A Flip-Flop Shoe Craft

Flip-flops have become as popular as they are comfortable.

Flip-flops have become the sandal choice amongst kids, teenagers and adults alike. Easy to slip on and comfortable to wear, you can wear flip-flops both indoors and outdoors. Inexpensive to buy and collect, the flip-flop is the perfect shoe foundation for crafting activities. A simple rubber flip-flop can be recycled into a more formal piece of footwear that will appeal to both teenage girls and adult women. Build height with several pairs and embellish to create a platform flip-flop.

Platform Flip-Flop

A platform flip-flop is an easy and stylish craft project to try.

Use a basic flip-flop to craft a high-rise version more suitable for dinner out than a day on the beach. You'll need to purchase three pairs of rubber flip-flops. Make sure they are identical in size and style. Check to ascertain that the bottoms are flat surfaced and can line up on top of one another. Decide whether you want your platform flip-flip to be one color in a solid block or alternating color layers to create a stripe or pattern. Flip-flop shoe soles are generally approximately 1/2 inch in height. The number of flip-flops you use to build your platform will determine the shoe height.

Supplies

Purchase three pairs of identical rubber flip-flops. (Add additional pairs for desired platform height.) Buy permanent clear drying cement glue available at craft and hobby stores. Look for water-resistant cements to protect your shoe against moisture. Pick out embellishments such as flowers, trim, charms, buttons, jewels, studs and ribbon for decoration and trim. Scissors are necessary for cutting and trimming decorations and strap removal. Use clothes pins to secure large items (such as flowers) during the cement-drying process.

Instructions

Set aside one pair of flip-flops to use as your upper shoe layer. This will be the top of the shoe where the straps hold your feet and center stem comes between your toes. Take the remaining pairs and cut and remove the straps and center toe stem. Discard these parts as you will not need them. Glue the bottom of one of these flat shoes to the top of the other. Line up exactly, layering right foot to right foot, and left foot to left foot. Take the remaining flip-flop containing the straps and cement to the topside of your layered platform comprised of the previous pairs. Cement carefully as you did before, lining shoes up exactly before adhering to each other. Let sit until the cement is dry and completely set.

Tips

Glue with a generous amount of permanent cement to attach each sole to the other. Apply pressure to make sure they are tightly adhered. Quickly and neatly wipe any excess cement from the outside and sides of the shoe with a damp cloth. Each layer should be completely dry before you begin on the next layer. This may take several hours.

Decorate

Decorate your platform flip-flop and make it your own.

Trim straps by using cement to attach jewels, studs, buttons, charms or other embellishments. Cut stems from silk, fabric or foam flowers. Position on straps or front center of shoe. Cut ribbon to cover side straps. Secure by tying around the center stem and extending along side straps. Cement in place.

Removable Bow

Change your center bow to match any outfit or mood.

Create bows that are removable and can be switched out to let your platform flip-flop match or contrast with your outfit. Stretch out your ribbon of choice and cut into length 8 to 10 inches long. Wind around main stem strip, knot leaving equal lengths of ribbon on either side. Tie in center creating the bow. Trim ends of ribbon to desired length.

References

• Makingfriends.com; Platform Flip-Flop
• Marthastewart.com; Flower Flip-Flop; Aug. 1999
• Girlpowercrafts.com: Decorating Shoes