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/.

The Road To The Tucson Bead and Gem Shows

It's that time again when all serious bead buyers head to Tucson, Arizona for the world's largest bead, gem and mineral shows.  Even though this is the ninth year we're making the trip, there's always something new to discover.  This trip our yummy discovery is The Farm at South Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona.  We stopped to meet my sister Sue for lunch on our way through Phoenix en-route to Tucson.  The Farm is a rustic hidden treasure just minutes from downtown Phoenix and an ideal spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.

The Farm cafe serves homemade over-stuffed sandwiches and gourmet salads and fresh fruits.  Lots of homemade cookies, pies and cupcakes are just too yummy to pass up.  I had the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar.  Your order is served in a rustic basket for you to eat on the patio or one of the picnic tables in the gorgeous pecan orchard.  For more information about The Farm visit their website at thefarmatsouthmountain.com .

Lucite Acrylic Christmas Tree and Crystal Earrings

These super adorable little Christmas Tree earrings are so quick to make they are the perfect go-to gift for everyone on your list.  On a two inch headpin, stack a 6mm square crystal bead, either 3 or 4 lucite acrylic 5-petal flowers (upside down), add a smaller 5-petal flower (upside down) and top with a 4mm bicone crystal bead.  Make a wire wrapped loop and slip the little Christmas Tree onto your favorite ear wire.

I like to make them interesting by choosing a variety of flower colors both in a matte and clear finish.  Try a  matte white flower for a winter wonderland effect or red matte for a pop of color.  Choose crystal beads in your favorite colors for a bit of sparkle and shine.

For acrylic flowers visit our website www.thebeadingplace.com for items FL119 and FL118.