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Follow this tutorial and learn how to totally customize a plain white pair of canvas shoes using iron-on transfer paper to make beautiful floral sneakers.

See how easy it is to iron-on designs onto white canvas shoes

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My Project Inspiration

When I came across a pair of Keds floral shoes, I was instantly inspired to create my own pair of floral sneakers. Instead of paying $70 for a pair of shoes, I knew I could spend way less by going the DIY route.

Not to mention, white sneakers are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Knowing me, they’d probably only last one season so no need to fork out that much on a pair of shoes.

Keep reading to see how to make your own pair in a few easy steps!

The Perfect Spring and Summer Shoe

This DIY floral sneaker project would make for the perfect spring and summer shoe. It’s also something you could make for all the gals in your family. Go with matching shoes or let everyone pick their own floral pattern.

Older kiddos could join in by making their own. What a fun way to do something together as a family and add a unique piece to your shoe stash!

What You Need to Make DIY Floral Sneakers

With the exception of the floral pattern, all of the supplies I purchased for this project came from Hobby Lobby. Don’t you just LOVE that place?!? Depending on the season and sales of the week, you could possibly get several of these things at a discounted price.

Supplies Needed for this project

Cost of Supplies

Just to break it down for you, I wanted to share what the supply costs are that way you can be prepared:

• White Canvas Slip-On Ladies’ Shoes: $5.99
• Inkjet Transfer Paper (to light): $9.99 for a pack, and I used two sheets for a total of $4

These are Hobby Lobby’s prices before any discounts, so you’re only looking at spending about $10! Sure beats paying $70, doesn’t it?

How To Make Your Own Floral Sneakers

Watch this quick video or follow the written step-by-step instructions below:

1. Head over to Etsy and pick your favorite floral pattern. I chose blue flowers just because I wear lots of blue in the summer.
2. Download and print your floral pattern of choice onto your inkjet photo transfer paper.
3. Cut the paper down to size, to make it easier to work with.
4. Start ironing the pattern onto the parts of the shoe where you want the floral pattern to be. I specifically chose the front and back parts of my shoe. Feel free to make the entire shoe one amazing floral beauty.
5. Working in small sections at at time, iron over the paper. While the paper is still warm, peel it back. Then continue to iron over the next section of paper.
6. If you miss a spot, don’t worry. Use the tip of the iron and a small section of iron-on paper to fill it in.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Cut your transfer paper.

If you’ve ever done a project that consists of ironing, then you probably know that once the heat has touched, the pattern will instantly start transferring. To make the ironing a little easier for these DIY floral sneakers, cut the paper down to size.

Be mindful of the iron’s heat.

Be careful not to burn your hand, but you do want to apply a little counter-pressure as you’re ironing. A small hand towel could be folded and used to prevent heat-related burns.

Work in small sections.

You’ll need to peel the paper away while it’s still hot so be sure to work in small sections. If you iron it and let the transfer paper sit, the paper will not peel off. It will be stuck to the shoe. It needs to be warm when you pull it off but if the paper cools, reheat it with the iron and keep going.

Choose small floral patterns.

Small patterns work best because if there is a section you’ve missed, you can go over it with the tip of the iron and fill it in without messing up the entire pattern.

Share the Sneaker Love

If you’re a giver and love to make gifts for others, these floral sneakers would make the perfect present. Not to mention, you can use the same iron-on concept on other things such as pillows, t-shirts, aprons, curtains, and more! Just make sure what you’re putting the pattern on is transfer compatible. In most cases, it works best on cotton or cotton blend fabrics.

I’d love to hear from you! Is this a project you’d like to try? Let me know if you do and how it turned out in the comments below!

Other Image Transfer Crafts for you:

• Make your own image transfer candles with any image or photo you like.  Use this super easy image transfer method to make your own custom photo candles.
• Follow this wood photo transfer tutorial, and learn how to add images to wood surfaces using Mod Podge. Discover an easy way to print pictures onto wood rounds for photo gifts.
• You won’t believe how easy it is to add photos to glass.  Follow this simple tutorial to make image transfer glass jars. Learn how to add any image to a glass surface!