One of the most difficult fashion items to encounter handmade is footwear. It’s not easily assembled with a sewing machine or jeweler’s tools, and ensuring a proper fit takes a level of precision well beyond the means of most small businesses. Happily, upcycling is in full swing on Etsy, where plain pumps are given new life with handpainted patterns and dollops of froof. And, of course, a few sellers are stepping out with unbridled artistic showboating.

I’m not sure if this seller’s works are intended for actual wear, but it’s amazing that you’re technically supposed to slip a foot somewhere into this. From Sole Sensations, whose utterly insane brisket flip-flop also deserves a mention.

Behold, the platform shoes of Marie Antoinette. Dig the gold beads draping over the back of the heel. And they’re 100% vegan! From Shake It Doll Shoes.

Patent wedges get an update of Wonder Woman comics on the heels. A subtle and chic form of fandom that would look fab with a cocktail dress. From Pachainka Pink.

These steampunk clock parts look almost tribal in their descent down the back of the heel. The rest of the shoe plays innocent and unadorned, saving the surprise for rear views. From Steampunk Fortune.

If you’ve ever lusted after a high heel boudoir chair but wanted something a bit more hardy than leopard plush, not only is this seat covered in bits of mirror, it’s designed to be left outdoors year-round. From Lyons Mosaics.