I got these super bright shoes from my mom, and like they say in Curious George, “that’s a lot of yellow for one person.” While my mom could pull it off, I would most likely blind people. But the shoes are easy on, easy off and quite comfortable so I toned them down a bit with a trendy floral using Mod Podge photo transfer.
DIY Shoes with floral Photo Transfer
To make your own photo transfer shoes, you will need:
- A plain pair of canvas shoes – I can’t find these yellow ones online but there are tons of colors in store.
- Mod Podge photo transfer
- A photo printed on an ink jet printer. I did a Google search for florals and looked for one that went with electric yellow.
- Foam brush
- Masking tape
After spending approximately 3 million years trying to cut a piece of paper into the right shape, I had the brilliant idea of using tape. So.Much.Easier.
Using your tape stencil cut shapes for the tops and backs of the shoes. The tops of the shoes are slightly different but instead of making another tape stencil for the second shoe, just flip the first one over.
Apply a heavy coating of the photo transfer on the top of the paper where the ink is and then apply it to the shoes. Use your fingers to flatten it and get any air bubbles out.
Then wait 24 hours for it to dry. Yes, this is killer. For immediate gratification crafters (like me) having to wait a whole day is torture.
When time is up (yay!) take a wet sponge and apply it to the paper. It doesn’t need to be sopping wet but you want to make sure it’s saturated. Grab a cup of coffee and wait 2 minutes.
When you come back peel off the outside paper. Do this gently with a wrung out sponge – if you get too vigorous you’ll pull off all the color. Let the shoes dry and seal it with a coat of glossy Mod Podge.
If you want an easy first photo transfer project to start with, try a tote bag. I downloaded Kate Spade screen saver and printed it on my home printer. It was the perfect starter project!
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This post was written as part of a campaign with The Blueprint Social. All opinions are my own.
Do the pictures that you want to transfer need to be laser printed/copied ??
It needs to be an inkjet printer because the ink is what gets copied. I’m not familiar with laser printers but if it uses an inkjet then it should be fine!
What a cute project! I love it so much that I decided to feature it in our roundup of refashioned shoe tutorials! Check it out here: http://www.favecraftsblog.com/link-love-refashion-shoe-crafts/
Have a great day!
That is so awesome Julia! Thank you so much for letting me know!
Hi Stephanie – Not a problem! If you are interested in working with FaveCrafts (we publish full craft tutorials for everything from crochet to paper crafts), feel free to send me an e-mail at jlitz@primecp.com. Thanks!
The masking tape tip is a lifesaver!!! Very clever :-)
Wondering if you could use scrap book paper also?
You need to use a picture from an inkjet printer – I’m not sure if scrapbook paper is printed that way? But you could make a color copy of it.
These are so delightful! I love them and can’t wait to feature!
Thank you Amy! That’s a great compliment from the MP expert! :)
What?! Get out! This is the cutest/coolest thing! I would totally wear those and I want a pair! Catching up on your blog and loving so so much.
That is awesome!! I want some!!
These are so cute! What an original idea. I love it!
That it such a great idea, I never would have thought of that! I was wondering what you were going to do with those bright yellow shoes-I think even mom would prefer your design over the straight yellow. Good job sis :)
I know how special these are because they were your moms. How great is that! I do know how hard it is to loose that special person in your life and cherish those items that meant so much to them. Hang in there. Hugs, JoAnn
Thank you Jo Ann :) I love wearing her things even tho it can be so sad. But it’s a nice way to keep her close!
Oh wow they look great! I’m not good at waiting either Stephanie. I don’t think it’s in my blood! Is photo transfer modpodge different to regular modpodge?
Oh my gosh — genius. This project is too cool.
these are soooo darling…I’m so impressed with you! great project and those flowers are the BEST – I’m soooo ready for spring!
wow i am really impressed!
That turned out amazing! I love, love the pattern you chose! Looks like they were meant to be like that!
I love your panache Steph, and what a beautiful model.
Wow!
Jolleen
love it!
I own a pair of bright yellow shoes and I love ‘em! Only they’re more of a bright mustard then that neon yellow
Well that’s just handy! Very cute result!
And I like Anne’s idea about picking up some shoes for little ones and letting them decorate their own shoes! What a fun idea!
Wow, this is so neat. I could see thar mod-podge medium being used for all kinds of things, but you were so right to use them on these shoes. They turned out fantastically.
You’re just a little bit too clever. What a great pattern to match. I must admit. I did pick up a little pair of white sneaker for my daughter when she was about 3 or 4 and I let her go crazy on them, drawing flowers and ponies etc. They were kind of cute.
Anne xx