Because of how quickly they show wear and tear, flip flops and canvas sneakers should be new.
Cover the entire heel portion on a pair of high heels or wedges. Cover just the fabric part on a pair of canvas sneakers. Consider covering just the rubber toe cap on canvas sneakers. Keep in mind that the rhinestones may fall off. Cover the straps on a pair of flip flops. Depending on the material, be aware that the rhinestones may fall off.
For a pair of high heels, wedges, or very expensive shoes, use tiny, high-quality rhinestones. Sizes between 5ss and 16ss will work especially well. [3] X Research source Large, plastic rhinestones will look tacky. If you are covering a pair of casual or inexpensive shoes, such as canvas sneakers or flip flops, you can use larger and less expensive rhinestones. [4] X Research source
This is only necessary for tiny rhinestones. If you can easily pick the rhinestone up with your finger, you don’t need a jewel setter. You can also use a pair of jewelry tweezers. They look similar to cosmetic tweezers, except that the tip is longer and thinner. You can find them in the beading section of an arts and crafts store.
If you are working with a lot of rhinestones, pour out only a small amount first. If you are working with different shapes and/or sizes, it would be a good idea to sort them out first. Use different trays/lids if necessary.
It is easier to work in small patches. It also prevents the glue from drying out too fast. Use a strong adhesive, such as E6000 or GemTac. Regular white school glue or tacky glue won’t be strong enough for this. If the heel is covered in fabric, or if you are covering a canvas sneaker, you may be able to use a good-quality fabric glue instead.
Don’t panic if you get some wax residue on the crystal. You will take care of that later. If you are working with large, chunky rhinestones, you can pick it up with your fingers instead. You can also pick up the rhinestone with a pair of jewelry tweezers. Grip it by the sides.
An orange stick is the same tool that manicurists use to push back cuticles. You can find it in the nail care section of more grocery stores and super markets. If you are using jewelry tweezers, be careful not to get any glue on them. If you did, wipe the glue off immediately.
Apply round rhinestones in off-set lines, like bricks on a wall, to get the most coverage. [10] X Research source Applying square rhinestones in straight lines for a neat, geometric look. You don’t have to cover the entire area with rhinestones. Use tiny rhinestones to make patterns, such as simply daisies. [11] X Research source
Drying times are not the same as curing times. If your glue has a curing time, then you must wait that long before wearing the shoes.
Always test the acetone on a spare rhinestone, especially if it is made out of plastic. It can fog or dissolve certain types of plastic. If the rhinestone is made out of plastic, try scratching the adhesive off first. If it won’t come off, try rubbing alcohol next; it is gentler than acetone. The adhesive will dry clear. If it is not very noticeable, it may sometimes be better to just leave it as it is.
