Designer Ruby Red Slippers

"Ruby Red Slipper"
Photo & Shoe:  Liz Ebanks ©2011
Tribute to Wizard of Oz
Custom Painted Heels




Designer Ruby Red Slippers

Written by: Liz Ebanks

National Art Teacher Award Recipient

Dorothy is celebrating her new designer Ruby Red Slipper makeover by shattering the hour glass in Oz.  After clicking her heels three times the iconic starlet has landed in the Custom Design Studio for Christmas. "There's no place like home."  Follow her lead down the Yellow Brick Road in these glamorous red ruffled 4 inch platform wedges.  I customized these gorgeous Ruby Red Slippers as a Tribute to Judy Garland's character Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.  These heels glitter on the red carpet with every jewel like hand painted detail.  Now this treasured American movie classic's Ruby Red Slippers have a hot new sexy look.  Elegantly, climbing roses embellish each stiletto wedge to showcase her long legs from every angle. These glamorous peep toe heels adorned with tantilizing ruby shimmers reniniscent of Hollywood Couture are perfect for any Holiday party. 

"Celebrity Heels"
Liz Ebanks ©2011
Custom Painted Heels & Purses
Ruby Red Slipper Collection

The versatile glittery shoes paired with a matching nostalgic cigar box purse complete Dorothy's  polished look with jeans.  Confidence is so sensuous.  Like a magic wand the custom painted stiletto design on the wedge empowers Dorothy to comfortably stay on the look out for the Wicked Witch creating the illusion of sky scraping heels in the Emerald City. 

  

Thank you, for joining us today in the design studio.  If you enjoyed this post you may like reading about my other beautiful 
CUSTOM SHOE DESIGNS and WORKSHOPS on these links to my other blog posts.

Click on your guest pass to the COUTURE STILETTOS COMMEMORATE AMERICA: 

http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2010/09/hand-painted-high-heels-commemorate.html 

DESIGNER STILETTOS (MAUI COLLECTION)
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/treasure-hunt-for-shoes-to-hand-paint.html

Look festive and fun for the holidays with are pair of my chic personalized designer stilettos.  As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient and Fashion Designer, I always welcome commissions to customize sneakers, stilettos, and t-shirts.  What are you waiting for if you've already got a favorite pair canvas or dyeable heels ready to be loaded with sparkle?  Look like a celebrity for the holiday party. Treat yourself to my next fashion design workshop. I am offering an exclusive workshop discount for my blog followers.  My Tampa ART WORKSHOPS are perfect for private schools, camps, birthdays, proms, art centers, and the holidays.

Register: liz@rescueteam.com

Happy Holidays!



Degas' Ballerina and Children's Assemblage

From: Left to Right meet Foo Foo, Skully, and Blingo Bomb.  These are a few of the characters the children created during the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts.

Imaginations Soar at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Written by:  Liz Ebanks
National Art Teacher Award Recipient

Discover what creeps out of our imaginations when our halos slip and we don't color within the lines. Find out which monster or invention stole your eraser, spilled the coffee, and reset the alarm clock. Look out Poke-a-Peek-a-Mites Thingamajigs, and Do Hickeys as our monsters break out of the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Children's Tent and gobble up all the oil pastels. Lurking within the mayhem of shredded paper and staples you'll find each creature has a secret hand-made heart that will make you laugh at serendipity. Watch out the misfits were last sited creeping into the Gold Donor Room of the Tampa Museum of Art and scribbling on portraits.

Chase these creatures firing the staple gun at this link to the Children's Gallery:
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=378598

Children's Gallery Video:  http://www.artsonia.com/schools/videos.asp?id=128562


DESCRIPTION:
Chase the monsters as they pirouette into the Edgar Degas: Form, Movement and Antiques Exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art. The monsters are rehearsing their ballet positions and posing next to Degas' bronze statues and pastels of ballerinas in full costume.  Degas original bronze ballerina entitled, "Little Dancer Aged 14"  is the most memorable with her chin pointing up in defiance at being exhibited only once since, 1881. Satin ribbon, real hair, and a fabric bodice transformed the exquisite wax cast assemblage. These found objects were not originally intended to be used for art.  However, the objects find new meaning in artwork.

Do you know how many ballerina's were cast in bronze by Degas heirs? 
The answer to this question can be found by reading this link to Yahoo News:
http://news.yahoo.com/degas-bronze-ballerina-sold-nyc-auction-163228504.html 

Discover how the French Impressionist Degas created some of his greatest pastel drawings of on inexpensive brown cardboard just like our class will create their monsters on brown non-corrugated cardboard. Can you draw your classmates before they move into their next ballet position like Degas' ballerinas?  Remember, to capture more than one ballerina at a time in your drawing. Hurry, Degas', Little Dancer Aged 14 is in a hurry to the Christies' Auction. Perhaps you want to get started on her portrait first.  We need group portraits of the Monster Mash. I bet your monster assemblage will look charming slipping on your toe shoes, racing with the horses, or on the circus trapeze with Degas' other pieces from French Impressionists era at TMA. Continue the tradition of copying Old Masters without going to Italy by joining us at TMA. Learn how Degas' skill as a draftsman helped him emphasize some lines in charcoal darker to communicate gesture, weight, movement, and light within each portrait.

