Nifty & Thrifty

 When the thermometer rises, everyone knows it is flip-flop season.

 One of the least expensive shoes available in the summertime is fabulous flip-flops.

• Many pairs cost $2.50 or less.
• They are available in a rainbow of colors and a variety of styles.
• I prefer the foam flip-flops because of their decorating potential.
• I can create a pair to coordinate with my outfit or as an inexpensive party craft for a summer barbecue.
  
  Let’s add some pizzazz to a new pair of flip-flops or bring some life back into an old pair of flip-flops.
  
  Fluffy Flip-Flops:

This activity is perfect for old or young at heart. I have seen young girls make these darling flip-flops at birthday parties, and I even made myself a pair during a weekend scrapbook crop with friends.

• You will need 1 x 6 inch strips of your favorite fabrics.
• Cut 28 strips per shoe using pinking shears so the fabric won’t unravel.
• Tie each strip onto the strap of the flip-flop for soft and fluffy footwear.
• An additional tip is to use tulle or ribbon for a similar look.
•  Make sure the ribbon doesn’t have wire in it. That might cause ouchy-flops!
  
  Trendy Trims Flip-Flops:

• Use rick-rack trim or sequin trim to create a dazzling pair of flip-flops.
• Simply glue on the trim to the foam base of the flip-flop and then to the strap of the flip-flops.
•  Such a quick and clever look to a basic, inexpensive shoe.
  
  The 3 B’s -- Buttons, Boas, and Bow Ties:

Style your flip-flops with the 3 B’s (buttons, boas, and bow ties).

Whether you are a vintage girl or a modern woman, buttons will add bling to your flip-flops.

• Use old buttons from your grandma’s collection or new, bright buttons that you have been saving in a jar.
• Simply glue or sew your buttons to the strap of the flip-flop.
• It will take approximately 15 buttons depending on the size of the shoe.
• Always start your button design in the center where the two straps meet.
• Think about layering your buttons by placing a large button as the base and a smaller button on top.
  
  To create spa looking flip-flops, use parts from a feather boa. This is such a terrific craft for a girls getaway. Cut the boa in a section to glue to the strap of the flip-flop. If you want an elegant look, use only a small section of boa feathers in the center of the strap and then place rhinestones onto the sides of the straps. You may even want to write the word “Bride” onto the heel of the flip-flop for a wedding gift.

Glorious ribbons and bows make flip-flops shine. When I was in Bermuda, I visited a store that sold flip-flops with ribbon bows in the center where the straps met. The cost -- $30 a pair! I immediately thought – Wow, I can do that!

1. Tie two ribbon bows approximately the same size and secure to the center of the flip-flops’ straps.
2. Place a button on the bow’s knot or wrap the straps with ribbon and then add the bow as an accent.
3. Create dangles using beads and hang them onto the ribbon with a jump ring.

You too can have that Bermuda flip-flop for pennies of the cost.

Bedazzled Gem and Rhinestone Flip-Flops: It seems like I am seeing gems and rhinestones on everything this summer from souvenir T-shirts to cell phone cases, so why not on a pair of flip-flops.

You can glue gems to the straps of a flip-flop or even along the edge of the foam base.

Create patterns with color or sizes of gems on your flip-flops.

 Rhinestones and beads have holes in some of them which allow you to sew them with clear jewelry thread.

 Use pliers and a strong needle to sew through the flip-flop strap.

You may even consider hanging some favorite charms onto your flip flops for added sparkle and bling.

Yummy Yarn Flip-Flops:

• Yarn comes in so many textures and colors which makes it perfect for styling your flip-flops.
• Cut 3 ½ yards of yarn per flip-flop and wrap each strap with it.
• Different types of yarn will create different looks. I love chenille yarn and eyelash looking yarn for flip-flops.
• Use more than one color of yarn to create patterns or layered texture.
  
  If your fashion taste is simple elegance, then try embellishing just the center of the strap.

Here are a few suggestions for creating a special pair of flip-flops:

• Flowers: Silk floral flowers glued to the strap with a large rhinestone center.
• Ribbon: Add bows to the straps. Vary the size of the bow from extra large to 3 mini bows.
• Beads: Sew on a large beaded flower and add beads along the strap
• Fun Foam: Perfect for the little crafter. Simply glue on the shapes and add buttons or sequins.
• Glitter: Paint glue on your straps and glitter away. I just purchased a pair of glitter flip-flops. What was I thinking?
• Fabric: Roll fabric to create rosettes for a lovely pair of floral flip-flops. Cover your straps with fabric.
• Other oddities: Floral butterflies, patches for clothes, game pieces, rubber stamping a design, and painting the flip-flops.

I have even seen people replace the plastic straps on their flip-flops with leather and soft, narrow rope. I am not brave enough to do that but you may be.

I hope you design an inexpensive pair of flip-flops that reflect your personal style.

It always brings me so much pleasure when asked, “Where did you find those flip-flops?”

And I can reply, “I made them!”

Keep cool crafting this summer!

~My Studio Pink (Kara Ward)