So I decided to strass (crystalize) my Christian Louboutin YoYo 100s with Fuchsia crystals. They were originally a Rose colour and I love pink, it’s my favourite colour so I wanted pink strass. Unfortunately Msr Louboutin hasn’t done any pink strass yet so I decided to do it myself with a lower price tag as well. So many of the lovely ladies on The Purse Forum have done the same thing as well and theirs turned out brilliantly. It’s taken me a month so far to complete one shoe as I am doing it on and off 🙂 I’m keeping this page to update with progress photos all the time, so keep checking back on it. I’m having the most fun doing it but it is very repetitive putting each crystal on with tweezers after dipping it in glue… So far on just one shoe I think I have used almost 2000 crystals.
There was also a big discussion about strassing your own Louboutin shoes on The Purse Forum as so many of us have done it and I really think it’s a way of having a shoe that you have no access to getting, a shoe that is completely unique, a shoe that has been customized to exactly how you want it and nothing more. I would never try to pass these shoes off as a strassed shoe that Msr Louboutin himself made at all, I will always tell people I have done it myself. I’m really pleased with how the one shoe has turned out so far. I don’t consider it as cheating instead of buying a Louboutin shoe already strassed. This shoe doesn’t exist as Louboutin has never designed these colours so that’s why I did it, I wanted pink strass and I was happy to do it myself 🙂
Anyway, here is what I have used so far: Christian Louboutin Rose YoYo 100 shoes, Gem Tac glue, Fuchsia Swarovski flat back crystals in sizes 20ss, 16ss, 12ss, 10ss, 9ss and 6ss/5ss to fill the little gaps, Fuchsia AB Swarovski flat back crystals in size 16ss, tweezers and paper to put the crystals and the glue on.
Here is one shoe from start to finish:
I said I would be updating with photos as I went and I haven’t had much time spare to do a lot of work on the left shoe. I have been so busy lately with everything that these shoes got pushed to the side a bit unfortunately as they just take up so much time. I have made a start on the left shoe though and I am really pleased with the progress. I seem to be doing this shoe a lot faster than I did the right shoe, I assume that’s because I’ve become really used to it now 🙂 Anyway, here are the photos.
Here are some more updated photos of the left shoe 🙂 I have now ran out of 9ss crystals though so I need to buy some more of those.
They are so cute but Lorna you must be a billionnaire you have so much Louboutin !!! They are so much prettier than they were at the begining….Where do you find loubs on sale ?
Lol, I’m no where near a billionaire, quite the opposite. I just literally spend every single penny I have on clothes and shoes. I’ve been collecting Louboutins since the beginning of August 2009 so quite a lot of months 🙂 You have to wait for sale season for them to go on sale, normally around Christmas time and mid year, around May should be the next sale so check out Barney’s, Saks, Neimen Marcus etc 🙂 I also got a lot of really good deals on Ebay, watch out for the fakes though, there are so many! Make sure you get authentic ones 🙂 Thanks for the compliment though! 😀
ooo.. I’m loving these! can we be shoe buddies? 😛
Hehe, I don’t think we are the same size 🙂
Lovely work Lorna 🙂
OMG awesome!!!!
Hey Lorna, Your pink strass YoYo’s are divine!
I’m so glad i followed this link after drooling over your YoYo DIY on TPF. I’ve just won a pair of yoyo’s on ebay and plan to strass them like you did – so thanks for having so much useful information. you’ve solved my number one issue: working out how many crystals to order 🙂
It also depends on your shoe size 🙂 I ordered about 2000 to start out with and the most amounts were 12ss and 9ss 🙂 Those ones you seem to use the most. Good luck! What colour combination are you doing?
I’ve ordered about 5000 crystals in sizes ss5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16 and 20. (shoe size 36) so I hope that will be enough for both shoes and maybe a few left over for other craft projects!
I’m going to be strassing pewter yoyo’s with crystal AB. My first shipment of crystals arrived today, and they are so beautiful! I can’t wait to get started, but i’m going to wait until all the different sized crystals arrive, in a week or two!
Good luck with it!! I’m sure they will look amazing!! You have to show me when you have progress photos 😀
Hi Lorna! It’s Joyce at Skye. You did an amazing job!! They look incredible. I feel like I would have gotten tired of doing it 30 minutes in, lol
Hey!!
Yeah it is really tiresome! I had to do it in stages over the month because it gets really boring but I just kept focusing on the outcome 😀 Thank you!!
Omg! I love them!
Thank you Elsie 🙂
hello, wow these shoes are BEAUITFUL i love them.. you have a wonderful talent to be able to do this…can you please email me directley i have a few questions about these shoes.
Thank you Lizzie 🙂 I’m emailing you now.
Those are fabulous!!! What a great job you did I absolutely love them!! 🙂
Thank you so much Lisa 🙂
Lorna your project has inspired me to DIY my own strass CL.. can you please provide more info to where to order the crystals, glue and tools? also I saw these shoes on ebay.. do you think its possible to strass them?
http://cgi.ebay.com/HOT-CHRISTIAN-LOUBOUTIN-BLACK-CORK-YOYO-ZEPPA-HEELS-39-/290443242626?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item439fc42c82
Thanks you for much for your help 🙂
Hi Penny 🙂 You can buy the crystals online anywhere, ebay or from sites but make sure you are buying authentic Swarovski, the cheap ones from China etc are not real and don’t shine very well 🙂 I only used a pair of tweezers to pick up the crystals and I used GemTac glue which you can find on ebay too. I used that glue cause it’s basically odourless and I am sensitive to smells 🙂 You will need a lot of crystals though, somewhere in the 2000 range from sizes 20SS to 7SS 🙂 Have you definitely checked those Louboutins are authentic?
