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Rubber Rain Boot Decor

February 23, 2016

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Rain boot decor is all the rage.

Turn your boots into a vase and make a pretty arrangement for spring that looks great inside or out.

Check out a few of my ideas and some great boots, too!

Rain boot tulip arrangement in a mudroom

A few years ago, I was looking for something different to add to my front door to welcome spring, when I came across a pair of my kids' old rubber rain boots in the back of the closet.

They were the teeniest pair of navy boots with little rainbow people on them and they just screamed out to be on display.

So I dressed one of them up with flowers and ribbon and hung it on my front door.

It was the perfect way to welcome April showers.

Small rubber rain boot on front door with tulips and yellow bow

I loved this little boot wreath and it cost me almost nothing the put together.

Of course, being the fickle decorator that I am, I tired of it after one season and moved on to something else the next year.

However this year, as spring approaches, I have boots on my mind again. I think it's because I keep seeing them in the stores and they are all on super secret clearance.

Not being one to waste money, I could see myself wearing some of these beauties and decorating with them...as long as it's done in a thoughtful way, no damage would occur.

This boot was the first one that caught my eye.

Rubber Boots In Store

Pardon the photo, my phone does not do this beauty justice.

Navy blue, elegant buckle, great tailored shape, it's a classic, but what else would you expect from Ralph Lauren.

It was less than twenty bucks for the pair and I thought, I would look great in the rain and they would look great on my stoop stuffed with live flowers or on my door dripping in faux.

That buckle would allow me to hang them on my door without damaging the boot and I could wear them again when they were downgraded from decor.

Fabulous!

I was just about ready to pull the trigger when I spotted these hot pink babies.

Hot Pink Rain Boot in Store

Now, I do not own hot pink rain boots and I have never wanted to own a pair, however once I spotted them, I couldn't think of anything else.

I could picture a big bushel of white flowers spilling over the top of this boot, maybe even a bit of delicate greenery trailing down the sides.

I would top the arrangement off with a very feminine, huge bow and hang it on my door (this boot also had a buckle on the other side) or place the pair on my stoop.

Glorious!

Alas, as luck would have it, this size six was the only pair left in that color and at five foot eight and a half inches, my foot is not a size six.

I would topple right over on feet that small.

Rats.

I went back to peek at the navy Ralph Laurens again, but after the pink, eh, they just didn't look that special anymore.

So I went home empty handed.

Now I am not a quitter and once I get an idea in my head, I am hard pressed to let it go. I thought for a while and then remembered a pair of rubber boots that I never wear anymore.

I dug those suckers out from the back of the closet and got to work.

These boots are not the super bright spring color I was dreaming about, but their tailored look was perfect for this transitional time of year.

There's still a bit of snow piled up here and there and since I already had something very colorful planned for my front door (stay tuned!), I figured I could dress up my living room entryway.

Tulips in a rain boot on bench in mudroom

If I were going to make a boot wreath, as I call it, I would use fake flowers. I would load a bunch of plastic bags in the toe and shaft to take up extra space and then stuff the floral stems inside.

For this arrangement, I used the boot as a vase, so I went with real. This DIY is so easy that if you blink, you'll miss the tutorial.

Are you ready?

Ok, take a vase, fill it with water and the flowers of your choice. I used tulips.

Big surprise. Carefully lower your vase into the boot. If there is extra room around it, you can stuff a few plastic bags or tissue inside to secure it.

Add a bow of your choice and you're done.

Rain boot with flowers and bow on bench

It's a simple way to welcome spring and add a little bit of elegant whimsy to your home.

And your wardrobe.

Adorable!

I really should start wearing these boots again.

Although, I'd probably look kind of silly with just one.

Does your fashion do double duty as decor?

Looking for more door decor? Check out these posts.



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  1. So cute!! You know I hate to say this but you could paint them if you really want a bright color. Just sayin. :)

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    1. I just may do that, Stacey!! Hot pink, here I come! ;)

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    2. I'm with Stacey! Spray paint those bad boys!!

