How to make your own pair of Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers

Fancy living a childhood dream? Like so many other children, I dreamed of wearing a beautiful pair of ruby slippers just like Dorothy’s from the Wizard of Oz. The very sight of them conjures feelings of magic and wonder. At age 22, I had a sudden yearning to finally bring this dream to fruition, and went searching for a pair to buy. Sadly, all I could find were cheap glittered shoes that lacked sparkle, or hand crafted shoes costing hundreds of dollars. So instead, I set out on a magical quest of my own, to create these amazing shoes myself. I was amazed at how easy and satisfying the process was, as well as how well they turned out! Every time I walk out of the house in them, they attract endless comments and stares. Live the dream for yourself with these easy steps!

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Step 1: Materials

One pair of comfortable pumps without embellishments
20m of red strung sequins (also called sequin chain)
Hot glue gun with plenty of spare glue
Ribbons and gems of your choice for extra decoration (I chose glittered ribbon and large red plastic gemstones)

Costumer says: Oct 14, 2011. 12:46 PM

I might suggest using another type of glue only because in my experience (I've done theater costuming for 10 years, we use hot glue for almost everything!) hot glue does not adhere well to smooth surfaces. It adheres initially, but without a "grain" or surface texture to hold onto it tends to pull off of the object quite easily. Obviously hot glue is perfect in that it sets almost immediately and I don't know of another adhesive that works like that. If you have the time (as in days, like a week or more) I would suggest using something like 527 glue and do just a few wraps or strands at a time and let set to dry in between wraps.

RenaissanceWoman (author) in reply to CostumerOct 18, 2011. 10:03 PM

Thanks for the suggestion! Strangely enough, this isn't my experience with hot glue at all. I've had these shoes for over a year, and the glue is still holding very strong with no sign of any loosening, even in the areas of the shoe that bend when I walk. However, I'm sure your comment is very useful to those who can't get hot glue to do the job properly!