Design your canvas running shoes with a Sharpie Tie Dye Effect

It’s back to school time! Why not send the kids back to school with some personalized canvas running shoes!

You will need:

Permanent Markers (like Sharpies)
Canvas Runners
Rubbing alcohol
Medicine dropper (if you don’t have one you can use a straw with your finger on the end)

These white canvas shoes came from Michael’s craft store. I am pretty sure that you can pick them up at Walmart and maybe even a dollar store. These are likely going to cost $5-7. The price gives you an idea of the quality of the shoes….these will look cute but have no arch support or cushion so not recommended for gym class or hiking across the country. Cheap and cheerful!

Next begin your design work. I like flowers and squiggles what does your kiddo like? Maybe a message written on the shoe. A+ or “Don’t Give Up” something that will make them smile through the day.

Very subtly I put “I love School”…tee hee… positive subliminal messaging.

Open the Windows or Go Outside!

When you’re happy with your design its time for the stinky part. Open the windows! Or better yet, go outside in the fresh air. The rubbing alcohol fumes will give you and your family a headache. We don’t want a cranky family….

Begin with just a drop or two to see how the color begins to bleed, blend and soften. Here you can see the difference between one shoe that is done and one that is not.

If you don’t have a medicine dropper just use a straw. Dip it into the rubbing alcohol and then put your finger on the end to capture a few drops. Drop onto the canvas to begin the process.

See the difference? Watching the design change is the best part of this project.

The more rubbing alcohol you use the more it will bleed so just use a bit on areas with a lot of color. Dark colors may end up being much bolder than the lighter ones. Once you start the bleeding process you can’t undo it….so this is why a medicine dropper is recommended. I put way too much on the front blue flower, so its much darker than I planned. As the French say….C’est la vie! Oh well, such is life…and crafts.

You might like the sharpie drawings “as is” and not even want to add rubbing alcohol. That’s cool too. It’s wearable art.

This is my second or third time with sharpies and rubbing alcohol. I will include a link to the t-shirts at the bottom of this post. I love the vibrant colors and funky designs. It looks bright even as the colors were blurred together. This would be very cool on a cotton throw pillow cover or curtains made from cotton or drop cloths.

This is a pretty cool way for kids to express themselves and show off their art work everyday on their feet.