Bling Bling Shoes

After recently seeing a lot of shoes with Swarovski crystals on them I knew it was something I could attempt to do myself.  I wanted to make sure I attempted my first pair with shoes I already had, that way if I messed up it wasn't a big deal.  I chose to use a pair of black satin shoes since I thought the crystals would stick the best.  I already had the "hot fix" tool from previous projects I have done so all I purchased was the crystals I used.  I bought them on eBay because you can get a really good deal on them but you can also purchase them at a craft store like JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels or Hobby Lobby.  I purchased 4 different sizes to give it a little extra texture.  

I started with the largest Crystals first, I placed a few long the section where the heel meets the shoe and also a few scattered throughout the rest of the heel.  I then worked my way out from those ones using the rest of the 3 sizes, choosing the ones that fit best.  The Crystals I purchased have an adhesive already on the back of them so they are easy to work with, the Hot Fix tool will melt the glue and allow you to place the crystals where you want them.  Like the crystals, you can also purchase the hot fix tool at a craft store- go when you have a coupon, most stores offer a 40% off!

And done!  I can tell you- this was a LOT of work.  I did this one heel over the course of 3 nights which I spent about 2-3 hours/night so there were a lot of hours that went into them.  I really like the way they turned out so it was worth it in the end, especially when you factor in the cost savings.  I think I spent $15 on the crystals, the hot fix I think I originally purchased for around $10 and the shoes I got on sale for $9!  These types of custom "strassed" shoes can run upwards of 300 big ones!

Homemade Hair Bows

I had to wait to post this one considering I made these for my girlfriend as part of her baby shower gift and her shower was just yesterday.  These are very easy and you can get as creative as you want- add beads, buttons, crystals, etc. 


Here is what you will need...  Hair clips- I purchased box of 80 clips for around $6 from Sally Beauty Supply.  Ribbon- I purchased mine from Michaels and they ranged from $1-$3 a spool.  You will also need a glue gun, lighter, thread and needle for this project. 

Start with using your glue gun to attach ribbon to your clips so that there are no sharp ends.  You should use a lighter to singe the ends of your ribbon so that they do not fray.  To do this just hold the lighter to the end of the ribbon but to not touch the ribbon with the flame, you want to hold it close enough so that it melts.  Obviously an adult should do this portion of the project if you are working with children for this project.  You should always be careful when working with fire and flammable products.

Next you will start to make the bows you want to use.  You should also take a lighter to singe the ends of your ribbon on this step as well.  I do not cut the length of ribbon until I make the shape of the bow and see exactly how much I will need.  Once you have the bow shaped you should take your needle and thread and put it through the middle of the bow, wrap it around the entire middle of the bow loosely once or twice and then while holding the middle of the bow between your fingers pull the thread tightly- this will ensure that the bow pinches the way you want it to and that the ribbon does not turn in a direction that you do not want.  Wrap the thread around a few more times and then tie it off. 

You can now get creative at this step.  If you want to add a knot at the middle to hide the thread just take a small piece of ribbon, knot it and glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of your bow.  You can also add beads or buttons if you want, whatever you like would work.  Once your bow is complete you will put hot glue to the top of your clip and attach it to the back of your bow. 

Get creative, make different types and sizes of bows.  I made quite a few and I thought I took pictures of all of them but they are not showing up on my camera.  Oh well, have fun with this easy project :)