Nail Art Challenge - Funky French!

I decided to do a Minnie Mouse theme for todays nail art 'Funky French' challenge. What do you think? x

Nail Art Challenge - Ikat

Here's my entry for the omd2 nail art challenge. I've never heard if Ikat before starting this challenge so learning lots on the way :)

Nail Art Turorial - Cath Kidston Inspired Design Series

When I first started college last Sep, the first thing we learnt was how to do a basic file & polish service. I spent hours practicing my 'perfect polish' application. We then moved onto nail art. I had never really put any art on my nails before (I was always a one colour kind of gal) but after being shown the basic techniques in class and being sent off to have a play, something just clicked and I couldn't believe I hadn't been doing it all these years. As luck would it, that's kind of what I'm known for in my area now :)

Now I'm a big fan of Cath Kidston - I have a sewing box which my hubby bought me as a treat from Selfridges and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. This was my inspiration for my first set of Cath Kidson inspired nails, which were done on my mum - here they are below. 

From here I became a little obsessed and the more I did, the more word spread and suddenly I was getting messages and my client list started to grow. From sep to nov I did so many of these I was dreaming about them! (Then Christmas came and all I did were Christmas jumper nails!) These are a few of my designs...

As I'm now finished college, I thought I'd dedicate time to this blog in a bid to share what I have learnt and taught myself over this past year. 

Although I am a qualified nail technician, I am by no means an expert so this blog will be mark my journey from qualifying to wherever I may end up one day...

OK, enough rambling. This is my first installment of my Cath Kidston Inspired / Vintage Nail Art Series.

Please do leave me a comment below so I know if someone, somewhere is reading this ha ha!

xx

For this design I used:

Sinful Colors Nail Polish - 

Orly Glosser Top Coat

Crystal Nails One Move Paints

Sam Biddle Be Creative Nail Art Paints

Striping Brush

Crystal Nails Barbara II Brush

(This design has been created on my cool new Flexifinger!)

Step 1

Paint your nail with 2 coats of colour. All to dry fully. 

STEP 2

Paint red circles on the nail and allow to dry.

STEP 3

Add pink swirls to the red circles using your nail art brush - they don't have to be perfect or the same

STEP 4

Paint on green leaves.

STEP 5
Define the leaves by adding a darker green to the center of the leaf.

STEP 6

Add white dots using a dotting tool and allow the paint to dry. Top coat. 

Nail Art Challenge - Holographic

Todays challenge theme is 'holographic' for the nailthataccent.com #omd2nails contest.

I decided to use my favourite holographic gold glitter and use of my MoYou Biker stamps over the ring finger with a glitter fade on the thumb. I love how this turned out.

Nail Art Challenge - Duo-Chrome

I've never heard if duo chrome before this nail art challenge. From what I gather this is it!

Nail Art Challenge - Dark

Today's challenge word is dark. I wanted to stay away from black and grey. I'm loving the blues with the gold accents. These are so striking and have an Egyptian feel about them :)

Tinkerbell Nails

Today I did a set of tinkerbell nails for a Disney mad client! 

Wgat do you think?! X

Nail Art Challenge - Bright!

Today's prompt word is 'bright' so this us what I came up with... Who can resist roses?!

Nail Art Challenge - Lavendar

I know it's been forever since I updated this blog but I am really going to try and make an effort!

I have now finished and completed my Nail Technology Level 3 course at college hurrah!

I found a July nail art challenge via instagram via nailthataccent.com - it's a great blog, go and check it out.

Here is day 3 of the challenge - Lavender :-)

Handmade Rings to Match your Nails!

I've been working on a new little project. I used to make jewellery years ago (I think I've had a go at every craft going - soap making, fimo modelling, ceramic painting, card making, scrap-booking... the list goes on!). I decided to make a few rings made to match nails. These are my first attempts but I think they are super cute!

The last photo was modelled by my cousin, Clare who today asked me to be her Maid of Honour today! So exciting! Her gels have been on for a week now and no chips in sight :)

Spring 2014 Trends - The Moon Mani

I absolutely love the new moon mani trend that will be the next big thing on the nail scene this spring. It's such a simple yet striking look.

Here is a white version and a black version done over IBD Seyshell Pink Just Gel Polish.

Gelish Sugar daddy with Gold Glitter!

My cousin wanted a touch of glitter so she opted for Gelish Sugar daddy with gold glitter applied. This is such a lovely colour combo!

Black Sparkly Gel Nails

I had three sets of sparkly black gels over the festive period. I love black on short nails.

Cath Kidston Nails - Abstract Roses & Polka Dots!

I love this set of Cath Kidston inspired gel nails as my client opted for the pretty abstract print on her rings fingers so I got to add a touch of lemon.

Cath Kidston Nails - Pretty Grey Gels with Kidston Pink Roses

I absolutely love my pretty grey gel. It looks gorgeous on it's own and even better with a layer of glitter on top. I also love the combination of pink and grey so was pretty chuffed when my lovely client Becky opted for this colour scheme.

Cath Kidston Nails - Blue Roses, Pink Roses & Polka Dots!

I love this set of Cath Kidston inspired gel nails. I love how the blues and pinks work so well together to give a really bright, vibrant effect.

The ones below were some I did for my sister. She actually asked for blue roses so I have her to thank for this design!

Cath Kidson Nails - Purple Sparkles with Pink Roses

Since I posted a picture of the Cath Kidston inspired nails I did for my mum a few weeks ago, I have had lots of requests for them!

Here are a set of purple sparkly gels with pink roses on the ring fingers and thumbs.

Cath Kidston Inspired Nails

I can't believe I've fallen behind with my blog after promising myself I would keep on top of it! These past few weeks have been pretty crazy. My sister posted a picture of some rockstar gel toes I did for her on her facebook page and I suddenly started getting a few enquiries from it. I figured it couldn't hurt to set up a Facebook page to try and generate a little more interest and slowly things have kind of snowballed. I've done a fair few sets of gel nails and rockstar toes these past 3 weeks let me tell you! To think I wasn't even going to start working on 'real' clients until I qualify in June! I'm so glad it's all happened so fast though as I am loving it!

I created these Cath Kidston inspired nails for my mum. This being my first attempt at them, I think I did a good job. I posted the pic on my facebook page and started getting lots of requests for them so I have lots of photos to share with you all.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say Happy New Year to you all (not that I think anyone reads this ha ha) but who knows, hopefully someday I will have a couple of followers to chat to! May 2014 bring you everything your heart desires xox