Relax you can use your imagination to create your own monster. You do not have to trace any photos of the ballerinas as Degas sometimes would layer several dancers into a group. No need to experiment with different fixatives to secure your pastel to the paper because, its oil pastel. The oil pastels act more like paint than chalk. Therefore, most do not flake off but, may be blended with your hands. However, several of the creatures do love to smudge and smear the scumbled lines.


PROCEDURE: 
1.  Students will fold a sheet of brown paper in half.
2.  Next, they will use the oil pastels to draw a creature from their imagination on to the top half of the paper.
3.  Then, the participants will tack the edges of their monster with the stapler so that the second sheet of paper will match the top design.
4.  Finally, the children will cut around the edges of the top sheet to create two matching halves of the creature
5.  The students will use the oil pastels to create the other side (profile or back)  of their creature.
6.  The young artists will tack the edges of the monster so both halves line up together.
7.  The children will begin stuffing their monsters with shredded paper.
8.  At last, all edges will be stapled transforming the 2D drawing into a 3D monster with a heart.
9.  Now create the backdrop for the monster mash ballet and then, place your 3D creature on top of  the backdrop after studying Degas pastels and bronzes of ballerinas.
10.  Invite your friends to share the stage w/ their hand-made monster.

WORD SEARCH: 
Staple
Buddy
Monster
Show
Oil
Gasparilla
Collect
Fest
Imagine
Paint
Smear
Blend
Pastels
Creature
Art
Scribble
Scumble
TMA


P  A  S  T  E  L  S  C  R  I  B  B  L E  S  N  F
A  B  C  I  R  T  M B  L E  N  D S  S  V  L A     
I   U  U M P  O  U S  H O W S  T  A P   L E             
N  D M A R  T   D C  R  E A T  U R  E  N T
T  D  B G  A K  M G M O  N S  T  E  R B G
S  Y  B  I  E  W  A  E  L  E  A R N U  Y X A    
E  Q  L N M  Y  G  A  S  P  A R  I  L  L A N
T  M A  E  S  C  O  L  L  E  C T N W X P D


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Young artists use scissors to cut out their monsters
 with their parents assistance.

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The children gave each creature a heart.

If you would like to learn more about the Tampa Museum of Art of Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts click on these links:

http://www.tampamuseum.org/

http://www.gasparilla-arts.com/about.htm

 

Thank you, for showing your support.  As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient, my classes are perfect for camps, birthdays, schools, and special events.  For more information on registering for my
Award Winning Art Workshops- Tampa. 

Email: liz@rescueteam.com

Thanks, for joining us in the Upcycling Studio where we give new life and repurpose objects in new ways through art.  By Upcycling we reduce waste headed to the redemption center and trim supply costs.  As artists we focus on community involvement in fostering the growth of the ecosystem. 

If you enjoyed playing in the vibrant pastels during this lesson click on this guest pass to another great PASTEL LESSON  at this link:
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/01/florida-highwaymen-landscape-lesson.html
     

Couture Custom T-shirts

DESIGN YOUR CUSTOM  T-SHIRT
Written by:  Liz Ebanks
National Art Teacher Award Recipient

Exclusive CUSTOM T-SHIRT GALLERY-Click on your guest pass to our Animoto video http://lnkd.in/5r6miX


6-12 yrs. old with a parent; Teens and Adults welcome
Materials Required: Please, bring your light colored 100% Cotton T-shirt
Materials Provided: Latex Gloves and Permanent Fabric Markers supplied.
Tampa, Florida 
Max # of spots: 20

You guys are the greatest fans!  My dog feels like such a supermodel when he wears his customized t-shirt to holiday parties.  You should see him strut down Bayshore and Old Hyde Park.  This trend setter is ready for Hollywood.  With that swagger the pup must think he's won Best In Show at the National Dog Show.  The little stud muffin shakes his tail on the catwalk flirting with everyone in Tampa.  As the birthday guy he couldn't be prouder to invite families to celebrate their fun fashion style with us in the design studio!  My dog just loves to snuggle over the holidays in his soft handcrafted cotton dog t-shirt.  This rocker inspired "Heart on Fire" designer t-shirt expresses his passion for the red carpet as a fashion model.  At any gala the rich colors celebrate his outspoken personality.  My doggy loves the chic custom tailored fit of fine dog couture made exclusively by his pet parent. He can't wait to shake your paw as an emerging fashion designer.  

Can anyone learn how to
 HANDPAINT & DESIGN T-SHIRTS
like a pro in my class? Masterfully, my
 2nd grade student Naja learned to
control liquid color mixes in this phenomenal
 painting on her t-shirt. Never make your
color palette muddy again w/ these techniques..

