Cracking Up

It's time for my Easter manicure. I swear golden eggs were al the rage this year in Easter Egg dying. Since I don't dye eggs, I thought I'd make my own golden egg manicure. It was a bit of a hard concept to execute, but I think I like the results.  Anyway, hope those of you who are celebrating with family and friends are having a wonderful day!

I used Zoya Kerry for my base, two coats. I then sponged with several colors from China Glaze's Flourish Collection: Spring In My Step, Lotus Begin, Grass Is Lime Greener, Metro Pollen-Tin, Strike  A Rose. And then Factory Girl from Color Club. I sealed it with one coat of Seche Vite. Once fully dried I used tape that I had jagged cut on opposing sides, traced the edges with China Glaze Liquid Leather and then sponged the open "cracked egg" with China Glaze White on White.  I peeled the tape while still wet and it was done. I tried to mattify the golden part of the egg, but for whatever reason, my gold was impervious to matting. Probably used too many clear coats during the finishing process. Oh well.  Done.

Sprinkles of Spring

Minnesota has officially had the coldest winter in our USofA. We had 135 days of below freezing weather (and too many of those were below zero days). Not to mention we were pelted with a whole bunch of snow this year. Now, I don't mind winter. I don't mind snow. But I am so glad that today is marking the first day of Spring. The sun came out today and it gave me hope that some day this year I will be warm again in Minnesota. So this manicure is in honor of that. I love spring. I love when the brown grass quickly turns back to green. I love unearthing the stems of my flowers that are peeking out of the ground after being covered by leaves and snow for an entire winter. I love hearing the sounds of the birds returning and singing outside. So, snow be warned: your time is limited. Spring is here and the sprinkles of the season are creeping in.

I don't have the specs of all of the colors I used for this manicure (I am still on hibernation mode after all). However, my "spring sprinkles" are from China Glaze's most recent collection City Flourish. Colors in particular, that inspired this manicure in the first place, are as follows: Metro Pollen-Tin, Grass is Lime Greener, Lotus Begin, and Strike A Rose. 

The Great Gatsby, Old Sport

I read the Great Gatsby in high school, but I have a terrible memory and couldn't tell you anything about it.....until a month ago when I became a tad obsessed.  My friends and I re-read the book to prepare for the movie coming out last Friday.  I love Baz Luhrmann's movies, and had such a fun time watching old Robert Redford movies and the current remake.  So, in honor, I tried to recreate the poster designs.  It was a tedious journey with a fabulous finish.  Well worth the obsession!

Here is a look at the 2013 Gatsby Design:

And in honor, my nails:

Left Hand:

Right Hand:

First I painted one coat of Zoya Richelle and one coat of Orly Luxe.  Once fully dried (and while I was waiting) I cut out small strips of striping tape.  I then placed every line and angle with individual tape to make the geometric designs.  I then painted two coats of China Glaze Smoke and Ashes.  Once that was dried, I carefully peeled the tape away.  Any mistakes were cleaned up free handed.  I used two coats of Seche Vite for a smooth and shiny look.

ButterFLY

This is one of those image discs that I never thought I'd use.  I'm really not a huge butterfly fan and i thought it was a bit to childish for me (or maybe, too Mariah Carey).  But for whatever reason, I was in the mood for butterflies.  And, actually, I like the look much more than I thought I would--aways a good thing!

I painted three coats of China Glaze Aguadelic.  I added Bundle Monster plate BM205.  I used Konad Special stamping polish in White, Apple Green, Yellow, Coral Blue, Violet Pearl and Lavender.  One coat of Seche Vite was my top coat.

Seedlings

Spring has finally sprung here in MN.  This manicure was inspired by my obsession with watching my flowers peek through the dirt.

I painted a base three coats of China Glaze Fade Into Hue.  I added the grass designs with China Glaze In the Lime Light and Entourage.  Seedlings were China Glaze Surfin For Boys, Creative Fantasy, Solar Power.  Seche Vite was my top coat.

Minneapolis, Your Weekly Forecast:

As of Monday night, I should say and subject to change!!!!!  I mostly made this manicure as a reminder to me that there is the potential for 70 degrees on Saturday!!!!  That would be crazy!  If you can't tell by my latest posts, weather has been my obsession as I exhaustedly wait for spring.  I need flowers!  I need to ride on my scooter!  I need sun and surf (more like lakeshore)!  ASAP!

