Okay, so I’ve been seeing these “Aztek Kustoms Jordans” all over my feed, and I was like, “I gotta try this.” I’m not a professional artist or anything, but I love messing around with shoes and trying new designs. So, I grabbed an old pair of Jordans – they were pretty beat up, but perfect for experimenting on.
Getting Started
First thing I did was clean the shoes. I mean, really clean them. I used some soapy water and an old toothbrush, scrubbing away all the dirt and grime. You gotta have a clean canvas, you know?
Then, I started sketching some ideas. I looked up a bunch of Aztec patterns online – there are tons of them! I wanted something that looked cool but wasn’t too crazy complicated, since, like I said, I’m no pro. I practiced on paper a few times until I found a design I liked.
The Painting Process
- I used some masking tape to tape off the areas of the shoe I didn’t want to paint. This was super important to get those clean lines. I learned that the hard way on a previous project, haha.
- For the paint, I used some acrylic paints that are made for fabric. I found them at a local craft store. You need to be careful and use the correct paint that sticks on the material of the shoe.
- I started with the base colors, filling in the larger areas of the design. I did a couple of coats to make sure the color was nice and solid.
- Then came the details. This was the tricky part! I used some really fine-tipped brushes to add the smaller lines and patterns. It took a while, and I definitely messed up a few times, but it’s all part of the process, right? A small tip, go slow.
- The paint needs to dry completely.
The Finishing Touches
After everything was dry, I removed the tape. That’s always the most satisfying part! Seeing those crisp lines appear is just chef’s kiss.
I sprayed the shoes with a sealant. I think this is supposed to help protect the paint and make it last longer, I am not sure. Anyway, I did that.
And… that’s it! I’m actually pretty happy with how they turned out. They’re definitely not perfect, but they’re unique, and I made them myself. It was a fun little project, and I learned a lot along the way. If you’re thinking about trying it, I say go for it! Just be patient, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
