In an effort to save money and get the most out of my footwear investments, I have found some ways to repurpose last season's sandals. Now I can really enjoy those funky flip flops I begged my husband to buy me, even if no one else in the world wants to wear them.
Here are some quick tips to help you reuse, recycle, and re-enjoy some of your favorite summer shoes:
New Sandals
You could just give your sandals a facelift to make them look new again. Add rhinestones, strings of beads, hemp, fabric ties, or whatever else you want to the shoes. You could also use fabric paint to change them to a different color, or you could replace the straps with a new material.Make the sandals a perfect fit for your wardrobe, and you will know for a fact that they are one-of-a-kind.
Picture Frames
Why not make your shoes into cute displays for photos in your home? This will only work for sandals with a relatively flat soles and minimal straps. You can us a box knife to cut out a rectangle to fit a picture in, and then you can set the picture in the shoe with a little piece of glass on top. You could get this glass from another picture frame, or you could use clear plastic instead. Most craft stores will sell thin sheets of Plexiglas that you can cut with scissors or a box knife. That will make the perfect cover.
If the edges around the photo look a little jagged, glue on some rope or part of the straps. Then just add a triangular piece of matting or cardboard to the back for support, and you can put this super chic frame on any table in your home.
Coat Racks
You could easily turn your sandals into hooks for hanging things. Just get a piece of wood to secure the shoes to, and then use screws or glue to put them toe-down on the board. Then you can buy some decorative clothes hangers and put one in the toe of each shoe.
You could also buy a hook to secure in the toe, but that kind of defeats the purpose of the shoe in general. Try to incorporate the footwear as much as you can. Add a wire to the back so you can hang this on the wall, and you should be good to go. Something like this may even be good enough to win you a scholarship if you play your cards right.
Coasters
At first glance, a pair of shoes on a table may seem out of place. If you clean them up nicely though, they can look like actual coasters for your drinks. Glue a circular piece of cork board to the inside of the shoe, and you will be able to use your sandals just like you would any other coasters. Who knows – you may start a trend for the neighborhood!
There are plenty of ways to repurpose last season's sandals if you just think outside the shoebox. Figure out a way to really let these shoes shine, and you will not have to worry about throwing away perfectly good shoes.
About the Author: Lisa Winehart is an active fashionista who is currently going to college on a left-handed scholarship. She uses her innovative creativity to propel her career and her hobbies at the same time.
