How To Makeover A Pair of Shoes With Mod Podge and Fabric

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I mentioned last week that I have been competing in the One Crafty Contest over at One Artsy Mama and the last challenge we had involved Mod Podge! When Amy revealed the main ingredient for this challenge I knew right away I wanted to make over a pair of shoes! It’s something I’ve never done before and this was the perfect opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and try something new. Sadly, these little shoes didn’t get me into the top 10, but I still love them anyways :)

I’ve had this pair of Steve Madden wedges for close to seven years and even though I haven’t worn them for the last three, I haven’t been able to part with them because they are seriously one of the most comfortable heels I have ever worn. Which makes them the perfect candidate for this makeover.

I found the gray linen fabric in my craft supply and paired it with a contrasting floral print (If you’ve been around a while you’ll notice the fabric is left over from my Tempo Mambo curtain debacle). I used Fabric Mod Podge to adhere the fabric to the shoes, then adorned them with a fabric flower and thumb tack studs to give them a little an edgy look. The makeover was a success and I can’t wait to wear my favorite shoes again!

And I know you are wondering what they looked like before, so here they are in all their glory:

Seriously, what a transformation. These just went from  completely worn and about to head to the Goodwill, to a new pair of bright and cheerful wedges for summer!

I think half of my closet is gray, so these shoes will be the perfect match to several of my outfits AND they will add a bit of color.

I used thumbtacks to appear as studs to create an edgy look and cover up the seam.

If you are curious just how I did this transformation, you are in luck because I actually did a tutorial for this one! Here’s how.

1. Start with a pair of old shoes. I started with an old pair of wedges that were on their way to the Goodwill. Good thing I never made it to the drop off because I am so glad I was able to give these little puppies a makeover.

For this project I used Fabric Mod Podge, but I think the outdoor one would work well too, especially for shoes.

2. I cut two (four total) strips of fabric for the each side of the shoe.

3. Apply a generous amount of Mod Podge to one side of the fabric.

4. I wrapped the fabric around the shoe and smoothed out the bubbles and creases.

5. I folded the fabric along the edges to make a clean line and trimmed the excess fabric.

6. To cover the toe, I cut a u-shape piece of fabric and (used the same technique as above) placed the fabric over the toe and smoothed it out.

7. I wrapped the fabric all the way onto the sole of the shoe (you’ll trim it at the end).

8. To cover the wedge, I cut two pieces of fabric in the shape of the wedge. To get the right shape, I placed the fabric onto the wedge and traced the outline of the area.

9. Place a generous layer of Mod Podge onto the fabric and wrap the wedge. I cut the excess fabric from the bottom during this stage.

10. Smooth it out until it makes a perfect seam with the first layer.

11. I didn’t want one detail going unnoticed with these shoes, so I made new inserts to make them feel brand new again!

And here is a quick little flower tutorial.

12. Cut 8 circles (total) and 8 slightly smaller circles (total) and 2 circles for the bases.

13. Place a dot of hot glue inside the wrong side of the fabric and quarter fold it. And here’s a newsflash, I’m not perfect and neither are my circles so I trimmed them once I got to this stage.

14. Using one of the bases, hot glue each quarter fold onto the base.

15. 4 folds will make a complete circle.

16. Repeat steps 13-15 with the smaller circles and hot glue them directly onto the larger ones.

17. Add a few thumbtacks for an embellishment and you are done! Instead of a thumbtacks you could use a bead or button!

And lastly (not pictured), place the thumbtacks around the seam where the two fabrics meet for an added touch.

I really enjoyed this project because it was something new and I got a new pair of shoes out of it. Bonus. I highly encourage everyone to try it. I would love to see your projects when you are done!

About Taryn Whiteaker

Taryn Whiteaker is the voice of style behind TarynWhiteaker.com (formerly Design, Dining and Diapers) ! Taryn is a previous PR/Marketing professional who got back to her creative roots after becoming a mom and now shares her passion for home decor and design for the world to see. Taryn lives in the greater Seattle area with her husband and three kids and loves coffee, the outdoors, and exploring with her family.