When this stripped down form of shoes first hit the United States in the late 50's a few called them Flip Flops, but they were mainly known as Thongs. Of course today if the toddlers ran around saying "see my thongs? I want new thongs!", we would all blanch thinking they were referring to underwear. They've always come in 2 grades: oh so cheap and disposable and more expensive and long lasting. If you were from the middle income families, you started the Summer in the higher priced softer comfortable sole model and only climbed into the cheap ones if your good pair broke at the fair or towards the end of the season. The thin inexpensive models provide very little protection for your feet often letting the heat of black top parking lots sear through to your foot while they literally start melting. They also break quite easily if the wearer is an active child or an adult whose weight will quickly pull the thong strap upwards through the sole.

Modern day crafting to decorate and embellish your Flip Flops is growing and proving to be a fad that might hang around for more than a couple of seasons. Spend your money and time wisely and start with at least a middle of the road pair also considering, the high-priced styled by you displaying your talents will and can last many years. If you just wish to get a feel for the project stop at any craft store and grab the inexpensive pair with some glue, glitter and sequins to see if this is something you want to delve into.

Craft and fabric stores provide oodles of fun for your Flip Flops. Are you a Gardener? Stroll over to the cloth and plastic floral department and find some posies to glue on. Are you known for your pretty hair ribbons? Wrap the strap portion of your Thongs with solid or complimenting colors and add some of the ribbon to your purse straps to match. After you use the obvious decorations of sequins, glitter, charms and yarn, don't forget to add jewelry, buttons, bows, hair ornaments and chains. You can find a wide selection of used jewelry in Salvation Army Thrift stores to take apart and make your embellished Flip Flops reflect exactly your style! Don't forget to dazzle and decorate your tootsies for the Holidays too!