Materials:

• Pair of plain patent heels (or if you’re lucky, peep toe)
• Sharpie
• X-acto knife (if you’re not so lucky)
• Fine grit sandpaper
• White craft foam
• E6000 or similar glue
• White acrylic paint
• Delta Ceramcoat acrylic paint in “Think Pink!”
• Black Folkart “Shiny” acrylic paint in “Licorice” (black)
• Delta Ceramcoat Gloss exterior varnish
• Paintbrushes
• Cup of water
• Paper Towels

For this project I used a pair of Agent Provocateur “Katy” shoes in burgundy. I chose the Katy (and not Katie!!!) because they have the same shape and heel style/height (4″) as the “Jessica” shoes. The AP “Katie” shoes are similar but have a 5″ heel height and truly hate feet. I found them for a steal on ebay otherwise I would have gone with a less expensive pair.

(Click on images for larger view)

Getting Started:

The shoes I chose were patent. In order for the paint to adhere, I had to use fine grit sandpaper on all surfaces to rough it up a bit. They also did not have a peep toe. To remedy this I drew a peep toe with the sharpie and cut it out with my X-acto knife. It’s kind of difficult to cut through shoe leather with the knife, so I actually started in the middle of where I drew the shape and then cut out to the edges. I also at this point smoothed up my cuts using a combination of knife and sandpaper.

Once I was happy with the shape, I decided it was time to prime the shoes. I used a basic white acrylic paint and did several coats (like four). I had to use more coats because the base shoe was so dark. I also wanted an even primer so the pink would look even once it was applied. I wasn’t super careful with the edges while I was priming because I would be able to go over them with the black eventually. I also made sure to let each coat dry before I added another in order to keep it smooth.

At this point I cut out two bows out of craft foam following the shape as the bows on Rose’s shoes. After cutting them out, I primed them with the same acrylic paint.

I let the shoes dry for a few hours, and then touched up any areas that may have needed more primer. After everything was dry, it was time for the Pepto Pink color…I put about four coats of pink on each shoe as well. I was careful to get an even coat each time and then let it dry completely. I know, it looks rather dull at this point. I also added the pink to the craft foam bows. After I was satisfied with the coverage, I used the black shiny acrylic paint to do the trim work and to clean up the edges. I edged around the opening, the peep toe, and along the heel tap as I may have gotten some pink paint on it. I also added the black edges to the foam bows. I only used about two coats of the black as it is a thicker paint. I then let everything dry overnight.

The next day I fixed any small blemishes and cleaned up the shoes. After that it was time to seal them! Rose’s shoes are a very shiny patent pink, so in order to replicate it I used a gloss varnish. I painted a smooth coat over everything and let it dry. I repeated this process five more times. Always make sure each coat is dry before adding another! I can’t stress that enough. If you don’t, you’ll get air bubbles in your varnish. After everything was completely dry again I added the bows to the shoes using E6000 in a ventilated area. I can’t tell you enough how awesome this glue is! It’s super useful for shoes because it’s flexible and waterproof! Anyway, I let it all sit until the glue dried and then I was ready to go!

I hope you all find this tutorial helpful! I have gotten so much positive feedback on my shoes – people can’t tell the difference unless they look up close (I didn’t do the two back lines as the heels don’t have those seams). Good luck and be sure to share your photos! ❤

Finished Product: