In addition to sequin trim, which is pretty much always a good bet, I also really like to trim shoes with a sort of braided trim called Chinese gimp.
I used 1/2" Chinese gimp in metallic green on this shoe, and on a blue 2012 shoe.
You can also see shoes trimmed with Chinese gimp in this article
I think you're more apt to find it at Fabric stores (Joann's, maybe Hancock's) than craft stores. It's a really nice way to finish edges because it bends to follow a shoe edge so beautifully. It also gives a little more dimension than sequin trim because it's got a little more thickness.
Your shoes are great! I'm proud of the work I do on mine, but yours are a cut above. Beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteThank you! What a treat to have another shoe-glitterer visit :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more about your shoes...what brand of glitter do you use? Any particular tips to share?
Thanks again!
Oh, do I have glitter! I've tried a lot of different things and have a whole collection of Martha Stewart, Recollections, and WOW! brands. I've tried and liked Jones Tones, which I bought locally from Plush Appeal, but my favorite product from that brand is the glitter paint for writing. My absolute favorite colors are the crystalina colors from Jefferson Variety, the ones you have to ask for if they aren't on the shelves. I generally stay away from chunky, but have tried the super chunky from Martha Stewart and have figured out a good way to use it, and I just bought some WOW! from Marshall's that has some medium chunky iridescent colors that I think will look good if done correctly.
ReplyDeleteWhat float did you ride on this year? I was on 24 Checkout/Self-Checkout, we were the Day of the Dead ladies at the pre-party.
Yeah, the Jefferson Variety glitter is my favorite. I bought a few tubs the last time I was there, I'm thinking about treating myself to more. I've never tried Jones Tones or WOW! brand, I'll have to check them out (never met a glitter I didn't like). I'm with you on generally staying away from the chunkier glitters...much tougher.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a member of Muses, myself (don't I wish!) Some very kind friends take my shoes along for the fabulous ride. My sister and I hope we may some day get to sub in (fingers crossed).
You have inspired me and I'm contemplating starting a blog, too. I love Pinterest and collect inspirational ideas there, but I'd love to document some of my process to share with others. I use Modge Podge or Sobo glue for glittering and Aleene's Thick for sequins and other strung trim. I use glitter paint for attaching rhinestones, which gives them a circle of glitter around the edge for a nice effect, and E6000 for larger items such as jeweled pieces. I have a small collection of broken vintage pins that I'm planning to start using, and the E6000 is a must for those pieces. I also just got some vintage-y trim from my grandmother that I'm looking forward to experimenting with. I think of my shoes as design pieces that are more abstract, and work with a lot of color; a basic shoe for me has at least 4 different colors of glitter, sequin trim and rhinestones. I hand write Muses, the year, and tag my best shoes with my initials. My friend teases me ever since I told her I let the shoe speak and tell me what it wants to look like, but that's what I do, LOL!
DeleteI'm arranging a glitter shoe party for the end of the month, and I've started about 5 shoes. I'm going to try the transfer technique for a few ideas I've got, thanks for sharing that.
I'm a lieutenant, and if I hear of a riding opportunity, I'll let you know! -Kim
Oh wow, vintage pin Muses shoes sound AMAZING! If you start a blog, please let me know, I'd love to follow it and see your shoes!! The feeling of shoes speaking to you sounds eerily familiar :)
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