DIY Color Block Moccasins

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)

Leave a Comment

76 Comments

  1. 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.

    8.17.10
    Reply
  2. Margot wrote:

    So beautiful! I love it.

    8.17.10
    Reply
  3. Super cute. Great diy, thank you!!
    http://behindthelashes.com

    8.17.10
    Reply
  4. karen wrote:

    very cool DIY ladies!

    8.17.10
    Reply
  5. cherine wrote:

    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!

    8.17.10
    Reply
  6. Deana wrote:

    These are so cute! I love the colors you chose !

    8.17.10
    Reply
  7. erica wrote:

    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!

    8.17.10
    Reply
  8. April wrote:

    This is awesome. why isn’t everyone doing this? :o)

    8.17.10
    Reply
  9. Xizi Luo wrote:

    Adore! Such a vibrant pop of colour! Would pop up any outfit.

    8.17.10
    Reply
  10. jesslope wrote:

    thats a great idea.

    8.17.10
    Reply
  11. Joanna wrote:

    Best DIY ever. I am SO going to do this with my next pair of minnetonkas!

    8.17.10
    Reply
  12. Stephanie wrote:

    you always have the BEST DIY!

    lachicmenagerie.blogspot.com

    8.18.10
    Reply
  13. simone wrote:

    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?

    8.18.10
    Reply
  14. erica wrote:

    Simone, yes– Lauren used Tulip’s Periwinkle for the lavender color. And I mixed White, Turquoise, and Green for the sea foam color.

    8.18.10
    Reply
  15. Sara wrote:

    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….. :).

    8.18.10
    Reply
  16. tammy wrote:

    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.

    8.19.10
    Reply
  17. geri wrote:

    adorable! i need to make these!

    8.20.10
    Reply
  18. Alexandria wrote:

    I love these! Going to try em!

    8.25.10
    Reply
  19. jan wrote:

    so cute!

    9.15.10
    Reply
  20. emily wrote:

    want to try these but was wondering what would be a cute color for black moccasins?

    1.18.11
    Reply
    • erica wrote:

      how about emerald green or gold?!

      1.18.11
  21. wow! i love your ideas! I create jewels and accessories and i love your project!

    Kiss Kiss
    Laninna Bijoux

    3.2.11
    Reply
  22. 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!

    5.4.11
    Reply
  23. E wrote:

    CULTURAL APPROPRIATION!

    8.7.11
    Reply
  24. mart wrote:

    I love the color blocked moccasins. Every time I look at your site I’m inspired. Thanks so much.

    9.30.11
    Reply
  25. MJ wrote:

    Hi love your info. I clicked on Tulip soft paint and it went nowhere. Where can I find it? Thanks fun article! MJ

    11.5.11
    Reply
  26. Caroline wrote:

    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! 🙂

    11.18.11
    Reply
  27. esmeralda wrote:

    muito legal!!

    1.5.12
    Reply
  28. Lisa M. wrote:

    This would look really cute if you used a tribal print instead! Just an idea xx

    2.11.12
    Reply
  29. Reagan wrote:

    Those are ugly no offence

    4.7.12
    Reply
  30. m.a. wrote:

    why would i ruin my $8o.oo moccasins.

    7.9.12
    Reply
  31. T.m. wrote:

    Found some $15 moccasin’s at Ross and painted them! Came out exactly like the picture!!!

    8.1.12
    Reply
  32. Natalie wrote:

    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.

    9.13.12
    Reply
  33. cool DIY.. http://www.trueglitter.com for more color block shoes

    2.21.13
    Reply
  34. I started to get bored of mine. They seem cute should be carried out 😉

    8.11.13
    Reply
  35. Zen wrote:

    This DIY is cute! I need to think of something to do with shoes for my blog hapinesswherever.wordpress.com

    8.22.15
    Reply
  36. I found a coupon to save 10 percent on minnetonkas. Coupon code ” save10″ at moccasinsdirect.com

    1.3.16
    Reply
  37. Love the website– very user friendly and great deals to see!

    11.5.16
    Reply
  38. tamr wrote:

    I will call them the funny loafers. your ideas inspire.

    6.7.17
    Reply
  39. shahbaz wrote:

    Thanks for your article! I have been looking for quite a long time and fortunately I read this article! I wish you would continue to have valuable articles like this or more to share with everyone!

    12.26.17
    Reply