DIY Star Spangled 4th of July Shoes

My boys love to dress up for the holidays, and wearing red, white and blue gear for the 4th of July is one of their favorite themes. My oldest son is really into bright and funky sneakers, so I gave a pair of his plain canvas shoes a festive star spangled makeover using Elmer’s Painters paint markers.

DIY Star Spangled 4th of July Shoes

What I Used:

• White Canvas Shoes
• Elmer’s Painters Paint Markers – red (medium, fine and ultra fine tips) and blue (medium and fine tips)
• Pencil
• Star Stencil

I started by carefully outlining the area to be filled using the red fine tip Painters marker, and then I filled in the space using the medium tip Painters marker. The paint marker lays down a layer of opaque paint in a really smooth finish, but the canvas has a tendency to suck up a lot of paint, so a second coat may be necessary in some areas.

After I allowed the red paint to dry, I placed the stencil on the front section of the shoe, and used a pencil to lightly outline a pattern of stars.

I used the blue fine tip Painters marker to outline each star and cover over the pencil marks.

Next, I carefully outlined the entire area to be filled, and colored it in with the medium tip blue Painters marker. It felt sort of like a big coloring book, and I found it surprisingly relaxing to fill all of that empty space with paint!

I finished the shoes by painting the top trim with the red ultra fine tip Painters marker and giving them a quick coat of spray sealer (for extra protection since my son is ultra hard on his shoes!).

This guy loves his awesome new shoes, and he’s ready for 4th of July! I would totally consider borrowing these from him, but his feet are already much bigger than mine…and he’s only 9!

I had so much fun making these patriotic star spangled shoes for the 4th of July that I just HAD to pick up a pair of shoes that I could make over for myself, too!

I picked up these cute white canvas wedges while I was out shopping the other day, and I’m giving them an Elmer’s Painters makeover as well. Follow me on Instagram to see the final results once they’re finished!

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