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    3. Stacey is right! I need to get some rubber friendly paint in hot pink for sure!!

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  2. Oh you are so clever and you know I love rain boots too. In fact I ordered some that I fell in love with and then received an email that they were out of stock. I found a polka dot pair at Target that seem to suit me just about right!
    Great Spring Time post, Kim.

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  3. I love this post. I love boots as decor. I have not bought any just for decor. I don't think I would get the same look if I used Cait's leftover olive green ones that she used to shower her goats at the fair. I don't think that the little bits of manure that might be clinging to the bottoms would be nearly as lovely as those gorgeous red tulips.

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    1. Thank you, Lorri!! Haha... those manure bits might do you more good in the tulips instead of the boots!! I think the green ones could be really rustic though. Add a bit of twine and big bushel of wildflowers? Maybe. ;)

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    2. That is a great idea!I will let you know if I get it done!

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  4. Hi Kim, love this decor story with a really happen ending. Such a wonderful welcome in your entry. Yes, I use pieces from my wardrobe for decor at times. Like my white jean jacket, cowgirl hat, gloves and scarves.
    Thanks for sharing. xo

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    Replies
    1. You are such a creative lady, I knew you would be a fashionable decorator, too!! :)

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you, Nancy!! I really like this one, too! :)

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  6. Love, love, love! I want those RL boots!

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  7. Hello Kim, I know what you mean about shoes for tall girls. I am 5'8" as well and all the cute shoes and boots in pretty colors are usually too small for me. I have not tried fashion as décor but I did find a pair of my sons old rain boots tucked away in the basement storage area and think they would be really cute decorated for spring this year. I love the flowers and vase idea in your entry way. Thank you for the inspiration :)

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    1. Thanks for the sweet words, Karen! I really like this one and I am glad that I found a way to use the boots, especially the tiny ones!!

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  8. Dear, dear Kim....it's been WAY TOO LONG since I've been here...long story, but in short, I am trying to blog again!

    I have to tell you that when I was driving home, a thought occurred to me to go investigate Target, or somewhere where I too could possibly buy a pair of these boots, but I don't want to spend too much money. THEN, at a red light (and only at red lights), I pulled out my phone AND SAW THIS POST!!!!!!!!! It was the weirdest thing, I was just thinking of boots, and here you are!

    Great ideas! I want to get an aqua pair for photo shoots, and that's it. WISH ME LUCK!

    I hope you are enjoying your pathway into spring! Wishes for a beautiful beginning! Anita

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    1. Anita, so lovely to see that you are back and blogging again! I hope you continue to post, I have missed you in my feed. Aqua boots sound fabulous and I know that your artist's eye will create something spectacular with them. I will be looking for those photos!!

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  9. Love them all, but the original is SO cute Kim! I just WORE rain boots today--we've had a wet winter!

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    1. Wet here, too! It's the perfect excuse for another pair!! ;)

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  10. I love the plaid boot. I have never thought of doing double duty with our clothes, but I may now.

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    1. I bet you have a cute hat or pair of boots around, Betty.

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  11. Love rain boots for decor pieces. SO many cute things you can do with them. I just bought toddler pink rain boots to make centerpieces for a baby shower. Very cute Kim.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris...that sounds adorable! I just know the shower is going to be gorgeous with you in charge of the decor!!

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  12. Oh I love this idea, in fact I have a pair on my porch right now. They are filled with wheat. haha

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  13. How cute!
    What a creative idea Kim!

    I use rain boots here when we irrigate-

    Laura
    WSP

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Laura. I had a lot of fun with this one. :)

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  14. Very sweet! My rain boots are a mess, but I love the idea. Maybe I can spray paint them. I think you should have indulged and bought the hot pink ones for décor only :-)

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    1. I know. I keep thinking about them...maybe, AnnMarie! ;)

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  15. Cute idea . . .
    Really sweet . . .
    Pink rain boots would have tempted me too . . .