 T-shirts are an American Classic. with a twist for any birthday party, camp, museum, or art gallery.  They are affordable, fun, and fast mileage making pieces that capture memories.  Discover how you can create patterns, layer colors, and movement when you customize your t-shirt in this first class fashion studio.   Children, teens, and parents work along side each other in small classes of 5-20 students to crate works of art.  Choose your favorite colors and let your imagination soar.   Explore how simple permanent markers can transform your white cotton t-shirt into a wicked shirt with color bleeds and blooms that pop out.   Safe non-toxic fabric markers are my favorite bcause, the colors are lightfast.  Behind the scenes we will create dramatic tie dye patterns and free hand designs.  We will discuss how to create stylish patterns and resists using anti-fusant to make unique batik designs, rubber bands for star bursts, and Traditional Shibori Wrapping. 

What drawing techniques do my talented young artists explore in making HANDCRAFTED T-SHIRTS in the studio?  Grabbing a fistful of markers participants layered festive colors in a cross hatching pattern in the abstract composition below.

The kids challenged the adults to join in
the fun and  draw with their left hands
on the collaborative piece.

Let's take a tour together of what my talented students have created in the workshop.  "At Liz Ebanks design headquaters teamwork and laughs are the mission."  Everyone has a left hand in participating and trying new things while learning to collaborate on an original t-shirt.  One of the exciting things is that this class is cost effective and perfect for schools to practice working in buddy pairs.  Effortlessly, parents show they care by tauntly stretching the t-shirt over a piece of cardboard to provide a smooth drawing surface.  The difference is kids nominate parents to dare to draw with their left hand with an updated color palette. Families pull together to beat the clock and cover the treasured shirt.   Look at the fantastic t-shirt design that came to life when everyone plays with the markers to create these amazing t-shirt designs. 

When you spray, pour, and  drip the solvent you can achieve different hand painted effects by rotating your wearable design while it is wet on an unwrapped plastic covered broom.  Tilting the painting provides a direction for the dye to flow.  Decide if you want to let your t-shirt air dry so you can add more to complete the design.  Challenge yourself to let your talent free flow as a fashion designer.  Before your eyes the fluid design will dry in minutes just like your custom painted sneakers when the humidity is low. 

 Then discover how to lock in the fabulous color with heat.  Rock the runway as a creative with your customized t-shirt. 

Showcase your talents by creating a collaborative watercolor underpainting to leave with the gallery. Transform your wardrobe into something phenomenal with us.

  

"Miss Indepedence"

Liz Ebanks © 2011

Stiletto Extreme Makeover Workshops

Book your Custom T-shirt Workshop in Tampa, Florida with Liz Ebanks or request your favorite design be hand painted on a 
t-shirt for your pet or for someone special  via email:  liz@rescueteam.com 





If you enjoy this post you may also like my post on CUSTOM DESIGNING SNEAKERS below:
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/secret-to-reinventing-your-shoes-on.html

TIP #1:  Get the most out of class by printing up a free t-shirt template off the internet.  Then, select which of your designs will be your favorite to paint during the workshop.  Sketch, paint, love.

TIP #2:  Sew basting stiches to secure your pleats before class so you can focus on dyeing your T-shirt.  This will provide you with a time advantage when creating fabric dye resists.

TIP #3:  Research how to alter a standard t-shirt shape with limited sewing.

TIP #4: Use several layers of Elmers glue overnight to completely penetrate the fabric as anti-fusant.  Let all of these layers dry completely overnight before dyeing the fabric during the workshop.  Add your unique design in class. Then, gently wash your treasured t-shirt design by itself in non-chlorine bleach and cold water at home to remove the water soluble glue.

PET TIP #5:  Consider inquiring with your vet if a pet t-shirt would help deter your cat or dog from pulling on your baby's stitches after surgery.

LAUNDRY TIP:  Safeguard the allure of your destinctive handcrafed t-shirt by washing it only with like colors in cool water using non-chlorine bleach.  We will discuss how to heat set the design during the class.  

Personalize your t-shirt with your signature by creating your designer label.





Liz Ebanks
Custom T-shirt Designs
"Heart on Fire"
Teacher Demo
Permanent Markers

Upcycled Fashion (Do-It Yourself Stilettos)

"Maui Collection"
Liz Ebanks ©2011
Stiletto Redesign Demo

Do-It-Yourself Stilettos for Prom
Written by:  Liz Ebanks
National Art Teacher Award Recipient

Thanks, for joining my design team.  We will be making your heels more versatile and cutting your shopping costs.  My cat has been using his claws on my shoes as a scratching post.  Shhhh!  Now, where do I find the shoes to hand paint? Just kidding it was only a pair of flip flops.  Though, not all of my hand painted shoes are brand new because, my dog ate my wallet.  I love to make my shoes look like those $2,000 designer stilettos fresh off the runway or out of Vogue Magazine.  Vintage can be victoriously popular with a twist in fashion.  One of the best ways to shop for cute cheap stilettos for prom or homecoming is to search online.  I recommend students to google sale locator or get your facebook discount to your favorite boutiques.  You can adapt, improvise, and overcome a tight wardrobe budget.  As a fashion  designer you can give your pumps an extreme makeover by hand painting them and adding chic sparkling details.

