Use these tricks to make cute little boots even more precious.
By Terri Blazell
April 2008
Probably one of the sweetest things about small children is the tiny shoes they wear. Even though my kids are grown, I still enjoy walking through the infant and toddler departments just to look at the rows of gnome-sized sneakers and Mary Janes. Tucked away in memory boxes in the closet are several pairs of my children’s first shoes. The cutest are those little cowboy boots. Even if you don’t live in the country, it seems every child gets at least one pair of cowboy boots during his or her childhood, whether it’s for a Halloween costume or when they’re in that phase when they ask for a pony for Christmas (and believe Santa really will bring them one).
We can’t keep every pair of shoes our child or grandchild has ever worn, and once put away they often are not seen for years. This fun and easy craft transforms a special pair of cowboy boots into two fun treats that can be looked at and enjoyed every day.
If you like, you can turn each boot into a different keepsake. One boot can be transformed into a table vase to hold silk or fresh flowers. To begin this project, clean off the sole of the boot by spraying it with a kitchen or bathroom cleaner and then wiping it down thoroughly. Glue a few felt stick-on furniture protectors to the bottom to keep it from scratching your counter or tabletop. Hot-glue some flowers on it if you like; or, using fabric paints, add your child’s name to the side of the boot.
For a fresh flower vase, find a glass vase that is small enough to fit inside the boot. Make sure it is loose enough and tall enough that it can be removed easily when the water needs to be changed.
Another idea is to use the boot as a catch-all for pens, loose change, scissors, spare keys, etc. Simply place a plastic cup inside the boot. Smaller boots fit this use best.
For use outdoors, fit the boot with a flowerpot and a real plant. If the boot is too tall, place another flowerpot upside down inside of it as a pedestal. For an extra accent, tie a bandana, rope, or even an old leather belt cut to size around it.
The second boot requires a little more work, as you transform it into an adorable birdhouse. You decide whether to use it outdoors or to hang it inside as a decoration.
To make an outdoor birdhouse, you will need a utility knife or very sharp scissors; an awl or leather hole punch; a little bit of bubble wrap; and an 18-inch to 24-inch piece of flexible wire (a wire clothes hanger can be used). If you are using the birdhouse as indoor decor, you will need a utility knife, a hot glue gun, and decorations.
We’ll make the outdoor birdhouse first. Using the utility knife, cut a hole in the boot approximately 2 inches in diameter and three-quarters of the way down the shaft. With a hot-glue gun, glue the bubble wrap inside the top of the boot to create a weatherproof barrier. This will help keep the rain out. With the awl or the sharp point of a scissors, punch two holes about 3 inches apart at the top of the boot. Make sure to go all the way through both sides of the boot. You’ll be going through the bubble wrap also. Push the wire through the holes and create a loop for hanging. That’s all there is to it. Pour a little birdseed into the boot and hang it outdoors or from your awning.
For an indoor decoration, skip the bubble wrap. If you plan to hang the boot, attach the wire hanger as described above. Using the hot-glue gun, affix some flowers or other decorations onto the sides of the boot. Finish it off with a small bird from the craft store perched in the hole.
You can add some floral decorations to an outdoor boot also, if it is in a place that is protected from the weather, such as under an awning.
Whether the boots belonged to a child or grandchild, you will have a sweet memory to enjoy every day of the week.