"Free Ballet Art" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

This FREE BALLET WALLPAPER is for your personal, non-commercial use.  COLLECT THEM ALL!  A link-back to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be appreciated.  Love, Rev. Barb

"BARB'S DYE PROCESS FOR POINTES (BLACK) & ALL SATIN SHOES--Easy Do-It-Yourself Instructions" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

 

These black pointes are Bloch 'Aspirations' with Bloch 'Elastorib' ribbons.

These 'babies' in action!

 

ABOVE:  What you'll need for the job.  Painter's tape is available everywhere.  Get Kiwi black leather shoe dye easily online. 

BEFORE YOU START ANYTHING: Be sure to line your work area with heavy double layered 'garbage bags' to protect your surfaces.  I suggest using white paper towels (instead of newspapers, for instance) for mopping up spills, etc., in order to avoid ink transfer from newsprint onto your 'pretty pointes', inside or outside.

To begin, assemble the following:

1)  a large garbage bag

2)  paper towels

3)  scissors

4)  painter's tape

5)  Kiwi brand black shoe dye

6)  70% isopropyl alcohol  (rubbing alcohol) to wipe up 'spills' and remove dye from hands

7)  nitrile (purple or blue) gloves (preferred) or vinyl gloves to protect hands

8)  protective eyewear (glasses or goggles) to protect against accidental eye splash

9)  one pair pointe shoes (with ribbons attached or with ribbons to be dyed separately and to be sewn on later).  You may also wish to 'skip' dyeing any ribbon and simply purchase 7/8" black ribbon for use on your newly dyed black pointes.  Please note that I recommend that you NOT sew elastics on before dyeing, if possible, since the elastics will be one more thing you will have to be careful with come dyeing time!  If you are dyeing a pair of shoes with elastics already attached, tuck them in carefully and stuff lots of paper towels on top to protect them from 'errant dye'.  You want your elastics to match your tights, not your pointe shoes!

ABOVE:  Bloch 'Aspirations' dyed pink-to-black here (without elastics)

BARB'S DYE PROCESS FOR POINTES 

(& ALL SATIN SHOES)

The first step is to cover the soles of the pointe shoes with 'blue' painter's tape (two rows approximately 8" long).  See photo below.  I used 'Scotch 3M' brand here.  Gently press the tape against the soles so that the 'outline' of the sole is visible 'through the tape'.  Then, with a sharp implement, carefully 'cut away' the excess tape, so that the sole edges are 'clean'.  I used a single scissor blade to do this, but you can also use an 'Exacto' knife if you can wield it with care.  WHATEVER YOU USE, BE SURE NOT TO ACCIDENTALLY CUT or SCORE THE SATIN WHEN YOU CUT AWAY THE BLUE TAPE!

ABOVE: This is what your 'protected' soles should look like before you apply the black shoe dye to your pointes.  Expending the extra effort to create clean lines will assure that your end result has a 'professional look'.  Of course, the sole, itself, can easily be dyed black, also, if desired.  Fortunately with this method, there is no dye-transfer or 'rub-off' during use when the newly-dyed black pointes are allowed to dry thoroughly for approximately 48 hours after the last coat of dye is applied.

If ribbons are attached to your shoes 'tuck them in' and stuff your pointe shoe with 4 or 5 clean paper towels.  Using Kiwi Brand Black leather dye, start 'daubbing' the dye with the bottle-applicator.  Start at the rear of the shoe and work your way 'around', being careful to apply a good even layer WITHOUT saturating the shoe.  It's better to use two even coats than one 'heavy' one.

 Apply a first coat of dye (left shoe) and then after allowing to surface-dry briefly (an hour or so), apply a second coat of dye.  Touch up any areas that need it and allow the pointes to surface dry again.  Once you are satisfied with the overall coverage, carefully pull out the 'strings' (drawstring ends) and color them, as well. (BELOW)

Again inspect your shoes and set them upon some (standing upright) plastic cups to maximize air circulation.  Your final 'step' is to 'untuck' and dye the ribbons, one at a time, starting with the area closest to the shoe and working out to the ends.  It is easiest to dye the ribbons in the cup of your hand, as one would apply 'hair highlights'.  Be sure to give the ribbon at least two coats of dye or as much as is needed for the color to be absorbed uniformly.  Wipe up all drips/slight pooling of dye and let the ribbons rest on plastic (not paper) for the final drying.  (Paper will tend to 'wick away' some dye during the drying period which will result in 'uneven' coloring...So set your pointes on plastic.)

When your shoes are totally (or almost) dry, carefully peel away the painter's tape.  Be sure to remove ALL of the tape.  DO NOT "TRY OUT" your pointes UNTIL THEY ARE PERFECTLY DRY!

ABOVE:  This is what your 'clean pointe shoe soles' should look like after you peel away the protective blue painter's tape.  Any minor specks of black dye that may have leaked through may be removed by buffing them away with a nail file.  You can also use a course 'eraser' on the sole to remove any stray black marks, if desired.

