Glueing flat back Crystals to shoe base

JeHanne started this discussion · 9/15/2012

Hello Everyone! I have a pair of heels that I want to put swarovski crystals on the undersides as a fun project. I figured I would need to lightly sand the surface of the shoes to rough up the top layer but... (and important part)... What type of glue should I use to get the flat back crystals to stick to the base of the dance shoe? Can anyone please share what they have used? I don't want all my pretty crystals to fall off. Thanks all!

12 replies

Dancing Paws · 9/15/2012
This is sooooooo weird! I literally just did this this morning after buying the stuff yesterday. At michaels they have two types of crystals, heat set and regular. If you get all heat set ones, you can use the tool. They didn't have enough of the color I wanted to I got the non heat set ones and just glued them on with crazy glue. I accidentally glued a cryztal to my plate and am still trying to get it off. 😕 Here is my finished product: https://www.studioveena.com/photos/view_photo/5054d608-1ddc-497b-9368-09730ac37250
Dancing Paws · 9/15/2012
I should note that I do not know how durable the glue is. It was an experiment. There is onfo online about really good glues, but some need to be used with a face mask becasue of the fumes. That one is E6000 glue. Here is a link that I used as a reference, but I did find others using crazy glue... http://www.crystalandglassbeads.com/blog/2012/swarovski-crystals-flatbacks-glue.html
JeHanne · 9/15/2012
Hi SensualSchimitar... great minds must think alike!!! ;) Loved how your shoes turned out! Thank you for the tips and the link. I have a pair of shoes I want to eperiment with.
JeHanne · 9/15/2012
I found this tutorial on the link that you shared... http://www.crystalandglassbeads.com/blog/2012/how-to-crystallize-shoes.html Interesting!!! :D
Dancing Paws · 9/15/2012
Well, the Krazy glue works. I has to soak the plate I accidentally glued a crystal onto in acetone then use a butter knife to get the darn thing off.
Lenee Pooh · 9/15/2012
I've actually done this to a few pair of shoes. I use E-6000. The fumes are strong for some people, but they never bothered me. But I do work in front of a door that's mildly drafty, so maybe that's why.
chemgoddess1 · 9/15/2012
Amy had a blog about this: http://aerialamy.com/blog/2011/08/29/rhinestoned-shoes/ Also, on FB Veena started a DIY heels page.
JeHanne · 9/15/2012
Thanks Lenee Pooh, I was thinking the E-6000 would be a way to go... and I'd just have to be careful with the fumes. Thanks Chemgoddess1 for the link! I'll have to make a trip to Michael's!
Dottie Von Boone · 9/16/2012
I LOVE DIYs and crafting, but when they are mixed with poling I lose my mind! VERY COOL POST, and great turnout on the shoes. Anyone have a link for Veena's heel DIY?
chemgoddess1 · 9/16/2012
http://www.facebook.com/groups/199885793358480/?bookmark_t=group
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Dancing Paws · 9/16/2012
With the E6000 the main concern ins breathing in the fumes because it contains carcinogens (I believe.) Also, don't get it on you.
Charley · 9/16/2012
Yup E-600! I went to a crystal & bead shop and tried to buy all hot fix crystals but sadly swarovski doesn't make all the colors in hot fix so I had to deal with basic flatbacks. Once you get the hang of it - it's not sooo bad. I used my crystals on clothing and the E600 stuck pretty well until my boyfriend washed and dried them - oops! You can get a mask and rubber gloves if you're worried about breathing in fumes. I just worked small areas and in little incriments so it was never that bad for me.