Make Boot Bling Jewelry
If you love boots and love jewelry, then you'll absolutely adore one of the hottest statements in the fashion world—boot jewelry. Affectionately termed a "bootlet," this accessory is a fantastic means of instantly elevating the appeal of your favorite boots, whether they're ankle boots, cowboy boots or anything in between.
Add a little kick to your step by creating these anklet-inspired beauties to jazz up every pair of boots in your closet. Boot jewelry is a great attention-getter for craft shows and resale—and it makes a mighty fine gift as well. Strut your stuff and be your own “walking advertisement” by modeling your creations yourself.
To design a bootlet, simply wrap your stringing material, such as Accu-Flex® professional-quality beading wire, around the ankle of the boot to determine the length you want. Boot jewelry looks and feels best when you can slide two fingers between the stringing material and the boot. Lay out your design on a beading mat to create the desired look. Whipping up a bootlet can be quick and easy—or more complicated. Take your pick between a slick single-strand or a more intricate multi-strand design. Get creative with different styles of clasps, making them part of your overall design. Add a fancy heel detail with a dangling charm hitched to the clasp. Toss in an extender chain to allow the bootlet to fit any boot in the closet, no matter how big or small.
Dive into a diverse array of bead styles for your boot jewelry, opting for colors and finishes that harmonize with both your boots and wardrobe. Combine different sizes and styles of chain to fashion a multi-strand bootlet, adding edginess to a pair of black boots. Make a bold statement by mixing different metals, and for an unexpected twist, loop the chain under the heel.
Adorn your bootlets with charms that hold special meaning or resonate with a particular theme. This not only introduces a touch of drama and movement but, in some instances, infuses each step with a delightful jingle.
Gemstone cabochons, nuggets and beads pair perfectly with country-style boots. Add leather cord and lace for a dramatic statement. For an elegant upgrade, consider incorporating cultured freshwater pearls and Crystal Passions® beads. Rhinestone cupchain can be used to embellish wedding-style boots. And don't overlook the flair that fringe brings—easily enhanced with seed beads or chain for a stylish finishing touch.
The beauty of boot jewelry lies in its versatility—it transitions easily between various boots, offering a plethora of distinct looks. Whether worn on one boot for a singular statement or mixed and matched on both, this trend provides customers with an array of options to express their style.
Many of the free bracelet and anklet designs in the Fire Mountain Gems and Beads Gallery of Designs can be used as design inspiration and adapted to ''bootlets'' by adding length. You can even explore your personal jewelry collection for pieces that can be repurposed to adorn your boots.
We highly recommend refraining from using bootlets on work boots—footwear worn around animals or in proximity to moving machinery. In such conditions, boot jewelry can present a safety hazard or, at the very least, become an inconvenience to clean.
The design options for bootlets are as endless as a prairie horizon. Kick up your heels and create your own boot jewelry for heaps of compliments, fantastic sales and gifts that are sure to please.
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