Need honest opinions (DIY project)

akhensley81

I'm making flip-flop sandals for my BMs to wear. They all have dress shoes for the church, but wanted to give them a comfier option for the reception. I got these flip flops at Wal Mart for $2/pair (score!). I'm decorating them with silk ribbons in the same colors that the flowers in our bouquets will be.

I saw this done on a pair of sandals a few months ago when I was looking for ideas. I thought it was suuper cute but mine didn't turn out exactly the way the pair I saw did. (Probably because I'm using softer silk and the pair I saw were a "stiffer" ribbon.)

I sent this photo to my mom and MOH and they love them - but I just want to make sure they're not patronizing me. And I know you girls won't do that.

Thanks for your help!!

Stackeye210

I said meh - I guess for a wedding they're alright because it was obviously made for the wedding - but I probably wouldn't wear those past the age of 10 if I didn't have to. 

akhensley81

P.S. The girls are all in long dresses, so the shoes won't really been seen anyway. Unless they show someone, or if they all hike up their skirts for a shoe photo or something.

rak123

I would rather wear plain flip flops, sorry.

FutureMrsDudley55

I'm not crazy about them either, sorry =/

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:c37ecd51-fee9-443f-9a16-ff4a03c08fc9">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]I would rather wear plain flip flops, sorry.
Posted by rak123[/QUOTE]

Don't be sorry - this is why I'm asking! :)

What if I scrapped the whole ribbon idea and instead glued flat beads along the straps? That was another idea I had.

I'm stuck on the idea of doing <strong>something</strong> to embellish these suckers.

baystateapple

I think the beads would be really cute! 

The ribbons look like they would tickle underneath the dresses.

kellyjellybelly

I took fake little crystals and glued them along the straps - they actually looked pretty cute.  I don't have a pic at work, but you can see one here: www.youtube.com/user/ePhotographicsTV#p/a/u/0/V93cKdpDCUQ 
It was super easy if you're looking for something different to try.  And I like pretty, shiny things. 

FutureMrsDudley55

I say nix the whole dressing them up part, and just give them plain flip flops. This way, they can take them home and wear them over and over again.

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:7a6ff805-40e8-44be-b862-c2ba07a12056">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]I took fake little crystals and glued them along the straps - they actually looked pretty cute.  I don't have a pic at work, but you can see one here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ePhotographicsTV#p/a/u/0/V93cKdpDCUQ" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com/user/ePhotographicsTV#p/a/u/0/V93cKdpDCUQ</a> " target="_blank"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ePhotographicsTV#p/a/u/0/V93cKdpDCUQ" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/user/ePhotographicsTV#p/a/u/0/V93cKdpDCUQ</a> It was super easy if you're looking for something different to try.  And I like pretty, shiny things. 
Posted by kellyjellybelly[/QUOTE]

Those are cute!! :)

kkchisholm

You should take a picture with one on.

antimony

I think they're freaking adorable, and they can cut the ribbons off afterwards and have a pair of plain flipflops to keep. 

Pirata13

I'd wear sparkly flip flops more than once, I vote sparkles!

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:d6a240ef-d13a-497b-863d-b74dffc10314">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]You should take a picture with one on.
Posted by kkchisholm[/QUOTE]

I would, but I'm at work now and the shoes are at home. Maybe tonight. I did wear them around the house a bit this morning (I was worried about the ribbons tickling, actually) and they were actually suuper comfy. The ribbons didn't bother me at all.

Looks like I'm going to keep trying and see what else I can come up with. I may try the crystal idea... they're only $2 shoes and Wal-Mart had hundreds of them, so if I end up hating them it's not like I'll be out much.

rak123

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:88fd6f7e-b130-4e73-90e1-4dfd9ca289e7">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : Those are cute!! :)
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]

I've glued on crystals to flip flops and they turned out pretty cute!  You could also try browsing etsy for ideas. 

danieliza1127

All the times I've been a BM, I just take my heels off half way through the night and go barefoot.

I agree with the pps though that sparkles would be better than ribbon.

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:3667c8c5-ebed-445e-bd40-ac8b61de5d00">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : I've glued on crystals to flip flops and they turned out pretty cute!  You could also try browsing etsy for ideas. 
Posted by rak123[/QUOTE]

What kind of glue should I get, if I try that? Hot Glue and I don't get along. At all. But I want to make sure the sparkles at least survive the day.

crfische

Ribbons don't belong on wands or shoes.

