Monday, September 12, 2011

Tangled Toms

I'm in love. I've admired from afar, having only the internet to dance around my desires. I played with the idea of meeting in person, but the planets just hadn't lined up that way yet. One day, a server in a restaurant introduced me to her favorite, which gave me the inspiration to pursue my intuitive hunches. I found a place where I could try my sweeties on for size. The only one that seemed to work was a lovely bicolor, which I secretly really wanted, but didn't think it would be appropriate in all situations. Because I'm a sucker for black and white, and especially stripes, was hoping they would do. Once I slipped into it, there was no longer a question. The love was real and everything about it was perfect: comfortable, cute, unpretentious, straight forward.

  If you've not tried on a pair of TOMS shoes, I suggest you at least find a shoe store and do that. And if you've never hear of TOMS shoes, here is a link to tell you all about it. They have great shoes and a great story. Once I knew what size would fit me (I found them true to size for me, some say get a half size smaller, as they are likely to stretch), I ordered another pair (ok, two pair) from toms.com. I ordered a basic black, and a natural canvas, to tangle, of course.....

  I used a Micron .03 and a regular graphite pencil (softer lead works best). I tried a .05, but the ink seemed to skip over the canvas instead of actually coloring it. I will probably make some of the areas a little darker, but then again, I'm too anxious to start wearing them, so maybe not. I sprayed it with some Krylon, but will have to hunt down some Scotchgard™ or something similar. Anyone with any suggestions, please chime in! I loved how easy these were to tangle, and I love that they ended up looking like a Zentangle I would do on a tile, with all the line differences and pencil shadows.
    I am in love. Never had a shoe that was more comfortable (Minnetonkas are really nice!), and I know that if I HAVE to wear something else, I will. Otherwise, Toms are now my go-to shoe!


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12 comments:

  1. JulieSeptember 12, 2011 at 4:52:00 PM EDT

    Carole, I LOVE what you've done with these! Awesome tangling and a great cause!

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  2. LyndaKaySeptember 12, 2011 at 6:02:00 PM EDT

    These are adorable. I did something similar to my white Keds and then made the mistake of adding color. It ruined them. But mine were never as cute as these Toms!!!

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  3. DianeSeptember 12, 2011 at 6:17:00 PM EDT

    Never heard of Toms but am going to check them out, I was just saying to my daughter that I need a pair of slip on tennis shoes (mine wore out) now that the weather is getting cooler and I must put a shoe on.
    Your tangles make them so unique-thanks for the inspiration and a new shoe to try out.

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  4. GenevieveSeptember 12, 2011 at 7:26:00 PM EDT

    These look great. Have you tried the Pentel Gel Roller Fabric Pen? It works great.

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  5. Jane Grant TougasSeptember 12, 2011 at 8:55:00 PM EDT

    I have three pairs of Tom's -- including one red sequin "special edition" pair! Love the Tangle Toms. You should send Toms a photo -- maybe they will make a special edition!

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  6. Carol Bailey FloydSeptember 13, 2011 at 8:26:00 AM EDT

    The guy who started Toms was on TV the other night, and now they are providing eyeglasses as well as shoes to needy people. I love his philosophy and kindness. I agree with Jane -- please send a photo of your marvelous shoes to Toms. I know they would love to see them.

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  7. Carole OhlSeptember 13, 2011 at 9:29:00 AM EDT

    I did send them an email, and tried to upload photos, but I get error messages about the different photo files I've tried. Hmmm.

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  8. ZentangleSeptember 13, 2011 at 10:02:00 AM EDT

    gotta get me some a them TOMS.... I love shoes...but they hate me! love what you did to them! M

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  9. Carole OhlSeptember 13, 2011 at 10:21:00 AM EDT

    Maybe these shoes will love you, Maria. There's a first tom for everything!

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  10. WebsterSeptember 14, 2011 at 11:03:00 PM EDT

    There's a Tom for everything except a wide foot. I'll have to wait until Toms expands their line. Your Tangled Toms look great! You do such good work.

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  11. Nancy RothSeptember 19, 2011 at 1:44:00 PM EDT

    Scothguard is a great idea! it is in just about every supermarket now, but if you can't find it, look in any auto supply place (auto-zone,pepboys,etc)try several light coats. I have had great success scotchguarding many fabrics, from canvas to silk. As a seamstress for the last 100 years or so, I can tell you that you will need to reapply scotchguard each time a fabric is laundered (or dry-cleaned)

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  12. Sharon Field / Inky A*Muse-mentOctober 12, 2011 at 4:46:00 AM EDT

    LOL.. I have to share this with my friend who is an avid zentangler!! Too cute!

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