The Hues of Oz

A big thank you to Oma Linda over at Olde Baggs and Stuffed Shirts for hosting this awesome blog party.

With so many amazing colors to choose from it was almost hard to pick just one but there is one color from the Land of OZ that is truly dear to my heart and that is Ruby Red, especially when it is on slippers. 

When my daughter was a little girl she desperately wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz but at that time (she just turned 26) there were no readymade ruby slippers or Dorothy costumes so I was on my own.

Being a creative soul I decided to make ruby slippers out of little girl ked sneakers. So, I painted them with sparkling red glitter paint, added a red satin bow with a big red jewel in the center and my daughter was thrilled. Easy Peasy! Unfortunately I have no idea where those original shoes are but today I am going to show you how to make your own Ruby Red Slippers – Adult Style

Materials:

Red shoes (Or any light colored shoe)

Red glitter paint

Red Glitter

Red Ribbon

Red Jewel

Sealant

Masking Tape

Newspaper or Plastic Grocery Bags

Sponge Brush

First find a pair of red colored heels in your size. You can use lighter colors of white and tan but you will need to do a base coat of red paint before you apply the glitter due to the slick nature of the shoes. If you are using canvas sneakers you can use white and then add several coats of the glitter paint. The canvas takes the paint much better than the leatherette/vinyl does.

Stuff newspaper or plastic grocery bags inside the shoe and mask off the areas you do not want painted.

Using a sponge brush cover the entire shoe with red glitter paint and let dry completely. If you need another coat or two to get the coverage you like be sure to let the paint dry completely between each coat. 

Red Glitter

 Now here is the secret to glittery ruby slippers, on your last coat, right after you apply the paint, sprinkle red glitter over the paint and then let it dry. BAM! Ruby Red slippers, just as glittery as Dorothy’s. Once the glitter dries there may be a spot or two that you need to touch up, just brush on some paint and add more glitter. (Another option is to use modpodge glue instead of paint.

Red Shoe is on Left, Vream Shoe is on Right

Once the glitter and paint are dry, seal the shoes with a sealant and let them dry completely. 

Take a length of ribbon and sew or hot glue the ends together so you have a loop of ribbon. Take a shorter piece of the same ribbon and do the same. Laying the shorter loop on top of the first, longer loop then lay the loops flat and tie a knot in the center using string. Take a small piece of the original ribbon and wrap around the center, covering the string. Lap the ends and secure with glue.

Glue the bow to the shoe and then add a matching jewel

Voila!

Comparison

Sealed and Ready to Wear - Once I make the second one!

Ruby Slippers