Boots to Slippers Uggs Up-Cycle

It’s getting cold here in the northern hemisphere; so it’s time to keep the ‘tootsies’ warm! Go find your old shearling Uggs in the bottom of the closet & surprise yourself with this simple Boots to Slippers Uggs Up-cycle.

The Love of Sheepskin

I really hope I’m not too late for your annual clean-out! I cherish my shearling boots so I have collected quite a few. I know they can start to look a bit shabby but they can be washed. Since they are a real animal skin using a mild shampoo will be gentle. Make sure they dry well after blotting with towels. (be careful as they may lose some colour) Stuff with old towels to keep the shape when drying.

New Design:

Since the outside skin does get grimy I had already given my light ones a new ‘design’ with acrylic paint. They now looked so much fresher! Any acrylic paint will work as it absorbs into the suede skin quite well.

So Simple:

Honestly, I’d rather have waterproof boots that will stand up to slush and salt better, but I do LOVE the feeling of my feet in these shearling ‘clouds’! That meant they were going to take on a new shape; a mule type shearling slipper. Or, maybe it’s what happens when you become a Grandma…

This works best with real shearling as the fur is attached to the suede leather/skin. Note where to cut the boot to allow for a finished look.

When cutting fur it is best to cut the skin with a very sharp Xacto knife or a scalpel (my favourite). Cut carefully just deep enough to go through the skin, the fur will just pull apart.

I love mule slippers so keeping the back low allows for easy slip-on & slip-off, essential when you have a pup who wants out often. Don’t worry the edges don’t fray.

Most Uggs and shearling boots have an extra layer to stiffen the heals. Carefully snip the stitching and then peel it back. Take out any stiff pieces.

Cut along the sole line with a knife and scissors to remove the extra layer so it should now be only one layer.

The shearling is soft enough to allow it to fold over. Press it over about 1″ all the way around the opening. Hot glue works well here as it grabs instantly. Work small sections at a time so it does not cool. It really could not be easier!

New Fluffy & Furry Heal’s

You’d never know they were boots… Often a well worn pair of shearling boots will lose the furriness on the insoles. Use the trimmed pieces of the fur as new insoles as they still tend to be in the best shape. Cut a new layer for the heal area.

Quickly press the new heal piece into place. The hot glue works well since the fur has so much texture to hold onto.

To get the shearling back to its’ original splendour use a dog grooming brush to fluff it up.

Add some Love!

Yes, you know I need to add my own design detail to these Uggs Up-cycle! Yes, whenever there are scraps I ask myself if they can become something. Simple cut hearts and coconut buttons make these so sweet and ‘new’! It also camouflages any stains…

Aren’t you proud that you can save something from the landfill? ‘Not to mention how great these feel. No real sewing project. If you are inclined to sew shearling slippers I can help you there too!

Alright; I admit I am a ‘slipper-junkie’ so here’s a few more slippers to make. Be kind to your feet; they work so hard for you…

There's many more projects on my site

'And ways to revamp your shoes as well...