Bling Wedding Shoes: Diy Guide To Sparkly Soles

If you want to make your wedding shoes dazzle, you can apply rhinestones or Swarovski crystals to a pair of plain shoes. You can use a glue like Gem-Tac or E6000, a glue syringe, a gemsetter, and crystals to bling up your wedding shoes. You can also use tweezers or a rhinestone picker tool to pick up the rhinestones. It's important to clean the surface of the shoe before applying the crystals and to let the glue dry for at least 24 hours.

Choosing your shoes

When choosing your shoes, it's important to consider comfort, the type of heel, the materials used, and colour. Designer footwear can be quite expensive, so you may want to look for cost-effective alternatives.

Once you've selected your shoes, it's time to gather the materials you'll need for the bling. This includes rhinestones or flatback crystals, a tray to keep your crystals organised, and an adhesive such as E6000 glue or GemTac. You can also use a glue syringe for more precision and to avoid making a mess. If you're using smaller rhinestones, you may also want to invest in a rhinestone picker tool to make the process easier.

Before you start gluing, decide on the pattern you want to create. You can go for a random placement of various sizes or apply them line by line for a more consistent look. If you're using rhinestones with adhesive backing, you can easily move them around until you're happy with the design. Start with one large rhinestone in the centre and then work your way out with smaller stones.

Selecting your gems

The type of gems you select for your wedding shoes will depend on the look you are going for and the level of comfort you require. If you want your shoes to be comfortable, opt for flatback crystals or rhinestones. These will not protrude as much as other gems and will be less likely to catch on things. If you are happy to prioritise style over comfort, you can use gems with a higher profile, such as pearls or teardrop rhinestones.

The size of your gems will also depend on the style you wish to create. Using a variety of sizes will allow you to fill all the spaces on your shoes, including the small gaps and curves. If you are going for a uniform look, you may want to stick to one size, but consider that this will be more time-consuming as you will need to cut each gem to size.

The number of gems you will need depends on the size of the gems and the area you wish to cover. You will need approximately 15-40 gross (1 gross = 144 rhinestones) of rhinestones. If you are only covering the heel, you will need fewer gems.

If you want to be able to move your gems around easily, you can select gems with an adhesive backing. This will allow you to create a pattern and adjust it as you go.

If you are using glue, you will need to work quickly as the glue sets within ten minutes. You should also be aware that some types of glue, such as E6000, have toxic fumes, so you should wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area.

Preparing your shoes

Before you start gluing rhinestones to your wedding shoes, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Firstly, you'll want to clean the surface of the shoe that you want to cover with rhinestones. This will help ensure that the adhesive will stick properly. Next, decide on the pattern you want to create. You can choose a random pattern or a uniform pattern. If you want a more consistent look, you might want to apply the rhinestones line by line. If you prefer a more eclectic look, you can place various sizes randomly.

Once you've decided on your pattern, you can start by applying a thin layer of adhesive to a small area of the shoe. The adhesive sets quickly, so you'll need to work fast. Place the rhinestones onto the adhesive before it loses its stickiness. You can use tweezers to pick up the rhinestones and place them onto the glue. Try to let go of the rhinestone just before it touches the glue to prevent getting glue on the tweezers. If you do get glue on your tweezers, don't worry – it can be easily removed by rubbing it off.

If you want to create a tight pattern, use a plastic stick to push the rhinestones close together. You can also use the plastic stick to press on the rhinestones after they have lost their initial tackiness to ensure they are securely in place. Allow the stones to set for at least one day to three days.

Finally, clean up any excess or residual glue using acetone or rubbing alcohol. Test this on a few loose, extra stones first to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Be careful not to saturate the area, as this will melt the adhesive.

Applying gems to your shoes

Before you start gluing, it is important to consider the size and colour of your crystals. Smaller crystals will take longer to apply but will give a finer glittering effect. It is also a good idea to match the colour of your crystals to your shoes, as this will make any gaps less noticeable.

When you are ready to start, apply a small amount of glue to the shoe, either directly or using a disposable surface and a gem picker. Then, place your crystals onto the glue. You may want to blow on the glue a few times to help it become tacky faster. Continue this process, filling in any gaps with smaller gems if necessary, until your desired area is covered.

If you are gluing gems to the sole of your shoe, be aware that these may not stay attached for as long due to friction when walking.

Setting and cleaning up

Setting up:

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials. These include rhinestones or flatback crystals (such as Swarovski Crystals or a cheaper alternative), a rhinestone picker tool or tweezers, glue (such as E6000 or GemTac), glue syringes, and a pair of shoes. You may also want to use a tray to keep your crystals in and a gemsetter (a stick with a wax ball on the end).

Once you have your materials, start by cleaning the surface of the shoe where you want to apply the rhinestones. Then, decide on your design. You can choose a random pattern with different-sized rhinestones or a uniform pattern with one size. If you're unsure, starting with the heel and working your way up is a good idea.

Next, fill your syringe with glue and pipe some onto the shoe. You can use a paintbrush to spread it out, or smooth it with the stick end of a gemsetter. You can also blow on the glue a few times to help it get tacky faster. If you're using a rhinestone picker tool, gently touch the wax tip to the crystal, then place it on the glue. If you're using tweezers, simply pick up the crystal and place it on the glue.

Keep applying crystals to the glue, pressing them down gently. If you want to create a border, start with that and fill in from there. This will give your design a more polished look.

Cleaning up:

After you've finished applying your crystals, let the glue dry. It will start setting in about ten minutes, but it's best to let it cure for 24-72 hours. Once the glue is dry, clean up any excess or residual glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to saturate the area, as this can melt the adhesive.

Finally, you can clean your rhinestones gently with a damp cloth, then a dry cloth to keep them shiny and dust-free.

Frequently asked questions