Other (attempted) crafting
So I had this idea awhile back. I picked up some black canvas shoes and a Bleach pen and thought I'd draw some designs on the shoes. For the most part I like them, there's just a little quirk.
It should be fairly obvious by the photo that they turned out different colors. I'm assuming this is because the shoes are actually from different dye lots? The one had a more reddish base. After I applied the bleach to the first one I even timed it so I could match it to the second one but they still turned out like this.
So I'd love to pick your brains for solutions. I had a thought of maybe overdying them with some kind of diluted red dye (like RIT)? For application was considering just brushing they dye solution on the uppers with a paint brush. Does anyone think that would work? I'm wide open to suggestions as I'd really like to wear these!
As a side note for anyone wanting to try this, it was really quick and easy. The bleach pen is rather gel like so you can have a lot of control but the fabric on these caused the bleach to bleed. You can see the second one's design is a slightly simplified version of the first to account for this. (Yeah, them not matching perfectly in that respect doesn't bother me.)
Comments
I can't give you any advice but what you did is fantastic!
Posted by: Barbp | June 7, 2006 09:28 PM
I would think that a light washing of RIT dye might work.. its worth a shot if you don't get any more brilliant suggestions. In light of them being two totally different colors.. they are very cool and I bet you will get a lot of folks asking where you bought them!! I did mehendi to make money numerous years ago and I find myself drawing designs like that when I doodle.. I have a similar pair of jeans and some fake 'Birks' like your shoes!
Posted by: Mouse | June 7, 2006 09:49 PM
What a cool idea!!!
Well, at least those chinese shoes are fairly cheap (there's an ebay seller who sells them for about $5-6 a pair), so maybe you can find another one that'll match, lol...
I really want to try this out now! Thanks for the idea. :-)
Posted by: Eklectika | June 7, 2006 11:17 PM
Feeling totally inadequate in my craftiness now. Reddish/maroon sharpie?
Posted by: Sachi | June 8, 2006 01:13 AM
No idea here, I just like them!!!
Posted by: P-la | June 8, 2006 08:59 AM
What about taking a gold fabric pen, and embellishing the design itself. It may lessen the look of the different colors?
Posted by: Jennifer | June 8, 2006 09:05 AM
J, these are absolutely fabulous! I think I have those exact shoes too, so now I am curious to try this! :) Maybe in August for the neutrals month...
I think they look great the way they are, honestly!
Posted by: Lolly | June 8, 2006 10:00 AM
OOH these are tre cute!! hmm...i like the idea of going around them w/ a gold pen ;) purty shoes!!
Posted by: Jen da Purse-Ho | June 8, 2006 11:43 AM
Those are great. I love 'em! I would drop the shoe right in the rit dye, but then it would probably make them match even less. The sharpie idea is good, we draw on our stuff with markers a lot. lol. I like that they have so many colors now. A gold paint pen would work, too. Whatever you do, they are really awesome! I want to make some now. What a copycat I am!
Posted by: Arleta | June 9, 2006 09:38 AM
I know in my experience that Bleached fabric and RIT dye aren't always bosom companions... but if you possibly make a thinned down batch of the dye and paint it on... or better use fabric paint. I too second the gold fabric paint idea...Oooo or silver.
They are beautiful btw, the designs are awesome.
Posted by: Stephieface | June 10, 2006 07:03 AM
No idea what to do in this case... but I love them! ^^
This reminded me that I haven't decorated my hands with henna for a long time now, it's time to pick up the paint brush!
Posted by: Joanna | June 10, 2006 04:04 PM
I have no idea how to fix the multi-color problem. My personal opinion...the shoes look super cute as they are. They would look lovely with gold and red saris. Cute idea...to bleach the shoes too. :)
Posted by: Lani (Isis) | June 10, 2006 04:47 PM
I'm not very often inspired by non-knitting crafts, but... I must admit, the inspire-o-meter has just passed the red mark and my bellybutton is blinking.
Posted by: Eve | June 10, 2006 07:20 PM
I don´t know what you chould do with them, but I liked the idea of getting another pair and the one coloring the pattern, maybe glue on something that sparkels. I´ll try to locate that pen in Sweden becourse I´ll like to try it on my linen clothes
Posted by: karin | June 11, 2006 10:40 AM
I like the designs on the shoes. How about Pigma Micron pens? I have used them for writing quilt labels, and know textile artists who use them to add details to their art. They come in several colors, and are available in quilt stores or in the art section of stores like Hobby Lobby. Don't know how they work over bleach, though.
Posted by: Lisa | June 12, 2006 08:47 AM
I like that the shoes are different colors. At lest they're in the same color family. How 'bout wearing different color socks with each shoe too! Embrace the difference!
Ellen of Los Angeles (of course!)
Posted by: Ellen B. | June 13, 2006 02:31 PM
I saw an article about using bleach pens on fabric such as denim. Other kinds are worth experimenting with; just make sure you can rinse well before the bleach goes too far.
Posted by: Selma | April 21, 2007 03:12 PM