     If you are struggling to find a pair of silk Manolo Blahnik shoes with genuine Swaroski jewelry to detail do not fear. Consider converting a pair of classic heels with a simple strap into a unique hand dyed pair with this do-it-yourself project. Ladies if you have a pair of dyeable stilettos in white or pastel that are no longer pristine this fun project is perfect to tackle. I will reveal how to give those heels a face lift with permanent markers and non-toxic household solvents. We will discuss how to cover small imperfections with bold animal prints, tribal patterns, and colorful batiks. If a stain did not come off the shoe with all your fierce scrubbing after my last post you must join this free fashion workshop. Give your stilettos an Extreme Style Makeover with a new strategic sexy style to cover those imperfections with us. 

"Miss Independence"
Liz Ebanks © 2011
Custom Heels
Acrylic and Enamel

As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient and Fashion Designer, I always welcome commissions to customize shoes and invitations to present my Art Workshops in Tampa. 
Email: liz@rescueteam.com

If you like this post you may enjoy my next blog post on CUSTOM T-SHIRTS see the link below: 
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/custom-design-t-shirt-do-it-yourself.html

Hint 1:  You Bargainistas might check out Target, Wal-Mart, or even end of season sales at the department stores or high end boutiques. Negotiate, Negotiate, and Negotiate. By paying cash instead of by credit you can get those same designer shoes sometimes for even less money at the boutique.  Afterall, most fashion designers work a season ahead on their fashion line. This means you have to be observant of the trends to update your shoes.

PREP:   Your stiletto heels can make a Killer Comeback in couture once you decide on your own original design to apply to a template. Simply locate the black and white drawing on the outside of your shoe box.  This original drawing from the Shoe Designer will serve as a blueprint for your Stiletto Extreme Makeover. Just enlarge and photocopy the template to make a few fashion sketches of your own.  Some design students find it easiest to focus on creating their new pattern in black and white.  This helps designers loosen up and explore different prototype styles.  Others are confident about their color palette and pattern without taking the timeless black and white approach to the template.  Select your favorite Sophisticated Stiletto Upgrade and bring your fashion sketch to the workshop. 

For a real treat watch your Heel Redesign come to life by trying the Shibori Wrap technique that I have outlined below.  This Japanese traditional wrapping technique will translate your stilettos into a unique Handcrafted Cherished Style.  As a textile art Shibori Wrapping techniques can be traced back to eighteen century Japanese Emperor Shomu.   Let's go behind the scenes and sneak into the upcycling studio to see how I redesigned my wooden platform Charlotte Russe stilettos for my new Spring "Maui Collection."




Wrap pleated fabric around a tubular pole on a diagonal
This Shibori pattern resembles storming clouds. 
Then, color each pleat to make a simplified Shibori Wrap
to cover your shoes.

 For a fresh start grab some cotton fabric from a t-shirt to practice the Shibori Wrap.  Cotton fabric is so affordable to test for Palm Beach resort wear.  Consider exploring taffeta, rayon, and dyeing silk for sultry evening heels after practicing the Shibori technique on cotton.


Teacher Demo 1:  Create striking patterns when the dyes bleed after wrapping pleats around a lint roller.  Fine Artists enjoy the freedom of creating loose flowing designs on fabric.  Dive into pleating your fabric.  Wrap the pleated fabric around a pole on the diagonal before you start placing rich jewel tones on each pleat with a permanent marker.  Consider selecting an archival fabric marker to create light fast hues.  Although, there are several inexpensive generic permanent markers with little fumes that work great for beginners.  Fiber Artists can explore tight vs. loosely knitted woven fabrics to create dynamic texture variations.




 TIP: Safer products share a ASTM mark on their label.

Techer Demo 2:  Make eye popping shifts between warm colors and cool colors this time as a fiber artist.  This spirited approach creates a play between complimentary and analogous colors in the final vibrant pattern.  The magic is this time you carefully unwrap the folded color pleats from the dowel.  Awesome!  Now challenge that pattern by creating freshly folded pleats.  The allure is how much naked canvas awaits you when you rewrap the cylinder for you to color with your next pattern. 

Teacher Demo 3:  The task of completely coloring the cotton canvas within the time limits of our short art class can be daunting to newcomers.  However, with this prelude you can get the most out your studio time.  You will be surprised as an advanced design student when we can dedicate more time to controling fluid color mixtures and more advanced Shibori Wrap techniques.  In the Teacher Demo to the right check out the unfolded canvas.  The crimson colors bleed into the ultramarine blue to create a striking a sunset pattern synonmous with a watercolor painting.  Be inspired by this Traditional Japanese tie dyeing technique and completely customize your shoes.  Play with leaving some pleats uncolored to create delicate pastel paterns when we add the solvent in the design workshop.  See at the top of this example the bright crisp jewel tones.  Compare this to the bottom of the canvas where soft cloud like blooms were painted on the fabric.

Teacher Demo 4: 

Reveal a color explosion when we open up the solvent to watch color patterns blossom. We will discover how to create a ton of beautiful affects with other simple fun application techniques for the fraction of the cost.  In the hands, of a fine artist ordinary ingredients from your kitchen can combine with spreading colors on a damp surface to create a pair of treasured textured heels.  We will explore Wet-on-Wet Techniques and spreading reactions that radiate success.  Due to the handmade nature of the product, results will vary according to how damp the surface is and the weave of the fabric.  What's your preference?  You'll get a glowing mixture if you don't over dilute your colors. Like us on facebook.  I love to see children and adults share their beautiful new Shibori designs. So don't be a Turducken stuck in the kitchen over the holiday.  Share your elegant stilettos as a Fashion Designer. Thank you.

