Hand Painted Espadrilles: A Colorful DIY Canvas Shoe Makeover
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
There's something really cool about taking a simple pair of canvas shoes and transforming them into one-of-a-kind wearable art.
These colorful espadrille-style shoes from Mexico already had a charm all on their own, but adding hand-painted details made them feel completely custom, artistic and loaded with personality.
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How Painting Espadrilles Is Different
Unlike painting on leather shoes, these painted espadrilles presented a completely different challenge.
The fabric is soft, flexible, and slightly rough in texture, which means the painting process requires a gentler touch and a little more patience.
But honestly?
That handmade texture is part of what makes them so special.
Supplies Used:
Canvas Espadrille Shoes
White Chalk Pencil
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Preparing Espadrilles for Painting
Because espadrilles are soft and flexible, I first had to firmly stuff the shoes before painting.
This gives fabric support and helps prevent the surface from collapsing while you work.
Without support inside the shoe, painting detailed artwork can become frustrating very quickly.
Once stuffed, the shoes became much easier to handle and paint.
Sketching the Design on Dark Fabric
Since these shoes were dark in color, I used a white chalk pencil to sketch my design before painting.
This made it much easier to see my layout and keep the design balanced between both shoes.
"Priming" the Espadrilles for Color
I almost always begin by painting the entire design in Dixie Belle Fluff White first.
Think of it as priming your artwork.
This helps brighten future paint colors and keeps them true to their intended shade.
You can see the entire design laid out in white paint before any color was added.
Painting the Espadrilles
Once that layer was dry, I used my favorite chalk mineral paint to create the final design.
I lightly thinning the paint with just enough water so it would glide more smoothly across the fabric surface without becoming stiff or heavy.
The end result feels whimsically artistic, and perfectly imperfect in the very best way. Exactly the look I was hoping for!
Sealing Painted Espadrilles
Once the painted design was completely dry, I finished the shoes with Easy Peasy Spray Wax for added protection.
This provides added protection while maintaining the soft appearance of the painted artwork.
Painted Espadrilles: Beautifully Imperfect
I think what I enjoyed most about painting these espadrilles was allowing the texture of the shoes to become part of the art instead of fighting against it.
The woven canvas surface catches every brushstroke a little differently, giving the finished design a softer more live in feel that almost reminds me of hand painted textiles or vintage fabric.
They aren't polished or perfect... and honestly, I wouldn't want them to be.
FAQ: Painted Espadrilles
Can you paint canvas espadrilles?
Yes! Canvas espadrilles are a wonderful surface for painting and allow for beautiful artistic details.
What paint works best for painted espadrilles?
Chalk mineral paint works very well when applied in thin layers and lightly thinned with water.
How do you seal painted espadrilles?
A light protective sealer, such as easy peasy spray wax, can help protect the painted design.
Why should you stuff espadrilles before painting?
Stuffing provides support inside the shoe, making it easier to paint detailed designs and preventing the fabric from collapsing while you work.
More Inspiration: Painted Shoes
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project.
Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Painted Cowboy Boots - bright and bold painting on leather boots
Whimsical Canvas Shoes - cheap white canvas shoes transformed
Painted Cheer Shoes - celebrate your cheerleader (or football player)
Pirate Vans - school spirit at its best
Custom Painted Uggs - yes, you can even paint suede!!
Yellow Tropical Sandals - bright bold summer fun!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
How can I help with YOUR Painted Canvas project?
Paint Your Own Project
If you would like to paint your own canvas/denim project but would like more (video) instruction, I have a very detailed (and affordable) course, The Art of Painted Denim, that guides you through all the steps to create your own canvas/denim. This 1.5+ hour course gives you all the tricks and tips to make it look great and just as importantly make it LAST through the wash!
Allow ME to paint it for YOU!
I offer a variety of painted canvas & denim projects that I custom create for you! You provide the vision, we collaborate on the final look, and I create a beautiful lasting piece just for you!
Join Me for MORE with Curiously Creative
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