Dear Lorna, No I havnt as Im still unsure which style I should DIY.. at the moment I have 2 in mind.. one is a pair of patent you you I own but they are still brand new.. so Im not sure if I want to use them.. now i see this on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/CHRISTIAN-LOUBOUTIN-YOYO-TORTOISE-GLITTART-SHOE-PUMP-39-/260621208267?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Women_s_Shoes&hash=item3cae3c0acb
If i use this.. will be be ok? as the heels are different from yours 🙂
Thank you so much for your help!! I still couldnt stop myself drooling over your pair of strass!!!!
I’m not 100% sure how well glue on patent will work, it might be a bit slippery and hard to get the crystals to stick as the material isn’t porous or rough for it to stick to properly. I’ve never tried with patent. I also think the gold metal heel might be a bit tricky to work with, again I don’t know if the glue would stick the crystals to it properly, they might fall off. I think the safest option would be fabric like satin, non patent leather and canvas 🙂
Bloggers are not appreciated enough, keep up the great writing.
I love your shoes. I plan on doing a pair for my wedding shoes, but in a jade color. What order did you put the crystals?
I put them in any random order, I started out with the bigger 20ss and then put the 16ss then the 12ss and just filled the gaps accordingly 🙂
hi I LOVE your shoes, I taught they were like that from the beggining:P you have done a really good job 🙂 maybe I will do that with one of my shoes as well 😛 I love pink, and I think that it is a little bit Sex and the City feeling, about your shoes, toatally love them. Please visit my blog, and drop a comment 😉
Ps. Iam from Sweden, so maybe you don´t understand what I am writing, but it would be fun, to se what you think about the blog 🙂 Were are you from? Bye 🙂 /
Andrea
my blog: andreaedanius.blogg.se
Awh thank you Andrea 🙂 that’s really kind of you. I understand your English perfectly and I will take a look at your blog soon! 🙂
thank you for your sharing. I like it.
These do look gorgeous now! Much prefer them.
Just curious. Why not do all one size crystal in the smallest size? I know with using different sizes…the smaller size is to fill in the gaps…just curious why not do all of the smallest size.
Don’t get me wrong…you did an amazing job! Just curious why different sizes.
Because it doesn’t look as good, all one size leaves some gaps and it looks like it doesn’t blend in properly. I wanted to do it like Louboutin does it, he uses all different sizes so it blends well 🙂
Hello Lorna,
Thank you so much for posting your experience! I was wondering and I know the question is personal, would you mind telling me what size shoe you are and also would you be willing to say what the total cost was to “strass” both of these shoes. I am trying to get up the nerve to do this project, but I am afraid it will end up costing me a fortune if I make mistakes.
Hi Heather 🙂
My shoe size is between 39.5 and 40, these are a 40 as they ran on the smaller side. The cost completely depends on how much you have found an authentic CL shoe for. The crystal pricing also depends on which ones you use and how big the shoe is as well. I have used regular fuchsia and fuchsia AB and so far I think the crystals alone have cost me around, maybe, £150? I’m not 100% sure as it’s been a long time and I’ve put many mini orders in for them, I didn’t buy one big bulk load. Which shoes are you planning on doing? 🙂
I’ve been wanting to do this for my bridal shoes. I noticed on the purse forums that all the girls that strassed their shoes used glue. Is there a reason why glue is being used and not the hotfix applicator?
Hi Lynn, the reason we use glue is it’s stronger. The hot fix glue on the crystals only works on pourus materials like suede and canvas and even then it’s not so strong. Also with glue it’s easier to re position the crystal as it sets 🙂 hope that helps!
aahhhh, thank you Lorna!!! I keep gawking at your shoes – BEAUTIFUL!!!
loved this blog!
Thanks for the great post!
Nice little blog and very easy to navigate. Got it bookmarked and will try to remember to visit again.
Hi Lorna (I said I was here reading!). Was just curious how it felt customizing your Louboutins in this manner. I’d assume this is a fairly permanent process, so how did you go about careful application so as to avoid error?
Hi Audrey 🙂 I’ve been customizing clothes and jeans and electronics since as long as I can remember, I’ve put crystals on phones before and I know how to do it as best as I can. You just need to have as much patience as possible, a really steady hand and not too much glue. Each time you dip a crystal in the glue, dab it onto some tissue to remove any excess and then place it on and push it down so it sticks, once it’s stuck a bit wipe any excess glue showing through off 🙂 Eventually you can learn the right amount of glue so you don’t have to wipe it off all the time. It’s easy once you know how. Also, the good thing about GemTac is it doesn’t dry instantly so you can move the crystal around if you need to or remove it and just wipe the glue off with no problems!
I just became a follower. Very cute blog! Feel free to check out my blog 🙂
-Amanda
(The Pretty Pauper)
prettypauperstyle.blogspot.com
Hi, I just saw your shoes, I absolutely like them!! They look more pretty with the strass!! I just became a follower, nice to see fashion with other eyes!
