Make Stuff Monday: Painted Bobs

Back in December(ish), my husband bought a pair of shoes at the Sketchers store near us.  Fortunately, they had a “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” promo going on, and I was able to get a pair of Bobs (their version of Toms).  Honestly, not something I’d normally buy (either Bobs or Toms), but since they were free, and there wasn’t another pair of shoes either of us wanted, I got a pair of natural canvas ones, figuring they’d be a good “slip on and go” shoe for summer.

With the super-warm weather we had for a little here in the Chicagoland area, I had a chance to wear them already, and quickly decided that while they were comfortable, plain canvas just wasn’t for me.  Every time I looked at my shoes, I found myself compelled to grab a Sharpie and go to town.  But, I figured, they were what I’d chosen and I’d do my best to deal with it.

A couple days later I was sent a note by fellow blogger Style & Shades over on IFB, welcoming me to the site.  When I checked out her blog, I found this amazing DIY in which she’d painted beautiful flowers on a pair of white canvas sneakers.  I pinned it right away, knowing I’d put my own spin on it for my Bobs.  To top it off, just the day before I got a package from Plaid Crafts that included some paints they wanted me to review.  It couldn’t have been timed better!  So one Friday night, I prettied up my Bobs.

The Painting Process
I started out with a blank canvas, literally.

I decided only to paint the diagonal toe of each shoe, with a single flower on the rear outside of the shoe.  I felt that full painted shoes would be too overwhelming for me.  I lightly sketched my design out on my shoes.  I didn’t worry too much about them matching perfectly or being totally symmetrical… I just drew until I felt it worked, and intended to use the pencil lines as a general guide for what I was going to be painting.

Then I just started painting.  I more or less followed my lines, but ended up doing a fair amount of freehand work as well.  I did each color on its own and (carefully) worked my way around the toe of the shoe.  I alternated shoes with each color, which gave the paint a little time to dry.  I didn’t snap any “between colors” pics, because I got too involved in getting them done (as well as drinking wine, watching TV, and gabbing with girlfriends about what we were watching).  Sorry!  Anyway, here’s how they turned out!

I’m pretty happy with them, and look forward to wearing them over the summer… most likely on weekends at the beach, where I think they’ll be perfect!

More ideas!
What’s funny is that I noticed Plaid posted this DIY on their own blog a couple days after I did this project myself!  Had I waited a little to paint my Bobs I’d have most definitely taken Lauren’s advice and stuffed the shoes with newspaper before I started painting.  Oh well, I know for next time!  Meanwhile, you get some other ideas for painting your own pair of Bobs, Toms, or other canvas flat!

Stay tuned for an upcoming reivew on the Plaid Crafts paints I used for this project!

Love my painted Bobs? Pin it!

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