These Star Wars heels were actually quite easy to craft! I've seen a few geeky high heels online, but never thought I could make some myself. Thanks to @amy_geek and about a dozen pals who gathered for a Geeky Craft Day, I finally have a pair of my own.
What you'll need: About 3-4 Star Wars comic books. Yes, they will be destroyed! The good news is that original SW comics from the early eighties are abundant and should be easy to come by. These cost a dollar a piece at my local shop.
I chose an affordable but posh pump with a vibrant blue trim (Bloomingdales). With a 4-inch heel and stacked platform, the shoe had a beige cork-like color and texture, which was a perfect canvas. The patent leather trim gave it a fun, stylish accent that I knew would pop against comic images.
I used Mod Podge as a glue as well as a sealant.
The overall process is easy: with scissors, I cut up pages of the comic books and glued them directly to the shoe. Each piece was about an inch wide or smaller. Larger pieces ("STAR WARS") were cut up into smaller sections and glued separately, so they would not tear or crinkle during the process.
Image courtesy of @SarahKuhn
Cover art is more vibrant than images from pages inside the comics--I used both to create a style that was collage-like and colorful.
I used some of my favorite images-- Vader, R2-D2, Leia and Stormtroopers-- But I also used images to tell a story. The back of the shoes depict Han and Fett squaring off. Like they do. In my mind.
I found that it was best to take a couple of breaks and let the shoes dry between sessions. When finished, I let it dry overnight, and I used Mod Podge for a final layer of sealant to create a glossy finish. Overall, it took about 5 wine-sipping hours to complete.
This decoupage method can be used with any style of shoe--flats, wedges, even boots. I'm told that a final polyurethane finish will protect it from wet weather.
The last step, of course, is to geek out in style by pairing the heels with a fitted skirt or favorite pair of jeans. The best part: While I'm waiting for someone to bring my latte, pull my car around, or submit their report, I can gaze down lovingly at my shoes and read some comics.
wonderful work! I would love to have shoes like that! I woulndt have the heart to cut my SW-magazines tho;)
Love the heels. We do the same in our family but we use canvas shoes. They are water proof when finished. Kids love this project.
What fabric/texture will work best as a canvas? I know you said cork… and while I’d love to have those heels, 4″ isn’t comfortable for me (I’m tall enough, so I wear flats mostly… but I like getting a minor boost from kitten heels), haha. XP
Cork heels are actually not as common as suede or leather. Suede is probably not as easy to decoupage as matte leather. I didn’t decoupage the heels so any size heel (or no heel!) works too!
those are amazing! makes me want them so baaad, great idea!
You are beautiful, creative and quite cool….you rock
What an amazing project! I want to make these now… this seems like it would also be a great way to resurrect old worn-looking shoes.
I absolutely adore these!! I’m actually going to try to make a pair xD Do you have any other tips, if there’s anything else I should do? There are a couple of old comics I wanted to print out, but I don’t know if photo paper would be too stiff, and if letter paper would hold together or not… but, these are so incredible
Thank you! I have tried using comic book covers which actually work well too! More current comics might also hold up better than the vintage ones!
Love these! I see yoy used the cork shoes however they are a bit out of my price range. Does it matyer the shoe type?
I have tried this method with suede and faux leather and that works well too! I’d test it on a similar shoe material/style if you aren’t sure!
Okay the only problem with these shows is it is so hard to fly a Tie Fighter in them.
Love these! Finally got the chance to make them (but with a red heel) and they’re a huge hit!
Hello! I am very excited to start on this project
I was curious what glue do you use to attach the comic pieces?
I was also curious about the polyurethane finish. What kind of product would that be?
Thanks for the great project!!
-Ashlee
Modge Podge! (Pictured above)