Saran Wrap/Tortoise Shell Nails

I am going to put it out there right now and say that these are not the best nails I've ever done. The reason I am putting them up though, is because I've used a technique I've not used before, and if any of you have any suggestions as to how to improve them, then it would be warmly accepted. I also upload them, so if I do them in the future, then I can see if, and how much I  improve the technique.

I got the inspiration for these nails from an old scratch magazine. Tortoise shell is such a cool pattern, and the colours are perfect for this autumnal time of year.

In all fairness, I think these are nail wraps used on the front cover, and if I'm honest, I haven't seen many- if not any at all- freehand Tortoise Shell designs that have looked perfect. There are a few tutorials on YouTube that look much better than mine, but I decided to use the Saran wrap technique, which in short, is squidging polish on your nail under cling film! 

This is a satisfying but also scary nail endevour, as you have minimal control over what the finished design will be.

I used just black and my new Barry M mustard colour (which I'm loving), and blobbed it all over the nail. I then put over a sheet of cling film, and gently squidged it on top of the colours to blend them. I cleaned up with lots of acetone after for the finished effect. I may start filming mini tutorials in the future but I'm rubbish with technology so don't hold your breath. Until then, here is a tutorial I found online of how to do the Saran Wrap technique.

I noticed on the magazine cover, there is a slight orange tinge around the edges where the black meets the gold so I went over with a nail art brush to add more depth of colour. This turned out to be a horrible idea, because it really didn't help it at all and actually kind of made it worse!

All in all, these nails could certainly use some work, but I will not give up on my journey to the perfect tortoise shell nail!

Christmas Nails 2!

Here is my second Christmas nail art. I said in my last Christmas nails post I wanted to use my 'Flashy Violet' colour by Mavala a bit more. I posted this picture on my Instagram a few days ago, and I think this colour is so amazing. I got so many comments when I wore this just plain on my nails. It shimmers between electric blue and a deep purple and I love it.

This colour certainly does not need anything to make it look any better, but you know me! This colour reminded me of a dark, magical Christmas-y evening. I saw some reindeer inspired nail art in my latest Scratch magazine so I took inspiration from that.

My Father Christmas flying through the sky nail art, was done using a white nail pen. I realise silhouettes are usually black, but I played around with the contrast and I think you can tell what it is meant to be!?  Originally, I used a glitter top coat by Azature which claims to have real black diamond in it! I didn't realise that the base coat in which the glitter is held together, had a black/dark blue colour, so when I painted it over the white silhouettes it really died down the colour.

To rectify the problem, I used Mavala Pure Diamond which has chunkier glitter, and painted over the whole design to make the sky more starry. I then went over the white bits again with my pen again to make it pop against the dark background.

For the Rudolph red nose, I just dotted some pink nail art pen. Are there any other types of Christmas inspired nail art you'd like to see?

Christmas Nails 1!

It's that time of year!!! Get ready to see lots of Christmas nail art! I won't just do only nail art, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't going to do a lot!

The inspiration for this nail art came from my latest December issue of my Scratch magazine. I was instantly drawn to these festive Christmas jumper style nails. I misjudged the size of my blue panels on the edges so I couldn't fit the little reindeer which I'm a bit annoyed about, but I will make sure I do some next time!

For the red base I used 'Bright Red' by Barry M. The blue panels were done with 'Flashy Violet' by Mavala which is a stunning colour. I have't worn it on its own yet, but I can't wait for when I do. I used a dotting tool and a white nail pen.

Cartoon Nails

If any of you 'like' my Facebook page (and you should! Link here), then you would have seen I posted a picture of my latest Scratch Magazine front cover, which is a seemingly cartoon picture of a woman on the phone, slightly Roy Lichenstein-esque. However this picture is made entirely from make-up, and a bit of airbrushing I'm sure for the sharpness. Nevertheless it is pretty impressive, and the hands and nails in particularly interested me. Making something 3D look 2D is a pretty difficult task!

I tried to do something similar and create a 2D effect. I used nail pens to create shadows and highlighting with nail pens, and I used a matte top coat to create the cartoon strip effect. These reminded me of when I did pop art nails, where I used a similar concept. 

I find them quite strange and they mess with my head a bit, but it's a really easy and simple look that is really effective. Would you try it? Also, I have a new badge to put on my pictures for authenticity. Swish!

Bon Voyage!

I am off away on holiday today! Not too far, just good old Norfolk for a boating trip with friends! Although i'll still have access to all my blogging resources, I'd quite like to escape the modern world and learn a spot of fishing and catching up with friends! My little blog will not be forgotten about though, as I have some fantastic reading material to keep me occupied! Yeaterday I purchased the infamous Nail Candy book by sisters Donne and Ginny Geer. It's pretty much the number 1 nail art book that I've wanted for ages, and I happened to stumble across it in urban outfitters so purchased immediately! (£12.99) I also was blessed with the timely arrival of my latest Scratch magazine which has some awesome tortoise shell nails on the front which I want to do!

I will be straight back on the blogging as soon as I return! Enjoy the next week and see you soon! Xxx