I definitely do not know what I am doing.

I love sneakers. Colorful, large, comfortable sneakers make me smile in a way that should probably be reserved for small, fluffy animals.

So it should surprise no one who knows me, that I've finally decided to try my hand at customizing a pair of sneakers. But it does--the look of consternation comes across the faces of my loved ones slowly. 

"Do you know anything about that?" Is the hesitant question.

No, dear ones, I don't, but google does! 

Over the next few weeks, I hope to post the process and pitfalls of my sneaker project. I've always loved projects and crafts, so this is a chance to have a little fun and try something different. Here's to hoping I don't ruin a decent pair of kicks!

These are some of the how-to's I'm using as reference:

• "How to Make LED Light Up Shoes"
• "How to Paint, Restore and Customize Shoes!! Do it Yourself Tutorial"
• "How to Customize Shoes | Angelus Leather Paint"
• What the South Beach/Mint Chip Tutorial

My materials:

• white high top sneakers (comfortable, no-names)
• acetone, gloves & cotton shopcloth
• Angelus Acrylic Leather Paints and paint finisher
• a good set of paint brushes
• painters tape
• small paint tray
• exacto knife
• Gold aglets and black laces
• 3mm LED outdoor strip lighting
• fine wire cutter/stripper
• Shoe Goo
• clear tubing
• "N" battery hold and 12v battery
• 3/16"mm copper ball bearings (bb's)
• silicone glue/caulking
• high expectations
• a poor understanding of my realistic limitations

Will these look tacky? Oh, yes. Will I wear them anyway. Absolutely. I hoping these will great make great nerd gathering or convention sneakers. 

Wish me luck!