I'll never forget being in Chicago years ago, scoping someone rolling by in some awesome platform roller skates, and wondering where she had found such a rare score. Well, we all know the best way to originality and customization is DIY! Enter CRAFT Volume 07, our Shoeware issue. What issue on shoes would be complete without DIY Roller Skates? This how-to is written by none other than the fine folks over at skates.com, retailers of roller skates and skateboards since 1975. The step-by-step build was done by Richard Humphreys, who has been a professional skater since 1978 and is the creator of rollerdance.com. Needless to say, the man has mad skills!
Everyone knows my favorite kicks are skate shoes, so I was thrilled to see that they had taken a styley pair of Gravis skate shoes and converted them into super hot roller skates (as seen pictured above on multi-talented design maven, Katie Wilson).
Of course you do have to pick up parts and hardware for the build, but then you have a completely original, custom pair of roller skates that you crafted yourself. Priceless! Here's the full DIY in our Digital Edition for you to get rolling.
Also check out this blast from the past CRAFT Video Podcast showing the build:
And for more DIY inspiration, make sure to pick up Volume 07 in the Maker Shed and learn how to also make Mohaupt wood and ribbon sandals, soft baby shoes, knitted Converse, fabric-swapped Converse, modular shoes, dioramas, batik, a bamboo jewelry rack, herbal tinctures, and pixelated cross-stitch.
