preference (e.g., zigzag-laced or straight-laced).

12. String beads onto the nylon string no longer than six inches.

13. Tie and secure beaded string underneath one of the shoelaces for extra pomp and flair.

14. Take shoes outdoors and away from children and pets.

15. Spray shoes with one coat of photo finishing spray to set the paint and decor. This will preserve the images and decorations longer than if they are bare.

Tips & Warnings

• Parental supervision is always required when working with substances like rubbing alcohol and paint.

• Children grow out of shoes quickly, so warn your child that he will only be able to wear the shoes for a limited time.

• Beaded strings longer than six inches present tripping and other physical dangers.

• Triple-check that beads are fully secured to prevent them from breaking, which can present tripping and other physical dangers.