Water Balloon Flip Flops – DIY Shoes for a Hot Summer
DIY Balloon Flip Flops for Summer!
Summer is almost here and that means it is time for some dollar store crafts! This is a super fun one – but definitely not ideal for younger kids.
To make these, you’ll need to be able to make a double knot…over and over and over again! This one is only for those with excellent fine motor skills. I usually only do this craft with grades 3 and up.
A few years ago I did this project at a birthday party and the reactions when the parents picked up their children was incredible. They look custom and expensive. And all of this can be created in just under an hour (if you’re really good with your hands)!
This fun craft is not just for kids to make – you can make these at baby showers, team events or as inexpensive handmade gifts.
You can get super creative and start using a foil balloon or balloons in a variety of colors (that’s how I did it)! Save some of the extra water balloons to have a water balloon fight later!
Kids in my class working on their flip flops – notice how they alternate from shoe to shoe
What You’ll Need:
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Pair of flip flops
Water Balloons
Here’s How to Make Dollar Tree Balloon Flip Flops
In this video, I show you how to easily make dollar store balloon flip flops. Year after year balloon flip flops are a fan favorite in every class I teach. Parents love making these at home with their kids because they are mess-free and cheap!
The entire project costs under $3! Dollar store flip flops and dollar store bought water balloons – that is it! Watch the video below to find out how to make these beauties:
Start by gathering your materials. Lucky for you, you only need a few items: flip flops, water balloons and a lot of patience! If you have a specific color scheme in mind, sort your balloons by color.
Starting right in the middle where the two straps meet, tie a water balloon tightly around the strap. If you can make a very tight knot, that should be sufficient, but I recommend making a double knot to be sure that these do not fall off.
Since kids sometimes run low on time, I recommend doing a few on one flip flop and a few on another and continue to alternate.
And…that’s it! It’s time to wear your new, beautifully crafted footwear. Not only are they easy, but they’re also waterproof and last for a very long time. Trust me, you’ll be fielding lots of compliments on these!
Completed balloon flip flops – they look so cool!
Tips & Tricks for Making Water Balloon Flip Flops
I purchase my water balloons and flip flops at the dollar tree. This is a great way to both save money and create a beautiful craft. You can also get free shipping and good deals on Amazon, but I haven’t purchased flip flops there because I can’t beat the $1.25 price at dollar tree! But if the deliver times and delivery date are better on Amazon, definitely get them there!
However, if you’ve missed the window of opportunity to purchase the dollar tree flip flops (since they’re seasonal), you can typically get inexpensive flip flops at Old Navy as well.
Balloons can also be found at Target, Costco (seasonally) or Party City. But you will want to be sure to get only the small water balloon size – the regular 12″ balloons are way too big! I’ve even seen people make these with hot air balloon – flip flops and that’s an extra way to make them special!
Be sure when you purchase your flip flops that they have extra thin straps. Thicker straps will not work with water balloons. You can see what I mean in my youtube video.
If you have extra supplies leftover after, you can return the balloons if they’re unused and in the original packaging. Otherwise, I am sure you can use the balloons to make some other crafts like your very own balloon bouquets, balloon wreaths, decorative flags, wind spinners and more.
There’s always a fun project to be made – even when the supplies are SUPER basic! Pool party here I come!
If for some reason you decide that balloons are definitely NOT your thing but you still want custom flip flops, try using ribbon instead.
Show school spirit by using your school’s colors or make a rainbow to show your love of color. Make them in all white with white balloons to wear when you tie the knot (did you see what I did just there? HA)! Either way, have FUN!
Do you want another easy craft? Check out this one!
Happy Crafting Everyone!
