We dyed our pointe shoes this week! Check out our photos below!
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; What you need to dye your pointe shoes
What you need to dye your pointe shoes

What you will need: pointe shoes with ribbon and elastic, paint sponge, fabric dye, plain paper, tape, cup, workspace protected by paper, and gloves
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; step one:  cover the parts of the shoe that you would like to avoid dyeing
step one: cover the parts of the shoe that you would like to avoid dyeing

Smooth down the tape especially around the edges to ensure complete contact with the surface you would like to avoid dyeing.
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; step two:  stuff the inside with paper
step two: stuff the inside with paper

Stuffing the pointe shoe with paper will help keep the insole dry and dye free and will also help to maintain its shape while drying. Using non-printed paper will help to prevent unwanted ink stains during the dyeing process.
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; step three:  pour dye into container
step three: pour dye into container

We used a non-toxic permanent water based dye that did not require mixing. If you are creating a color (eg. yellow+red to make orange), mix enough to cover two shoes plus ribbon and elastic with the same batch. This particular dye comes in a spray bottle, but we choose to sponge paint the dye for these shoes.
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; step four:  sponge paint your shoes

step four: sponge paint your shoes

Here we go! Cover your work space with paper. Brush on a thin coat and try to avoid over saturating the satin. You can always do another coat after it dries.
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; work space for orange pointe shoes
work space for orange pointe shoes
Chicago Dance Photography: How we dyed our pointe shoes &emdash; step five:  dry your pointe shoes
step five: dry your pointe shoes

Allow at least one hour for your pointe shoes to dry. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. Remove the stuffing and the tape and you’re done. Enjoy your newly dyed pointe shoes!