Swarovski Crystals High Heels Rhinestone Embellishment Tutorial

Use Swarovski Crystals to add the ultimate glamorous finishing touch to your bespoke high heels with the help of Ninja SuperTite Fusion Tac Glue and the process of rhinestone embellishment. The colour and quantity of crystals can be adapted to suit the design of your shoes and this easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through every stage of the craft process.

Apply Online & Continue To Buy Swarovski Crystals

If you are not currently a Swarovski approved customer / business you can apply via our website. Bluestreak Crystals are one of a select few worldwide Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partners which continue to offer the full range of Swarovski Crystals. Alternatively, we would recommend using Serinity Crystals as a perfect substitute for crystal components used in this rhinestone embellishment project. 

Component List:

The full list of Swarovski crystals, components and tools needed to complete this project can be found below. If you click on the product description (link), the respective product page will open, where each item can be viewed and added to cart:

Component Image	Component Name / Link To Purchase	Component Quantity
	Swarovski Rhinestones Non Hotfix SS16 Siam	x 1 Wholesale Pack
	Swarovski Rhinestones Non Hotfix SS12 Siam	x 500
	Swarovski Rhinestones Non Hotfix SS5 Siam	x 50
	Supertite Fusion Glue Kit	x 1
	Wax Crystal Picker Tool	x 1
	Magic Sorting Tray	x 3

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the shoe

First ensure the shoe is completely clean and dry, ready for the glue. The best glue for the project may vary depending on the material the shoe is made of. In this instance the faux suede texture lends itself to Ninja SuperTite Fusion Tac, which is an industrial strength fabric glue.

Step 2

Prepare the glue

Fill the Syringe with enough SuperTite Fusion Tack Glue for your project, be careful to not take more glue than you need. The easiest way to do this is to remove the plunger from the back of the syringe and then slowly squeeze the glue into the tube, so that the glue gently runs down one side without covering the opening at the other end. It is important that air can pass out the other end without affecting the glue inside at this stage. Then reinsert the plunger as carefully as you can – you will face resistance because the seal needs to be airtight, the plunger is successfully reattached when you hear it pop into place.

Step 3

Guard against air bubbles in the glue syringe

Once the plunger is securely back in, you are likely to have a section of air inside the syringe. To fix this simply hold the syringe vertically so that the glue slides down away from the opening at the top and gently push on the plunger, pushing the air out until there is only glue left inside. You can then attach the needle tip, completing the syringe.

Step 4

Plan out the design

Before applying the Swarovski Crystals, plan out the outline for the design. In this instance the crystals will flow in a teardrop motif curving around the back of the shoe and tapering down into the heel. This requires a curved line that is symmetrical on the inside and outside of both shoes. To do this, mark the straight vertical from the heel to the top of the shoe and use it for reference when drawing the curve with the glue. At the most extreme point the curve should be 1cm away from the straight vertical.

Step 5

Apply the rhinestones

For a smoother outer edge use the SS12 Siam crystals, following the curve all the way down into the heel, We recommend doing this stage on both shoes before proceeding to make sure they will turn out even.

Step 6

Fill the remaining space

Now that the outline is in place, switch to the SS16 Siam crystals and build the design inwards, one row of crystals at a time, like rings in a tree. Eventually the two ends of the row of crystals will meet in the middle on the heel and this may create small gaps which will be resolved later. Keep building until you reach the centre where the remaining space can be filled with a swirl, similar to a fingerprint. 

Step 7

Spot fill any remaining gaps

Down the length of the design there may be a few small gaps where the SS16 crystal was too big for the remaining available space. Use the SS5 Siam crystals and the accuracy of the glue syringe to fill these gaps so they are no longer easily visible. Repeat this process for both shoes and check your work regularly to ensure symmetry as much as possible and then allow the crystals to fully dry overnight.

Congratulations you have completed the project !