How to Make Shinigami Sandals

Shinigami sandals are sometimes worn by people who wish to resemble Japanese anime characters.

Shinigami are known as Japanese death gods or characters in tales that often depict death or evil. These characters are seen in many anime or manga cartoons; especially the cartoon "Bleach." Shinigami characters in these cartoons often wear black robes and rope style sandals. Cosplay, or costume play, is also a popular trend in Japan, in which people make costumes such as shinigami robes and sandals and dress up to resemble characters from anime or manga cartoons.

Things You'll Need

• Tatami, bamboo or yoga mat
• Epoxy glue
• Marker
• Ruler
• Landscaping rope
• Scissors
• Screw driver
• 2 to 4 small clamps

Instructions

1. Cut out six rectangles from the tatimi or yoga mat. Each rectangle should be large enough to have approximately 5 inches around your entire foot to give you room to work with.

2. Place one foot on one of the rectangles and trace the outline of your foot, leaving the back part of your foot or your heel untraced.

3. Measure the length between the bottom of your heel to your ankle.

4. Draw a rectangle stemming from the heel of the foot outline that is 1 1/2 inches wide and the same length as the distance between the bottom of the heel to your ankle. You should now have a foot outline with an attached rectangle stemming from your heel of the foot. Cut out the piece.

5. Trace the outline you made on two more rectangles and cut them out.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for the opposite foot. You should have three outlines for one foot and three outlines for the opposite foot.

7. Cut off a 2-foot piece of landscape rope. At the center of the rectangle stemming off of the heel on one of the outlines, glue on the rope at it's halfway point. Do the same for one of the outlines for the opposite foot.

8. Poke two holes through the same pieces used in step 7 with a screwdriver- one hole on each side of where the big toe will sit.

9. Wrap the rope that is glued to the back of the outlines under the outline and cross underneath. Then pull up over the outline and cross loose enough to fit the foot through and then back under to pull through one hole. Make a loop big enough for your big toe and pull back through the other hole and knot underneath the outline.

10. Layer all of the remaining outlines for the left foot underneath the outline with rope attached and glue together. Do the same for the right foot. Clamp the layers and let dry for several hours before wearing.

References

• Cosplay: Make your own Shinigani sandals
• TVTropes: Shinigami
• Anime News Network: Bleach TV