Junior Rasmussen
Making your own crystal wedding shoes can be a fun DIY project. You can use Swarovski crystals or rhinestones, and you will also need a tray, adhesive, and tweezers or a rhinestone picker tool. First, clean the surface of the shoe where you want to apply the crystals. Then, decide on a pattern—random or uniform. Starting at the heel or edge of the shoe, apply a thin layer of adhesive to a small area and use tweezers or a rhinestone picker tool to place the crystals. Let the shoes dry for 24-72 hours. Finally, clean up any residual glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rhinestones/Flatback Crystals | 15-40 gross, depending on size of crystals/area to cover |
| Adhesive | E6000, GemTac |
| Tray | To hold the crystals |
| Tweezers | To pick up and place the rhinestones |
| Plastic stick | To push and press rhinestone into place |
| Acetone or rubbing alcohol | To clean up any residual or excess glue |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right crystals and glue
Crystals:
- Swarovski crystals are a popular choice for wedding shoes due to their high-quality glass and metal foil backing, which creates a sparkly effect. You can find these crystals in various sizes, such as ss12 (3.2mm), ss16 (4mm), or ss20 (5mm).
- If you're on a budget, you can opt for Preciosa crystals, which are also machine-cut stones with 12 facets and a brilliant sparkle.
- For an even more affordable option, you can choose generic rhinestones made of glass or acrylic. However, keep in mind that acrylic rhinestones may not withstand certain adhesives like E6000.
- Consider the size of your shoes and the desired coverage. For a fully crystallized shoe, you may need a few hundred to a few thousand crystals, depending on the size and style.
- If you want to add crystals to only certain areas, such as the toes or heels, you can estimate the number of crystals needed based on the surface area.
- For a more economical option, use a mix of crystal sizes. Larger crystals (ss16 or ss20) can be used for the main design, while smaller crystals (ss12 or ss9) can fill in gaps and add detail.
Glue:
- The choice of glue depends on the material of your shoes and the crystals you're using. Here are some popular options:
- E6000 is an industrial-strength adhesive that works well with Swarovski crystals and most shoe materials like rubber, canvas, and leather. It dries clear, is flexible, and waterproof. However, it has strong fumes, so it's best used in a well-ventilated area or with a mask.
- Gem-Tac is a thinner adhesive that is also strong but takes longer to dry. It is non-toxic and suitable for materials like fabric or paper.
- Hotfix crystals with a hotfix tool can be used on fabric shoes, but they may not be as durable on rubber or plastic.
- Shoe Goo is another option for gluing crystals to shoes, but it may result in a thicker glue base.
- Always test a small area first to ensure the glue works well with your crystals and shoes.
- When using glue, work in small sections to avoid the glue drying before you can place the crystals.
- Use a tool like a jewel setter, wax pen, or tweezers to pick up and place the crystals precisely.
- Clean the surface of your shoes before applying glue to ensure a strong bond. You can use rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit for this step.
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Preparing the surface
Step 1: Clean the surface
Before you start applying any crystals or rhinestones, it's important to clean the surface of your shoes thoroughly. Use a damp cloth or cotton pad to wipe down the area where you plan to apply the crystals. This will remove any dust, dirt, or grease that may interfere with the adhesion of the crystals.
Step 2: Choose your pattern
Decide on the pattern you want to create with the crystals. You can go for a random pattern with various sizes of crystals placed randomly, or opt for a more uniform look by applying the crystals line by line. It's entirely up to your preference and the design you want to achieve.
Step 3: Start at the edges
Begin applying the crystals at either the edge of the shoe or the back of the heel. The top and bottom edges are areas that require precision, so focus on creating clean lines there. You can use different sizes of crystals to create these borders, or choose a single stone size for uniformity.
Step 4: Apply adhesive
Apply a thin layer of adhesive to a very small area of the shoe. The glue dries quickly, so work in a small section at a time. A 1cm x 2cm area is a good size to work with before the glue loses its tackiness. You can still adjust the placement of the crystals after the glue loses its initial tack, but it's easier to work with the glue when it's more viscous.
Step 5: Place the crystals
Use tweezers or a wax pen/jewel setter to pick up the crystals and place them onto the glued area. Try to release the crystal just before it touches the glue to avoid getting glue on your tool. If you do get glue on your tweezers or wax pen, don't worry; it can be easily wiped off.
Step 6: Press the crystals into place
Use tweezers or a plastic stick to gently press the crystals into the adhesive. If you want a tight pattern with minimal gaps, use a plastic stick to push the crystals close together.
Step 7: Let the adhesive set
Allow the adhesive to set and cure completely. Follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging for the recommended drying time, which is usually around 24-72 hours.
Step 8: Clean up excess glue
Once the crystals are securely in place, clean up any residual or excess glue using acetone or rubbing alcohol. Test the cleaning solution on a few loose crystals first to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Avoid saturating the area with cleaner, as it may dissolve the adhesive under the crystals. Focus on cleaning just the tops of the stones.
