Friday, January 8, 2010

DIY: Kids Keds Refurbished



1) I taped off the rubber edges (keep it tight on the line tucking it under with your nail if you can):


2) I decided RIT dye in "Pearl Grey" dissolved it in 2 cups of HOT water & used a rag to dab it on the shoes:


3) I let them sit wrapped in plastic for a couple hours, then rinsed them along with a shirt I "pot dyed" (a lesson for another time):


4) I washed & dried the shirt & shoes. The next morning I pulled out the bleach pen to clean up the rubber on the shoes & the shoe laces (this should be done before the dying I just spaced it & did it after):


5) I used a pirate stencil we had to do the toe & a little design on one side of the shirt- using black fabric paint & a rag:


The finish products:


At our local thrift store I always find cute girls shoes but none for Berto.

On a resent trip, I found these cute little Ked-like sneakers (in the girls section). They were yellow-y white but were in good condition.

I decided Rob needed them, but with a little snaz "a la Berto-Bear".

It was a fun easy project & Rob loved them both (of course that doesn't mean he's posing for a picture in any sort of cute way).

P.S. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm back to answering in the comments section or shoot me an email.

17 comments:

Cranberryfries said...

OK I gotta admit I didnt read the title and thought those were YOUR new shoes. I know you love skulls but wasn't thinking you loved them SO much you'd put them on your shoes. :) What a fabulously fun project, way to go miss amazing. You seriously impress me all the time. Even though I already know your super crazy awesome. I love it!

Olivia Carter said...

Debbie- HA! Yeah, that mug was actually in Berto's stocking. I do love that doormat though. It's more whimsical than HARDCORE skulls. I'm picky about where my skulls go. I mean, I have standards. HAHAH!

monica said...

i have been wanting to die my shoes foreeevvverrrr. i need to do it. this has reinspired me to do so. sure do like those shoes you made. sure do like that little berto.

kaitlin said...

wow olivia, those are great!

Smithy said...

love your creativity - ps still in MD until next weekend

Olivia Carter said...

Monica- TOTALLY DO IT! It wasn't hard at all. I was nervous & you do have to be careful but it was easy. It makes me want to find a thrifted white pair for me.

Kaitlin- Thanks!

Smithy- Awe, coming from another creative person that's nice. WOW! You are gone FOREVER- Call me when you are back. I want to chill.

lisa said...

k, the shoes are great, but i love, love the shirt too! (great graphic design to have the skulls down the side like that!)

what kind of fabric paint did you use?--(i'm assuming it's durable enough to go through the wash, right? does it bleed onto other things?)

I love all the creative things you think of to make for those {darling} kiddos if yours... very inspiring. keep em' comin.

Susan said...

That was pretty much the raddest thing I've ever seen. I would love for us to do some projects together! You need to show me how to find thrift store treasures, and then be more creative with the finds!

Plus, we just need to hang out more. :)

Olivia Carter said...

Lisa- The fabric paint I used is just from the craft store & it stays REALLY well. I've never had a problem with it & it is washable. And thanks, you are nice to me!

Susan- I know! We should go thrift shopping some Saturday when the kids can be watched by the hubbies. I can show you some of my tips. I have 4 things in my garage right now that need to be refurbished. I'll post those as I do them too.

Amber said...

Very cute!!!!

Olivia Carter said...

Anber- Thanks!

Esther Noelle said...

You've done it again! I saw it up close and in person and they looked awesome!!!!!

Olivia Carter said...

Es- Thanks lady! You are nice!

Cindy said...

I'm so glad you posted this because I have some white converse shoes Jared's sister gave to Jack that I don't really like and was just going to throw the whole shoe into the dye pot. I didn't think of doing it this way! Cool. Those shoes are super cool!! Just like Rob!

Olivia Carter said...

Cindy- Ah thanks! Yes, it will discolor the rubber so I'd do it like this just so you don't run into that problem. Let me know if you have any questions.

April Carter said...

Very cute and clever. You should write a ideas column in a magazine

Olivia Carter said...

April- Yeah, I'm not that cute or clever but thanks!