As for the random 'dye mistakes' which may manifest on the INNER lining of your shoes, a simple 'cover-up' with buff colored 'Wite-Out' should do the job to conceal these little slips.  The 'Wite-Out' will not affect anything negatively and will help create a neater-looking final job.

 

ABOVE:  Voila!  A couple of 'dye mistakes' are gone!

 

Here is the final product.  NOTE:  As I mentioned, this particular dyeing method is good for satin pointe shoes and for all satin shoes in general...purses, too.  This dye is apparently highly water-resistant and does not stain tights or scuff floors.  I am in the process of 'testing out' and 'abusing' my black-dyed Blochs here...and, thus far, the only 'wear' I can detect is the normal 'wear and tear' all point shoes receive during wear.  Logically, if I see a need to 'touch-up' the platform areas or perhaps the 'over-worked ribbons', then I'll do it, remembering to let my pointes dry thoroughly before dancing in them again!

I can't say how many 'pairs' may be dyed with a single bottle of Kiwi dye, but I would 'guess' at least two or maybe two-and-a-half pairs, figuring two coats per shoe.  Be sure to always keep some extra dye on hand to use for 'touch ups' before a special class or a performance.

I hope you have great success with this dyeing method and dance extremely well!  Stay tuned for articles on other dye methods ('Rit', other shoe dyes, Sharpie, etc.), coming soon.
God Bless You!
Rev. Barb
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

 A pretty good job with these inexpensive 'Bloch's' dyed from pink-to-black!

ABOVE:  More shots of me modeling my 'handiwork'.  I think with high-resolution photographs, I could have 'neatened up' the sole edge a bit more (with some dye and a paint-brush) in the picture above.  From a distance, of course, this is not a problem, but 'purists' can keep this in mind when 'absolute perfectionism' is called for.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:  BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

"You Can Dye Pointe Shoes Black At Home" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

     These are Bloch 'Aspiration' pointe shoes (originally pink) which I dyed myself to black at home.

     The result is a very natural and even-looking satin 'tone', which dried very quickly.  I will detail the technique I perfected shortly.

     Thus far, the color seems to be very stable and DOES NOT RUB OFF onto cloth, the floor or any other surfaces.

     Nevertheless, I will be vigorously testing these pointes under real 'dance' conditions shortly in order to determine just how suitable my dyeing technique is for use by ballerinas of all ages.

     Stay tuned!

This Free Ballet WALLPAPER (for non-commercial purposes) is for you!  If you use any of my photos, a linkback to this site would be very much appreciated!: www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

These free ballet pointe shoe photos from www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com are yours to enjoy.

COLLECT THEM ALL!

MAKE YOURSELF A NEVER-ENDING 'POINTE SHOE WALLPAPER SLIDE SHOW!

Great Blessings to you!-Love, Rev. Barb

"Blue Ballet Pointe Shoes & Roses-FREE WALLPAPER" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

Free Ballet Wallpaper for you.

A linkback to http://www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be appreciated.

"Blue Ballet Pointe Shoes-Free Wallpaper" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

FREE WALLPAPER for you.

A linkback to http://wwwDearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be appreciated.

"Tie-Dye Rainbow Pointe Shoe Pictures-FREE WALLPAPERS" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

Take your pick...or Collect Them All!  Here are some FREE BALLET GRAPHICS, PHOTOS & WALLPAPERS.

Click on to enlarge & right click to 'save'.

Please, if you use any of these online or in a public setting, a linkback to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you & God Bless you

Rev. Barb

"Pointe Shoes Get A Shellacking-Free Ballet Wallpaper" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

"Pointe Shoes Get A Shellacking!"  By Rev. Barbara Sexton

"Ballet Pointes Awash In Resin" By Rev. Barbara Sexton

Here's some unusual FREE WALLPAPER for you!  Be sure to COLLECT THEM ALL

Just CLICK to enlarge and SAVE this entire collection for your personal use!

And, please, if you use any of my images online, or in a public venue, be sure to include a linkback to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

Blessings,

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross" 

"UNUSUAL 'Spackled-Crackled' Ballet Point Shoes-FREE WALLPAPER" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

Talk About 'Dead Shoes'!!!  'Spackled-Crackled' Ballet Point Shoes for you!

CLICK TO ENLARGE & SAVE YOUR FREE WALLPAPER.  

Please, if you use any of my images online or for public events, a linkback to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You & God Bless You

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

"How To Dye Pink Ballet Ribbon To European (Peachy) Pink--Quick & Easy" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

Dear 'Ballet Moms', Ballerinas & Dance Enthusiasts:

     You know how it is.  You have your shoes and then you realize your ribbons are the wrong color.

     And it's 'crunch time' and you know you won't get your order in time for an upcoming class or performance!

     So what do you do?  (When you're done weeping as you furiously 'google' every ballet supply house within a 90 mile radius, so you can there and back in the allotted time, that is!)

     And will you even have TIME to sew on your elastics and/or ribbons, even if you manage to locate the right ones in European pink or Capezio pink or Freed peach or whatever color you need?

     Well, relax, for I have a solution for you which is both quick and easy in emergency situations.

