This ladybug shoe tutorial will show you how to update plain shoes using paint!
Ladybugs make me think of summer. As soon as I see them pop up, I know summer is just around the corner. These delightful little critters make the cutest decor. Why not let their look inspire your shoe crafting?
I made this fun project for DecoArt a few years ago to help highlight one of their new products. I can confirm that after lots of use, this innovative paint product holds up well to use! It doesn’t crack or flake, so it’s perfect for shoe and bag painting like this.
I’m showing two ways to decorate shoes with a ladybug theme. These were fun to take with me on vacation…I had a pair for day wear and a fun pair of heels for nights out!
Ladybug Shoe Tutorial Supplies
- Americana Gloss Enamels Stick-On Stencils — Mod (6″ x 8″) — AGS219
- Americana Gloss Enamels Stick-On Stencils — Fluttery Friends (6″ x 8″) — AGS213
- DecoArt Stylin — Black — DASAL01
- DecoArt Stylin — White — DASAL02
- DecoArt Stylin — Red — DASAL05
- Flat Brush
- Pouncer
Wipe the shoes clean to remove dust and dirt.
Use a flat brush to paint a light application of red paint on the shoes. Let the paint dry.
Continue adding layers of paint, letting the paint dry between each application. The lighter-colored shoes only needed 3-4 applications of paint, while the black shoes needed a few more layers to achieve an even finish.
Place the desired stencil on the shoe. I used a ladybug stencil on the flats and dots on the heels. The adhesive stencils are perfect for this project, as they can bend to meet the curves of the shoes and they stay in place.
Pick up some black paint with the pouncer, then blot the excess off onto a paper towel. Add light layers of black paint over the stencil gently, then peel the stencil off.
Use the end of a paintbrush to add small dot accents as desired. These little highlights help give the image some fun dimension.
Aren’t they cute? Have fun crafting and creating your own colorful shoes with paint and stencils!
