Rose Petal Ombré Canvas Shoes DIY

I got inspired to do these blush tone canvas shoes when I saw a Instagram post by Garance Doré of her pair of Vans that she joked had stepped on her rosé. I had an old pair of white canvas shoes that I had used for a halloween costume and I really don’t wear that much. So I decided to upcycle them.

• A Pair of White or Off-White Canvas Shoes (Similar here)
• 1 Packet of Rit powder dye in Petal Pink (You can also use the liquid version)
• 1” Polyfoam Brush
• Masking or painters tape
• 1 cup of Salt
• 1 tbsp of dishwashing soap
• Metal Spoon
• 5 Qt. Glass container (you can also use a bucket)
• Gloves (so you don’t end up with pink hands)
• Plastic Cover (to protect the work area)
• 1 gallon of Hot Water

Protect the rubber sole edge by covering it with one long strip of the masking tape. Make sure is secured to the edge so the ends don’t end up pink. If you like remove the inner sole.

Prep the dye following the manufacturer instructions. In this case I’m using Rit powder dye, I dissolved it in 2 cups of hot water. Add the salt and detergent, and stir to blend. Then add an extra 4 cups of hot water to create a light water tone. If you are using a dark color you may want to use less water or perhaps 2 packets of the dye.

Soak the tip of the shoes in hot water before starting the dipping process this will ensure that the ombré effect has no break lines and runs smoothly.

Dip in the dye mixture only the tip of the shoe and hold for a few minutes. Check to see that the desired darkness is achieved. Do a second quick dip up to 3/4 of the shoe into the dye mixture, this is basically an in and out dip. Repeat on the other shoe.

Blend with the polyfoam brush dipped in hot water to clear any breaks or lines. Rinse shoes with warm water and then cold water. Wash with a little laundry detergent, until water runs clear. Remove the masking tape. Let air-dry.

If you give this DIY a try let me know how it goes and show me via Instagram or Twitter and tag with #TheArchitectofStyleDIY