Want to add some sparkle to your prom outfit? This guide shows you how to bedazzle prom heels with Serinity non-hotfix flatback crystals in a pretty ombre scatter. These custom shoes will stand out on the dance floor and give your prom ensemble a unique, personalised finish, sure to earn compliments.
It is a rewarding project, simple in technique with a slightly more involved ombre design. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate (simple gluing, detailed ombre design)
- Time: A few hours, plus overnight to cure
- Crystals used: Serinity flatbacks in Vintage Rose, sizes SS12 and SS16
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the heels
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 how much you cover, so treat these as a guide. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and tray in our tools and accessories range are reusable across every project.
- Pink heels of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1 pair
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS16, Vintage RoseMain coverage and rows1440
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS12, Vintage RoseOmbre scatter1440
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising sizes1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.12 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 bedazzle prom heels
Step 1: Gather your supplies and prepare the heels
Wipe any dust off the shoes with a damp cloth and let them dry. Tip your crystals into the sorting tray ready to pick up.
Step 2: Prepare the glue
Fill the glue syringe with enough E6000 for your project. The neatest way is to put the end of the syringe inside the nozzle of the glue tube and pull the plunger while gently squeezing the tube, transferring the glue with minimal mess and air.
Step 3: Guard against air bubbles
If a small air bubble forms in the syringe, hold it upright so the bubble floats to the top, then gently push the plunger until only glue remains. Fit the needle tip to finish.
Step 4: Plan your design
We created an ombre scatter, full coverage around the top of the foot fading to almost none near the sole. You can use any design and follow the same steps, though quantities will vary.
Step 5: Apply the glue
Pipe a thin layer of glue along the edge of the shoe to outline your design and leave it for five to ten minutes to get tacky. Take care not to use too much, and work in small sections around the toe, sides and back, since a shoe is a curved, three-dimensional surface.
Step 6: Build the rows
Place the crystals with the wax picker, starting with the outline and working in rows, keeping them close together. Glue the next row just below, let it get tacky, and place again, offsetting each row in a honeycomb pattern so the crystals nestle tightly.
Step 7: Build the ombre scatter
Apply three rows of solid SS16 coverage, then a row alternating SS16 and SS12. On the next row, alternate the sizes again but leave a gap of about four crystals between each. From there, scatter the crystals with more space between them, filling any gaps, alternating SS16 and SS12 higher up and switching to only SS12 further down. Place fewer and fewer crystals towards the sole, finishing with just one or two stones near the bottom.
Step 8: Leave to dry
Tidy the edges with a little isopropyl alcohol if needed, then leave the heels to dry overnight. Once cured, turn each shoe to check for any gaps you may have missed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle prom heels?
Clean the heels, plan your design, then glue flatback crystals on in small sections with a wax picker, working around the curved shape of the shoe. Build the design in neat rows, keep the crystals close together, and leave them to cure fully before you wear them.
How do you create an ombre effect on shoes?
Start with solid, tightly packed coverage at the top of the shoe, then gradually thin it out towards the sole. Alternate two crystal sizes as you go down, leave growing gaps between them, and switch to only the smaller size lower down, finishing with just one or two crystals near the sole.
What is a honeycomb setting pattern?
A honeycomb pattern offsets each row so the crystals nestle into the gaps of the row above, like a honeycomb. It packs them tightly with minimal spacing, giving solid areas a smooth, professional look with no awkward gaps.
What glue works on shoes?
A strong, flexible adhesive like E6000. Clean the shoes first, apply a thin layer, and let it sit for five to ten minutes until tacky before placing crystals, working in small sections around the toe, sides and back so the glue does not run on the curves.
Should I use hotfix or non-hotfix crystals on shoes?
Non-hotfix, glue-set flatbacks. Heat is not suitable for most shoe materials, so glue-set crystals are the safe, reliable choice for footwear. Always let them cure fully before the shoes are worn.
How many crystals do I need and can I change the colour?
It depends on your shoes and how much you cover, and an ombre uses more at the top than the bottom. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area. We used Vintage Rose; any shade works. These are our own Austrian-made Serinity flatbacks; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Try a different colour, a full-coverage finish, or crystals only on the heel. For more footwear sparkle, see our crystal high heels and bridal shoes projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
