Thursday, July 5, 2012

Super Easy Summer Flip-Flop Project Using Lucite/Acrylic Flowers

I've seen several projects on various blogs showing how to jazz up a plain pair of inexpensive flip-flops.  They've become super popular as favors for wedding receptions and even bridesmaids gifts.  When we got these gorgeous large button shaped lucite/acrylic flowers in stock, I was inspired to try my hand at making a pair.  Here's my version of the up-cycled flip-flop.

To make your own, here's what you'll need:
A pair of flip-flops (I like the Old Navy ones)
Soft ribbon (about a yard for each sandal)
2 Lucite/acrylic flowers
2 antiqued brass flower finding
2 crystals (I used a links from crystal chain)
E-6000 Adhesive
Scissors


Cut about a yard of ribbon.  Place a drop of glue at the base of the strap on the inside and adhere the end of the ribbon on the inside.  Begin wrapping the ribbon around the strap keeping it snug.  Periodically place a drop of glue on the inside of the strap to hold the ribbon in place.  When you get to the toe strap, wrap the ribbon around the toe strap once and back up behind the strap.  Trim the end of the ribbon to a fine point and thread up through the back of the flower button and back down pushing the flower down snug against the strap of the sandal.

Continue wrapping the ribbon down the strap of the sandal adding small dots of glue periodically on the back.  Once you reach the end of the strap, place a drop of glue at the base and wrap the ribbon snugly until it adheres.  Trim any excess ribbon.  Place a drop of glue on the back of the metal flower finding and place on top of the lucite/acrylic flower.  Place a drop of glue on the back of the crystal and press on to the center of the flower.  Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing.


Special note:  The ribbon I used was a very soft and gorgeous hand-painted silk bias ribbon from Batchelder Silk found at http://www.batcheldersilk.com/index.phtml.  The lucite/acrylic flowers are item FL157 and the antiqued brass flower finding is item FIN102 and can be found at https://www.thebeadingplace.com/.