Last week I posted a pic on Instagram of some shoes I was glittering for my friend, Stacy. She wanted a pair of glitter booties like this pair but since they were no longer for sale I decided to make her a pair. I recieved tons of questions about the process and supplies. I thought I'd post a quick how-to for those of you wanting to DIY your very own pair of glittery shoes. There are many ways to get this look but here's what I did...
You'll need: A pair of shoes that you want to glitter. Choose a pair with a nice shape. We did a pair of bootie heels and a pair of slip on flats. Use either fabric glue or tacky glue. Glitter (we used the big rainbow glitter from the kids aisle at the craft store! You'll also need a small paint brush.
All you have to do is use a small paint brush to apply a heavy layer of glue to a section of your shoes, cover them in glitter (pour it on over a piece of paper). Allow that section to dry and then do more and more sections until your shoes are completely covered in glitter! After you've worn them a couple times you might have to touch them up with more glitter. It really depends on the pair of shoes and how much they bend when you walk! Beware, glittering shoes is pretty messy. You'll be finding glitter everywhere for a week or two, but I think it's worth it!
Tips: It can be difficult to get the details perfect, like going around laces, getting the tounge of the shoes and creating clean edges. Take your time and after you've finished the entire shoe and it's dry, go back and fix any details that you missed with more glitter! These are a little time consuming, but I finished a couple pairs in one evening.
Here's a tiny peek of Stacy wearing her new glittery shoes! I hope this answers some of your questions. XO. elsie
PS. If you want a less messy method, I did another pair of shoes with glitter paint last year. See them here!
So, so cute! :D
Posted by: Stacie | January 04, 2012 at 03:01 PM
Luv it!!!!!!
Posted by: Eve | January 04, 2012 at 03:02 PM
Oh wowzers! So glitzy -- so good!
Posted by: Desiree Fawn | January 04, 2012 at 03:04 PM
Could you maybe also do an article about braceltes? My friend and I, who are penpals, would love to get matching bracelets, but we want it to mean something, and also be simple, one that could be worn everyday. :) I would LOVE it, if you had any ideas, you are so creative...
Posted by: Sophie | January 04, 2012 at 03:06 PM
LOVE these!
Do you think it'd be worthwhile to put some kind of finish on the top to help the glitter stay put? Something like spray clear coat or a layer of clear-drying glue... (Or would that mess up the flexibility of the shoe?) Just a thought.
Posted by: Karissa | January 04, 2012 at 03:13 PM
I love those! I have never really considered anything glittery to be my style and I really don't know if I can even pull them off buuuut this DIY kind of makes me want to rethink that and give it a try! Plus, I'm betting my toddler would love getting in on a glittery mess!!
Posted by: Liz | January 04, 2012 at 03:14 PM
Karissa, Yes! I've heard that people use a sealer spray. Would probably be good!
We made these pairs for photos and events, not so much for daily wear. So if you want to wear them a lot, I'd recommend it. XO! Elsie
Posted by: elsie | January 04, 2012 at 03:19 PM
I love glitter shoes! I think I buy a pair of glitter shoes every season. I should make my own now ;)
Posted by: Vivianna | January 04, 2012 at 03:20 PM
So cool love it!
Posted by: call me debbie | January 04, 2012 at 03:28 PM
Ooooh I LOVE these! I have been lusting after some glitter shoes for some time, now I can make my own. Thanks Elsie :)
Sarah xx
Posted by: Sarah M | January 04, 2012 at 03:32 PM
Just did this using Mod Podge on some pleather flats from Payless. I've worn them for 5 minutes and it seems where the flats bend, the glitter is starting to peel off in sheets. So upset. Any advice? Should I have used fabric flats instead?
Posted by: Rebecca @ Runner with an Appetite | January 04, 2012 at 03:32 PM
Rebecca,
I think that heavy glue might work a little better than modpodge Maybe try that? Fabric glue or tacky glue. It's heavy duty!
XO. elsie
Posted by: elsie | January 04, 2012 at 03:38 PM
a layer of glossy mod-podge on top has increased the glitter life of shoes i've glittere'd in the past
Posted by: kara | January 04, 2012 at 03:38 PM
such a lovely DIY! I'm loving those bootie heels :)
Posted by: Ester | January 04, 2012 at 03:39 PM
I made some glitter shoes where I mixed a lot of glitter in with mod podge then coated the shoes in them. It worked really well and I didn't have glitter falling off so there was no need to seal them. Just another way to try diy glitter shoes :)
Posted by: Annie Martin | January 04, 2012 at 03:41 PM
It seems a little tedious, but compleltey worth it to get glittery shoes on a pair that I already own and love!
www.peppermintsandpixiedust.blogspot.com
Posted by: Maria | January 04, 2012 at 03:45 PM
This is great!!! Such a good idea! Thanks for posting!
-Miranda
Posted by: Miranda | January 04, 2012 at 03:50 PM
Glitter! Love them sooooo much:) I used to wear glitter on my chest and face in highschool. Time to bring it back!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
Posted by: Stephanie May* | January 04, 2012 at 03:57 PM
I love them!!! I wish I would have thought of this for new years!! oh well, maybe next year! =)
http://julies-thisandthat.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julie | January 04, 2012 at 03:58 PM
You are sooooo smart!
Yay. Finally.
A DIY.
:)
Posted by: Makay | January 04, 2012 at 04:03 PM