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    1. If they had my size, Lynne...it would've been a very different post! ;)

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  16. Hi Kim, I love your pretty boot vase with the red tulips! I can't wait for spring! :0)

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  17. Very cute! I loved the one you put together with the child's boot, but the more-sophisticated check is perfect where you'be put it. You are full of ideas!

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    1. Thank you so much. I love that little bootie, too...makes me think about the kids when they were small!

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  18. Oh I am indeed inspired! What an incredibly quick and elegant way to invite spring into your home, and as boots are quite necessary around here due to the mud, they could serve a dual purpose... I will be looking for the perfect pair at thrift stores now, instant inspiration dear Kim, thank you!

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    1. I think you should get some with chickens on them!! Heehee!! I think you “girls” would love them! ;)

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  19. Replies
    1. Goodwill and the grocery store, Valerie! That's where I would start! ;)

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  20. OK, that is absolutely adorable! Now I'm going to be on the lookout for rain boots at Goodwill!

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    Replies
    1. Definitely, Melanie. I always peek, but have never found. Keep me posted! :)

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  21. Hi,
    March will have me changing up our outside decor. I need a fun idea, I think you just gave it to me. ;-)
    Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Oh great, Carla! I love it when people find ideas they can use here. *Smile**

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  22. Love this cute idea! Tulips just scream "Spring" to me and I love seeing them used in all kinds of decor. Oh, and by the way, I'm 5'7" and I DO NOT wear a size 6 either! Lol! My sister in law can buy her shoes in the little girls section. Can you imagine??? Hee hee!

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    Replies
    1. How fun would that be?? Can you imagine all the fun choices? As it is, all the super fun choices are always a size 5 or 6! Oh well, that’s the price for being tall, I guess! ;)

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  23. I love it! Your sweet boot looks adorable and what a clever idea! The color of the flowers compliment the boot pattern perfectly! Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Benita. I should start buying them in every color...for decor purposes, you know? At least that's what I'll tell my husband! ;)

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  24. So cute! Makes your home look very happy!

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    1. Thank you, Lynn! That’s what I was going for! ;)

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  25. This is very sweet. Hmmm ...I was just thinking it was time to take the winter wreath off the door. Your suggestion is very timely.....

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    1. Thanks Ronda! I still have an evergreen wreath on my front door...shhhh! ;)

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  26. Spray paint works great on plastic boots...and the thrift stores usually have a few pair around...
    Yours look so cute with the bow and flowers...
    Here from Daily Cup

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    1. I just may have to get myself a can of hot pink paint now, BJ! :)

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  27. I just love this idea, Kim! Beautiful way to display some pretty Spring flowers. xxx Maria

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    1. Thank you so much, Maria! I’m glad you like it! :)

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  28. Love Love Love this idea! Adorable!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lisa!! You just made me smile!! :)

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  29. Ah this is just adorable ! I was in the mood for spring the last two days with a warmup but now it is snowing ! The only boots that I have around here are black snow boots...better keep them for snow, but I do remember being tempted at 'decor boots' in Target last year!

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    1. Oh no, Deb...no more snow!! Wear the boots now, warn toes are a priority!!

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  30. You impressed me a lot. I'v never thought about the rain boots this way. It looks so unique and nice.

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    1. Thank you Chloe. I appreciate the kind words. :)

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  31. Good Morning Kim!!
    I am so happy to see you here today at #THOHOT!! I know you have inspired many of us to be creative!
    Happy almost weekend!
    Jemma

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    1. Thank you for hosting Jemma, it’s fun to party with friends! :)

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  32. Very cute idea. I have a kids pair just waiting for a makeover!

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  33. Such a cute idea! Loved the little kid's boot on the door - so cute!
    I love the check stripe boot and that you used something that you already had on hand!
    And I love how you have it displayed! So pretty!
    Happy almost weekend! Kimberley

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    1. Thank you, Kimberley! It's fun to accessorize...me and my house!! :)

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  34. Of course this is adorable, what else would I ever expect from you? And fyi I have that same book....:)

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    1. Great minds...I love that book! I bought it for the red cover, turns out I like the inside, too! ;)

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  35. That's a cute idea, Kim!

