How to make cheap, awesome, and easy custom shoes for any occasion

Guest post by Catie Osborn

Screen shot 2012 07 19 at 6.30.20 PM alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Offbeat Bride featured a pair of comic book shoes. I looked at them and thought to myself “Oh.” Two days later, I had my first pair. A week or so later, I have 12. Oops.

It's amazing because you can do this for literally any occasion. I've made Shakespeare shoes (from the actual script) for my opening night of Titus Andronicus, I've printed off interesting patterns for holidays, I've torn apart magazines and newspapers — seriously: you can do this with ANYTHING.

Anyway, here's the low down on how to create your own custom shoes for nearly free.

Step One:
IMAG0817 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Procure a pair of shoes with a fairly smooth surface. I bought the black patent pair you see in the photos for $1.50 at Salvation Army, but if you're skeeved out by used shoes, I understand. (I always clean mine out before I wear them).

Step Two:
IMAG0818 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Procure some art. What I love about this project is the limitless potential it has. Think creatively. I printed off some clip art for my first pair (seen in the picture) because I was hesitant about cutting up a comic book until I knew it would work), but you can use any sort of thin print media.

IMAG0819 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Simply cut whatever it is you want to rock out of whatever source you choose to get it from and you're good to go.

Step Three:
IMAG0820 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Procure some Mod Podge and a brush. (Side note, make sure your brush is clean. I didn't, so if you look carefully, the “Bam” is a little grungy looking.)

IMAG0822 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Apply Mod Podge to BACK of your paper/newsprint/art/whatever and let it soak in just enough to be flexible. Stick onto your shoe.

Step Four:
IMAG0824 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge across the top to seal. For rain/waterproofing, spray with a clear lacquer, available from your friendly neighborhood hardware store. (Or don't wear paper covered shoes in the rain. Either/or. )

Trim around the edges of your shoe if you have any bits sticking over the edge.

Step Five:
IMAG0823 1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)ROCK.

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Comments on How to make cheap, awesome, and easy custom shoes for any occasion

  1. LOVE this. Never occurred to me it’s not an all or nothing thing to do – I don’t have to completely cover the shoe to mod-podge something awesome onto it. LOVE this. Thanks!

  2. I love this! I was just brainstorming about making my own custom shoes bc I’ll never find what I have in mind.

  3. Love this idea! I’m a total shoe girl and had considered paying out for a custom pair but now I’m going to make my own with the sheet music for our ceremony song as my friend is playing the violin for us!

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