Thanks Maria, I’m glad you like my blog 🙂
love!love!love! could you tell us the site where you got the crystals from and approx how much did you end up spending on the crystals .. i think you should become a shoe designer yourself!
Thank you Seham! I got the crystals from an ebay store here in England, you have to make sure you get a trustworthy place that sells real swarovski crystals and not knock offs. I think I spent at least £175 on crystals alone, I’m not 100% sure it was a long time ago now but I did spend a lot of money. And that’s a really nice compliment, my aim is to be a designer one day of denim but I would love to branch out to shoes! 😀
Your blog is very much worthy of a bookmark. Thank you for the terrific post!
You did an excellent job! Very professional looking. Louboutin doesn’t have enough choice in regards to crystal color, so I applaud you for taking the initiative.
Love your site!
i LOVE your shoes!!!! i have a question for you…how come you only used the 16ss in the fuchsia AB color and not more sizes in the AB color???
Thank you 🙂 And the reason for that was purely because I could only find the 16SS in the AB, I couldn’t find any other sizes in that colour at all.
OMG I am in LOVE with your shoes!! I am having a hot pink wedding and would love to do this exact same thing! Unfortunately I cannot afford louboutin’s, do you have any other suggestions for me??
Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Shantille! Congratulations on the wedding! You could try doing some DIY on any shoes, you could buy some heels which you want to wear for the day and then glitter then or put crystals on them, glittering takes all of an hour but the glitter does rub off a LOT! Crystals take forever but they stay on 🙂 They don’t just have to be Louboutins, you can do it to any shoes you love!
Thanks Lorna!! I appreciate your response sooo much, and the congrats on our wedding 🙂 We are spending so much money on everything else, not to mention I have already bought shoes that I am not sure on anymore, that I don’t think I can afford to spend anymore than 300 dollars on a new pair. Yours would be ideal, and exactly what I am looking for!! I have been googling some shoes that are glittery and have found these ones. I am REALLY debating them as I don’t know if I am able to put the crystals on them myself. I have posted the link if you would like to take a look!! I actually searched swarkovski crystals to order them, but I cannot find any fuchsia flat backs.
Here is the link to the shoes. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3122908?origin=category&resultback=6210
Thanks again 🙂
You are welcome! I love weddings so I am always happy for people getting married 😀
You wont be able to stick crystals on a glittery shoe, the shoe needs to have a fabric base or soft leather base, the glue and crystals wont stick to the glitter so you need to pick a glitter shoe or a crystal shoe to have. Those ones are amazing though! I love the bright pink glitter! They look so pretty! Plus they are affordable! If you want to put pink crystals on a pair of shoes though you can use eBay, I found all of mine on there, I just typed ‘swarovski fuchsia flat back crystal’ and you want to get the foil back ones not the hot fix. It does take SO long to do them though, it takes almost an hour to do a 2 inch space.
Hi Lorna 🙂 I also love those glittery shoes, if I were to choose them I would definitely not not try and put crystals on them. I think I am going to buy the crystals and glue them on my shoes! I will keep you updated on my decision and/or progress on the shoes!
Happy New Year to you 🙂
Pooh ok, I missunderstood 🙂 definitely let ne know what you choose. When is your wedding? I would love to see photos 🙂
My wedding is July 30th, 2011! I will definitely send you some pics, i’ll update you with what I am doing as well 🙂
Definitely do! I would love to see 😀
Lorna, you did a great job! I do this sort of thing for a living, so I would love for you, and anyone else that’s interested, to check out my blog as well. Let me know what you think! 🙂
http://redomyshoe.blogspot.com/
Wow you have done an amazing job on some of those shoes! That’s cool you do it for a living 🙂
You are a very capable individual!
yo you got crazy..you should design shoes! i will definitely use your tips!!
Thanks Precious 🙂 I would absolutely love to be a shoe designer!
This is by far my favourite post of yours. Love this.
Wow !!! Gorgeous :D!!!!
Hey, was just browsing the internet and found these shoes what you have decorated yourself they’re soooo BEAUTIFUL!!! i was just wondering what does the SS mean??? i.e. SS5 SS9 OR 9SS etc….
these are my wedding shoes and i am hoping to decorate the black bow part with some kind of crystals’ 😀
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/Rosiex1987x/?action=view¤t=Photo308.jpg
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/Rosiex1987x/?action=view¤t=Photo307.jpg
http://s844.photobucket.com/albums/ab3/Rosiex1987x/?action=view¤t=Photo307.jpg#!oZZ8QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs844.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fab3%2FRosiex1987x%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DPhoto303-1.jpg
any idea as to what sizes? etc. thanks xx
Those are really cute 🙂 SS just means the size of the crystal, it’s how they determine the size. They should have a list on google or where ever you buy them from how big the sizes are in millimeters. I think you should probably use smaller crystals as they will shine a lot more on a smaller area so SS9 and SS 12 might be a good combination if you are just going with the bow 🙂
thank u for getting back to me, do u think i should just do the bow or should i also do the black side bits too? which’s part of the bow.x
I think you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with, whether or not you want a lot of crystals or just a minimal amount 🙂
Maybe I missed this answer but how many stones did you use for the shoes?
I’ve used over 2000 so far and I ran out 🙁
OMG amazing 🙂
Thank you 🙂
love love love!!!
Thank you Simone 🙂
OMG I have been looking for these shoes since December I absolutely LOVE what you did I don’t own any Louboutin shoes but this inspires me. Great work on your DIY shoes!!!
