Pssst! Flip-flops are on clearance. We are now knee deep in summer and it’s time for stores to start clearing them out. Today I found a bin of them for $2.99 each. With just a few other supplies I was able to create some fun and funky footwear.
Supplies:
- one pair of flip-flops (black)
- grosgrain ribbon (24mm/1 inch width) (black)
- Helmar 450 Quick Dry glue
- buttons (variety of colours and sizes)
- extra strong thread (black)
- needle
- lighter or matches
- scissors
1. Cut off two equal lengths of grosgrain ribbon which would cover the flip-flop strap. For my size 9 flip-flops that was approximately 30cm/12 inches but measure your own to be sure.
2. Using a match or lighter, burn each end of the ribbon to seal it so it won’t unravel.
3. Find the center of the ribbon and fold it into a “V” formation. Place stitches in the triangular area at the folding point to hold in place. Be sure to use “Extra Strong” thread rather than embroidery thread as it is much more durable to wear and tear.
4. Sew a variety of buttons to the ribbon. Be sure to cover only half of each side. This will ensure that you have enough ribbon left over to fold around the strap. If you are looking for colour combinations for your button choice, be sure to check out Colour Lovers for inspiration.
5. Using Helmar 450 Quick Dry glue, cover the strap of the flip-flop and attach the button covered ribbon. Helmar 450 Quick Dry glue is similar to a hot glue gun in its hold but hot glue would melt the strap. It is also washable which helps with the durability of the decoration.
Enjoy! The possibilities are endless with colour combos. Try layering buttons on top of one another for yet another look. Felt die cut flowers added under the buttons is another idea to try. Let ‘er rip!
~ Sarah Hodgkinson
Be sure to mark your calendars for this Friday as we launch The Colour Suite! This is a brand new monthly interactive colour challenge with design team member Summer Fullerton! Don't miss it!
This is sooooooo cute!!!!
Posted by: Faith | July 13, 2011 at 10:35 AM
total cuteness sarah! i'll take a pair ;)
Posted by: ellen s | July 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM
beautiful work!!
Posted by: Connie M | July 13, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Super cute Idea! I've been wanting to make some.TFS
Posted by: Roxx.B | July 13, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Love this idea! Thanks!
Posted by: Lee-Anne | July 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Very creative and great choice of colors!
Posted by: Nathalie | July 13, 2011 at 11:32 AM
These are too cute....my grandkids will love doing this craft.
Posted by: Debbie C | July 13, 2011 at 11:59 AM
This is way too cute!!! I just flipped for this craft!!!
Posted by: Jude | July 13, 2011 at 01:22 PM
Fun way to dress up your flip flops!
Posted by: Tona | July 13, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Very cute ... I was the visual presentation and marketing director for Cotton Ginny a number of years ago so I had to giggle when I first saw the pictures of this project.
Posted by: Lorrie Everitt | July 13, 2011 at 02:13 PM
Cute, cute, cute! Love this idea!
Posted by: kathyw (krolski) | July 13, 2011 at 03:35 PM
These look so cute - I'm feeling a bit daft though because I'm not sure I understand the part about only covering half the ribbon with the buttons. Is that half the length or half the width? The pic show what looks like half the length but I'm afraid I still don't get it. (I'm blonde and English so I suppose the odds are stacked against me!!). Lol x
Posted by: Karen Anderson | July 13, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Yep! Half the length, Karen. If you cover the entire length of the ribbon then the ribbon doesn't attach to the strap as well.
Posted by: Sarah Hodgkinson | July 14, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Super cute flip flops! Love that Helmar helps it happen! :-D
Posted by: Doris Widder | July 14, 2011 at 12:44 PM
So cute !!
Posted by: Kim Boken | July 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM
those are really cute, I am off to find some on sale and make some....
Posted by: helen bixby | July 18, 2011 at 12:40 PM
cute idea! love the fun summery feel and the unique feel.
Posted by: Ren-Yi | July 19, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Thank you for sharing .Your thoughts are creative and they actually do help to me. It provides me with a lot of information. It is a nice post! I like it very much,Thanks again.
Posted by: discount NFL jerseys | July 28, 2011 at 03:47 AM
The flip flops having new life with this transformation. This is now more attractive.
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