Our love of Minnatonka moccasins and obsession with Balenciaga‘s Fall 2010 shoes made this DIY we created for Foam Magazine a no brainer. With just a tube of Tulip Soft Fabric Paint, a pair of paintbrushes (one thin and one thick) and a pair of suede moccasins, you’ll be ready to make your own color block shoes. (Tulip Soft Fabric Paint is best paint to use, as it is highly opaque, flexible once it dries and great for suede.)
To paint the tops of the moccasins, the fringe will have to be tucked under. Simply untie the bow, pull the suede strings out of all the holes (note how it is assembled), and fold the flap under. (Click images to enlarge)
Start by making a test patch near one of the holes, as this part will be covered and it’s a great way to get comfortable with your brush and paint. Once you’re ready to tackle the rest, paint the inside edge of the moccasin with the small brush. Then, switch to the large brush to fill in the rest. Finish it with another layer or two for maximum color.
Let dry for at least 2 hours and reassemble the fringe to reveal your new pair of SICK color block mocs!
(images by Honestly…WTF)
These are great. I have a plan to paint a pair of boots, but I’m still brainstorming on the design. I’m thinking of using paint by Jacquard. Have you heard of it? They sell it at Dharma Trading. I’ve used it to paint leather before & it is fantastic. They have opaque & metallic, both are good.
So beautiful! I love it.
Super cute. Great diy, thank you!!
http://behindthelashes.com
very cool DIY ladies!
I am in love with my Minnatonka’s! Thanks to Lauren for introducing me to them…most comfortable shoes.. This is a great way to give them a fresh update! I LOVE This idea! Great DIY!
These are so cute! I love the colors you chose !
thanks ladies!
nickie, thanks for sharing! yes, we love Jacquard’s fabric paint (from Dharma, of course!)…and we have a really neat DIY coming up using the metallics!! yay!
This is awesome. why isn’t everyone doing this?
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Adore! Such a vibrant pop of colour! Would pop up any outfit.
thats a great idea.
Best DIY ever. I am SO going to do this with my next pair of minnetonkas!
you always have the BEST DIY!
lachicmenagerie.blogspot.com
Whoa whoa whoa! Those are amazing. I love the grey/lavender ones! Do you mind sharing what color you used? Was is the Matte Periwinkle?
Simone, yes– Lauren used Tulip’s Periwinkle for the lavender color. And I mixed White, Turquoise, and Green for the sea foam color.
Yes! You ladies have nailed it, once again! I love them. Guess I have to buy a few more pairs of moccasins. Twist my arm…..
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You really made something special out of something ordinary. Can’t wait to do it but have to decide on a color–or two, or three. Thanks for the great idea.
adorable! i need to make these!
I love these! Going to try em!
so cute!
want to try these but was wondering what would be a cute color for black moccasins?
how about emerald green or gold?!
wow! i love your ideas! I create jewels and accessories and i love your project!
Kiss Kiss
Laninna Bijoux
oh what fun! thanks for the diy, i posted it on my bloggity blog today.
you always have the best DIY’s, love your blog!
CULTURAL APPROPRIATION!
I love the color blocked moccasins. Every time I look at your site I’m inspired. Thanks so much.
Hi love your info. I clicked on Tulip soft paint and it went nowhere. Where can I find it? Thanks fun article! MJ
Ah I’m in love! Thankfully, I already had a pair of Minnetonkas my friend no longer wanted and I painted them the sea foam color using the Tuilp fabric paint brand as mentioned and used in the DIY. I was having such a good time painting I wanted to paint everything around me including my dog’s harness! Thank you for sharing this DIY!
muito legal!!
This would look really cute if you used a tribal print instead! Just an idea xx
Those are ugly no offence
why would i ruin my $8o.oo moccasins.
Found some $15 moccasin’s at Ross and painted them! Came out exactly like the picture!!!
Great idea! It would be cool to use a stencil and paint the stenciled area white after the background paint dries, or leave it in the nude moccasin color.
cool DIY.. http://www.trueglitter.com for more color block shoes