I painted a base of three coats of China Glaze Sunday Funday.  For the other parts in the scene I used China Glaze Dandy Lying Around, White on White, Solar Power, Lighthouse, Orange You Hot? and Zoya Kelly.  My Right thumb added snowflakes with Bundle Monster image disc BM323 using Konad Special Polish in White with China Glaze Snow Globe atop.  My Right thumb added the sun image with Bundle Monster image disc BM01 using Konad Special Polish in Yellow and adding Essie Shine of the Times on top.  One coat of Seche Vite was used to finish the look.

Melt Me!

This manicure was an incite into the snow outside and the awaiting grass that needs to come out and play.  We've had such a long winter and too many snow showers in the last week alone!  This picture was taken over the weekend and there was too much snow for me to grab three weeks into April!

I painted a base of three coats of China Glaze Budding Romance.  To top the green color, I made a green and brown glitter concoction with LA Splash Cosmetics Pineapple Coral, Coconut Shell and Immature.  I sponged in layers the white "snow" with China Glaze Dandy Lyin' Around.  I used one coat of Seche Vite to seal.

April Fools

I painted this manicure when I was hopeful of April showers this month to call on spring.  Unfortunately, the majority of showers we've had this month have been snow showers.  So, April Fools, spring is far away!

I painted a base three coats of China Glaze Dandy Lyin' Around.  I used Bundle Monster Plate BM312 and China Glaze colors: Sci-Fly By, Galactic Gray, Take a Trek, Strap On Your Moon Boots, DV8.  Seche Vite was my top coat.

Egg-stra Easter

Easter makes nails the perfect canvases for mimicking Easter eggs.  I'm not sure I was totally inventive on this manicure, but I was able to highlight a few new things I have on hand today: my new manicure polish collection from China Glaze: Hologlam.  And a new image disc from the third generation of Bundle Monster.  Hoppy Easter to those who are enjoying it here in the states!

I painted three coats on all but ring of China Glaze Not In This Galaxy and three coats on my ring fingers on China Glaze Sci-Fly By.  I added Bundle Monster images from plate BM302 and BM316 with Konad Special Stamping Polishes in Apple Green, Pastel Violet and Violet Pearl.  To finish I used one coat of Seche Vite.

Bubbly

In honor on New Years Eve tomorrow, I am posting my manicure for the occasion.  It seems a bit subdued for me since the night always seems to need to be so epic, but I think it fits.  It's a representation of the toast I will be making to a great year and continue living a happy life once the ball drops at midnight!  Be safe!  Have a great night and spend some time with the ones you love.

I painted a base two coats of Zoya Richelle and added some glitter from Esther's Nail Center and La Splash Cosmetics in Pot O' Gold.  I painted a coat of China Glaze Swanky Silk on top and added a few more pieces of glitter.  I used two coats of Seche Vite to finish the look.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve, Eve and I was working on my manicure like a good little elf. Hoping with last until Christmas.  Wishing all of you a safe holiday full of friends, family, good times and all you wish for.

Santa: Base Three base coats China Glaze Hey Sailor.  Use of China Glaze White On White, Liquid Leather and Orly Luxe.

Bricks and Stockings: Two base coats China Glaze Classic Camel.  Taped off and a two layers of China Glaze Foxy.  Use of colors China Glaze White On White, Classic Camel, Starboard, City Siren, Hey Sailor, Def Defying, Liquid Leather Ulta Envy, Orly Luxe & Au Champagne, OPI Golden Rules!, Zoya Trixie.  Use of Bundle Monster Plate BM11 with Konad Special Stamping Polish in Apple Green.

Chimney and Rudolph: Two base coats of China Glaze Up All Night.  Use of China Glaze Classic Camel, Foxy, Liquid Leather, Orly Au Champagne, OPI Golden Rules! Topped Rudolph's nose with a gemstone.

Seche Vite was my top coat.

Winterscape

This manicure is shaping to be one of my favorites this round of holiday nails.  It was very simple, but so whimsical.  Even if snow can complicate our every day lives at times, I'm so glad to live in a place where I get to experience it.  Here's hoping it stays around for a white Christmas!

