Gemstone Flip Flops, for weddings or just for fun

You just got a new pedicure and now you just have to show it off.  Are you going to just slip on some plain old flip-flops or are you going to go out in style?  And with wedding season just around the corner wouldn’t these be great for the reception.  You could make an all-freshwater pearl style for the bride.  But don’t stop there you can make some for the bridesmaids too, simply alternate pearls and gemstones to match the gowns. Gemstones like fresh water pearls and turquoise, etc. are readily available in craft stores and less expensive than you might think.

You will need: 

Clear or white pair of flip-flops  (available in craft stores)

Bernat eyelash yarn in white

E6000 glue

Nylon beading thread

Freshwater pearl beads

Turquoise gemstone beads

Ruler, scissors

Needle (make sure it is one that will go through the bead holes)

Needle threader

Thimble

1.     Cut a 3-foot piece of eyelash yarn.  Put a tiny dab of E6000 glue at the base of the flip-flop strap and attach the end of the yarn.  Begin wrapping the strap with the yarn.  When you come the toe area, cross over to the opposite side.  (See photo)  Continue wrapping the yarn down till you reach the end.  Add a tiny dab of glue and attach the yarn end.  While it is drying repeat this step with the other flip-flop.

2.     Thread a needle with a length of nylon beading thread. Use a needle threader if needed. Knot the end.  Insert the needle approx. three inches up from the base of the strap on the underside. (Your needle will come through the top area that shows on your foot.)  String on a fresh water pearl and re-insert the needle in the same hole you came through. (The bead is secure and you are once again on the underside.) A thimble is helpful to push the needle through the rubber strap.

3.     Go up the length about an inch and poke the needle through to the front and add a turquoise bead.  Re-insert the needle in the same hole to the backside as you did before.

4.     Repeat step 3 once again with a pearl bead.

5.     After you have secured the second pearl bead you should be about an inch from the toe area. Come up with your needle in the center and add three turquoise beads and secure by going through to the underside as before. 

6.     Come up with your needle approx 1-inch from the three turquoise beads and add a pearl.  Do this twice more alternating with the turquoise and pearl (see photo) 

7.     When you reach the last pearl bead on the underside knot and cut your thread. Repeat steps 2-7 for the other flip-flop.

Note:  You may glue the beads instead of sewing but for the gemstones I feel that it is more secure to sew them on.  If you do decide to glue I suggest using E6000 glue.  I don’t recommend hot glue since it may release in warm weather.  If you can't find the eyelash yarn I used simply substitute any eyelash or fluffy yarn.