Looking to add an elegant, luxurious touch to your wedding shoes? This guide shows you how to embellish bridal shoes with Serinity pearls in flatback cabochon form, for a timeless, sophisticated look. It is the perfect way for a bride to add a unique, custom finish to her special day.
It is an easy, beginner-friendly project that simply rewards a little patience. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 1 to 2 hours, plus overnight to cure
- Pearls used: Serinity cabochon pearls in Cream, sizes SS20 and SS34
- Best type: Flatback pearl cabochons, glue-set to the shoes
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities depend on your shoes and design, so scale to suit. Add the pearls, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. For a classic palette, browse our bridal pearls in cream, white and gold, and the picker and tray from tools and accessories are reusable across every project.
- Shoes of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1 pair
- Serinity Cabochon Pearls SS34, CreamLarger pearls1 pack
- Serinity Cabochon Pearls SS20, CreamSmaller pearls1 pack
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing pearls1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising sizes1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.05 Excl. VAT
£1.95 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£9.53 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to embellish bridal shoes with pearls
Step 1: Gather your supplies and prepare the shoes
Gather everything together, then clean the surface of the shoes with a damp cloth and a little isopropyl alcohol to remove dust and oils. Let them dry completely before you start.
Step 2: Prepare the glue
Transfer a small amount of E6000 glue into the syringe for control, taking care not to overfill it, which causes air bubbles. If you see bubbles, gently squeeze out the air and a little glue before you begin.
Step 3: Plan your design
Decide where the pearls will go. You can create full coverage, an elegant scattered effect, or a graduated ombre transition across the shoe.
Step 4: Apply the glue in small sections
Work in small sections so the glue does not dry too quickly. Apply a thin layer where you want your pearls and let it sit for three to five minutes until tacky.
Step 5: Place the larger cabochons
Use the wax picker to lift the SS34 cabochons and place them onto the tacky glue in a line.
Step 6: Place the smaller cabochons
Once the SS34 cabochons are down, fill the next line of glue with the smaller SS20 cabochons, continuing your chosen pattern across the shoe.
Step 7: Leave to cure, then finish
Leave the shoes to cure overnight without touching or moving them, so the bond sets strong. Then inspect for any gaps or misplaced pearls, and tidy any excess glue with a little isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
Frequently asked questions
How do you embellish bridal shoes with pearls?
Clean the shoes, plan your design, then glue pearl cabochons on in small sections with a strong adhesive, lifting each with a wax picker. You can go for full coverage, a scattered effect or a graduated ombre, then leave them to cure fully before your big day.
What are cabochon pearls?
Cabochon pearls are flatback, dome-shaped pearls with a smooth flat base, designed to be glued or heat-set onto a surface. Unlike round pearls, they have no hole for threading, which makes them ideal for embellishing shoes, bags and other accessories.
What glue holds pearls on shoes?
A flexible, industrial-strength adhesive like E6000. Clean and degrease the shoes with isopropyl alcohol first, apply a thin layer, then let it sit for three to five minutes until tacky before pressing on each pearl so they grip securely.
How do you apply pearls to shoes neatly?
Work in small sections so the glue does not dry before you reach it, and place the pearls in lines by size, for example a row of the larger SS34 cabochons followed by a row of SS20. Planning the layout first keeps the spacing even and the finish professional.
Should I use hotfix or glue on shoes?
Glue. Pearl cabochons are often sold with a hotfix backing, but heat is not practical or safe on most shoe materials, so a strong glue like E6000 is the reliable choice for footwear. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first.
How many pearls do I need and can I change the colour?
It depends on your shoes and design, whether full coverage, scattered or ombre. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area. We used cream for a classic bridal look, but any shade works. These are our own Austrian-made Serinity pearls; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Mix pearls with crystals, or choose a colour to match your theme. For more footwear sparkle, see our crystal high heels and prom heels projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