"Miss Independence"
Liz Ebanks © 2011
Custom Stilettos

Make your reservation today for Liz Ebanks' next Stiletto Extreme Makeover in Tampa. We will explore more fun Japanese Shibori Wapping Techniques with stitching, binding, compressing, and twisting.  Infinite patterns can be achieved in my studio.  Each traditional Shibori pattern is dependant on the characteristics of each fabric.  My FASHION WORKSHOPS are perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, proms, and the holidays.
Register via email: liz@rescueteam.com

If you enjoyed this post check out this link on
Customizing Your Sneakers: http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/secret-to-reinventing-your-shoes-on.html


TIP: Blues and lavendars will be hot trends for Spring 2012 according to Pantone.

TIP:  Safari prints, plaids, feathers, lace, and sparkles are hot right now on  the Fall Runway. You are always welcome to add these final details to your gorgous heels after they dry.  Skillfull  craftsmanship can transform an ordinary heel with elegant chaussures.  It is crucial to protect your shoes with masking as the archival adhesive dries.

TIP:  Be sure to bring your own glitter and Elmer's glue  to cover your shoes. After the glue dries you can seal it with the more expensive products or use the archival sealants on the next pair.

TIP: As a Beauty Editor polish off your look by scheduling your rundown heels for a face lift with the repair specialist before getting started with the stiletto makeover. 

Celebrity Shoe Artist

Designer: Tommy Hilfiger

"Waterlilies"

Painter: Liz Ebanks

Custom Painted Shoes and Art Workshops

Permanent Markers and Glitter

Inspiration: Monet meets Ed Hardy

CUSTOMIZE YOUR SNEAKERS

Written by: Liz Ebanks

National Art Teacher Award Recipient

6-12 yrs. old with a parent; Teens and Adults welcome 

Materials Provided: Latex Gloves and Permanent Fabric Markers supplied.

Materials Required:  Please, bring your light colored 100% Cotton Canvas Shoes  

Max # of spots: 20

Walk-ins if space available

     Thank you, for joining my design team.  We will be making your canvas sneakers rock by customizing them with permanent markers, applying patterns, and freehand detailing in this design class.  You can save money and feel like a professional athlete by learning how to custom paint your shoes.  Just choose which pair of canvas shoes to buy. Bring your footwear to be customized to class. If you are frugal give your gently used canvas sneakers a fresh start with a new custom design.  Your fabulous hand painted design won't peel off like cheap store bought decals.  Design your own shoes with your favorite colors, theme, fabric.   Let your imagination free flow like graffiti across this unusual canvas to make a fashion statement with your decorative design.  Unlike stilettos you have more surface area for a larger design on Converse, Vans, or Keds. We will be updating your smaller fashion sneakers not your bulky larger athletic shoes.  Learn how to make your designer sneaker dream come together with your wallet in this fashion workshop. 

As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient and Fashion Designer, I always welcome commissions to customize sneakers, stillettos, and t-shirts. Have you got your ticket to my next fashion design workshop? I am offering an exclusive workshop discount for my blog followers.  My ART WORKSHOPS are perfect for private schools, camps, birthdays, proms, art centers, and the holidays. Register: liz@rescueteam.com Email: liz@rescueteam.com

If you like this post you may enjoy my next blog post on CHEAP STILETTOS FOR PROM see the link below:

http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/treasure-hunt-for-shoes-to-hand-paint.html

SHOPPING TIP #1:  Popular canvas sneakers are inexpensive at most Target, Wal-mart, and K-mart stores.  Twitter and Facebook will be bursting with unbeatable deals for the holidays.  If you made a big ticket purchase at a department store save your receipt.  Stores will be scrambling to adjust the price up to two weeks after your original purchase.

SHOPPING TIP #2:  Score big savings with your smart phone by using the app www.shopkick.com   Simply by walking around your favorite stores you earn rewards.

CLEANING TIP:  Easily brighten and whiten those canvas sneakers in your closet by soaking them in hot water with dishwasher detergent and laundry soap as a prep. (Only remove the shoes from soaking when the water has cooled.) Don't forget to remove and clean the shoe laces. Scrub, rinse, and dry completely before you start coloring with the design team. 

PRIMER:  If your not satisfied with these laundry suggestions or your initial sneaker design you can whiten your sneakers by priming them with white acid free acyrlic gesso.

CAUTION: The gesso will make your shoes stiffer to walk in.

PAINTING PREP:  Here's the scoop.  Create a winning design easily by using masking tape to keep paint from dripping paint on to the soles and edges of your platform sneakers. You can save money by skimping on painters tape with this project. Now create precise, clean lines when you use the markers. 

