Jem Vs. the Misfits Tribute Shoes

I don't know if you are aware of this but Jem is excitement! Jem is adventure! Glamour and glitter! Fashion and fame!

Okay, I'll stop.

I loved Jem, she came on right after G.I. Joe and she was fabulous. You may even say she was...outrageous? Truly.*

Like most things I enjoyed when I was small, the cartoon is a bit odd when I re-watch it now. I mean, in the first episode Eric Raymond hires a mercenary to plant an IED at some rich dude's house while a bunch of orphans are staying there. Life lesson, kids: the answer isn't always a battle of the bands.

But I still love it.

IDW recently launched a Jem and the Holograms comic that captures a lot of the feel of the old series but with slightly less suspension of disbelief and with a contemporary feel. As a lifelong Jem Fan, I heartily endorse the comics. As many of you also may have seen, there will be a live-action Jem movie coming out this year. It looks terrible. I'll probably see it anyway (I think the studio must be aware that this is the case for many).

In keeping with my love of Jem and my affinity for sensible yet amazing shoes, I have created this homage to my favorite fashion icons.

*this had to be done

Step 1: Obtain Comics

Obtain Jem and the Holograms comics.

Read comics.

Read again.

Read again, this time live tweet your feelings.

Once you are ready...move to step two.

Step 2: What You'll Need

comics or magazines (I only needed 2 for my shoes) - if you don't have on hand and aren't buying used... $8

Mod Podge - I have a large bottle but you can buy a much smaller one for this project at about $5-7

smallish paintbrushes - I got a pack for $5 because I wasn't certain if the material would mess up nice brushes

scissors - had around

a pair of shoes - I think patent 'leather' would work better but these were the ones I had around that I haven't worn very often. You could certainly do heels but I wasn't feeling it since heels often feel like torture devices to me.

Step 3: Pick Images

If you are me then SUDDEN INSPIRATION WILL STRIKE and instead of making Jem and the Hologram shoes you will decide to make JEM VS THE MISFITS SHOES.

Step 4: Begin Application for the Jem Side

Paint Mod Podge lightly on the back of the image and press onto shoe, give it a couple of seconds, smooth out with fingers. Paint over top with more Mod Podge (not too much just to make sure it is laying flat at the edges, if you soak it the paper will peel a little). I recommend focusing on smaller strips and images at the rounded areas and edges before applying larger design elements where you like.

Step 5: Admire Your Handiwork

Also known as "let dry 1-2 hours".

Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge.

Let dry 1-2 hours (or just overnight like I did).

Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge...say, just before you go to work...

Let dry 1-2 hours (or while you are at work).

Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge.

Step 6: Begin Application for the Misfits Side

Step 7: Admire Your Handiwork

You know the drill!

Let dry 1-2 hours and apply another thin coat of Mod Podge. Ideally, your shoe will have the initial coat used to put the images on and 2-3 additional coats. If you feel it needs more, have at it. I suggest you don't exceed five coats and that you let each coat dry thoroughly before putting another on.

Step 8: WAIT FOREVER BEFORE ENJOYING

No, seriously. Allow the shoes to cure for 28 days before wearing. Think about them in your dreams while waiting.

<sigh>

Comments

[ashleyjlong]

These look great! I absolutely agree with waiting for them to cure. The big reason I don't use Mod Podge much is because it seems to be forever sticky. Once they cured, have they held up to movement and wear pretty well?

[FreckledR]

This is awesome!! The possibilities are endless!! Can't wait to try this.

[เเซม]

thumbs up !

[ThisIsMyNameOK]

I love it. Except for the part about cutting up comic books. I had to close my eyes. But it would be possible to make colour copies of them on a good quality paper and get similar results.

You did a great job of putting it all together and making it look fabulous. Things we used to like when we were kids always look different when we watch them again, and Jem was pretty outrageous, but it was the '80's after all. Fingers crossed the movie won't be too horrible.

[ekeene1]

I am with you on the cutting. I had to console myself by remembering that I would be absolutely purchasing the graphic novel version on these. I'm not sure about printing, the glossiness of the paper helped it stand up to the mod Podge application without getting too damp and peeling. Try it out on something like a paper cup to test and let me know your thoughts!

[ThisIsMyNameOK]

I would love to, but I don't have a working printer right now. That's what I was thinking when I said good quality paper, that it would have to be something that would look good when podged.

I don't collect comics anymore, but since I destroyed almost all of my collection by leaving it in a damp, mouse infested basement, I really shouldn't talk.

[GraceDyer]

So cute! I love the work you've done on the shoes. Will they prevail in rainy weather?

[ekeene1]

I chose the mod Podge intended for dishes in the hopes that it would increase water resistance. The shoes remain untested as mine are still curing. I'll update after I wear for a bit and in the rain.

[leto]

Now, that's brilliant ! How do the shoes and you feet feal after wearing for a while ?

[ekeene1]

Well all lady shoes are torture devices, even the flat ones.l so I anticipate they will feel okay for 4-6 hours and then hurt me. This is colored by the fact that I already had and had work these flats. As for how the comics will wear, I'll update after mine are done curing!

[Veracity92]

Brilliant! I was going to make shoes of a duplicate copy of Rocket Girl but Jem works great too! (And it's great to see another fan of these comics!:-))

[jkimball]

Why haven't you entered these in the "Feet" and "Fandom" contests?