Gumpaste Ballet Slipper Tutorial

STEP 1— Buy smallest pair of childrens ballet slippers from Payless Shoe Source I got a size 7 childrens and they were $19.95. They can be re-used for other slippers. Cut off elastic straps and run a basting stitch of thread across shoe from side to side. The elastic pulls the shoe in too much and without the basting stitch they open too wide. Very IMPORTANT, lightly coat the entire outside top and sides of slipper from toe to heel with shortening.

STEP 2 – Pink gumpaste rolled to 1/8" thickness, cut into large oval shape and laid over entire shoe. Trim gumpaste to leave 1/2" of paste around the sole of shoe. Carefully cut away the paste from instep of slipper and smooth cut edges with fingertip.

STEP 3 – Stuff slipper with pieces of wadded up plastic wrap in the toe and use a 1 1/2" styrofoam ball to fit inside the heel part.

STEP 4 – Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes or till paste holds it’s shape. Carefully remove paste from the real shoe by turning the slipper upside down into palm of your hand. Carefully ease the fabric slipper away from the gumpaste. Then turn slipper right side up. Carefully tuck 1/2" overlap of gumpaste under the slipper sole.

STEP 5 – Allow slipper to dry completely. Roll out some white gumpaste, lay shoe on top and cut sole shape. Also cut a piece for inside the slipper. Remove plastic wrap and styrofoam ball. Use Gum Glue on sole piece to attach under slipper, glue instep piece inside the slipper. Dry completely. Read step 6 for finished shoe.

STEP 6 – LAST STEPS. Cut strips of fresh pink gumpaste for ribbons. Gum glue to attach to sides and overlap inside slightly. Shape ribbons into a natural furled shape. Allow to dry completely. I used a clay gun to make threads for the stitching and tie around the top of the slipper, again use gum glue to attach. When completely dry dust with super pearl luster dust for a bit of sheen. I did not steam these, just dry dusted them. These size shoes will fit on top of a 10" round cake.