Thanks Dee 🙂 I am glad you like them! You should definitely try it 🙂
Hi! I’ve just been looking for info on strassing as I am wanting to give it a go myself. You have done a fabulous job! Any tips for a first timer? Also, I was wondering if you’re familiar with the Louboutin Pagalili silver studded pumps? Would you have any recommendations for me on studs to use as I am clueless as to where to even begin with this. Any help would be very much appreciated 🙂 Thanks so much!
Hi 🙂 This was my first time doing shoes too! I’m used to things like phones and stuff so actually doing shoes is easier than it looks. I know the studded Pigalles but I would have no idea what to recommend for studs, I know about crystals but with studs I’m sure they are super expensive and I don’t know what sort of glue would hold the metal in place. You just need patience and a steady hand for strassing really, that’s all there is to it 🙂 Good luck with yours!
Great thanks so much. I have never strassed anything before, and I am thinking it would be a great project. I’m not looking to copy the studded pigalili, just draw inspiration from it. I cannot afford over $3000 for a pair of shoes, so I think coming up with my own take on it is okay. I would never try to pass something off as anything other than a dyi project either. Just not sure where to find flat backed studs, most of them are for putting through fabric or leather. A challenge is always good though! Thanks again 🙂
I’m sure you will do a great job! I didn’t copy a specific pair either, Louboutin never made any with fuchsia crystals so I did my own. I can’t afford the strass price tag either, it’s so much! I wouldn’t pass them off as real strass either, it’s wrong, plus it’s kind of cool to show people you did it yourself. If I see any flat back studs I will let you know! Are you after the spiked studs? 🙂
Spiked, cone, or pyramid or all three! I was actually going to do them on a pair of black pumps with black crystals and then some silver studs (or even better if they had that black looking metal kind) as accents. If you come across any, that would be wonderful! I figure using the kind that need to puncture through the shoe is too much work. I’d have to get the inner shoe recovered so they didn’t rub and irritate my feet. That may be a bigger project than I can handle! Lol. And I agree, being able to tell people you did it yourself is great!
That sounds very pretty what you plan to do! If you find them, you will have to show me 😀 And yeah, the backs of the studs would hurt your feet if you pushed them through and having the fabric lining again is hard work and you would probably still fell them through it anyway.
Yes I will definitely show you when I’m done (which could be awhile haha). If I can’t find studs, I’m still going to strass them with the black crystals. The studded pigalili will have to be in my dreams only LOL. Thanks so much for all your help 🙂
I’ve looked and it seems impossible to find any flat back spikes. I think the crystals will still be gorgeous 🙂
Oh my god! I can not believe! You were ingenious! These shoes are fabulous! The dream of all! Carry Bradshaw would love them!
Thank you Loulou 🙂
Hi Lorna, you def have heard this many time but I have to say this one more time that your shoes are amazing!!!!! I love love it. And that inspires me to diy the shoes for my wedding. This will be my first time ever so may you give me some advice Lorna? I am thinking about strassing a Pigalle Plato 120 multicolor glitter. I know glitter is nice itself but for some reason i love it to be strassed more :)). In your opinion, what glue i should use to have crystals stick on and what color should I use? I totally have no idea about anything. Could you give me your opinion Lorna? Thank so much ^^
Hi Amy! Thank you 🙂 I think you may have a really hard time getting the glue and crystals to stick to the shoe because the glitter wont be very sticky, the crystals would probably fall off. For the glue I would use GemTac as it’s odourless and easy to use and the crystals you need foiled flat back Swarovski ones, make sure they are Swarovski as they are shiny and the best ones 🙂 What else would you like to know?
How many of each crystal size did you purchase??
Monica it’s been a slow process and I have been ordering them in a few hundred of each and the re ordering when I need to, you will use the medium sizes the most, more than the very very small 5ss and 20ss 🙂
Hi Lorna,
Thank you for your info. so you mean that the foiled flat back crystals may stick on glitter?
Also what color of crystals you recommend on multicolor glitter shoes Lorna?
Where can I get the best crystals online?
Hi Amy, no I mean no crystals will stick to glitter, I’m pretty sure they will just fall off. The flat back ones are for normal shoes without glitter 🙂 You can get them on eBay or on special craft stores 🙂
Oh no I am so sad!! I really want to strass on my glitter shoes :(((( Do you think using a board sander might help?
It might work but then you risk ruining your shoes 🙁
:(( how sad!!well maybe after a few years when i am tired of glittet i will risk using board sander and strass it :)). Thanksss a bunch for your info Lorna. :))))
woooah! this looks time consuming! good effort lorna…makes them look even more beautiful!
xx
Thank you so much 🙂 It is time consuming though!
Hi Lorna!!!!!
I’m getting married in August and I have been drooling over the CL Prive Riche 120 for months now. After blowing all of my mom’s money on my dress I cannot dear ask her to buy me those shoes. I am soooo happy I came across your blog because I am now so excited to strass my own CL shoes. I want maximum sparkle. should I strass a nude pair or a white pair? I am thinking about having my maid of honor help but I think I want to keep all the fun for myself 🙂 (plus it will be a cool surprise). Thanks a million!!!!!!!!
