Tutorial: Ruby Slippers from “The Wizard of Oz”
Background
In my research for reference images, I found a publication1 that characterized the materials used in the original Ruby Slippers. The article included close reference images, a list of construction materials, and a high level overview of the build process.
I followed the materials and techniques from the article as closely as possible, adapting where I felt appropriate.
1 Citation
Douglas, J.G., Kavich, G., Mori, C. et al. Materials characterization of the Ruby Slippers from the 1939 classic film, The Wizard of Oz. Herit Sci 6, 49 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-018-0214-1
Additional references
Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers (National Museum of American History)
The Wizard of Oz – Ruby Slippers (Paragon FX Group)
Tutorial Overview
Cost: $120
Time to Completion: 5 months
High Level Steps:
- Purchase and prepare a commercial pump-style shoe
- Paint the shoe
- Tack mesh onto the shoe
- Sew sequins onto the mesh
- Attach the sequined mesh to the shoe
- Make a pair of bows from stiff red fabric, covered in the same mesh
- Sew beads and decorations onto the bow
- Attach the bow to the top of the shoe
- Attach felt on the sole and heel