How to Decorate Your Own Flip Flops

Guest tutorial by Rachel P.

Who doesn’t love flip flops? These are so simple to make! In a matter of minutes, you can have yourself a cute, new pair of footwear and they are perfect for the girl-on-a-budget! It’s an easy way to spruce up your wardrobe and they make excellent gifts as well. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need:

• 1 pair flip flops in your size (I got mine for $1 on sale at Joann’s. You can check Walmart or Old Navy, too!)
• 1 (10-yd or more) spool of 1/4 or 1/2 inch ribbon (can be found for $1 at Joann’s or Hobby Lobby)
• 1 hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Fray check (available at fabric craft stores) – optional

Note: I bought all my supplies on sale for a total that was less than $5.  Depending on when you buy your supplies and the materials you choose these prices may change, but these can be super reasonable to make. Especially if you can use a store coupon, too!

How You’ll Make It:

Step One

Before you begin, it is a good idea to use fray check on the ribbon ends, or to slightly melt the cut edge just to prevent any possible fraying as you craft (Or as you wear them in the future!)

Step Two

Next, dab a small bit of hot glue on one side of the flip flop strap. Try to get as close to the sole as possible. Press end of the ribbon onto glue quickly before the glue has time to dry.

Step Three

Wrap ribbon underneath the strap, and pull it back up and around. Dab another bit of glue right on top of the ribbon on the flip flop. Be careful not to use too much, as you don’t want it to ooze out! Press the ribbon into the glue carefully with your fingers, overlapping it slightly as shown below. You will only need to glue on one side each time to hold it in place.

This is what it will look like after you’ve wrapped it around a few times.

Step Four

Continue to wrap and glue the ribbon into place until you reach the middle of the strap, as seen below. Carefully line the ribbon up directly next to the toe piece. Make sure it lies flat and doesn’t bunch up or it will become uncomfortable. Glue in place.

Step Five

Fold the ribbon around the back and overlap across the ribbon on the opposite half of the strap (as shown). Glue in place. Try to cover that area nicely so there are no gaps of plastic as best as you can! We’ll add a cute bow (or you can add a decoration of your choice!) later to help cover any minor imperfections.

Step Six

Continue to wrap the ribbon around on the unfinished side the same way you did on the first side, gluing as you go. When you have reached the end, snip the ribbon with the scissors. Use fray check or carefully melt the cut edge a little bit again. Glue the end in place (excess glue can be pealed away).

Step Seven

Try on your new flip-flops and make sure that there are no glue pricks or bumps. If it pricks or feels lumpy in a spot, you can peel that part away if necessary and try again.

Step Eight

With the leftover ribbon, make two little bows. Once again, use fray check or melt the edges a little when you have the look you want. Dab a bit of glue onto the middle of each bow and press it onto the very middle of the flip flop strap.

Step Nine

Follow the steps above to finish the second flip flop. Now you can wear your brand new  and made by you flip flops with pride! Aren’t they cute?

Variations

Use your imagination to create your own unique, cute style! Use different kinds and colors of ribbon to make a variety of bases, and add your own decoration. You could use any embellishments you’d like instead of the bows: rhinestones, a small applique, beads, buttons, seashells. Make it your own and have fun creating!

 About the Author

Rachelle P is a blogger who writes on The Young Homemakers Blog. She says:

“I am an imperfect girl loved by a perfect heavenly Father, striving to serve God in all I do each day as I’m serving my family and being a stay-at-home daughter. I am thankful for the times God allows me to encourage other young women and girls about my Savior  purity, domestic skills, and joy in Christ in the midst of life’s trials.”