Materials:
Pair of shoes (Mine are fake leather)
Spraypaint (I used Krylon Gloss in “Watermelon”)
Nailpolish remover
Cotton pads/balls
Masking paint
Newspaper

Methods:
1. Prepare your shoes for painting by swabbing them all over with nailpolish remover. I’ve also read that you can use isopropyl alcohol, aka rubbing alcohol, for this step. If you have laces, remove them and tape off the soles and anywhere else you don’t want painted with masking tape. Stuff the shoes with wads of newspaper. If you can’t pull the tongues out of the shoes completely, press them out with the wads of newspaper so that they are exposed to the paint as much as possible.

2. Following the instructions on your can, spray with several light coats of paint. The exact number of coats will depend on the original color of the shoes and the color of paint, but mine took at least six coats.

3. Let dry overnight (at least) and lace ‘em up.

Top row: Fashionistable, It’s My Darlin’
Middle row: Facehunter, Fashionist
Bottom row: Street Fashion Style, Fashionistable

In the past I’ve purchased studs from studsandspikes.com, and if you need more inspiration, check out this studded trenchcoat from studs and pearls, and this studded pouch and studded wrap bracelet from Dismount Creative. I also did a couple of projects with studs–check out my leather studded bangle tutorial and my studded Converse.

The neighbors must have thought I was dabbling in witchcraft when I was wandering around the yard wearing a giant black graduation gown as a smock and stirring a vat of colored liquid, but it was worth it for the end result.
Here’s how to put on your own Harry Potter production dip-dye your own sweater.
Materials:
A light-colored sweater to dye, made of natural fibers (mine is 100% cotton)
Packet of dye (I used RIT in navy)
Salt
Detergent
Measuring spoons and cups
Large tub
Clip hanger
Safety pins
Hose
Water

Methods:

1. You’ll want to follow the instructions on your specific dye, but if you’re using powdered RIT dye on a cotton sweater in addition to the dye start with salt, detergent, measuring devices, and a large container wide enough for the sweater. Fill the container with steaming hot water.

2. For one packet of dye, add a cup of salt and a tablespoon of detergent to the water and stir well. Fill up a large bowl or measuring cup with 2 cups of very hot water and add the dye. Stir to dissolve.

3. Add 1/2 cup of the dye to the water and stir to distribute evenly. (For each gradation of color you’re going to add another 1/2 cup of the dye.)

4. Pin the sleeves to the side of the sweater and clip your sweater upside down on a hanger, then wet it thoroughly with with hot water. Varying the time depending on how dark you want the first layer of color, quickly dip the whole sweater into the dye bath. (You’ll notice that my sweater is sagging in the middle. Either hold up the center with your hand when you dip it, or affix it to the hanger with more clips so that you get straight lines of color.)

5. Add another 1/2 cup of dye, stir and dip again, submerging only about 3/4 of the sweater this time.

6. Repeat, adding 1/2 cup of dye, stirring, and dipping approximately 1/3 and then 1/6 of the sweater. You’ll probably want to leave the sweater in the dye for a minute or so each time.

7.  Leaving the sweater upside-down, rinse thoroughly with a hose until the water runs clear.

8. Gently squeeze out the water and allow to drip dry overnight, then lay flat to dry out the rest of the way if necessary.

These raspberry truffle brownies look delicious, and bonus, they’re vegan!

I love this tree table project from Camille Styles.

If park & cube’s pictures are anything to go by, the ASOS Spring 2012 collection looks divine.

This hand-stamped Valentine picnic set would be perfect for a romantic meal under the stars.

If you are still in need of Valentine’s Day ideas, might I suggest my free printable space Valentines, an embroidered Valentine, or a pair of heart handwarmers?

Have a great weekend!

Just click the following link to download and save a pdf containing all five cards:
Space Valentines
Then just print on cardstock, cut out, and fold. If you don’t want to use up a ton of black ink you can always do the printing at a copy shop.

Please note that while I would delighted for you to give my cards to someone special, they are not for commercial use (meaning please don’t sell them!). Also if you’d like to share the pdf, please link to this post rather than distributing it yourself.

I also happened to run into Mai of Fashionist in the Mission, and she posted this photo of my travel outfit to her instagram feed. Thanks, Mai!