Brie2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:c0a16f08-56d3-44b3-88e8-d629cb1f0dda">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]I say nix the whole dressing them up part, and just give them plain flip flops. This way, they can take them home and wear them over and over again.
Posted by FutureMrsDudley55[/QUOTE]

This.

fangsiting

I can't even vote "meh" because those things are really ugly.  Also, I would never wear Wal-Mart flip flops.  Even if Wal-Mart stopped using this manufacturer, this is what I think of when I hear "Wal-Mart flip flop":

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_wal-mart-flip-flops.htm

rak123

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:f1a604dc-6a4b-4a20-bb6a-958cc06a1a1a">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : What kind of glue should I get, if I try that? Hot Glue and I don't get along. At all. But I want to make sure the sparkles at least survive the day.
Posted by akhensley81[/QUOTE]

When I made the flip flops, I bought the glue at Joanns and it was actually called "Flip Flop Glue" lol  I think it was just regular glue marketed for flip flops, maybe like a Gorilla glue?  It worked pretty well, so I recommend it.  I let it dry overnight, and the jewels lasted quite a while :)  Not sure what kind of flip flop you are using, but the ones I bought had smooth straps, not textured at all.  I don't think the glue holds as well on texture. 

<a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2783&PRODID=prd45731&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Comparison-_-Website-_-Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_source=Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_content=Website&utm_campaign=Google%20Base">http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2783&PRODID=prd45731&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Comparison-_-Website-_-Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_source=Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_content=Website&utm_campaign=Google%20Base</a> 

akhensley81

Yikes, fang! I remember that now. I'm pretty sure they stopped using that manufacturer but that's still scary as helll.

kikibaby

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:7f1db4d1-6b8d-4cf2-bd71-e24697321105">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]I can't even vote "meh" because those things are really ugly.  Also, I would never wear Wal-Mart flip flops.  Even if Wal-Mart stopped using this manufacturer, this is what I think of when I hear "Wal-Mart flip flop": <a href="http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_wal-mart-flip-flops.htm" rel="nofollow">http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_wal-mart-flip-flops.htm</a>
Posted by fangsiting[/QUOTE]

No need to be a jerk about it.

arv266

Use crazy glue for the crystals - hot glue won't stick as well.  You could also try wrapping the ribbon around the thong part of the flip flop.  I too voted meh - they looked like pom poms and reminded me of cheerleaders...

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:5fe5a7d9-c9b9-4cfd-8f0b-561e72004e27">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : When I made the flip flops, I bought the glue at Joanns and it was actually called "Flip Flop Glue" lol  I think it was just regular glue marketed for flip flops, maybe like a Gorilla glue?  It worked pretty well, so I recommend it.  I let it dry overnight, and the jewels lasted quite a while :)  Not sure what kind of flip flop you are using, but the ones I bought had smooth straps, not textured at all.  I don't think the glue holds as well on texture.  <a href="http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2783&PRODID=prd45731&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Comparison-_-Website-_-Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_source=Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_content=Website&utm_campaign=Google%20Base" rel="nofollow">http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2783&PRODID=prd45731&cm_mmc=Google%20Base-_-Comparison-_-Website-_-Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_source=Flip%20Flop%20Glue-1%20Ounce&utm_medium=Comparison&utm_content=Website&utm_campaign=Google%20Base</a>  
Posted by rak123[/QUOTE]

The straps are smooth... but they have a kind of rounded shape and they have a spongy feel like they've got foam in them. I was planning a trip to JoAnn's at lunch today anyway, I might look for that glue.

pumpkinpumpkin

please don't make your BMs wear these. Please.
Your heart's in the right place, that's for sure. But these are not cute. Sorry AK.

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:8d344f64-5fbf-410e-82e6-6960184f6a28">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : No need to be a jerk about it.
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

Hehe I <strong>did</strong> ask for "honest" opinions. :)

akhensley81

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:f1c61df4-8db9-44e9-8cec-9b55acd94a2d">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]please don't make your BMs wear these. Please. Your heart's in the right place, that's for sure. But these are not cute. Sorry AK.
Posted by pumpkinpumpkin[/QUOTE]

This is exactly why I came to you girls for this. :) My mom and MOH seemed a little too excited about them and I had a feeling they were patronizing me.

I'm going to try the sparklie idea and see if those turn out better. I'll def come back for your thoughts on this one!

fangsiting

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_need-honest-opinions-diy-project?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:a848869e-d677-4d88-88df-54ef7cfa19eaPost:8d344f64-5fbf-410e-82e6-6960184f6a28">Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project)</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need honest opinions (DIY project) : No need to be a jerk about it.
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

Huh?  I wasn't a jerk.  I just gave my honest opinion.  I think they are ugly.

I do think it's a nice gesture though, but I'd keep them plain.  I love flip flops & you can never have too many.  

jmkes

I'm with the others, I think ribbon would tickle my feet and I HATE anything tickling my feet.  Little rhinestones would be cute, but be aware of rhinestone overkill.  If you don't want to do Walmart flip flops, Old Navy puts theirs on sale for $2 all the time.  Kohl's also has theirs on sale just about every other week.  I'm wearing white beaded flip flops from Kohl's for my reception because I want my feet to be comfy!  (Going barefoot for the ceremony.)

wadingmoose

I didn't think they were awful, but after reading the responses, I agree with the idea of sparklies (shouldn't Salt be here by now?)