Gain confidence by practicing on a small swatch of 100% cotton canvas before revamping your shoe.  We will be exploring how applying cotton swabs and an inexpensive non-toxic household solvent can give you a series of unique effects.  Spray, splat, and brush to create your signature style in sneaker culture.  Each hand specialized technique creates custom kicks.  When you combine these effects you can create a designer look.  As the shoe designer you can take your shoes to your home if your design requires more time.       

Perhaps, you want to create a vignette where the toe of your sneaker is crisp and clear but, gently fades out on the side panels of your shoe.  Make your sneakers more versatile for your wardrobe by selecting colors that pop and will compliment several outfits. Join the competition by creating an original graphic design that is your own creation.  You can do-it-yourself by dabbling the color to fade out. This can be achieved by lightly touching the design with wet Q-tips.  The little bit of solvent softens the designs edges from bright crisp color to soft pastels that gradually fades out into a loose painterly effect.  In comparison, to hand painting your cotton t-shirt the weave of a canvas does not allow the colors to bleed as much on a shoe.  Your custom made shoe is a unique original art masterpiece that allows you to showcase your tight painting skills.

Dramatic dark colors offset with
bright hues will give gently used sneakers
a makeover.

TIP: Make your design cover any imperfections with dramatic dark colors and patterns. Contrast these rich darks with irresistable bright colors to draw the viewers focus to a stronger part of the canvas.  Amazingly an intense color palette has the best tinting strength.  Energetic sharp contrasting colors off set with deep darks will ultimately complete your sneaker transformation. Enjoy these great picks.

Kick it up a notch, bring your own glitter if you wish to make your shoes sparkle. Teens and tweens have a little more fun by adding bling to match the latest trends at your next party. Bring on the glitz with  sequence, crystals, and glitter as accessories. Listen up these extra details can be easily added with archival fabric glue. Design students are encouraged to only apply these details after your canvas sneakers are completely dry. Why not make your shoes sparkle by highlighting the design with a small amount of glitter or rhinestones. You don't even have to make the canvas sneakers perfectly match with this fun new hand painted technique as a famous sneaker designer. You can make the design weather resistant with archival sealants to protect the shoe from weather and damage. Take care to use acid free fabric glue to secure your bling. Moreover, never wash your customized sneakers with other laundry items or bleach.

 If you enjoyed this post check out this link on my DESIGN YOUR CUSTOM T-SHIRT WORKSHOP:

http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/custom-design-t-shirt-do-it-yourself.html

As a Personal Stylist update your sneaker look by removing the laces.

TIP:  As a Personal Stylist don't leave your fashion sneakers stark white with the laces sloppily flying out. Save that authentic look for after the Gasparilla Distance Classic. News flash if your socks are bagging around your ankles streamline your look.  First remove those floppy laces for a sleek and slimmer look that shows off your personal style with fashion sneakers. Be comfortable as a trend setter this fall by wearing your new fashion sneakers with a cute athletic dress or skort. 

TIP:  Add spring to your step, with fresh new inner soles to cushion and deodorize your sneakers.  Your design buddies will be grateful in the gallery.
TIP:  Consider placing a plastic water bottle inside the sneaker to give the shoe more stability when you add your graphic design.
TIP: Create a Sneaker Template by photocopying the design off your shoe box to test out each of your preliminary designs to cut supply costs.  This shoe template will help you make the most out of your studio time and cut supply costs. See my post entitled, STILETOS FOR PROM ON A BUDGET for template details:  http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/treasure-hunt-for-shoes-to-hand-paint.html

TIP:  Announce your personal brand as a shoe designer by placing your artist signature in your shoes for your gallery fans on a label.

Sunsets Inspired by the Florida Highwaymen

"Inspired by The Florida Highwaymen Lesson and Exhibit"

Written by: Liz Ebanks

National Art Teacher Award Recipient

Thank you, for joining me on the READING EXPEDITION with the FLORIDA HIGHWAYMEN in my last link:

http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/01/floridas-african-american-landscape.html

"Inspired by the Florida Highwaymen Workshop"
 Copyright Liz Ebanks

Celebrate with us our heritage as landscape painters inspired by the Florida Highwaymen. As environmental stewards my pastel artists will paint tropical sunsets to preserve our natural Florida. The children will discover by sharing their self-taught talents they are incredibly stronger like the Highwaymen as a collective group. They will explore how these self-taught African-American landscape painters from Ft. Pierce, Florida overcame oppression and discrimination by forming a Collective Enterprise. Gain an understanding of how the Florida Highwaymen made their nostalgic paintings preserving Florida's natural beauty affordable to the middle class during the 1950s.

Students will discover how Alfred Hair shared what he learned from his mentor A. E. Backus with his friends. Learn how Hair hosted backyard "painting bees" to develop the raw painting talents of his friends and turn out more than 50,000 Highwaymen landscape paintings. Reveal how Hair developed a romantic style of painting Florida that was uniquely different from the Hudson River School that was based on tradition. The students will focus on painting from their own mental snapshots of Florida's treasured landscapes. Simulate the vibrant colors, speedy brushwork, and intuitive approach of the first Highwaymen. Students will focus on creating a series of landscapes quickly within the hour session. Develop group skills, working together in buddy pairs and small groups based on abilities. Inspire each other to contribute to the Children's Village at the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival. The artists will develop knowledge of how the Highwaymen confronted adversity by utilizing whatever materials were affordable to them to paint on such as: house paint and masonite for canvases. Practice effectively layering a landscape created from pastels over an acrylic underpainted sky. Practice reading out loud about these incredible Florida Hall of Fame Artists and writing the answers to the fill-in the blank handout. Contribute to preserving the natural beauty of Florida by sharing their artwork in VSA Florida's interactive online art gallery.

