Custom design flip-flops with the kids this summer. Let them get creative with their footwear this summer. Make cute little designs from charms, flowers, ribbons, and more. Embellishing flip-flops is a fun and easy DIY project for summer.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. See my disclosure policy to read more. Adult supervision is required for each step of activities, recipes, crafts, and games with children. Small parts are a choking hazard.
Design Your Flip-Flops with the Kids
Summer crafts are so much fun. They always involve being outside and in nature, which I love. Like this fun shark hat, popsicle stick craft, and a DIY no-sew fabric checkerboard
Flip-flops are already fun all by themselves. You can easily slip them on and off and play outside for hours. But embellished flip-flops are even more fun. The kids are so excited to put on their customized summer shoes and show them off to everyone they meet.
This flip-flop craft is one that the kids can help with, but you’ll have to take over for some of the tasks.
Here’s What You’ll Love about these Flip-Flops DIY
- They are easy to make with the kids.
- These DIY flip-flops are fun and customizable to match almost everyone’s tastes and likes.
Supplies You’ll Need to Make These Fun Flip-Flops
- Flip-Flops – Well, obviously. This was hard to find at the time I updated this post, in the middle of winter. I had to buy them online, but you are probably looking at this in summer time, so you’ll be able to find them just about anywhere.
- Rubber Shoe Charms – I found a nice variety pack of shoe charms online. There are so many options to choose from, including dinosaurs, flowers, sun, cartoon characters, and nature charms. I’m pretty confident you can find some that your kids will like.
- Tin Snips or Curved Gardening Sheers – An adult will need to do this part. You’ll want to get as close of a cut to the charm as possible and an even cut, as well
- Super Weld or Shoe Fix Glue – I have used both a light-activated super weld glue, and shoe fix glue which are holding very strong. Try to find a glue that is waterproof and a super glue that will hold plastic and rubber together.
- Binder Clips – These are those clips that hold papers together. I used a medium binder clip, the perfect strength for my purposes.
How to make DIY Flip-Flops using charms
Kids can pick out some fun rubber charms for the flip-flops. I picked two per flip-flop. one for each side.
Using the cutting tool, cut the bottom plastic piece off of the charm so that it can be glued onto the flip-flop.
Add glue to the back of the charm and place it where you all think it should go.
Kids can use the binders to help secure the charms in place as they dry
You may need to glue a second time to get other parts of the charm secured to the flip-flop to give it that extra hold
Again, use the binders to hold the charms in place as the glue dries securely
Expert Tip
I think the trick to getting the charms glued securely is using the binder to hold them down while they dry.
The glue is strong in odor and in strength. The cutting tool is sharp. An adult should do the gluing and cutting portion of the flip-flop craft.
Don’t forget to protect your work surface from any stray glue drips and also the flip-flops.
Variation
Years ago, I added ribbon to my girls’ flip-flops. This is how I made them:
- Stitch the ribbon around the beginning of the strap. Wrap the ribbon around, overlapping as you go around the shoe. Stitch the ribbon together to secure it to the other end of the strap.
Adding flowers or decorations to the ribbon – Glue with strong waterproof glue – I like the Fabric-Tac – It’s waterproof and dries quickly. Stitch the flower to the ribbon to add more strength.
FAQs
I have tried several types of glue to add trinkets to flip-flops. The best glue that I have found so far is a J-B Weld with a UV light for instant curing and Shoe Fix Glue.
More Summer Crafts You’ll Love
Let’s Hang Out
Come find me on Pinterest and on Facebook for more fun ideas and recipes
Printable Instructions for this Flip-Flop Decorating Idea
DIY Flip-Flop Craft with Kids
Equipment
- cutting tool I used a curved cutting tool from my local hardwar store. They resemble gardening shears
Materials
- 1 pair flip-flops
- rubber shoe charms
- strong waterproof glue Specifically, I used JB Weld with a UV light that cures the glue instantly. It is holding up very well. I can tug on the charms and they stay put
Instructions
- Kids can pick out some fun rubber charms for the flip-flops. I picked two per flip-flop. one for each side
- Using the cutting tool, cut the bottom plastic piece off of the charm so that it can be glued onto the flip-flop
- Add glue to the back of the charm and place it where you all think it should go
- Kids can use the binders to help secure the charms in place as they dry
- You may need to glue a second time to get other parts of the charm secured to the flip-flop
- Again, use the binders to hold the charms in place as the glue dries securely
