Getting married? Have you thought about embellishing your own bridal shoes? A growing trend in bridal footwear is to wear a pop of color on your feet. You could co-ordinate your shoes with your bridesmaids' dresses, or match them to your bouquet. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create your own dazzling Swarovski crystal-encrusted shoes. Choose your favorite pair and let's get started.

Supplies

• Strappy shoes. We used pink, metallic shoes.
• E6000 Industrial Strength Glue. Make sure to properly ventilate when using this glue.
• Tweezers.
• Pin.
• Swarovski Flatback Crystals - SS16 Crystal AB.
• Swarovski Flatback Crystals - SS16 Vintage Rose.

1. Glue Crystals to the Top Strap

Step 1

Before you do anything else, open your glue. Then, taking a pair of tweezers, pick up a Vintage Rose crystal. With the other hand, add a drop of glue to a pin. Using the pin, add a tiny drop of glue to the back of the crystal.

Tilting the first shoe on its side, add one crystal to the edge of the longest strap. Now add the second crystal. Continue to add crystals until you have four in a row. You have now completed your first row of crystals.

Step 2

Using another Vintage Rose crystal, begin your second row of crystals. Make sure to fit the crystal exactly in between the two crystals underneath it. Each crystal should perfectly fit into each other, like a puzzle. You should have approximately four crystals in each row, horizontally. Continue to add the Vintage Rose crystals using this method, row by row.

Step 3

Once you have a few centimeters of Vintage Rose crystals, begin to add the Crystal AB stones. These are the clear stones that have a colorful tint. Continue to add the Crystal AB stones across the middle of the strap, fitting each stone perfectly into the next one. A pattern should begin to emerge, with the Vintage Rose crystals on the edges of the straps and the Crystal AB stones centered in the middle.

The center Crystal AB portion will be slightly longer in length. Once the crystals pass the second strap, stop using the AB crystals.

Step 4

For the third section of the strap, start with the Vintage Rose crystals again. Follow the same steps, and finish the rest of the strap.

2. Glue Crystals to Half of the Second Strap

Step 1

Move on to the second strap, which is underneath the top strap. Once again, start with the Vintage Rose crystals, and begin adding them to the edge of the strap, with four crystals in a row. Continue to add the Vintage Rose crystals. Stop adding the Vintage Rose color once you notice you have the same amount as on your top strap. You want your straps to look the same.

Step 2

Next, begin placing the Crystal AB stones, so that they are in the same position which you started with the AB stones on the top strap. Continue across the mid-section of the strap. Eventually, you will need to stop when you run into the top strap. Skip over the top strap, since it has already been crystallized.

3. Add Crystals to the Second Part of the Strap

Step 1

Now, laying your shoe on the opposite side and beginning from the edge, glue on the Vintage Rose crystals.

Step 2

Once you have added a few centimeters, finish the second half of the shoe with AB crystals, moving towards the center. You'll notice that these AB crystals will meet the AB crystals which you just finished on the other side.

Step 3

You've now completed your first shoe. Now, following the same procedure, crystallize your second shoe.

Show Off Your Wedding Shoes

You have now created your own crystallized wedding shoes. We hope you love them, and show them off on your special day.

In this tutorial, you have learned how to apply crystals to your shoes. By organising the crystals in a pattern, you've created a soft ombre effect. You've also learned the importance of keeping the crystals neat, and fitting them exactly into each other, in order to create a perfect crystallized pattern.

With the skills you have learned today, you can crystallize any pair of strappy heels with your own colors and patterns. Choose a pair of black open-toe pumps, or red strappy sandals and start on your next stylish creation.

How did you find this tutorial? What other wedding-based crafts would you like to see on Crafttuts+? Let us know in the comments below.