Published on http://www.artsonia.com/


Lesson Plan Id: #4427


http://www.artsonia.com/teachers/lessonplans/plan.asp?id=4427

Event Location: Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival (Children's Village)
Location: Curtis Hixon Park; Tampa, Florida; VSA Florida Booth
Date: January 16, 2011
Grade Level: Pre-K through 6th
Duration: 1 session (1hour)
Media Type: Painting and Pastels
Subject Integration: African American Art History


Description: By discussion of the historical accounts students will acquire knowledge of how the Florida Highwaymen made their paintings available to the middle class. Students will gain an understanding of how their landscapes reflect a new approch to painting without first sketching traditional compositions. The participants will reveal how the Indian River School did not focus on depicting political views of African-Americans because, they needed to sell the paintings to a larger audience. Students will be lead into a discussion on how without gallery representation the Highwaymen successfully sold their work. They will review how the African-American artists peddled their paintings to banks, doctors, and dental offices. The students will explore how the Highwaymen used palette knives and speedy brushwork to communicate the mood of each piece. They will emulate the Highwaymen's vibrant color palette and select a Florida vista from their imagination. A technique demonstration will be offered to inspire the children to contribute to the "All Kids Can Create" contest. Students will create a Florida landscape using the traditional masonite hardwood that the Highwaymen used as a canvas for their pastels.

Curriculum Integration Content and Achievement Standards The following standards were developed by the Consortium of National Arts Education Associations for grades PreK-4. Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes Students know the differences between materials, techniques, and processes Students describe how different materials, techniques, and processes cause different responses Students use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories Students use art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner Using knowledge of structures and functions Students know the differences among visual characteristics and purposes of art in order to convey ideas Students describe how different expressive features and organizational principles cause different responses Students use visual structures and functions of art to communicate ideas  Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas Students explore and understand prospective content for works of art Students select and use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures Students know that the visual arts have both a history and specific relationships to various cultures Students identify specific works of art as belonging to particular cultures, times, and places Students demonstrate how history, culture, and the visual arts can influence each other in making and studying works of art  Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others Students understand there are various purposes for creating works of visual art Students describe how people's experiences influence the development of specific artworks Students understand there are different responses to specific artworks Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines  Students understand and use similarities and differences between characteristics of the visual arts and other arts disciplines Students identify connections between the visual arts and other disciplines in the curriculum

Sample Artwork:  http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=362374


Materials:
masonite
gesso
water
gloves
pastels
viewfinder
paper stumps for blending
paper towels
babywipes
erasers



Procedure: 
Firstly, I liberated my pastel artists by creating an underpainting in acrylic blue tones or yellow-orange hues on masonite.  Pastels are a unique painting medium that does not require mixing with a solvent or water. This made the inexpensive dry pastels an ideal medium for all ages outside at the Heritage Festival. I invited all students to discover what happens when they layer the pastels in the brisk brushstrokes of the Florida Highwaymen on the masonite underpainting.  Letting some of the acrylic underpainting peak through the pastel created a more personal interpretation of how the two mediums are different for my visual learners.  Secondly, I demonstrated step-by-step the impact of layering, blending, and scumbling to create a warmer atmosphere and mood. The color I emphasized is not uniform or hard-edged where the horizon meets the sky in my teacher example.  Thirdly, I engaged tactile learners with the feel of working on the rough side of the stationary board. The grooves grabbed the pure pigment quickly to resemble an oil painting without the fumes or mess.  When students became emotional I reminded them that the kneaded eraser was there for them to rip off a chunk and start fresh with a clean drawing or experiment with lifting partially the pigment. Giggles burst out when I showed the students how to mold the eraser into teacher pets. Participants were encourage to create customized hand grips by wrapping the kneaded erasers around the chalk. For my students that had limited hand dexterity I offered large sidewalk chalk to help them more quickly cover the surface of the board with confidence. Students eagerly volunteered to share their new knowledge in exchange for their favorite colors of pastel.  I facilitated the discussion by distributing a fill-in the blank handout to small groups of 4-5 students.  As a reminder the questionnaire was posted on my blog with vocabulary terms to select to match the statements.   Older students identified answers by completing reading key Highwaymen web pages that were listed as resources. This was one way I integrated technology into the lesson.  All festival participants received immediate, individualized praise and a VSA sticker for voIunteering to help.  Following the Festival I joined each student's Artsonia fan club and emailed a personalized “All Kids Can Create” certificate.  Parents were encouraged to show their support. A welcome was emailed  to the parent’s individually with each child’s screen name and security code.  I enriched my lesson by linking the students to how they contributed to the success of the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival within our 1 hour class. The children connected how they can overcome the title of disability and adapt to share their gifts with the community through the arts. The class established a link between leading the community as landscape artists and their heritage to preserve the natural beauty of Florida’s beaches. The children’s sunsets became a renewed cherished symbol of Florida’s beauty, resilience, and fragility.   


