Twinkle Toes: DIY Glitter Ballet Flats

If you're looking for shimmer, shine, and a whole lot of pizzazz, step into a pair of glitter flats. After all, they’re one of this season’s hottest (and most fun!) footwear trends. Glitter shoes are the perfect way to add a little flair to your day outfits or add some razzle dazzle to your party clothes or even to a plain old pair of jeans on casual Friday.

I'm especially fond of glitter ballet flats with a bow—to me, it's the perfect combination of demure and dazzle. However, as I recently perused my favorite shoe stores, I learned that these sparkling shoes don't come cheap:

Top Row (L to R): Kate Spade New York Felix Flat: $198.00 at nordstroms.com; French Sole Henrietta Glitter Flat: $192.44 at asos.com.

Bottom Row (L to R): Jimmy Choo Glittered Ballerina Flat: $425.00 at bergdorfgoodman.com; Sam Edelman Felicia Glitter Flat: $90.00 at bloomingdales.com.

But don't worry–all that glitters…is not out of your budget. There’s a frugal way to get festive feet. Just follow these easy instructions to learn how to make your own glitter ballet flats:

You'll Need:

• Inexpensive pair of light colored ballet flats (i.e. Merona Madge Ballet Flat: $19.99 at target.com ($19.99); American Eagle Fast Flat: $14.99 at payless.com)
• Masking tape
• Bowl
• 8 oz. container of Original Modge Podge
• Craft glitter in the color of choice (e.g. Charles Leonard Glitter Bottle at amazon.com)
• Fine glitter in the same or coordinating color as the craft glitter (e.g. Martha Stewart Fine Glitter at amazon.com)
• Small foam brush
• Clear spray paint

Instructions:

1. Use masking tape to completely cover the inner sole of the shoe. Also, carefully use the masking tape to cover the bow and trim.
2. Pour 1/3 of the container of Modge Podge and a generous amount of craft glitter into a bowl and mix well.
3. Using a small foam brush, paint the mixture onto the exposed parts of the shoes. Wait 15 minutes and then apply a new coat of the mixture. You may need to apply up to four coats of the mixture (make sure to wait 15 minute between each coat) to get the shoes sufficiently sparkly.
4. For the fourth and final coat of the mixture, add the fine glitter to the mixture and paint it on the shoes. The fine glitter helps to fill in some of the gaps.
5. Wait until the white Modge Podge dries clear. Remove the masking tape. Use your fingers to press down and flatten the glitter mixture on the shoes and fill in any holes.
6. Let dry overnight.
7. Spray a coat of clear spray paint on the shoes to keep the glitter from shedding.