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Friday, September 21, 2012

DIY: Colorblock ballet flats

If you have an old pair of plain flats in your closet, why not freshen them up? My friend Meg Allan Cole created this genius tutorial for making your own colorblock flats. Here's how to get the adorable look...
You'll need: Clean dry canvas or cotton ballet flats, painter’s tape, Mod Podge, paint sponges, a ruler and a favorite shade of paint.
1. Measure 1¼ inches up from the tip of the toe of your shoe and place your painter's tape on that line line. Place the tape down all the way across the 1¼-inch line, pressing the tape down to create a seal. Wrap the tape around the sole of the shoe and press down. Then tape the perimeter of the shoe sole where the toe will be painted. Repeat on the second shoe.
2. Dip your sponge into the Mod Podge and paint a thin, light layer over the toe, plus a little onto the tape, sealing the two. Repeat on the second shoe and allow to dry for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Once the Mod Podge is fully dry, begin painting the toe with a coat of paint. The Mod Podge sealed the tape to the shoe so you can paint over it without the painting seaping through. (Think of painting the shoe like you would a manicure. You want thin, even coats for a smooth finish.) When both shoes are painted, allow another 45 minutes to dry. Add another coat if need be and allow to dry fully.
4. When your coats are completely dry, use a utility knife to break the seal between the paint and tape, and carefully remove the rest of the tape...to reveal your adorable shoes! (You can also see a video tutorial here.)
Thanks so much, Meg! For more DIYs, check out Meg's youtube channel and her blog.

(Photos by Jess Edwards)

42 comments:

  1. What a great idea!

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  2. Wow, looks easy...I'm might try it out.

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  3. how cute! i've made it a goal to become more crafty (because right now, i miserably fail at being crafty), so maybe this is a good start. looks easy enough!
    -ale

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  4. Great idea! Plus, these days it's always great to come up with ideas to renew your wardrobe at a minimum cost! Thanks for sharing! I also love Meg's little tattoos. XOXO

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  5. How cute. I'm in love with this new idea of sprucing up old items! Thanks for all the great ideas, Joanna!

    http://www.meganrosegolden.blogspot.com

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  6. This is such a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing. I may use the same technique to give me plain-jane cooking Keds a little makeover :) Thanks a bunch!

    http://foodnfemininity.blogspot.com/

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  7. These flats are adorable. This tutorial is a great way to bring a splash of neon to your wardrobe. Love it!

    joannadell.blogspot.com

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  8. I especially love the color combination, so spring-y! Although I'm deep in the fall mood, pink and yellow together still make me happy.

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  9. Very cute and so easy!!

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  10. I have been looking for the perfect pair of color block flats. This tutorial seems great!

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  11. Ingenious! I can never find these in two colors I really like so this is beyond perfect :)

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  12. just beautiful! i love this tutorial. it looks so simple!
    kw, Ladies in Navy

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  13. Looks so cute.. but I cannot wear flats for some reason.. either the heel slips out.. or they fit weird.. and oddly hurt my feet because most have "no" support at all. In fact, the ironic thing is every time I try to buy and wear a pair, I get blisters.

    Any suggestions on comfortable flats.. would really be great! (wider at ball of foot too.. duck feet..lol)

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    Replies
    1. try flats from crocs. they've come a long way in design. i have a pair of crocs flats that look like jellies that i've worn all summer and i've gotten so many compliments. plus i see women with these same shoes all over nyc and since we walk everywhere the shoes really do us justice. good luck!

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  14. I don't wear flats either - my back always hurts! But this DIY seems super versatile, I love it. The secret seems to be in the modge podge... I've been looking for an excuse to buy some for a while now so this is great!

    http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

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  15. Quick and easy and oh so cute! Love the color combo here too! :)

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  16. What a clever idea- it's good for me to see stuff like this, because I get tired of old things pretty easily!

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  17. great diy!


    http://lavieenliz.com

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  18. Love DIY projects!
    Thanks for sharing

    http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es

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  19. I've seen this idea in a few places, but I really like the colour combo Meg's gone for. Really clear instructions too... just enough to convince me I might need to make this over the weekend... :)

    x Elena @ Randomly Happy

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  20. Oh my gosh! I love this DIY and the color combo!

    Come check out the Food & Wine Magazine Giveaway I'm having.

    http://www.becauseofmadalene.com/2012/09/food-and-wine-magazine-giveaway.html

    Christina

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  21. That´s an awesome idea. They look really cute now!!!
    xo


    GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG


    glamDevils

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  22. i've been plotting to do this to my black flats for ages. the modge podge is a good tip!

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  23. Cute! I'm a fan of flats, I even plan on wearing a pair of flats to my wedding because I can't stand heels!

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  24. SO cute! I want to try it! I'm kinda sure i'd mess it up!
    http://two-leaf-clover.com

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  25. What luck has she had with the paint chipping? I did this to a pair of heels with vinyl car paint and have a bit of chipping..

    http://thestylistquo.com/leather-panels-diy-black-toe-shoes/

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  26. These flats are too cute!
    I really like the bright pink colorblocked with the neon yellow.
    The colors are so happy that I can't help but smile looking at them. Just imagine wearing these flats on a day when you're not feeling your best. Instant mood changer! :)

    I would love to do something like this but for some reason, I can't really wear flats either. They just don't feel right on me. I'll never stop dreaming of finding that perfect pair though!

    Have a wonderful weekend Jo! <3



    ~Alice
    Ainfinitaire

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  27. Fun post! I have a pair just like this in magenta and black. But I must admit I bought them that way : )

    Ali of aliandang.com

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  28. So pretty! Ooooo imagine doing the same thing with glitter and glue!!!! :D

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  29. I have a pair of flats that would work perfectly for this! Very creative and fun idea, thanks!

    http://jmwiles300.blogspot.com/

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  30. So great this idea! :)

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  31. I've seen this around and need to try it out right away. I might need to do this later one on my day off this next week :)

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  32. Love this DIY! will definitely try this one out over the weekend :) my old flats NEEDS revamping! <3 thank you for sharing!

    Irina
    www.socialbliss.com

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  34. It seems great minds think alike ;)

    http://acoest1984.blogspot.ca/2012/06/diy-cap-toe-flats.html

    A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984

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  35. Love this! A must try

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  36. Great post. The information you provide is quiet useful and I like this work easily solves problems.
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