History of American Flip Flops and a Craft!

The History of Flip-Flops

Quoting CBS News, "The flip flop is one of the first types of footwear known to man." The first known flip flops were made of papyrus. Ancient Egyptians where the first people known to wear them. Today they are the world's most popular type of shoe. American flip flops were influenced by both politics and technology in the 20th century. 

After World War II, American soldiers brought back zōri (flip flops) from the Japanese people. Soon after that people started wearing flip flops everywhere. Mass production of rubber after the war made flip flops very cheap! Companies made them for fashion purposes and because they were cheap to make. They were named because of the noise they make when walking in them, "Flip, flop."

I learned about the history of flip flops at http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-3244885.html and http://www.stylelist.com/view/the-story-behind-flip-flops/ - you can visit these to learn more.

How To Make Duct Tape Flip-Flops

You will need:

duct tape (as many kinds as you want)

scissors that can cut through cardboard

cardboard

a pen or marker

flip flops to trace



1. Trace the flip flop bases or your feet onto the cardboard. If you want to make them thicker (more comfortable) do this again.


2. Start by cutting a strip of duct tape to fit horizontally across the cardboard shoe base. Repeat until one side is covered and then flip over and cover the other side. Do the same with the other base.


3. Poke a hole through each of the bases where you want the strap to be.


4. Cut two strips of duct tape twice the length of your flip flop and put the sticky side up then fold lengthwise to make the straps. Next fold the straps in half like you do to center a necklace.


5. Put the folded center of the strap through the hole and tape the bottom of the strap down.


6. Put your feet on the bases like normal flip flops and hold down the straps to where you want them on the bottom and tape the ends.


7. Now you have stylish new flip flops!