Hey Shirvonne! Congratulations on the wedding! You must be so excited! What colour crystals are you going to be using? That will determine what colour shoe. Also what fabric are your shoes? It is fun strassing them but it is a really really long process and if you do ask for her help you would need to make sure she’s trustworthy with the glue lol, you don’t want to ruin your shoes 🙂
I dont know I want it to sparkle like its Cinderella’s shoe! 🙂 Kinda like the real thing but with my twist. I literally just made this decision to do this so I don’t have to shoe or crystals yet. I will start buying the shoe and crystals when I get home from vacation next week. What do you suggest?
If you want the most sparkles then I would recommend the AB crystals, they are aurora borealis so they are clear but they sparkle all shades of the rainbow. In which case white or a silver shoo would be best. Non patent leather works best for the glue as does canvas or suede but it’s hard to find a white or silver suede or canvas. http://shesaidshoes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Christian-Louboutin-Fifi-Strass.png This shoe is AB crystals 🙂
Ummm. Ok thanks!. My mind is racing so fast and my fiance is looking at me as though I am crazy! How do you think a black shoe will turn out? I will look for the combo you suggested though. Thanks a million and one! 🙂
(I feel as though I should invite you to my wedding and seat you right next to my mom…lol…my mom gave me my dream dress and you my dream shoe. If you are in Trinidad in August you are so invited!)
Black shoe and black crystals? Haha that’s very sweet of you! I will attend online 😀 I wont be in Trinidad then, sorry! I’d love to see photos though!
No Black and AB crystals. I will send pic!
That might look interesting, I’m not sure, it might take a lot of the shine away. It’s hard to tell.
Hi Lorna,
Love, love, love your shoes !
I wear a size 8-1/2 shoe (US). In your opinion how many of each ss20, ss16, and ss10 crystals should I order to completely cover both shoes ? Do you think I should purchase even smaller than ss10 ?
Hi 🙂 Thanks! It’s so tough to say, it depends how much of a gap you are going to leave between each crystal as well. I started out with about 200 ss20, then about 600 ss16 and ss12 but I ended up buying more as I went a long. You are going to need more than that but it’s down to personal preference. It does cost a lot buying so many crystals. The smallest size I used was ss5 and that was to fill in the mini gaps, other than that I had ss9 and ss10 for the small ones 🙂
I think I will be referring a lot to your strassing post!
Hi Lorna,
I have read through the whole blog and am truely inspired. I am an older bride and would love to re create Nicey Nash’s wedding shoes. I am looking for your expertise to guide me on what color and size crystals to buy. It looks to me like they are fixed to a white satin sling back. Here is the picture –
http://www.bridefinds.com/2011/niecy-nash-unviels-some-fierce-swarovski-crystal-wedding-shoes-on-the-view-get-them-now/
Thanks, and you do beautiful work!
Hi 🙂 Thanks for reading! It looks like you can buy the shoes online here http://www.glam-luxe.com/#!__custom-stilettos but to me the crystals look like a combination of Sapphire and Clear with either Light Sapphire or Aquamarine in between. And yep, I would say that’s a white satin sling back they are stuck too. The glue sticks well to fabric shoes 🙂 Good luck with your wedding as well!
Lorna,
how do your shoes hold up to a day of wearing them? I’m planning on strassing a pair of shoes for my wedding but I’m afraid to sink so much time into this project if I’m going to have tons of crystals missing at the end of the night!
Hi Amber, I haven’t worn mine yet, I haven’t finished the one shoe. A lot of people have worn theirs though and they hold up fine if you use strong glue. You would need to be delicate with them though 🙂
OMG I really love what you have done. You’ve made me want to go and do it now 🙂
Author
Thanks Louis! If you have the patience and time you should try it 🙂
Hello!! Think you have done a lovely job of these shoes!!…the colour is really nice too…I’m thinking of doing a pair for my daughter could you please point me in the right direction of were to buy the crystals from I would be very grateful
With thanks
Marion 🙂
Author
Hi Marion! Thank you! That’s really kind of you 🙂 Which country are you in?
These look so great! Im buying these shoes soon myself, and I was wondering how they are to walk in? How high and sturdy is the heel? Cause CL’s are quite an investment, especially if I’m gonna do what you do and thus can’t return them if I regret the buy..
Author
Hi, they are quite comfy! The heel is a bit wobbly and the toe area is quite tight but they are ok if you buy the right size!
Your shoes are very nice…. You mist have a lot of patience. I had some items done at this website. http://www.primadnd.com. They do good work, and they are not pricey. Good luck to all of you out there that can do it. I wish I had the patience. I want a pair of uggs done. I’m send them to that website to do for me….
Author
Thank you Chanrel. Uggs would take a very very long time to do lol.
WOW! You have guts to cover your Louis! They look fantastic and it was interesting to see the step by step process.
🙂
mikky
http://www.todaloos.com
Author
Thanks Mikky! I haven’t heard Louboutin’s called Louis before lol! Only LV’s called Louis 🙂 That’s cool! I’m glad you like them though! It takes such a long time to do it!
uhm WOW!!!! AMAZING!!! I want to do that on my loubs!!! It looks awesome! 🙂
Btw thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment ! Following you blog now! 🙂
xoxo
piglet
http://pigletscloset.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you Piglet 🙂 I’m really glad you like them! You should definitely do it on yours 🙂
So these are the Louboutins you talked about.oh my god they’re really beautiful, I love them! Wasn’t it hard to make?You must have a lot of patience.I couldn’t do this I think:D And thank you for the comment on my blog:) I followed;)
Author
Thanks Tina! It did take SO long! I actually haven’t finished one shoe, it’s taking a long time and I have kind of lost the patience right now to do it lol!
