How to Make Your Own Curly Laces
You can embellish an ordinary pair of running shoes with curly shoelaces in just a few easy steps. You can make the curls from a pair of plain-colored shoelaces or get your feet noticed by using brightly colored and patterned laces. When making the coiled shoelaces for a child, have her participate in picking out the shoelaces and then help out with the project so that she can feel like she contributed to her own unique style.
Things You'll Need
- Shoelaces
- All-in-one glue
- 2 wooden dowels, 1/4 inch wide
- Blow-dryer
- Fan (optional)
- Toothpick or hairpin
Instructions
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1
Thread the shoelaces through the eyelet holes in the shoes. Make sure there is an equal amount of the shoelace on each side once you reach the top of the shoe. Use medium to long shoelaces when making an adult pair of curly laces because you will require at least 4 inches of shoelace on each side of the top of the shoe.
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2
Use your fingers to apply a moderate layer of glue along the entire length of the shoelaces above the last eyelet. When possible, coast the shoelaces with an all-inclusive glue that includes both a sealant and a finish coat in the glue.
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3
Coil the glue-covered laces around the 1/4-inch-wide wooden dowels. Start at the bottom, just above the last eyelet, and wind the shoelace tightly around the dowel until you reach the end of the shoelace.
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4
Use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting to start the drying process. Keep the dryer at least 12 inches away and blow the laces for about one minute. Let the shoelaces finish drying on their own for two to three hours. You can place a fan in front of the shoes to help make sure the shoelaces dry thoroughly.
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5
Pull the wooden dowel out of the coil gently. Slide a toothpick, hairpin or other slender object in between the dowel and the coiled shoelaces. Loosen the shoelaces from the dowel gently. Slide the dowel upward while holding the coil in place.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
