Trainer Customisation Workshop: Sparkle Your Swoosh

My journey into crystal shoe customisation began in the summer of 2010.I bought a pair of black satin peep-toe heels from a high street shop for just £15, along with a gold rose necklace with hanging chains from H&M for £5. When I got home, I reached for my pliers, took the necklace apart and attached the delicate chains to the satin uppers of the shoes. I then carefully secured the metal roses in place with strong adhesive.Having graduated from university with an Honours degree in Shoemaking, I had plenty of spare leather from my studies. I decided to line the shoes with soft leather insoles to make them even more comfortable to wear.I wore the shoes to a casual get-together at a friend's house, never imagining what would happen next. Someone immediately asked if they could buy them, and before the evening was over I had received several more orders. I was completely amazed.Inspired by the response, I bought more satin shoes and began experimenting with different embellishments, including twisted zips, floral corsages, ribbons and other decorative details. Before long, I was supplying unique designs to several independent boutiques in my local area.Later that year, while visiting my local Christmas market, I spotted a stunning Swarovski® crystal Adonis bust displayed on one of the stalls. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman who had created it, and he kindly invited me to his workshop where I purchased my very first collection of genuine Swarovski crystals in a wonderful range of colours.At the time, I was also working part-time in a special occasion boutique. The owner suggested displaying a few pairs of my crystal shoes in the shop window. Once customers saw them, they began asking for their own shoes to be customised to match their dresses and outfits. With such an incredible choice of Swarovski crystal colours available, every commission became an exciting new project.Over the past 16 years, I have had countless conversations with people describing their dream pair of shoes. My passion has always been turning those ideas into reality by creating footwear that is completely personal and unlike anything available on the high street.Over the years I have customised shoes using Swarovski crystals, Preciosa crystals, pearls, lace, feathers, metallic spikes, personalised vinyl names and dates, glitter, brooches, buttons, dress fabrics, tulle roses and satin bows.Every pair I create is designed especially for the individual. No two pairs have ever been exactly the same, because every customer has their own story, personality and vision. That's what makes every creation so special.