These are absolutely gorgeous!! I saw this on this site recently and thought about for sometime in the future…http://urbanbling.com/
I love the pink! I hope more readers post their results.!
Author
Thank you karen! I just looked on that website and that person does an incredible job!
Umm…. I am so in love!!! I am going to do this to a pair of my shoes! (but mine will be a $10 pair probably :D)
http://www.mythriftychic.com
Darling, thank you for contacting me. You are so sweet.
Your blog is very lovely and I adore you for being so patient and working yourself on cristalizing your Louboutins 🙂
I follow you on Bloglovin.
Many kisses
Alexa
http://www.hi-fistories.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you Tori and Alexa 🙂 🙂 You should definitely give it a go!
Hello, Lorna.
Gorgeous!
I read your entire blog on your LB pink strassing project. I am impressed. I do have one question why choose GEMTAC over E4000? I will be doing some suede ballet flats in crystals in the next couple of months and I want to be sure of the type of glue that would be best because I do not want any mistakes. Please let me know what the difference is between the 2 glues. Thank you so much, and did you finish both of these shoes yet?
Raye;-)
Author
Hi Raye!
I’m glad you like my blog! Thank you! Good luck on yours! I only chose GemTac because it doesn’t have much smell to it, I’m very sensitive to strong smells and GemTac is low odour, the E4000 glue has quite a strong smell to it. If it didn’t smell I would have chosen to use it. But that’s my only reason for it. What colour are you doing yours? I am almost finished, I only have a small bit left to do on one shoe, it’s just finding the time to do it!;-)
Wow…this was so creative!! Thanks for stopping by my blog! 🙂 I’ll def be back for more!!!
http://www.simplyherliving.blogspt.com
Author
Thank you 🙂 I’m glad you like it!
OMG!Wonderfull!Congrats…Can you make me a pair of shoes like yours? 😛
http://emotionbyalessandrab.blogspot.com
Author
Thanks Alessandra 🙂 And sorry lol, I’m not doing anymore, you can definitely give it a go yourself though!
I was planning on working on a project like this and was looking around for tips and stumble onto yours! I find it very helpful and I was wondering if you would be able to recommend what size crystals I would need to use if I were to be doing a shoe similar to this one:
http://us.christianlouboutin.com/daffodile-160mm-4.html
:)) Thanks!
Author
Hey, I would recommend doing the same size crystals as I did, I think Louboutin uses those sizes on most of his Strass shoes, it looks more realistic than one size all over 🙂 Good luck with yours!
Love them! Can you do this to suade shoes?
Author
Yeah you can, it works well with suede I think as it’s more porous. I haven’t done it myself though. But be careful with the amount of glue you use as the suede will absorb it.
omg i want these!! so cute!!
http://www.LuvandIDo.wordpress.com
Author
Glad you like them! Thanks for all your comments!
so beautiful !http://www.christianlouboutinsreplicashoe.com
Author
Thank you Mouyuan!
hey lorna, please do a review with the shoes, want to see the final results with a complete outfit.
Author
Hi kalpana, I still haven’t finished them yet, there are some crystals left to put on my left shoe. These shoes I’m actually saving for my wedding, even though I’m not engaged yet, I want them as wedding shoes, so I wont do an outfit post, but I will definitely show you them with a video or something!
nice to know that, so sweet! can’t wait to see you get married.then..
Author
Thanks kalpana! It might be a long way off though lol!
I am amazed with your work!!!!
I was planning on doing it myself but I didn’t know if it would glue right
Yours is amazing. Beautiful!!!
I am from Brazil and I have a friend in US to buy me the crystal, would you give me the web where you bought yours???
What bead colors would you suggest for NUDE louboutins???:)
Tks
Rafa
http://www.sacolachique.com
Author
Hi Rafa, Thank you! I got mine from the UK as I am from England. If you just type Swarovski flat back crystals in google, you will find a place by you that stocks them! For nud, I would suggest maybe AB crystals, it depends what colour you like though!:)
OH MY LANTA! it’s looking amazing!
richelle
http://www.rarepersona.com
Author
Thank you Richelle!
So lovely boots. I love pink 🙂
Author
Thank you very much 🙂
You have nice heels but need to invest in a pedicure and some polish. Yikes
Author
LOL! I rarely wear open toe shoes unless it’s summer time, which it wasn’t when I took these, so that’s why. Plus I can only paint my nails outside because I have smell issues and nail polish is really bad on me for that. I admit painted toe nails look pretty, but not everyone has to have them. It’s not a must.
How many would i need for size 6 1/2 steve madden pumps?
Author
That depends on the size of the crystals you want to use and how big the shoe is.
Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!
Author
I’m sorry, I only just saw this comment. Thank you so much!
OMGGGGGGGGG!! What an amazing job – how many hours has this taken you so far?! You have GREAT attention to details. Love this DIY 🙂
Sadie xx
Author
Thank you Sadie 🙂 It took a lot of hours so far, I honestly don’t know the total, but my estimate would be around 20 so far, maybe. I can’t really think lol.
Where can we find the crystals? I am in Canada…so the only crafts store we have would be Micheals…maybe online??
