Shoe BLING 💎

Please be kind, everyone has their first post. Hopefully this will be my lesson to better posts. I must apologize, I did not realize that the more pictures as progress goes the easier it is to follow. I adore shoes, it’s my weakness but I also do not want them to look like everyone else’s. So let’s start.

Please forgive me if I forget a few. This was my first attempt so I was very insecure of what I needed. Magic eraser with a scrubby side, upholstery or furniture cleaner with a toothbrush for nooks and crannies. Kiwi leather color of shoes. Sandpaper of various grits and stiff small wire brushes. Acetone (well ventilated) alcohol or alcohol wipes. Shoe glue that is made for rubber, vinyls, leather and the back or flat back (not hot fix) rhinestones. I’ve tried shoe goo, E6000, 527, G-S Hypo cement, Gem-Tac. As of now I have NO preference. Rhinestones brand and color of choice. I always prefer new shoelaces, cotton, lace, satin, whatever I believe looks better. I always choose new laces to complete the look BUT they are NEVER less than 1/2” wide. A cheap new pair of cut to fit insoles. Leather condition for the leather without rhinestones.

1. Pick out the pair of shoes that you’ll love to BLING and show off! Showstoppers!

Fortunately the pair I picked were actually pretty clean. So only a Magic clean eraser was needed for the leather and vinyl. If not the upholstery and or fabric cleaner with a toothbrush brush would have been needed. And then rinsed well to remove chemicals.

Touch up all places of leather that have deep scrapes or scratches.

Now the sandpaper or wire brushes. Theses are used in the placed that you will be wanting to decorate with the rhinestones. Scratch these spots/places enough to rube any shine or oil residual that may be on them.

Clean theses spots immaculately with alcohol or acetone to remove and dirt or dust. Being very careful not to get acetone on the spots that you wish the leather to remain. Painters tape is easy to use and remove to ensure the safety of the leather.

Next step is very tedious and requires patience and a steady hand. All the glues that I tried did dry very quickly and did not have applicator tips. Quips come in handy for small spots to keep from globs of glue. This is where I’ve finally found a use for all of those unused trays, wax and pens that come with diamond paintings! The trays are perfect for the rhinestones to keep the facets up and the flat side down, the wax in the pen picks up the rhinestones without leaving any residue.

Sit and watch the glue dry. 😂 It doesn’t take long but to ensure it’s best to let it sit for 24 hours. I have not found anything to double seal them with, nor if it’s needed. Once dry condition the leather well staying away from the rhinestones.

The fun part, finally!!! Cut new arches to fit replace with laces of choice. Wear and enjoy the compliments.