my thrifty chic: {DIY} Printed Wedges

The Inspiration:

Ever since I caught the DIY fever, I look at fashion in a whole different light. Instead of seeing something I love and being bummed that I can't afford it, I think "how can I make it?" I apparently have inspired my mom too, because she is always calling me with new ideas of what I should create. I'm going to be honest, not all her thoughts are winners or even feasible for that matter.... but the one today was all her idea and I am pretty stoked about it.

My mom called me a few weeks ago and pitched her idea on how to transform a boring wedge into one with a cool pattern. Her idea was simple and seemed rather easy to complete. Just glue fabric to the bottom of a wedge.... done. I immediately saw the simplicity of it and was a little bummed I hadn't thought of it myself ;)

This project was fairly simple as soon as I solved my pattern making problems... follow along below:

I started with a pair of thrifted wedges. I bought them for two reasons, 1) Because they're cute 2) I figured the smoothness of the wooden bottom would be easiest to have fabric adhere to.

I also picked up this gray cheetah print skirt. I have seen a ton of jeans with this print, so I wanted to make a shoe ;)

My biggest obstacle in covering the shoe was figuring out the dimensions of the bottom. It's wonky and really had me stressed for a bit. I never took pattern making in school... but I have some pretty good critical thinking skills :D. I decided to cover the bottom with masking tape and then peel it off to reveal a pattern :)

Make sure you peel the tape all at once so it comes off in a big sheet

After I made my "pattern" I cut the skirt and laid the tape sticky side down.

I cut around the pattern leaving about a centimeter extra all the way around. I wanted to have a little wiggle room in case the fabric moved. (You can leave more room if you choose, it actually might be easier when cutting the excess later).

I cut two pieces of the fabric using the same pattern. They are the same size, but I took the picture at an angle :/

Next, I just winged it (like usual) I started at the heel and put down some glue (liquid stitch is my glue of choice). I tried to center my fabric as best as possible and then hoped for the best.

I smoothed out each part at I glued so I didn't have any lumps

After the back of the heel was secure I glued down the sides. Notice I did not cover the entire heel with fabric. I was originally going to, but I decided I liked the way it looked only covering part of the heel. Also maker sure you glue the edges really well, that's where the peeling can take place.