Author
Hi Jessica! I listed quite a lot of places in the main text and in the comments about crystals. I bought all of mine online, I don’t live near a craft store so I got them at reputable stores online. Sometimes there are sellers on eBay that are certified and sell authentic Swarovski crystals. Try there?
Hiya … have you tried using one of those kebab stick things with a lump beeswax on the end instead of tweezers? My friend is a costumier who has stuck literally THOUSANDS of crystals on and she swears by it. She calls it her “bedazzling wand”!
Author
Hi! Yeah I have tried one, but I just can’t seem to get the crystals to stick to it. I’m not sure what I was dong wrong with it?
Very clever! Great work!
I love louboutins too 🙂 and thanks dear for visiting my site and leaving a lovely comment! http://www.smilingstyle.com/i-just-love-cls-what-do-you-think/
We should definitely like each other on FB 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SmilingStylecom/278416282176947
Author
Thanks SmilingStyle 🙂 We can follow each other, do you want to follow me and I will follow back? 🙂
your collection is just too good. I am 9 years old. i’ll want to meet you if you ever visit in india.
Author
Thank you for being a fan meemu!
I love these. Im trying to find a place to buy them from. I see that you say the ones from China are not that shiney. Please help me find some place to order from. Im really wanting to give these a try.
Author
Hi Mona! Are you looking for the individual Swarovski crystals or do you mean the actual shoes?
how much did the crystals cost and where did you buy them?
Author
It should say in the text above, I bought them on eBay from a reputable seller and some from a UK store. They were pretty expensive, it depends on the sizes you buy and how many.
Hi, I’m just trying to do this with my shoes but I’ve read some reviews about gem tac glue which say that it peels off after a while. So I wanted to ask whether any of your rhinestones have come off since you made them and what condition they are in?
Thanks 🙂 x
Author
Hi Lucy, oh I haven’t heard about that happening to the crystals. I haven’t had it happen on mine, mine are still on. But you could use the other strong glue instead if you feel more comfortable! 🙂
These are just fabulous! I fell in love with them, and your blog!! Congratulations, I think I’ll do that too, although I wouldn’t be so patient! Aren’t you afraid that the crystals might fall though? What glue did you use?
xoxo
http://routethirteen.blogspot.com
Author
Thanks Maria! I listed everything I used in the text above, the glue is pretty strong so I’m not worried about them falling off, none have fallen off so far! Glad you like my blog, that means a lot to me!
Lorna,
Came across your blog…..we are a Swarovski Authorized dealer. Please check out our website: http://www.kgottfriedinc.com. Would love the opportuinity to supply you with the crystals you use to make those gorgeous shoes! You should have my email, please contact me with any questions. I’m sure we can help with whatever your rhinestone needs are! Look forward to working with you!!!
Author
Hi! Thank you for letting me know about the website. I’m in the UK though so shipping overseas probably wouldn’t be really useful for me, sorry!
Fantastic job!
Author
Oh thank you Maria!
Thank you so much for showing how to do this, wish I had seen this for my wedding oct 2012! I wore glitter Loubi Ron Rons for the big day.
I have just won a pair of pre owned silver Loubis on ebay and am going to try your method with clear crystals. I am just afraid of making a mess of them!
Thank you so much for the inspiration.
xx
ooh and did you use foiled or non foiled backed crystals thanks in advance x
Author
Hi Miss M! I used foil back crystals, hope that helps!
Hi sorry I bet you’ve been asked this a million times but I’m planning on doing this to my wedding Loubs and wondered how many of each size stones you’d recommend please? I’m a size 6 and am planning on using satin milady’s. These look amazing-so excited!! Sarah
Author
Hi Sarah, it’s show dependent, it really depends on how much fabric there is, the size of the shoe, how close you want the crystals and what size crystals you are using. There isn’t one specific amount. But I would say buy quite a lot of each, and then order more if you need them. You will need more of the smaller ones as obviously they are smaller. Hope that helps and congratulations on your wedding!
These are so amazing, I just love it. I am gonna give it a go myself.
Author
Thanks Helen!
Your blog is really amazing!!!! These shoes look great!!!!
Thanks for visiting my blog!!!
Kises from Mexico
Arts & Fashion Mix
http://artsfashionmix.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you Ely!!
I am ready to make a start, my shoes arrived yesterday, plan to start on Tuesday! Wish me luck and thank you so much for the tutorial, wouldn’t have attempted this without you xx
Author
Good luck with it Miss M!
Nearly done 1 shoe awesome! You have been so inspiring – will show you pics as and when xx
Author
Oh great! I would love to see!
Still haven’t finished them! I had a brain freeze, was hoping \i might finish them for xmas this year, but they are still 1/2 done! I plan to make it my mission to finish them over the summer of 2016!!! This has been a huge project!!
Author
Good luck with it!
I know this post is pretty old, though i wanted to know how the shoes has kept up since you’ve done your shoes? Wear wise, do the crystals hold up, or have they tend to fall off as you wear them out? Im debating on doing them on my Loub’s and dont want to ruin them with glue only to find out the crystals will all just chip away? thanks!
Author
Hi nicole! I’m saving them for my wedding so I haven’t worn them yet lol.
husband said the same, i said do your worst try and get some off the shoe….they are really pretty well stuck on as the glue sets with a flexible texture – ie not set rigid…i promised you he pushed and shoved to get the crystals off and it was quite funny !!!
