Because they're so unique, I thought I'd share how I created them with you...in the event that you'd ever want to make your own for that Manolo Blahnik shoe-loving bride in your life. So here's how!
1) Buy the shoes you'll use to create your base. I recommend hitting the nearest deep-discount shoe store if you're only creating one (you'll just need a pair) or the Internet if you're creating multiples. Get the largest size of a closed-toe high-heeled shoe that you can find, trying to find one with as large a "closure" at the front as you can. For obvious reasons, try to find one that's a little more stable than a 6-inch spike heel.
2) Gather your supplies - you'll need a block of floral foam, a roll of Saran Wrap, your flowers, a glue gun, and a stable base to mount the finished product on to.
3) Soak your floral foam taking care to let it absorb as much water as possible. While foam can absorb more at a later time, it's hard to water shoes!
4) Using Saran Wrap, take one extremely long piece and fold it in half horizontally. Use the folded end to create a "bowl" in the toe part. You are using this to catch any water that drips down, so be careful not to tear or leave gaps. Using two pieces of wrap stuck together is going to practically guarantee a leak, so don't cut corners here. Use the rest of the piece to line the inside of the shoe, leaving the ends overhanging the shoe.
5) Stuff the toe with floral foam for stability, then work your way up the inside. As much as possible, use continuous pieces of foam instead of lots of small pieces. Those can be used to jam into the sides for stability.
(Optional Step- Add some decorative ribbon! It's easiest to tie this now, instead of later. You can also use a pinch bow on a pik instead of tying one.)
6) Roll the extra Sarah Wrap around the inside of the shoe. You can pin it to the foam if you wish- just don't tuck it under and leave foam exposed to leak!
7) Starting with your greenery work around the shoe and cover the sides where foam and saran wrap show. Optional (I did) would be to use greenery to create a "cascade" effect on one side.
8) Add your flowers, berries, and so forth!
9) Glue or otherwise adhere your creation to a beveled mirror, photo frame, block of painted wood, or other heavy weight that will sit flat on your table. While it is tempting just to put the shoe out because they may seem quite steady, remember that it is delicately balanced at best!
(Optional step: Add loose flowers to the base, especially if it is a mirror and there is writing on the underside of the shoe!)
10)- Enjoy!!
No comments:
Post a Comment