I painted two coats of China Glaze Liquid Leather.  At the base of the nail, I sponged Orly Au Champagne as my snow.  Atop, I added a layer of Orly Twilight for background sparkle.  I stamped using Bundle Monster plate BM214 BM205 with Konad Special Stamping Polish in White.  My final touch was using the dotting tool to make larger snowflakes with Orly Au Champagne.  One coat of Seche Vite used to shine the final product.

Deck The Halls With Double Balls

Ok.  Terrible title of the manicure, but "Double Dots" didn't seem very festive.  I was inspired by some nail appliques I saw at a store for this idea.  Figured it would be easy enough for me to do myself.  It was!

I painted a base two coats of China Glaze Cast A Spell.  Dots were made with the following: China Glaze Hey Sailor, Def Defying, Starboard, Zoya Reva, Trixie, Orly Au Champagne, Ulta Jaded.  Seche Vite was my top coat.

Nude Snowflakes

Minnesota hadn't gotten a big snowfall before this manicure.  It was my way of calling it to us, because soon after we had a crazy snowfall!  It was amazing and aggravating at the same time.  For whatever reason, nude is tricky to capture on camera.  Plus, my sparkles were so subtle, I also had difficulty capturing it.  Oh well, on with the snowflakes!

I painted three coats of China Glaze Knotty and added LA Splash Cosmetics Nail Glitter in Golden Egg.  Using Bundle Monster plates BM03, BM14, BM202, BM204 with Konad Special Stamping Polish in White.  One coat Seche Vite to finish.

Snowy Trees

This manicure was inspire by a very heavy snow we had here in Minnesota.  The best part about snow is the way the trees look afterwards.  It's so magical.  My manicure doesn't live up to nature's beauty, but I tried.

I painted a base of three coats of China Glaze Winter Holly and then for the design I added branches, snow and contrast with Zoya Paris, Edyta and Orly Au Champagne.  I used two coats of Seche Vite for the top coat.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Yesterday was thanksgiving here in the States and I also participated in something I've never done before: Black Friday.  So in honor of those two events, here are the nails inspired by them:

Thanksgiving Feathers:

I painted a base two coats of Zoya Tiffany and sponged Zoya Sienna and China Glaze Riveting.  For the feathers I used Bundle Monster image disc BM214 with China Glaze Blue Bells Ring.  I finished with Seche Vite.

Black Friday: 

This manicure was fun with the layering effect.  I first painted two coats of China Glaze Liquid Leather and then added glitter with LA Splash Cosmetics in Silver Wave.  I then added a coat of Orly Androgynie for the final layer.  I used one coat of Seche Vite, but now after a day, I may add another for more shine.

Vote!

It's the eve of the Presidential Election here in the US.  So in honor, I'm encouraging all and showing my intentions to vote on November 6th.

Three coats of China Glaze High Roller was the base.  I used China Glaze White On White for the check box and with Konad Special Polish in White and Coral Blue with Bundle Monster image disk BM14.  Seche Vite was the top coat.

Happy Halloween 2012

I've been a terrible blogger to you, so in honor of Halloween, my treat is posting pics of all my October Halloween-themed manicures.

Bat-ter Up:

Skull And Crossbones:

Slimed:

Witchy:

Halloween Night:

Bat-ter up: China Glaze In The Limelight, Bizarre Blurple, Bundle Monster image disks: BM13, BM213 with Konad Special Polish in Black and Apple Green.

Skull and Crossbones: China Glaze Smoke and Ashes, Bundle Monster image disk BM211 with Konad Special Polish in Psyche Pink and White.

Slimed: I finally tried the splatter with a straw (didn't like the results as much as my frankenstein contraption).  I used the black light to try to show you the glow and the dark polish, but really it just showed the neon more.  Still cool.  Used Orly Au Champagne, China Glaze Piña Colada.

Witchy: Love this red/orange from China Glaze's Wicket Collection.  Painted three coats of Rougish Red and used Bundle Monster image disk BM13 with Konad Special Stamping Polish in Violet Pearl

Halloween Night: My actual Halloween manicure for the day.  Created a spooky nightscape.  Painted 3 coats of China Glaze Immortal; moon made of a mix of China Glaze Kalahari Kiss and White On White;  clouds of China Glaze White On White, Liquid Leather Orly Au Champagne.  Used image Bundle Monster Image Disks: BM213, BM224