Splendid boots!

Spring showers are in full swing and we’re already hearing cries of “Don’t get your feet wet!” and “Watch out for those puddles” coming from concerned parents.
While we agree with the first part, we’re not so sold on that second part. Splashing in puddles and mucking around in mud is a rite of passage for kids and trying to prevent kids from acting like, well kids, can be an exercise in frustration. Why stress, when you can just put them in a solid pair of rubber rain boots or Wellingtons (aka Wellies) and let them go to town?
Rubber rain boots have long been a wardrobe staple for sensible folks – they protect feet from rain and mud, are easy to clean, fit a variety of different-sized feet, and last a long time - but the past few years have seen them transition from ugly-but-practical necessities to bona fide fashion accessories.

The standardblack or green boots have gotten a serious makeover - retailers have addedbright colors, zany patterns and decorative embellishments to the once-dreary Wellies and while these boots are easy on the eyes, they can be hard on the wallet.Never fear; you can use Orange Elephant’s awesome arts and crafts products to get a fun, stylish and original look for your family at a fraction of the cost

First, purchase a plain pair of rubber boots; for kids, it may be a good idea to purchase a size larger than they normally wear, because their feet grow fast.
We recommend using PUFFY paint to customize boots, 1) because they are waterproof, so whatever picture you create will stay in tact, even after washing and 2) because they will lend a really cool 3D element to the design.

Once you decide on a design aesthetic (if you’re in need of some inspiration, check out the Photo Gallery section of our website), draw your creation on the surface of the boots with our patented, brush-less PUFFY paint, which allow you to detail edges as thin or as thick as you want.

Once it’s dry, use a hairdryer on your painted design, blowing evenly in every spot where there’s paint to achieve the maximum effect. As soon as the boot is heated, the paint will begin to puff up, adding volume to your creation.

Think out a picture, draw it on the boots and wait until the paints dry up.
Then take a hairdryer and start to heat the boot on the place where the picture is. The heat-dried PUFFY paint will resemble the rubber of the boots, making the decoration look relatively seamless!

Fun facts…

The process of manufacturing rubber rain boots is an art form in-and-of itself.
One popular company – the manufacturer of mobile phones was earlier known well as a manufacturer of rubber boots. Traditionally, the rubber is poured in sheet form and uncured or semi-cured to give it workable properties. The prepared rubber is rolled out and cut in pieces, which are fitted around aluminum forms that are made to suit the design of the boot and each foot and leg size. The aluminum/rubber mold is heated at a temperature of about 130°F (54°C) to form the rubber and meld the pieces together.