How to Make Decoupage Shoes -Marimekko Style

This is a tutorial on how to decoupage shoes to make designer sneakers. I used three designs from my favourite Finnish design studio, Marimekko.

Decoupaging with paper napkins is a simple and affordable way to get a designer look. Lucky for me, Marimekko prints many of their iconic patterns and designs onto paper napkins. There are so many to choose from.

My favourite Marimekko print is their iconic Unikko poppy, and I have used that many times in my home upcycles. From Nordic Christmas decorations to tabletop wall art, upcycled plastic planters, and a unique Marimekko bench for my garden.

The Decoupaged Sneakers

The sneakers I used for this upcycle were cheap and affordable; I made three pairs of decoupaged shoes.

If the truth is told, I couldn’t just pick one design, so I made three different pairs of Marimekko shoes. They were in various patterns and colours, so I had more choices when matching them with my outfits.

Lucky for me, this is a straightforward craft, so it didn’t take long to make each pair.

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What you Need to Make Marimekko Shoes

• Pair of white canvas sneakers (whatever style you want)
• Marimekko Paper Napkins
• Modge Podge Glue Matte
• Cling film
• Plastic bags
• Masking Tape
• Fine paintbrush
• Foam brush
• Waterproof PVA or Mod Podge
• Cup of water

How To Decoupage Shoes / Sneakers

Step 1: First, prepare the sneakers for decoupage. Remove the laces and stuff the toes with plastic bags, so they are firm.

Tape off the area you don’t want to be covered in Marimekko napkins, such as the rubber trim on the sole. Don’t try to cover eyelets with tape; this is too tricky.

Step 2: After deciding what paper napkin you will use, separate the top print layer. Most paper napkins are three-ply, but only the top layer has the pattern printed.

Step 3: Place this separated napkin face down on cling film. You will be tearing your designs out and not cutting them, giving you a nice feather edge.

Decide on the flower you want, and draw around the flower with a wet paintbrush. This will make it easier to tear around the flower.

Step 4: Next, cover the shoe area you want to decoupage with Mod Podge. The Mod Podge is put on the shoe rather than the paper napkin, as the napkin is too delicate.

Then, carefully lift your cling film with the cut flower face down and place it on the shoe where you want. The flower should now be face up on the shoe; carefully press down and straighten out using the cling film. Don’t worry about overlapping onto the taped-off areas at this stage.

Step 5: Carry on decoupaging the sneakers until the whole shoe is covered. Leave them overnight to dry.

When the glue has dried in the morning, use a craft knife to carefully remove excess napkins on the shoe, for example, around the taped-off rubber trim. Punch through the lace’s eyelets as well with a sharp object.

Step 6: To protect the decoupage sneakers, apply another Mod Podge coat over the paper napkins and leave it to dry. To make the shoes waterproof and another layer of outdoor Mod Podge.

Step 7: Finally, to finish, remove the tape and insert the laces.

The Three Marimekko Designs

As I mentioned, I made three pairs of Marimekko decoupage sneakers as I couldn’t just pick one design.

The blue Unikko print Marimekko sneakers are my favourite of the three designs. I love the colour, and the giant poppy print works well.

The canvas shoes only cost £3, and I used 3-4 napkins per pair. You can use any napkin designs you want, so if you’re more into Cath Kidston, you can use their napkins. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to find some Orla Kiely paper napkins, but I will cover a pair of shoes with them as soon as I do.

If you give shoe decoupage a go, I’d love to know what napkin design you would use.

Other Marimekko Crafts

You can find many more Marimekko crafts and DIYs here.

I don’t just use Marimekko paper napkins to upcycle and craft with; they also produce a stunning range of wallpapers. I have wallpapered my stairs with Marimekko wallpaper and made some wallpapered lampshades to match.

I’ve even used Marimekko wallpaper samples to make a fun desk caddy.

Even the shed in my garden has been hand painted with a Marimekko design. I told you I am a massive fan of their prints and patterns!

Check out these other unique decoupage ideas.