DIY Lace-Up Mule Heels Makeover

I came across this chic pair of mule heels below one day while browsing google for lace-up flats. I was instantly head-over-heels! I thought they would make quite the fall statement. Then it dawned on me that I had these pointy toe cut-out booties in my get-rid-of pile. And welp, the rest is DIY history.

Topshop Gillian Ghillie Court Shoes

I took some creative liberty as I didn’t trust using adhesives on the faux leather/suede. So I opted to use eyelets instead of the loops. Besides, I’ve had this eyelet kit for ages and never got around to using it so I was happy I finally had a reason to.

I know I know…not everyone will have this style of heels laying around to tackle this DIY, but I hope it serves as inspiration for something else that’s maybe closely resembles this pair 🙂

Here’s what I did

1. First, I mapped out and finalized my design. Using a sharp scissor, I carefully cut across the top making a slight arc as I went along.
2. To match the first, I used the discarded piece as a guide, to cut the top of the other shoe.
3. I then cut all the way down the center front of both, to form the opening for the lace-ups. For the openings, I turned under the edges about 1 inch on either side, making a crease to mark the folds. For the eyelets, I chose gold to coordinate with the lining of the shoes and calculated that I needed 16 in total. The starter kit I had only included 10 gold, so with some gold spray paint on hand, I sprayed 6 silver eyelets.
4. While I waited for the eyelets to dry, I grabbed my black sharpie and used it to conceal the cut edges on the shoes.
5. Next were the holes for the eyelets. I estimated the placement of each by making indents, using the bottom of an eyelet. Using my puncher, I made all the holes just on one side.
6. For the other side, I ensured the indents were aligned with the first set of holes, before continuing. Once all the holes were made, I inserted the eyelets and secured them in place also with the puncher (using the dual rubber attachments). Lastly, I cut 2 pieces of suede cording 60 inches long, laced up my mules and they were ready to be taken for a spin!

viola!

Later on, I ended up removing a little more from the back of the shoes, to fully expose my heels. For it to be considered a pair of mule heels it ought to be backless anyways.

The thing about DIYs is that sometimes you gotta play the long game. Meaning it best to take away a little at a time because once it’s gone…it’s gone. It’s all trail and error and remember you can always revisit your handy work until you’re happy with it.

Easy enough, no?