If there’s one recent trend I can fully support, its the cactus print. Cover my home, clothes, and everything in between with it and I’d still be happy. Perhaps it’s because I miss California, or that it’s one of the only plants I can keep alive and healthy, but I’m wayyyy into it.
If you have a plain pair of sneakers on hand (or have $7 to spend on new shoes), you can add a bit of the desert to your wardrobe in no time at all! Here’s how I made my cactus shoes:
Time: 45 minutes
Materials: sneakers, iron, heat transfer material, fabric (can be scrap piece)
I used a Silhouette to cut the cactus shape, but you could make a less intricate stencil and cut out by hand if you don’t have a machine. It will most likely add another 30-40 minutes to the make time.
Before beginning, stuff your shoe with paper or fabric so that the outside is firm. Cut out all of your cacti shapes and peel the excess transfer material away from the plastic. Position on your shoe (plastic side up), cover with fabric, and iron. I saw the best results when I held the iron in place and just pressed down firmly for 60 seconds.
Peel plastic away from your design and continue transferring remaining shapes until shoe is covered. Then ta-da, you’re done!
I haven’t tested these shoes in anything but sunshine (we’re in a bit of a drought in Oregon), so I can’t say how they’ll hold up in rain. I’d seal with decoupage if you were planning on wearing these outside in different weather.
And if you’re not so into the cactus trend, perhaps these diy glitter shoes are more your style!
