How to Use Stencils To Refashion Wedge Shoes

I love how these wooden wedges came out. I originally found them at the thrift store and they had a few scratches on the wedge. In an effort to hide that and fix them up I dreamt up this project that I have replicated on a few other shoes.

I didn't document my entire process with this first pair of shoes, but I did with a pair of cork sandals! I used the exact same steps on the tutorial you'll see below.

I made a video documenting the entire process which shows a few of the steps in greater detail.

Here's what we're starting with. A pair of cork wedges. Before I got started I made sure the shoe was as clean as possible. If you have any marks on the sides, try using a magic eraser on those areas.

Magic erasers are great at getting scuffs and other marks out of shoes!

Here's my secret weapon. An adhesive stencil set. I found this one from Martha Stewart at Micheals.

Picking out a stencil is so fun because there are so many great options to choose! Even if you don't have artistic skills, you can pick the right stencil and make your own unique work of art.

The most important thing about choosing the right stencil is making sure it will fit nicely on the wedge of your shoe and that it is adhesive. If you find one you like without adhesive you could also try purchasing a can of spray-on-adhesive.

Once you have your stencil, play around with the placement of the stencil to find what you like best. Once you find something you like, peel off the adhesive and really stick it on there. Press it on very well so its very secure.

Here comes the other secret weapon: paint markers. These are perfect to prevent bleeding and accidental smudging under the stencil.

I first tried using acrylic paint and that didn't work at all. The design got completely smudged. The paint pens however worked really well!

I got a simple set for under $15 at Micheals. I painted my vines and stems green, and filled in the flowers with a variety of colors.

The stencil did start lifting due to the curve of the shoe, so I found it easiest to start on one in and work your way to the next. Section by section make your way to the end.

The great thing about paint pens is it doesn't take long at all for them to dry!

I just let this shoe sit for a few minutes until the marker had dissolved into the cork. It takes just a few minutes longer for the paint pen to dry on a wooden wedge.

You could stop there, or you could add a little more detail following the lines you created with the stencil. The stencil creates a great base so its super easy to add on to it. I went ahead and added a few light green details along the leaves.

Here's what I ended up creating on this pair. I love how it's very retro.

My favorite however, is definitely this pair! I used a different stencil from my Martha Stewart kit and filled out the design with little color accents and white around the roses.

If you try this project, tag me on instagram at @Sew_Much2Wear. I would love to see how they come out!

If you liked this project, I'd love to have you subscribe on Youtube! I do all sorts of refashioning projects.

Tell me in the comments, what kind of picture would you like to create on your own pair of wedges? Good luck and happy creating!