Wednesday, February 8, 2012

diy: tribal print flats

I've been in need of a healthy outlet for my tribal-print obsession, so I went crazy on a pair of old flats.  These shoes had served me very well, and I like having neutral flats at my disposal, but the leather finish was on its last legs.  Here's what I came up with:


Notes on this DIY after the jump!


These Lucky Brand wedges served as my inspiration:

Lucky Brand shoes

I chose to use a similar pattern, alternating two basic patterns: stripes and checkerboard.  Although I generally fear drawing, sticking to these patterns made this project really easy.

Materials:

- A pair of old flats
- Rubbing alcohol
- Tape
- A permanent black marker (I ended up needing another to finish the second shoe)


I diluted some alcohol with water and cleaned the surfaces of both shoes well.


To be safe, I used tape to mark one width and then started drawing the first pattern.  After taping off a couple sections like this, I was comfortable enough with the patterns to go freehand.

Tips:

- Start on the inside surface of the shoes.  If you eff up in the initial stages, it'll be in a less noticeable area.
- If you don't want to freehand all the way, you can sketch out each pattern section with light dotted lines and draw over them later.
- Try using short, distinct strokes, rather than long, continuous lines.  With patterns like these, imperfect lines should end up looking good, so don't worry too much about unevenness.  You can always go back and fill in sparse or really wonky lines/shapes.
- Experiment as you go.  Use the fine point and flat sides of your marker for different effects, and vary the width and angle of each pattern section.
- Don't wig out if you mess up part of the pattern.  As simple as a checkerboard pattern is, I managed to draw two black squares next to each other (check it out towards my heel below).  Dah.  No worries, though - I just decided that would be part of the new pattern.
- Don't be sniffing marker fumes!  Get some air.


This is a very easy project, but it takes some time and is a little repetitive, so have your favorite jams/podcasts/audiobooks ready to go!  (Working on these while listening to my favorite Spanish learning podcast = productivity central.)

Enjoy!  More marker-related DIYs to come.

49 comments:

  1. Whoa! that's so creative, I love how it turned out. I will definitely give this a go.

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  2. This is incredible!
    xx

    www.queenoffunkydiy.blogspot.com

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  3. Amazing project.
    I just went through your posts and I fell in love with your blog.
    I am soo happy that you found my blog and followed me :)
    I am following you dear x

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  4. That looks awesome! I will probably have to use a tape guide all the the way but I really want to try this. Thanks!

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  5. the effect is amazing! great job
    Erin @ Thanks I Made It

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  6. This is awesome - I would have never thought to do this!

    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

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  7. cute flats. love it. I can learn a few DIY from you. come check out my blogs.

    xox,

    http://www.tumblingintofashion.blogspot.com/

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  8. Gorgeous shoes! I found you at my friend-s blog lovemeagan and I am following you from Rome, Italy. I just made some cookies, you are welcome to have some:)

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  9. I love u!!!;) That's soo creative!!

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  10. Very cute DIY I would never know that it was a DIY! Fab!
    http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2012/02/peek-boo.html

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  11. totally need these. so cute. fabulous blog, love. definitely following. can't wait to read more. if you get a sec, I'd love if you'd check out mine. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com
    Small town girl takes on the LA fashion scene.

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  12. Wow, you did an awesome job! I love this idea.

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  13. I really love the idea!!

    I am hosting Boticca.com giveaway currently, where you can win $100 worth of jewelery and bags...Just click the link below...I'll wait for you there :)

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  14. What a neat idea! Such an easy but cheap way of reviving an old pair of flats. Gosh, you're really creative.

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  15. OMG this is a great idea, so simply!! Thanks for stopping by our blog.

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  16. Love those - so cute!

    http://www.hsquaredfashion.blogspot.com

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  17. This is sooo creative!! And being obsessed with tribal prints myself, I'm SO gonna try this out. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing.

    xoxo, Ally
    pinsandroses.blogspot.com

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  18. I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS WAS A DIY!!!

    so fantastic!

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  19. wow they look AMAZING!

    http://giaa-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  20. This. Is. Stunning. Before I reading the rest of your post, I literally thought you had bought them somewhere, either at an artsy, vintage boutique of some sort! :) What a creative DIY... I am a big fan of tribal print as well, I will definitely have to try out this on a pair of flats soon! =) Thank-you so much for sharing! I am a new follower, looking forward to seeing more posts!

    xooooxo
    Kelsey
    http://runawayinla.blogspot.com

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  21. what a cool DIY! love it!

    xxx
    www.ladyalamode.com

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  22. aww wow this is cool! you made it more prettier!!!!

    i'm following you back :)

    xoxo, Haus of Gala

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  23. Wow...You are talented! When I saw the first pic only..it never occurred to me it was a DIY pair of flats. It's really cool :)

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  24. oh my god this is amazing :) great job! i love your blog <3

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  25. They look even better now!!

    Kisses Anne
    http://annenobody.blogspot.com/

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  26. great idea, thank for sharing
    http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com/

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  27. First, thank you for stopping by and following. Second, your creativeness has left me no choice but to follow you and see what you do next! :)

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  28. Val, thank you so much for your comments on Melody's blog. Much appreciated!

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  29. Wow these shoes are super impressive! You make it look so easy...
    Thanks so much for the comment and follow on my blog :)
    I'll certainly be tuning in to yours to see what else you do!

    -Katelyn
    http://www.shadesofaquarius.com/

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  30. You're amazing! and Sooooo dang patient too might I add :D

    Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such thoughtful comments, hope you’ll be back soon!

    xo-Julie
    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture.com

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  31. I can't believe you did that yourself. Great job!

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  32. Love this! Been meaning to do something similar myself, but never quite got round to it - and I can't wait for the next marker DIYs, I'm planning to try some myself! x

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  33. This is amazing! I looove them flats, please do post a DIY up!

    www.theeasternpearl.blogpsot.com

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  34. Great DIY. Currently obsessed with tribal print.

    Patience
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  35. Great idea! Im definitely going to try this.

    http://creativelystylish.wordpress.com

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  36. omg, this is really awesome!!!! this DIY is amazing! i am obsessed!!! thank you so much for sharing!!

    love K

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  37. love it! simple to do + amazing effect - just as a perfect diy should be:)
    a great blog you have here, btw:)

    staklene bombone

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  38. Clever and easy! Love how these turned out!!

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  39. This is brilliant! Lovely shoes x

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  40. So adorable and clever!!!

    http://www.mythriftychic.com

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  41. Thanks for stopping by! I'm loving your creative projects and this one has been my favorite so far. Keep them coming!!

    Christina
    ExquisiteSearching.blogspot.com

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