Converse sneakers are timeless. Over the years, we have seen them paired with everything from a great pair of torn up Levi’s to a Vera Wang wedding dress. The older they get, the cooler they get; the dirtier they become, the better. Converse may be one of those items in fashion that have actually withstood the test of time. They revolutionized the sport of basketball, and witnessed the beginnings of rock and roll. Off-duty models are often found perusing the streets of NYC and Paris wearing them. And, even the shoe addict herself, Ms. Carrie Bradshaw, was seen wearing a pair, via flashback, in Sex and the City II
They come in every color, shape, size and design. This version of the studded Converse has to be one of my favorites.
A self proclaimed Converse aficionado, I first fell in love with them when I saw a Kodak commercial of a girl running through a field on her wedding day… wearing hot pink high-top Chucks, looking happier than ever. I begged my mom for a pair and have become a life long fan ever since. I came across this pair of Studded Converse on Free People’s website this past fall, and immediately felt the same kind of love I did when I was 8 and saw that Kodak commercial. What I didn’t fall in love with, though, was the price tag. I couldn’t ask my mom for these, although I thought about it. And then I started to see this studded sneaker pop up on a few of my favorite bloggers’ walls! They were taunting me. There was only one thing left to do. If I was going to own these sneakers, I was going to have to make them myself. Commence the DIY Studded Converse.
As seen on…
Top blogger Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad professed her love for the studded beauties, and wears them quite often. They have also made their rounds on Chictopia, seen on Chictopian STELOUCE
Do it Yourself!
You’ll need:
- A pair of Converse sneakers. (Low tops or high tops, whatever you prefer) 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch studs. (Again your preference, depending on how you want to place your studs on your sneakers.)
- A small flat head screw driver.
- Your hands.
- And some patience.
Step One
First thing you want to do is figure out where you would like to place your studs. You can generally find studs in any craft store, or online. I found Kit Kraft in Studio City, CA. kitkraft.biz, is a great resource. They carry every size and shape stud you can imagine.
Step Two
Next, take the laces out of your sneakers and make sure you have room to stick your hand in the shoe. It makes for easy pushing of the studs.
Step Three
Begin pushing your studs in. You want to give it a little force, push down pretty hard until you see all four prongs come through the other side of your shoe.
Step Four
Take your flat head screw driver, (if you don’t have a flat head, a spoon will work also) and push down the four prongs that have come through, until they are flat. You really want to make sure you have securely flattened all prongs down in your converse so that when you wear them, you avoid pricking yourself with a prong. I suggest always wearing socks with these. Continue studding to hearts desire and…
Voila! You have made your own DIY studded converse.It’s really quite easy. Besides sore thumbs, this DIY is a piece of cake, and will save you a ton of money. A pack of 100 studs cost about $20, and on average Converse sneakers run anywhere from $25, to $55 dollars, depending on where you purchase them. A pair of already made studded Converse online will run you anywhere from $200 to $250. Just check out, ebay.com. You’ll be shocked and then very pleased that you decided to make them yourself! If you have any questions on this DIY, please feel free to send me a note or comment and I will gladly help you out.
Image via unknown photographer
