Daily DIY Project: Canvas Sneakers

A pair of slip-ons is a summer essential--they're easy and comfortable enough to throw on for quick trips to the ice cream store, a walk to the beach, or an afternoon picnic without the dangers of open-toed sandals. But a quick dip in colored dye can give dingy whites a new life, as shown in this project from Martha Stewart Living.

The process is simple--just fill a bucket or bowl with eco-friendly dye and submerge the shoes according to the directions--which means you can update your footwear with minimal effort. Try coloring this summer's pair to wear into fall, or brightening up an even older pair to wear next summer instead of buying new. To keep the project even more eco-friendly, look for organic or environmentally-friendly dyes--like those made from vegetables or fruits--try red cabbage, carrots, beets, or plums for red, purple, and orange colors. Since the finished product looks best with a faded wash, don't worry too much about the intensity of the dye; the longer you leave your shoes in, the darker the color.

When you've hit a color you like, let the shoes dry (the dryer will work, but save energy by letting the air do this part), and that's it: colorful, cheery shoes that you'll want to wear again and again. Of course, the same basic idea applies to dying all kinds of fabric, so get creative with tees, socks, towels, and pillowcases.