Think back…way back…like a year ago. A lovely lady was changing her blog and giving herself a Craft Challenge (with herself). 4 out of the 5 projects were completed and posted…number 5, well, it was hibernating. Summer ended and the idea I had for “Shoes” seemed a little less practical. I can’t wear flip-flops in the snow!
Summer is here again…the 1 year anniversary for my blog was the other day…I think it’s time to wrap up the Craft Challenge!
I’m not gonna lie. I started this project that involved weaving bamboo coasters together to make a natural weave bottom. I don’t really like plastic flip-flops. I like the natural bottom. Old Navy had maybe 2 summers where they made them and that was like 5 years or more ago. It’s impossible to find them (for me)…so why not make my own? Let me tell you why not – no one should spend hours and hours of their life on a pair of flip-flops. They are just flip-flops. I still need a shoe project though…hum…(light bulb)!
Look at these sad, very loved flip-flops. They weren’t made with the best quality bottom…so gradually, I ended up walking on what felt like paper. Time to give these flip-flops an extended pass at life.
I started by ripping off the old, thin sole. First with an Exacto knife, then just ripped.
I glued down the thong and sides to the bottom and held them in place with some office supplies. I let them dry overnight. The glue I am using is fast bonding, water and weather proof.
Next, I took my new, white, plastic Old Navy flip-flops ($2.50) and cut off the plastic straps.
I applied glue to half of the plastic flip-flop…I began placing my old flip-flop on top. Matching everything up as best as I could. I applied glue to the second half and press everywhere. The nice thing with the fast bonding glue is you only need to take a few minutes pushing everything together before it holds.
My flip-flops didn’t match up EXACTLY, especially at the toe. Once both were glued and dried overnight, I took my jewelry hand saw and cut off the end. Then, I got out my dremel and smoothed down where I had to cut.
I think they look pretty good. I may clean up the ends where the white has been scuffed off the front with some paint or something, but other than that…my flip-flops live again!
With Love,
Rhianna
With Love, Rhianna 