    The closest I come to using things I wear for decor is the two cloches hanging on the coat rack in the living room LOL

    love to you,
    rue

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    1. I'm just getting started, Rue! I think I've got an old Easter bonnet I could dress up, next. Just kidding. I don't wear hats! ;)

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  36. Oh my goodness! they look absolutely adorable filled with those golden daffodils and pretty tulips, perfect way to welcome spring! I just got a pair of red Hunter rain boots for my daughter, since it rains in Providence frequently; she is loving them :) hugs, Poppy

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  37. Thank you so much, Teri! I am so glad you like them. It was a fun way to add a bit of spring around here (even if it is a few weeks early!).

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  38. So sweet and cute! I use scarves at the end of the bed. xoxo Su

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  39. OH! dear bean!
    love this post.
    and i've ALWAYS loved rubber boots.
    and now they're practically an art form!
    alas.
    we're in a perpetual drought here.
    i wonder...
    if i buy them ... it will come...
    the raindrops i mean!
    nothing says spring more happily than tulips and little boots!
    a beautiful post! xo

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    1. Thank you, Tammy! It was dry here for a while too. As soon as I filled those boots with flowers, it rained! Of course!!

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  40. What a super idea ... perhaps a little quirky! But it works!

    Aren't tulips so lovely ...

    All the best Jan

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    1. Tulips are my favorite, Jan, and thanks!

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  41. Your boot vase and wreath are adorable!!! I love it!

    Thanks for sharing on Thoughts of Home Thursday!

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    1. Thanks for popping by to take a peek, Angela! :)

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  42. Kim, thank you for taking us shopping and sharing your fun floral arrangements with us @Vintage Charm! Pinning to our Features & Favorites!

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    1. Thanks Cecilia! I think people thought I was nuts photographing those boots (my kids did!), but I actually had fun knowing that I would share them! I may make a habit of that...just don't tell my kids! ;)

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  43. I had my rain boots (polka dots) out on the porch last fall, but I brought them in when we actually got rain. Maybe I need to set them back out on the porch.

    Thanks for sharing such a cute post at SYC.

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    1. Right there with you, Carol! I'm thinking I need a back up pair to actually wear!! ;)

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  44. Very cute boots Kim, and an even cuter idea! And yes it would help if you had two! ;)

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    1. Two would be good in the rain, Mary, that is for sure! ;)

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  45. I think those boots are adorable, Kim! So cute how you've used the boot as a vase for those pretty tulips. Since this isn't exactly rain country, the closest I have to rainboots are some slip-on rubber clogs that I wear when gardening....but I would take those size 6 Hot Pink beauties in a nanno-second!

    Warm hugs,
    Carol

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    1. They are super stylish, Carol and I bet they'd look great on you!

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  46. I really thought you were going to paint that boot hot pink, Kim. I do think it's cute just as it is. Plaid always wins in my book. Cute bench, by the way. Hugs, Nancy

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    1. It really did cross my mind, Nancy! Maybe someday…and thanks, that bench was a super yard sale bargain. :)

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  47. What a simply charming springtime accent! I am a bit late in visiting due to it being college finals week for me but I am so very happy you joined Thought of Home on Thursday and shared this delightful gem.

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    1. Thanks for popping by, Laura and thank you! :)

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  48. I love the flowers in the boot!
    TFS this at Cooking and Crafting with J&J!

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  49. This is absolutely adorable! Pinning :)

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  50. Haha...this is SO cute! :)

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

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  51. These are so adorable! Cute spring decor, and suits April. We have had lots of rain this month. Pinning!

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  52. ok very cute! I actually like that plaid boot... luckily you can use them again when you're finished with them LOL

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    1. Thanks so much, Susan! I really like that boot, too. It's a cute fashion piece and a vase!

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  53. These are so
    Cute perfect for garden art!

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