How to Make Your Own Gladiator Sandals

Are you pumped about the colorful lace-up gladiator sandals trend but slightly less excited about the high price you often have to pay for these cool kicks?

Here’s how to make your own gladiator sandals while staying totally on a budget!

Visit your local craft store and purchase hemp and colorful beads. Purchase a pair of simple slides, making sure that there is a place for you to insert the strap you will make. I wrapped my strap around the thong of this sandal. Some slides that will also work can be found here.

Measure and cut about a yard of hemp, depending on how long you want the straps to be. Thread the hemp through the hole in the bead, and tie a knot around the bead to hold it in place. Continue tying beads about two inches apart for the entirety of the yard of hemp. When you are finished, loop your homemade strap around the built-in strap of the slide sandal. Lace your shoes up and you are good to go!

Now, here’s how to style your shoes.

Because these shoes are a bit of a statement, I paired them with a simple white top and a pair of fringed jeans I cut off myself.

To add some more color to the outfit, I added some funky earrings.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go make yourself a pair of on-trend—and on budget—gladiator sandals! Share a picture on Instagram of you styling your new kicks and make sure to tag @CFashionista!

Jamie’s Jewels

What started as a passion for jewelry at age eight, turned into a successful business that has provided individuals from all over the east coast with beaded fashions. Jamie’s Jewels is a hand-crafted business started by Jamie Johnson of Shelburne, Vermont.

This Fashionista values her custom work, and had to learn how to evolve with ever-changing trends. Though her styles have changed over the years, from beaded bracelets to necklaces and earrings, her wrap bracelets have stuck around the longest, finding her the most success.

Her business started at a local craft fair in Vermont, where she sold her first pieces twelve years ago. A milestone for her was when she made her first bracelet as a gift for one of her teachers in elementary school. This continued into present day, where Jamie has now completed hundreds of custom orders.

 

These bracelets are made with various materials including leather, pearls, a variety of gem stones, crystals, sterling silver, 14k gold, and more.

Her jewelry is perfect for a day-to-night look. Whether you want to pair a pearl-infused bracelet with a black dress for a night out with the girls, or a fun turquoise stone with a white summer dress that’s perfect for a evening of boating.

Styles are available for men, women, and children in in either single-, double-, or triple-wrapped styles!

Jamie’s Jewels are sold through wholesale, online at jamiesjewels4.com, available on Etsy, and also sold in trunk shows that benefit local charities.

Do own anything from this up-and-coming jewelry maker? Tell us about on social media and tag @CFashionista!