Today is idea #2.

So again, I cut off those plastic flip-flop parts…..

…..and changed up the look a bit by creating a new shape to the flip-flop, with fabric.   And then used beads from a broken necklace.

Those beads sure help fancy up these plain ‘ol flip-flops a bit.

Who says flip-flops have to be boring? And have the plain plastic strap?  No one.

I’m realizing there are lots of fun ways to keep my feet happy.  Even if I’m just chillin’ in the backyard.

(Oh Colorado, I adore your summer weather.  You make me happy.)

Do you have an old pair of flip-flops you want to perk up?

(Or, you can always find them for a few dollars at Old Navy.)

First of all, I dug in my closet for this pair of flip-flops.  And then I cut off the straps, just like I did on the last pair (found here).

Then I pulled out some scrap fabric to use for the main piece for each sandal.  And then I found this broken necklace on clearance at Kohl’s……and knew I could use those flat beads somehow.  Love it when that happens.  So I took the necklace apart and saved the beads I needed.  But you can buy unused beads at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby (or other craft store) or find an old necklace at the thrift store.  A flat bead works best though, so keep an eye out.

Then I cut out a triangle shape out of paper, that I used for my pattern piece for the main triangle piece.  To achieve a good shape, measure it against your foot while deciding on the right size.  Then lay it on top of your flip flop and measure it against that.  I like more of a long and narrow triangle……I guess kind of like a piece of pizza.  But you could go with any shape.  Just see what you like best, and make your paper pattern the exact size you want it.

(I also made the short side of the triangle curved inward, so that it would contour my foot better.  And I also cut off the tip of the triangle and made it a straight edge.)

Next, you want to use your pattern piece to cut everything out.  Now, you can trace out a new pattern piece that’s bigger and includes a seam allowance or you can eyeball it as you’re cutting.  I recommend cutting out a new pattern piece…..but it’s up to you.

So cut out 4 triangles out in your main fabric choice (I used cotton fabric), that is bigger than your original pattern piece.  (I made mine 1/4 inch bigger all the way around.)  And then cut 2 pieces of felt with the original pattern piece size and 2 pieces of double sided fusible web.  I know, I have 4 of everything shown in the picture.  I wasn’t thinking and cut too many.  Sorry about that.

Now, place 2 of your triangles together, with right sides together, and sew all the way around (my seam allowance was 1/4 inch)…….leaving about an inch opening along one side.  Do the same with the other 2 triangle pieces.

Now, layer a piece of the web and a felt piece on one side of the fabric triangle………inside of the stitches.  (If the felt and web are bigger than your outline of stitches, trim them down to fit inside.)

Then iron the felt right down to the main fabric.

Now trim your edges and corners……..

………and clip the top curve of the triangle (unless you made it straight across the top). 

(Need help with clipping corners and curves?  Click here.)

Then, turn the triangle right side out, poke out the corners, and iron flat.  Be sure to tuck the edges of the opening towards the inside before ironing.

Now, top-stitch all the way around the outer edge of the triangle.

Follow the same steps with the other triangle.

Next, cut a strip of fabric to make the side straps and the toe straps for the sandal.  It depends on how wide you want your strip but I made my side strips about 3/4 of an inch wide.  So I cut a strip of fabric 2 inches wide, folded it in half lengthwise (and right sides together) and sewed down the raw edge, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.  Then I turned the tube right side out and ironed it flat.  (Need help turning a tube right side out?  Click here.)

Oh, also…….my strip was about 40 inches long and then I cut it into 4 pieces, and used one for each side strap on both sandals.  I made them longer than I needed so I had enough to tie a knot on the underneath side of the sandal.

Now, zig-zag (or serge) one end of each strip.  Then place your foot on top of the flip flop, place the triangle on top of your foot and then see what angle of each side strap looks best.  Be sure that each strap is angled so that it will line up with the side holes in the flip flop.  Now, pin those straps in place (the zig-zag end) and then sew them down with 2 rows of stitches.

Here’s a view from the back.

Then I made another strip of fabric for the toe strap……but my finished strap was more narrow, at a 1/2 inch.  To achieve this, I cut out a strip of fabric that was 1.5 inches wide by about 15 inches long.  After sewing it and ironing it, I cut it in half and had about 7.5 inches for each sandal.

Now, arrange your beads on top of the triangle section……..just how you like it.

Then secure them with thread (hand-stitching).

Then feed each strap down into the flip-flops.  Try the flip-flops on to see how tight or loose you want your straps……then knot the ends of the straps to keep them in place.  Add a little glue underneath each knot, just for added strength.  (More detailed instructions of this step, here.)

And that’s it.  Your new sandals are ready to accompany you during these warmer months.

Love them.