How to Make a Display with Baby Shoes

Most of us have saved our babies first shoes as a memento. We have them stored away for safe keeping. Than there are those who have opted to have their baby shoes bronzed. I have another fun option you might like to consider. This technique is similar to the antique crackling technique used on furniture, signs, vases etc. This is a wonderful way to get those baby shoes out of hiding and put them on display for all to enjoy.

The materials you will need are: Baby shoes (leather or hard formed), a wooden plaque, rubbing alcohol, 3 colors of acrylic craft paint, crackle medium, adhesive, thin satin ribbon (optional)

The first step starts with the wooden plaque which can be purchased at any craft store, even Walmart carries them. The wooden plaques come with finished edges and are untreated so they are ready to paint. They are also available in different shapes and sizes, so be sure to choose one large enough for both baby shoes to sit on. Choose an acrylic paint for the wooden base in the color of your choice. Using a brush apply your first coat of paint to the wooden plaque, set a side to dry. While the base is drying, you can start on the baby shoes. If you have never applied a crackle finish to anything before, I recommend you perform a trial run on an item not so sentimental first. Just to see if you are happy with the results before doing the baby shoes.

Choose two different colors of acrylic paints for painting the baby shoes. One will be the base color and the other will be the top coat. When choosing your colors, pick colors that compliment each other. Example: pastel blue and pastel yellow. Now prepare the baby shoes to ready them for painting. First remove the shoelaces from the baby shoes. Take the rubbing alcohol and with a clean soft cloth, wipe the outside of the baby shoes. Let the shoes dry for a minute or two. Paint the entire outside of the baby shoes with the color of paint you have chosen for the base color. Let the paint dry. Once the paint has dried completely, brush on the crackle medium in smooth quick strokes. Try not to hit the same area more than once. Now let the medium dry, just to the point that it is tacky to touch. Now brush on the top coat of paint (your second color choice). At this stage the crackling will have begun and you will start to see the base color showing through the top color, through the tiny cracks that are forming. This process is referred to as an antique crackle finish. Now let the baby shoes dry and during this time you can apply one more coat to the wooden plaque.

Once the baby shoes and the wooden plaque have dried completely, you can begin to assemble the display. This part is optional, lace up the baby shoe with a thin satin ribbon that coordinates with the base color of the baby shoes or use the original laces, it's up to you. Now you need to determine how you would like to position the baby shoes on the wooden base. Try sitting them side by side evenly, side by side with one pulled slightly forward, side by side with one slightly angled outward or one shoe propped up on the other. Again it's up to you. Once you have determined their placement, add the adhesive to the bottom of the first shoe and press gently to the base. Let the first baby shoe dry before you attempt positioning the other shoe, you don't want the first shoe to slide out of place. Now add adhesive to the bottom of the other baby shoe and place it in the predetermined position. Your baby shoes are now ready for display.

Hint: If you like, you can also use the baby shoes as a vase. Cut 2 pieces of florist foam to fit snugly into the heels of both shoes. Make the foam a tight fit, so you don't have to glue it in, this way it can be removed later if you choose. Push the stems of silk flowers or just a pretty green plant into the foam. There you have it your beautiful baby shoe display.

Information: How long will this last, you ask? Truthfully, I haven't the answer. I made some for a friend a few years back and they still look the same. My best suggestion would be to, just dust them lightly. Do not spray with chemicals or immerse them in water. Obviously not as durable as bronzing. Use your own judgment in determining whether this is the best choice for you.

This would make a very special gift for your adult child who is expecting their first baby. They can set their own baby shoe display, on the dresser in the nursery of their new arrival. Now that's a sentimental gift!