For this chapter I initially thought I would like to design and up-cycle either an umbrella or a pair of shoes. Although I like umbrellas I do love shoes so it seemed to be the best way forward for me. I haven't actually counted the shoes, sandals and boots that I personally own but it is a lot!
I found a pair I bought very cheaply and very quickly for a holiday, I've never liked them and only wore them a few times so they are ripe for up-cycling.
Obviously there are a pair and the intention is they will match. The wedge heel is a rope/hemp type material and can be pulled off or covered.
The inner sole should pull off fairly easily along with the straps and toe covering.
Firstly I looked through pictures I had of spirals and drew some small sketches to stimulate some ideas and I looked for 'spiral' shoes on the internet. I thought about how I could add 3D sections in different ways to the shoes, and also how the 2D parts of the shoe could be designed, for example; the inner sole.
I put everything together on some working sheets to refer to. I might find if something does not quite work the way I plan I will need to come back to my original thoughts.
I liked the idea of adding spiral tendrils and leaves and these were my first thoughts for design. I decided a spiral flower could work with this. I decided to build up the 'back heel' section of the shoe and to design a peep toe. The heel could be painted or covered with fabric.
I then had a look at my 'top 3' shoes I own and thought about why I like them. Mainly I love the way they are co-ordinated, the inner and outer sole, the added charms and bling. So bearing this in mind I looked at how I could add bundles of cords and 'piles of spirals' or snails shells. I have particularly liked making cords with wire cores in this module and mainly because they are so nice to bend and mould. Also with cords its nice to add beads to them for another dimension.
I lastly looked at an astrological star spiral which is not one I have looked at previously in the module. I liked the flow of this spiral when I sketched it out, it had a feel of a Catherine wheel firework. This fired my imagination to make some spiral stars. I think they could be made from covered wires attached under a covered button and maybe something feathery. I could add beads to the ends of the main wires in each spiral, this would mean the wire would need to be thick enough to hold the weight of a bead. For the wedge heel I will add cords. Looking at the drawn design the plain colours need to be added to as they look at bit flat.
I looked at some coloured fabric from my stash but I have decided to dye some more.
Finally I ripped the shoes apart to start to get an idea of the actual construction I can use. Surprisingly for cheap shoes I had a bit of a job but eventually I was left with a wedge heel.
I decided I might be able to use the toe part as a pattern and roughly drew a peep toe line.
This is what I am left with. I have decided to leave the heel as it is because it has a good surface to attach cords to - I tested with a curved needle. Thinking about the construction, Pelmet Vilene for stiffness and support could work with some padding, and possibly use a fabric such as heavy calico. I have some silk noil that I would like to use if possible. Embroidered surfaces will need support, and I need to take into consideration adding an ankle strap if necessary and how to cover any edges.
I found these on the internet, very appropriate but maybe a bit beyond me, and also probably not very comfortable!
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