DIY Masked + Printed Geometric Flats

If you love a good DIY project and you love shoes and accessories, then I can’t wait to show you this easy and fun way to add some personal flair to a pair of flats, boots, sneakers, or even a handbag!

As long as you can cut tape and dab on paint, this DIY is a great way to add a geometric print to lots of accessories.

What type of shoes work best for this DIY?

• Shoes that are made of a suede or suede-like material work best for this project (flats like these are perfect and I used these pink boots), but the key is choosing a fabric that the tape will stick to and that the paint will soak into as well (so more fabric than shiny).

• Shoes that don’t have a lot of buckles or zippers. A few is fine if you can tape around them, but more of a blank canvas makes it easier.

Here’s a step-by-step for how I printed mine at home:

How to paint your shoes:

1. Use masking tape to create a fun, geometric pattern. Think stripes or triangle or any shape you are comfortable cutting out about 50 times. 😉 You can cut masking tape pieces in half with varying lengths for a fun, irregular stripe, or, like for these boots, you can tape off one side of the shoe by taping down the middle line and covering that one side with smaller strips in a checkerboard pattern.
   
2. After you paint, let it dry, peel off the tape, and repeat on the other side—remember to cover zippers, heels, or any shoe edges that you don’t want painted with tape!
   
3. Be sure to press the edges of the tape over the seams around the sole and inside the shoe for the cleanest results. Use matte fabric paint (this is my favorite) and a pouncer (my favorite way to do this since it does a light even coat easily) or small, flat brush to paint a coat over the entire surface.
   
4. When dry, remove the tape and reveal your design. Enjoy your new pair of shoes! It’s fun having a piece of clothing that no one else has.

Can I do this tutorial on other items as well?

• Yes!! If you follow the same fabric selection guidelines (faux suede or suede-like material, nothing really shiny), then you can also do this DIY on purses (one like this would be great), jackets, skirts, or whatever you like!

You could also use shape stickers to mask off an area for a fun pattern as well! If you love the look but don’t want to go through all the steps, you can also go for a pair like this with the stripes already added.

Throw your new flats into a cute weekend bag and you’re ready for a road trip! xo. Elsie

F.A.Q.

P.S. Looking for other ways to transform a pair of shoes? Check out these posts!

• How to Paint Leather Sandals
• How to Make Glitter Shoes
• Make Your Own Croc Charms

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5 from 1 vote

Print

Get the How-To

how to paint shoes

Cost $10 (excluding shoes)

Yield 1 pair of shoes

Prep 1 hr

Cook 30 mins

Supplies

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 pair of shoes (suede or faux suede is best)
• ▢ 1 matte fabric paint (any color)
• ▢ painter's tape (washi or masking tape can work too)
• ▢ foam brush (pouncers or small flat brushes work too)

Instructions

• Use painter's tape to create a fun, geometric pattern. Think stripes or triangles … any shape you are comfortable cutting out about 50 times. ? You can cut masking tape pieces in half with varying lengths for a fun, irregular stripe, or, like for these boots, you can tape off one side of the shoe by taping down the middle line and covering that one side with smaller strips in a checkerboard pattern (after you paint, let it dry, peel off the tape, and repeat on the other side!).
• Be sure to press the edges of the tape over the seams around the sole and inside the shoe for the cleanest results. Use matte fabric paint and a pouncer (my favorite way to do this since it does a light even coat easily) or small, flat brush to paint a coat over the entire surface.
• When dry, remove the tape and reveal your design.
• Enjoy your new pair of shoes! It’s fun having a piece of clothing that no one else has.

Notes

• Remember to cover zippers, heels, or any shoe edges that you don’t want painted with tape!

© Author Laura Gummerman

Credits // Author and Photography: Elsie Larson and Laura Gummerman