Its all about the Shoes !

Not something anyone who knows me might be expecting as a title. Although the shoes below are not quite what they might seem. Having a LONG weekend for easter I spent some of the time in the studio playing with the grunge paper.



This shoe is made from grunge paper, decorated with Tim Holtz stamps and grunge techniques. The shoe is stitched together with thread using a blanket stitch. WARNING : This is VERY hard on the fingers. If your going to make a pair then you NEED a thimble.



So where does the pattern come from ?
Found that on-line in a Free Stuff section from a UK magazine Crafty Stamper... Click here to get a copy LINK

Method : Paint your grunge paper, then cut out the shapes. If you want to make a pair then remember to turn the sole shape over to get a left and right. Next add a messge to the sole. I have embrossed mine then grunge the edges with distress ink. Finally decorate the upper. When you have finished you need to stitch the upper to the sole.. Start from the toe and go to the back for both side. You could use a running stitch or as I have a blanket stitch. I have another shoe cut and ready to go so I can try using the sewing machine. A little easier on the fingers I hope.
Then last, add some decoration. I have added a grunge paper flower to complete the Tim inspired shoe !!


While I was working in the shoe I also made a grunge flower to wear next Saturday to the Big British Craft Show in London. I am meeting up with a group of friends for the first time, so we are all wearing flowers ;)

The flower was cut from grunge paper using a die cut on my big shot. I have also cut a centre out of copper fabric (yes - its really made from fine spun copper) ... this was a quick idea which I think works. As the fabric is real metal you can form it or as I have twist it. Then being me I have added a button for the centre and some beads to dangle. I just need to sort out a pin for the back =)