DIY Galaxy Combat Boots

I absolutely LOVE the way these came out. They are so unique and are way more interesting than the beat up old boots they were.

You will need:

• A pair of combat boots you don't mind losing, just in case you mess up.
•  A large paintbrush (optional)
• Sponges
• A toothbrush
• Masking tape
• Blue, Purple, White, and Black acrylic paint (or other colors of your choice.) 
• An area to work in. (It will get messy, so make sure you do this on newspaper, on a tarp, etc.)

Some Background on the Combat Boots

I got these a couple of years ago at Claire's. Normally, I would not buy shoes from there after a terrible experience with some sandals also from Claire's that broke right when I got to school- not a fun time.
However, these were on clearance and for only $4.00, who could say no?
I loved these boots so much and wore them so much that the bottom of the boots started to peel off. So yes, there is a chunk of plastic missing from the bottom heel, but it isn't like there is an opening.
These shoes held up amazingly over the years, and I was about to get rid of them, when I decided to why not  instead try to do something fun?
 So I went with galaxy print and could not be more happy with the outcome.

 Step #1- Tape the Bottoms/Remove Laces

First, remove the laces from the shoes and put them aside so they do not get paint on them.

Use the masking tape to tape the bottom rim of the shoes so they will not get paint on them. The soles will remain their original color this way, and the end result will look more professional. 

  Also, if your pair of boots have buckles or other embellishments on them, you should also tape over those.

Again, this makes the final result appear more clean and professional.

 

   Step #2- Paint on a Black Base Coat

Using your large paintbrush (or any other paintbrush/sponge if not available), paint black acrylic paint all over the boot.

By doing this, you are giving the boots an even base coat so late on, while you are painting, you can correct mistakes. Also, it is easier to make galaxy print on a black background.

Let this dry for about 12 hours or so. I let mine dry overnight.

 Step #3- The Galaxy Print

When you finish a side, give it some time to dry before moving on to the next one.

 Begin to paint your boots using the blue, purple, white, and black paint.

Use a sponge to help get a more celestial look and blend the colors together for different shades and intensities. 

If you don't like how something comes out, wait for it to dry and go over it. Make some spots lighter and some darker. 

Step #4- Adding the Stars

Finally, to add the stars take your toothbrush and put white paint onto the bristles like toothpaste.

Use your fingers to flick the paint onto the boot to make "stars". 

This is a great technique since it creates a variety of different shaped stars. 

Allow this to dry for a day before the next step.

 Step #5- Remove Tape/Put Laces Back

Before and After

 

Simply remove all of the masking tape from the shoes and put the laces back in the shoes. 

 

 Please let me know how your boots come out if you decide to make them in the comments below!

 

Good luck!