If you're a parent, you know how quickly kids grow up. One moment they're tiny babies, and before you know it, they're running around the house. That's why it's important to capture their early memories, like their little feet, before they grow too big. One way to do this is by bronzing their baby shoes.

Bronzing baby shoes is a simple process that any parent can do at home. Not only does it create a cherished souvenir, but the bronzed shoes can also be used as paperweights or decorative pieces. In the following paragraphs, we'll go over the steps to bronze baby shoes and provide some tips to ensure your keepsake turns out perfectly.

How to Bronze Baby Shoes

Bronzing baby shoes is a great way to preserve those precious memories for years to come. This DIY project requires some basic materials and a little bit of patience. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you bronze your baby's shoes.

Step 1. Cleaning

Before you start bronzing, it is important to clean the shoes properly. Use a soft damp cloth to remove any dirt and dry the shoes with another soft cloth. Next, use a rag soaked in denatured alcohol to remove any polish or wax. Rub thoroughly and let the shoes dry naturally.

Step 2. Plastering

If you want to add weight to the shoes, fill them with some plaster of paris after they have dried. Pour it inside and wait for a couple of days before moving on to the next step.

Step 3. Making a Handle

To ensure an even coating, you will need a convenient handle to hold the shoes. Make a tiny hole in the soles using a knife or box cutter. Then, thread some dental floss or wire through each shoe and twist it to create a loop for hanging.

Step 4. Positioning

Tie up the shoelaces and make sure the tongues of both shoes are touching both sides of them. Arrange the parts in the exact position you want to preserve. Use some adhesive like glue or rubber cement to lock them in place.

Step 5. Mixing the Metal

Prepare the liquid coating in a plastic or glass container. Mix some metallic powder of bronze with spar varnish that dries quickly. Stir until the mixture is smooth and make sure no particles settle in the bottom.

Step 6. Applying the Metal

Using a camel hairbrush, apply the first layer of the mixture to any visible external and internal surfaces, starting from the top. Hold each shoe by the handle created in step 3 with your left hand if you are right-handed, or vice versa. If you have used plaster of paris, coat the top and outsides.

Hang your baby shoes to dry (for example, on a hook) in a place with good ventilation. Let them dry completely before applying more bronze. This should take at least 10 minutes or longer.

To cover any imperfections like bald areas, apply at least one additional layer. Your goal is to create an even, smooth and glossy finish.

Step 7. Drying

Let the shoes dry after each new layer. You know that bronzing is complete when they both look shiny and fully covered. Let them dry completely, and your precious souvenir is ready! Voilà!

Bronzing baby shoes is a fun and easy DIY project that can be enjoyed by anyone. With these simple steps, you can preserve your baby's shoes for years to come.

To Conclude

Bronzing your baby's shoes is an easy and simple way to preserve precious memories. You don't need to be an artist or have any special skills to do it properly.