     THE TEMPORARY FIX:

     Simply drop some yellow food coloring into a few ounces of some 91% isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of three drops yellow coloring per 1 oz of alcohol (to get the color in the photo above).  Be sure to stir the solution very well with a plastic spoon!

     Yes, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol, but the higher the percentage the 'better the wetting ability' of the final dye.   Don't forget that your fingers have oils which transfer to everything and the alcohol will simply allow the coloring to permeate the ribbon better...especially if it is re-used ribbon.

     Wear plastic gloves if you like and be sure to protect the surface on which you are working.

     After you've made your solution, it is a simple matter to 'dip and swirl' your pink ribbon until the desired shade is reached.  

     Blot the excess off the ribbon that has just been dyed and check the color and re-dip if necessary.  The ribbon will dry fairly quickly because the alcohol evaporates, but you can also use a blow-dryer on low to speed up the process.

     Be sure to do some 'test samples' before you dip your good ribbons (or elastics-this method can be used to temporarily color elastics too.)  The duration of dipping is not really long enough to radically affect most elastics available today...But again, EXPERIMENT.

     Now I must emphasize that if these ribbons get wet, they will 'bleed' a bit.  But one class (or even one standard dance on stage) is not likely to cause any major bleeding problems.

     Indeed, it is desirable to keep the satin part of any pointe shoe dry so that 'spotting' does not occur.  

 

Example number 1

 

Example number 2

 When I figure this one out, I'll let you know what caused this discoloration!

     But vigorous dancing causes a great deal of perspiration, of course, so this method of dyeing pink ballet ribbons to European peachy pink will only last for as long as the ribbons stay dry.

     Still, for the budding ballerina (and more likely than not, her mom or other caring woman) it will definitely be useful.

     PERMANENT METHOD:

     I don't know how this would work out, but it should be just fine.

     I haven't tried using 'Rit' or other permanent fabric dye (in yellow or light orange) as an experiment yet.

     So if any of you want to try to do a permanent dye job, so to speak, just remember that we don't want anything toxic against the skin.

     Since most wear tights, this won't be a problem, although some dancers prefer to be bare-footed for certain things so as to 'feel the floor better'.

      So there you have it.  I hope my suggestions will buy you some 'breathing room' when the clock is ticking and your ribbons are not the right color.

     Please let me know how your experiments are going by commenting here or by emailing me at BarbaraKSexton@aol.com 

     Next up:  Emergency gluing of ribbons when the clock has you pressured, with just some basic 'tacking' for safety with needle & thread (or dental floss, if that is your preference).

     (Sssshhhh....I don't know if you want your Ballet Instructor/Mistress to know about this!)

     Traditionalists may 'balk', but I'll be 'blow-drying' my TMT Bloch pointe shoes shortly (they are constructed with a heat-activated 'adhesive paste' that can be molded to the feet and then put in the fridge 'to set'.

     I guess I love 'tradition' as much as I love scientific innovation...especially in all the good things in life, like ballet, that make our lives so much better and so much more enjoyable!

God Bless You

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com/

"Incredible: 'Platinum Points' --FREE Ballet Pointe Shoe Pics, Wallpapers & Screensavers" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

Click to enlarge

"Platinum Points In Line"  by Rev. Barbara Sexton

FREE PICS, WALLPAPERS & SCREENSAVER in High Resolution FOR YOU! 

Click to enlarge
"Platinum Points" by Rev. Barbara Sexton

From Rev. Barb:

     THESE FREE PICS, WALLPAPERS & SCREENSAVERS are great for your 'program covers', slide-shows, scrapbooks, blogs, Internet 'icons and anything more your creative mind can think of.  Since they are HIGH RESOLUTION, they are beautiful when printed out on any number of paper types, suitable for framing and hanging.  

     So have fun, my fellow dance lovers and COLLECT 'EM ALL!!!  

     Stay tuned for future columns on pointe shoe preparation and care and the treatment of common ballet and other 'foot problems'.

     AND PLEASE: If you use my pics for public use or online, a linkback to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Love & Blessings, 

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"FREE BALLET SHOE SCREENSAVERS & WALLPAPERS-Pink,Purple & Orange" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

Please enjoy these FREE beautiful ballet screensavers & wallpapers.

If you use my photos online, a link-back to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com would be greatly appreciated!

God Bless You

Rev. Barb

"Lavender & Yellow Pointe Shoe Pic & FREE WALLPAPER" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

Please feel free to enjoy these free wallpapers and be sure to collect them all!

If you use them on the internet, a link-back to www.DearOnesHealingMinistry..blogspot.com would be greatly appreciated!

God Bless You

Rev. Barb Sexton

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"Ballet Pointe Shoes: Line Them Up-FREE WALLPAPER" From Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE AND ENJOY THESE FREE POINTE SHOE WALLPAPERS.

IF YOU USE THEM ON THE INTERNET, A LINKBACK TO WWW.DEARONESHEALINGMINISTRY.BLOGSPOT.COM WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! 

GOD BLESS YOU-REV. BARB