Assessment with Inclusion:  Together we reflected on how these African-Americans triumphed over being ostracized and the lack of gallery representation. Therefore, I graded my students by how well they adapted to their personal challenges after presenting them with multiple accommodations and inclusions.

Student Assessment Rubric:


Discussion Questions:
Based on Internet Readings
http://www.interestingideas.com/out/highway.htm


Vocabulary:


Collaborate
Twenty- six
Accessible
2004
Romantic
Heritage
A1-A
Elements
Mentored
Rediscovery
Solicitation
Twenty-five
Essence
School




1. Jim Fitch is sited with the ___________ of these Florida African-American Landscape painters by coining the term Highwaymen in his book after they lost popularity. Prior, to this the Highwaymen paintings were considered Folk Art because, the artists received no formal art training.




2. A. E "Bean" Backus was the white painter that inspired and__________ the first Florida Highwaymen Alfred Hair during the 1950's.


3. Alfred Warner Hair shared what he learned from Backus after each class with his friends who learned to quickly create _________ landscape paintings of Florida.


4. Each person contributed a different ________ whether it be the sky, water, birds, or trees to create together a complete painting as quickly as possible as a group or Collective Enterprise.


5. Therefore, they did not make pencil sketches on paper and composition. They blocked in the elements onto board quickly to capture the __________ of the landscape or mood. The brushstrokes communicated gusty winds, tranquil estuaries, and crashing waves.


6. Often the group placed several canvases on the walls at once. The challenge for the group was to overcome being excluded from representation in galleries because, of their black _________ and segregation.


7. The group of ____ Highwaymen and one woman were mostly from Ft. Pierce, Florida.


8. Alfred Hair invited friends to assist him in his backyard "painting bees" working on as many as ___  paintings at  time. The Highwaymen became, known as the Indian River _______.


9. Later the1. Jim Fitch is sited with the ___________ of these Florida African-American Landscape painters by coining the term Highwaymen in his book after they lost popularity. Prior, to this the Highwaymen paintings were considered Folk Art because, the artists received no formal art training.




10. Often, they depicted colorful landscapes using whatever materials that were __________ and affordable to them such as: masonite (pressed hardwood) or cardboard for canvas, door molding for framing, and house paint.


11. The Highwaymen focused on selling 50,000 of their paintings to dentists, banks, restaurants, doctor offices out of the trunks of their cars along the stretch of road known as ______. The artists accomplished this by setting out on foot and making door-to-door sales instead of focusing on gallery commissions.


12. Peddling their art work was an incredible risk. They did not want to be thrown in jail for ___________ or forced to pay license fees like a gallery or artist today. Therefore, they sold their oil paintings often wet before they could dry completely.


13. On average the collaborative paintings were signed by the artist that did the majority of the painting's features and sold for approximately ________ dollars. This made the nostalgic paintings preserving Florida's natural landscapes affordable to the middle class.


14. The Florida Highwaymen were inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame in _______.




Crossword Vocabulary:
Viewfinder
Folk Art
Movement
Mentor
Sketch
Gesso
Acrylic
Pallette Knife
Crown Molding
Masonite
Landscape


Print Resources:
Monroe, Gary, The Highwaymen: Florida's African-Amenrican Landscape Painters, University Press, 2001
Web:
http://www.artistterms.com/paintingboards.htm
http://www.everything2.com/title/Highwaymen
http://www.florida-arts.org/programs/halloffame/memberInfo.cfm?member=11
http://floridahighwaymenartist.com/
http://www.floridahighwaymenpaintings.com/the_highwaymen
http://goflorida.about.com/od/blackhistory/a/flahighwaymen.htm
http://www.interestingideas.com/out/highway.htm
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jun/13/robert-butler-life-full-lessons/
http://www.visitflorida.com/articles/florida-highwaymen-local-art-makes-art-history


Content Keywords: Florida, Landscape, Painters, African- American Artist, Backus, Alfred Hair, Collective Entrepreneurs, Nature, Art, Florida Artists Hall of Fame, Folk Art, Artists


If you enjoyed this post from my upcycling studio you may also like this link on DESIGNING CUSTOM SNEAKERS: 
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/10/secret-to-reinventing-your-shoes-on.html

Join me on my post on THE MONSTER MASH-ASSEMBLAGE to discover more about PASTELS at this link:
http://lizebanksartgallery.blogspot.com/2011/11/assemblage-and-word-search.html



TIP:  What is your favorite time to PAINT PLEIN AIR?



One of the joys of being a morning monster at the easel is capturing all of the subtle colors of the natural light. I encourage all of my young artists to draw outside when learning color.

As a National Art Teacher Award Recipient, I always welcome commissions invitations to present my Art Workshops in Tampa. My classes are perfect for camps, schools, events, birthday parties, and museums.  For booking information Email: liz@rescueteam.com