We know that crocs often get a hard time in the press, but we can’t deny that they’re incredibly comfortable, and perfect for those hot summer days when trainers or lace-up shoes are a total no-no! If you’re tired of your friends’ eye-rolling when you step out in your favourite pair, why not jazz them up with some gorgeous crystals?
In the following how-to guide, we're going to show you how you can glam up your ordinary crocs with the help Serinity flatback crystals, with a step-by-step guide that’s as easy to follow as ABC. Let’s dive in!
Serinity flatback crystals are high-quality, precision-cut glass crystals that can be used for various DIY projects, including - but not limited to - customising your Crocs. These crystals are available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, offering endless possibilities for personalisation. With their flat backs, they are ideal for attaching to smooth surfaces, making them perfect for creating fancy crocs.
Swarovski, once the go-to brand for high-quality crystals, made a number of changes to its purchase policy back in 2020. In an attempt to cultivate more exclusivity around their products, the brand stopped selling their crystals for personal use: nowadays purchasing Swarovski Crystals can only be done via partner vendors (like us!) and they can only be used in commercial projects where physical objects are sold. So unfortunately, you can’t make your own Swarovski crocs at home.
While this has left many DIY enthusiasts searching for alternatives, Serinity flatback crystals have emerged as a reliable and equally dazzling option. Serinity crystals are not only visually stunning, but they also boast excellent durability, refraction and shine. Their wide range of colours and styles makes them a perfect choice for those looking to customise their clothing, shoes, and home decor with a touch of glamour.
When it comes to crystals for crocs, you'll want to use non-Hotfix Serinity flatback crystals. Unlike Hotfix crystals, which require heat to activate their adhesive backing, non-Hotfix crystals are more versatile and can be used on a wider range of materials, including the rubbery surface of Crocs. If you were to use Hotfix crystals, the heat activation process could end up burning or otherwise damaging your shoes.
So, how do you go about blinging your crocs at home? We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide (along with a helpful video) which should give you everything you need to know to pull off this DIY trick with no hassle. So let’s get started!
Before you start, gather all the necessary materials, including:
First up, you need to plan your design. You can either create a design freehand or sketch it onto your Crocs using a pencil or marker. Remember that your design should be simple enough to execute with the crystals you've chosen. Ideally, you should plan out your design before you buy your crystals - that way, you’ll be sure to have enough crystals to cover the crocs entirely if you wish. If you’re not sure what type of design you’d like, we’d encourage you to take a look on social media: Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok are all great sources of inspiration.
Before beginning any application process, it’s important that you clean your crocs beforehand - not only will your shoes look better once the crystals are applied, but they won’t fall off due to grease or dirt blocking the adhesion! Clean the crocs with a clean cloth or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, dust, or oils, and make sure they’re fully dry before beginning the application. This will help ensure a strong bond between the crystals and the surface of your Crocs.
Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of a Serinity crystal using a toothpick or another small applicator. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can cause the crystal to slide out of place.
Apply the crystals: Use a crystal picker or tweezers to pick up each crystal and apply a small amount of adhesive to the back. Press the crystal firmly onto the Croc, and hold it for a few seconds to allow the glue to bond. Work in small sections to prevent the glue from drying before you can place the crystals.
Allow the adhesive to dry for the recommended time, usually 24-48 hours, before wearing your newly blinged-out Crocs. And there you have it! You’re sure to be the sparkliest guest at your next picnic or summer day out.
The size of the crystals you choose is largely a matter of personal preference. However, for decorating Crocs, we recommend using crystals ranging from SS12 to SS20 (3.1- 4.7 mm) for the best results. Smaller crystals might not stand out as much, while larger ones may be more prone to catching on objects or becoming dislodged.
Serinity flatback crystals are water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. This means they can withstand occasional splashes and exposure to moisture, but it's best to avoid submerging your Crocs in water for extended periods. To maintain the sparkle and longevity of your crystals, make sure to dry your Crocs thoroughly after any contact with water.
The durability of the crystals on your Crocs largely depends on the adhesive used and the quality of the application process. By using a strong adhesive like CG500 and following the steps outlined in this guide, your Serinity flatback crystals should stay securely attached to your Crocs. Keep in mind that excessive wear or exposure to harsh conditions may affect the longevity of the crystals.
We have conducted a little crystal experiment to show you the difference between prepping your surface by gently sanding it down first versus leaving it untouched before applying your crystals. The results are instant and shocking! Watch the full experiment on our Socials:
For this demonstration we had a pair of Crocs and we have treated each Croc differently, so that we can see how it effects the final result. One Croc has been left un-sanded, leaving the surface of the Croc shiny and rubbery in texture. The other Croc has been lightly sanded by hand with sandpaper in the areas we wish to embellish. This has broken the seal on the surface and there is now a rough ‘key’ for the glue to grip to, it is the same principle in DIY when painting onto wood. When embellishing on the sanded surface we noticed that the CG500 Resin Glue sat nice and smooth on the surface and we experienced no difficulties when applying the Serinity Flatback Crystals. Once the CG500 Resin Glue had been allowed to set it was able to hold firmly, even under harsh stress testing involving bending and pinching.
The results on an un-sanded surface however were very different! The CG500 didn't want to stick and it formed puddles of glue across the surface, leaving areas bare even when we had placed glue there several moments ago. Because the glue wasn’t gripping like it should, it was hard to get the crystals to release from the picker pen, so the process was noticeably trickier to complete. Once fullly set, there was no adhesion from the glue and the resin and crystal layer pealed off easily.
Ultimately, Serinity flatback crystals offer a fantastic way to add some flair and personality to your Crocs. By choosing non-Hotfix crystals and following the step-by-step guide provided, you can transform your plain Crocs into a unique and stylish accessory - and finally stop taking a ribbing from your friends! With a wide range of different colours and crystal sizes available, the possibilities are endless – so go ahead and unleash your creativity!