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Applying the crystals
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Before applying any crystals, ensure the surface of your shoes is clean. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. This will help the crystals adhere better and create a more polished final look.
Step 2: Choose Your Pattern
Decide on the pattern you want to create with the crystals. You can go for a random pattern with various sizes of crystals placed randomly, or opt for a more uniform look by applying the crystals line by line.
Step 3: Start at the Edges
Begin applying crystals at the edges of the shoe or the back of the heel. These areas require precision, so take your time to ensure straight and even lines. You can use different sizes of crystals to create these borders or stick to one crystal size for uniformity.
Step 4: Apply Adhesive
Apply a thin layer of adhesive to a small area of the shoe. The glue dries quickly, so work in a very small section at a time. A 1cm x 2cm area is a good size to work with.
Step 5: Place the Crystals
Using tweezers or a wax pen, pick up a crystal and place it onto the glued area. Try to let go of the crystal just before it touches the glue to avoid getting glue on your tool. If you do get glue on your tweezers or wax pen, don't worry; it can be easily wiped off.
Step 6: Press and Position the Crystals
Use tweezers or a plastic stick to press and position the crystals into place. If you want a tight pattern with minimal gaps, use a plastic stick to push the crystals close together.
Step 7: Let the Adhesive Set
Allow the adhesive to set and dry completely. Follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging for the recommended drying time, which is usually around 24-72 hours.
Step 8: Clean Up Excess Glue
Once the adhesive is dry, clean up any residual or excess glue using acetone or rubbing alcohol. Test this on a few loose crystals first to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Be careful not to saturate the area, as it may dissolve the adhesive underneath the crystals.
Now you're ready to show off your sparkling wedding shoes!
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Cleaning up
Once you've finished applying your crystals, you'll want to clean up any residual glue from the surface of the rhinestones. This can be done using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or nail polish remover. You can also use a wooden manicure stick to gently rub the edges of the rhinestones. Be careful not to get any rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover on the fabric of your shoes, as this can cause discolouration.
If you're using E6000 as your adhesive, you can simply rub off any glue that gets on your tweezers or hands.
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Finishing touches
The final touches to your crystal wedding shoes are important to ensure that your shoes are comfortable and secure for your big day. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect finish:
- Clean-up excess glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to saturate the area, as this can dissolve the adhesive underneath the crystals.
- Let the shoes dry for at least 24-72 hours before wearing them. This will allow the adhesive to fully cure and ensure that the crystals are securely attached.
- Break in your shoes before the wedding to avoid blisters and discomfort. Wear them around the house for short periods to get used to the feel and fit.
- Add cushioning to the insoles of your shoes for extra comfort, especially if you plan on dancing the night away.
- Protect your shoes from dirt and scuffs by applying a waterproof spray or using a shoe protector.
- Practice walking in your shoes, especially if you're not used to wearing heels. This will help you feel more confident and graceful on your wedding day.
- Consider adding a ribbon or lace tie to your shoes for a romantic touch. You can also use coloured ribbons to match your wedding theme or bridal party colours.
- Store your shoes in a dust bag or box after the wedding to keep them looking new. This will also help preserve the crystals and prevent them from getting scratched or damaged.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need the following materials:
- Rhinestones/Flatback Crystals (approximately 15-40 gross, depending on the size of crystals/area to cover)
- Adhesive (E6000 or GemTac are good options)
- Tray (to hold the crystals)
- Tweezers or a Rhinestone Picker Tool
- Cotton cloth/hanky
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Wedding shoes of your choice
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Clean the surface of the area you plan to cover.
- Decide on a pattern: random or uniform?
- Start at either the edge of the shoe or the back of the heel.
- Apply a thin layer of adhesive to a very small area.
- Use tweezers or a Rhinestone Picker Tool to pick up and place the crystals onto the glue.
- Use tweezers or a plastic stick to press and adjust the rhinestones into place.
- Let the adhesive set for 24-72 hours.
- Clean up any residual or excess glue with acetone or rubbing alcohol.
E6000 and GemTac are two popular adhesive options for crystal wedding shoes. E6000 is an industrial-strength glue that is strong, flexible, waterproof, and clear in colour. However, it has strong fumes, so it should be used in a well-ventilated area with a mask. GemTac is thinner in consistency and dries white before turning clear. It is also non-toxic.
The number of crystals you need depends on the size of your shoes and the desired pattern. A general rule of thumb is to get 15-40 gross of crystals, depending on the size of crystals and the area you want to cover. For example, a child's size 13 shoe may only require 100 ss16 crystals per toe, while an adult size 5 shoe may need 120-150 ss16 crystals per toe.
Yes, you can wash your crystal wedding shoes, but it is recommended to do so by hand. Use a small brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water to scrub the shoes gently. Avoid using a washing machine as it can damage the crystals. Rinse with clean water and let the shoes air dry.