Author
Lol that’s really funny! Good to know they are stuck well then!
wow that is unbelievable !! cant believe you made them all by yourself ! well done !!!!
http://www.alexavoncanisius.com/blog/
Author
Thank you Alexa!!
It came out amazing!! very professional, but you are brave I’d be too scared to do it in case I destroy my Loubis :O xx
Author
Lol yeah, I know what you mean, I was scared at first, but I have been doing DIY and arts and crafts my whole life so I was fairly confident I could do these ok!
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know I started today on a pair of yellow suede sandals! it’s going to take a while that’s for sure, but the little part that’s finished looks amazing! Thank you so much for your inspiration!
Love
Frauke
Author
Oh good luck with it! I would love to see when you are finished!
http://instagram.com/p/bF7pvGh-IX/
Still a lot to do….
Author
That looks incredible so far! I love the colour combo!
Thank you! They match perfectly with my yellow bag from the Cambridge Satchel company! (Another great tip from you;-))
Author
Ha ha, I’m glad you find inspiration from me!
When you were doing the bottom of the heel did you use all the same size crystals? If so what size? I bought a pair of yoyos and I’m thinking of strassing them.
Author
Hi Staci, the very very bottom I used a mix of 9 and 10 on there, which ever I could fit around them!
Thank you.
How about the outline of the shoe. It kinda looks like you did that in a line of one size.
Author
I varied the outline between the 9 and 10 as well as the 12, but it’s important to work from the outside in I found so that you have enough space to fit crystals on the edges. Good luck with yours!
Hi, For all of you who are into Nail art, designing cloth or just want to pimp their smart phone casing 🙂 , you are invited to check out my eBay listing. I am selling Genuine SWAROVSKI Elements type:2058 glue fix color:rose(209) size: 3.2mm (SS12)
Great prices
3.92 for 24 crystals/pack
4.6$ for 48 crystals/pack
6$ for 72 crystals/pack
|free shipping|. ~Joan Hill
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130968221672?var=&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1586.l2649
Yeah you’re right you have a unique shoes now. I love the color of the Machine cut rhinestones. You are a very patient person huh. But it is a nice hobby, maybe I can try that at home customizing my favorite shoe using my favorite color of rhinestones. Thanks.
Author
Thank you!
Absolutely Gorgeous! <3 You've inspired me to strass my own loubous!! <3
Author
Thank you! Good luck with yours!
Lorna, HOW FABULOUS ARE YOU!!! These look phenomenal!!! Beautiful craftsmanship! A Must-Try!
Author
Thank you so much Jess! I’m really glad you like them!
Hi Lorna, I would like to know if you used all flatback rhinestones? I am thinking about strassing my wedding shoes 🙂
TIA!!
Author
Hi, yeah flat back foiled crystals I used 🙂
ah i envy your patience!! i could never have done it 🙂
Author
Ha ha, thanks 🙂
I am pretty sure this was how I discovered your blog in the beginning.
I loved this post. And of course anything to do with louboutins is fine by me.
I can’t remember any outfits with you in them though however this could be because all you outfit posts are lovely!
Kiri
http://www.fashionblender.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/FashionBlender
Author
Thanks! I never wore them, I purposely am saving them for my wedding day sometime off in the future! I don’t want to wear them out and ruin them after all the effort lol!
How many crystals would you say that you used? I’m attempting to duplicate Louboutin’s Strass Daffodils with a mary jane platform. You do excellent work.
Author
Hi, I have no idea, it was a very long time ago that I did this now. Maybe if you look through the comments or the text it will say how many I used, it was years ago, I can’t remember anymore. You will definitely need more for the Daffodile though, since they have twice the amount of fabric to cover.
little tip! If you use a cocktail stick with bees wax ball on the end to pick the stones up and place them on! The bees wax will hold the stone on tip of ur stick then u place them on! Will speed it up a lot X
Author
I did try that, but they kept falling off the stick, ha ha.
Well great Lorna, Amazing DIY shoes i ever ween. how this idea strike in your mind.?
Author
There are some Louboutin with strass/crystals on already, so I wanted some similar and in a combination I liked, plus it didn’t cost the £3000 price tag lol.
I find gemtac glue kind of cumbersome. How do you ensure such a beautiful and precise application of crystals of this size with the glue? Do you apply the glue directly from the bottle to the crystals?
Author
I put a blob of it on paper and then use it that way, don’t do it straight from the bottle as it can go everywhere. Good luck! I only chose this glue as it doesn’t smell, I have issues with chemical smells which is why I went with this one. Others use different glues.
Why is it called strassing?
Author
Strass is the French term for crystals/rhinestones, so since Louboutin is a French brand, it’s called that. Thanks!
Hello, I’m commenting years later which is proof that your shoes are amazing and timeless! I’m actually thinking of strassing a purse, it is a jacquard-like canvas material, not leather. Based on your experience, do you think I can use the hotfix tool for this, especially since it is fabric and not leather? Thanks so much!
PS- and on the flip side, what do you think about the gem tac glue being used on a fabric? do you think it will be stronger than the hotfix? thanks so much.
Author
Hi, I’m not completely sure as I don’t have a huge experience with the hotfix tool, I would maybe google which glue is best for fabrics and see which one comes up top! I used this particular glue because I’m allergic to strong chemical smells and this one has no smell at all, thankfully.