Looking to add some sparkle to your wardrobe? This guide shows you how to bedazzle cow print boots with Swarovski non-hotfix flatback crystals, for a unique, eye-catching pair that will have you festival ready in no time. Cow print is a strong trend, and a scatter of crystals takes it up a notch.
It is an easy, beginner-friendly project. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Time: A few hours over both boots, plus overnight to cure
- Crystals used: Swarovski flatbacks in Smoked Amber, SS16
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the boots
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 boots and how much of the print 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.
- Cow print boots of your choice (your own)Your base, see note below1 pair
- Swarovski Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS16, Smoked TopazThe whole design4,000
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayHolding the crystals1
The boots in our tutorial video were made with Smoked Amber. That colour has since been discontinued, so this guide uses Smoked Topaz, the closest match, which gives the same warm, smoky look.
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.23 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 cow print boots
Step 1: Gather your supplies and prepare the boots
Wipe any dust off the boots 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
Follow the cow print spots. Decide which to cover completely and which to only outline, and leave the smallest patches bare. We alternated between outlining, full coverage and bare spots for a balanced look that works with the pattern.
Step 5: Apply the glue
Pipe a thin layer of glue onto one side of the boot, over the faux leather, following your chosen 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 three-dimensional areas like the toe and heel.
Step 6: Place the crystals
Use the wax picker to place the Smoked Amber crystals onto the glue, keeping them close together with as few gaps as possible. Outline each spot first, then fill it in for the neatest result.
Step 7: Leave to dry, then do the other boot
Tidy the edges with a little isopropyl alcohol if needed and leave the boot to dry overnight. Once it is set, turn to the other boot and repeat the same steps.
Where to buy genuine Swarovski crystals
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski flatbacks, sourced directly from Austria with consistent batch quality and reliable colour matching, so your boots sparkle with authentic brilliance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle boots?
Clean the boots, plan your design, then glue flatback crystals on in small sections with a wax picker, working around the curved shape. Outline each area first then fill it for a neat finish, do one boot then the other, and leave them to cure fully before wearing.
How do you add crystals over a printed pattern like cow print?
Work with the existing print rather than against it. Pick out the spots: fully cover some, outline others, and leave the smallest patches bare. Alternating coverage like this keeps the design balanced and lets the crystals enhance the pattern instead of hiding it.
What glue works on faux leather boots?
A strong, flexible adhesive like E6000. Clean the surface first, apply a thin layer, and let it sit for five to ten minutes until tacky before placing crystals. Its flexibility helps it move with the boot, and working in small sections stops it running on the curves.
Will the crystals stay on when I wear the boots?
Cured E6000 is durable and flexible, but boots flex a lot in wear. Keep crystals off deep creases like the ankle bend where they are most likely to pop, spot clean rather than scrubbing, and store the boots so nothing presses on the design.
How many crystals do I need and which size?
It depends on your boots and how much of the print you cover. This design used around three wholesale packs of 1440 in SS16, about 4,000 crystals across both boots. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area, and order a little extra to allow for the second boot matching the first.
Should I use hotfix or non-hotfix, and can I change the colour?
Use non-hotfix, glue-set flatbacks, since heat is not suitable for faux leather. We chose Smoked Topaz to complement the cow print, but any colour works. We used premium Swarovski; you can also use Czech-made Preciosa, our own Austrian-made Serinity, or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Try a contrasting colour, a single feature stripe, or full glitter coverage. For more festival sparkle, see our crystal festival boots and bedazzled top projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
