tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51168974844038063162024-03-17T22:46:08.567-07:00Chalkboard Nails | Phoenix, Arizona Nail ArtistA blog dedicated to everything nails and nail art, including freehand designs, stamping, and tutorials that range from beginner to advanced.Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.comBlogger930125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-64051712101374074762017-01-12T10:30:00.000-07:002017-01-12T10:30:05.634-07:00Personalized Black and White Freehand Nail Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS3b0ruIUUw/WHb6zWLosiI/AAAAAAAAXPY/fmK-4sHtol0K4N0BlFRQ21a-WUEjI8cXACLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zS3b0ruIUUw/WHb6zWLosiI/AAAAAAAAXPY/fmK-4sHtol0K4N0BlFRQ21a-WUEjI8cXACLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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I've said it before and I'll say it again: black and white is just the best, most striking combo ever. In November, I was headed to the <a href="http://www.nailpro.com/cnd-hosts-first-ever-vip-brand-summit" target="_blank">CND VIP summit</a> and I <i>knew</i> I wanted to do something eye catching. After all -- the Summit was going to be attended by nail professionals that I respect and admire! I had to do something I would be proud of, and feel confident in.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1GIpHpEJ0/WHb6zZBlYNI/AAAAAAAAXPU/HGSlTY9KZlc1sct6KP0610Kj55AygStoQCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jB1GIpHpEJ0/WHb6zZBlYNI/AAAAAAAAXPU/HGSlTY9KZlc1sct6KP0610Kj55AygStoQCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a><br />
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I chose to go with a mix of patterns and iconic images that mean something to me. Among the mix is Chowder (my precious babydog), a bee (my favorite animal), polished hands, a Saguaro cactus (the symbol of Phoenix), and the roman numerals for 2016.<br />
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They are all painted freehand over CND Shellac in Cream Puff and Black Pool. I used <a href="https://shop.thenailhub.com/collections/akzentz-gel-play" target="_blank">Akzentz GelPlay</a> in Black and White for the detailing.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGwQ4w3gco/WHb6zRwuvVI/AAAAAAAAXPQ/gLmtVFvg8XEWRQ8uryn_Kovghs9fPeGXQCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxGwQ4w3gco/WHb6zRwuvVI/AAAAAAAAXPQ/gLmtVFvg8XEWRQ8uryn_Kovghs9fPeGXQCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKSsz1rQj-4/WHb6z3VM0NI/AAAAAAAAXPc/sus8KTCTjLgRZHqCILov6mwOJManpxObgCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKSsz1rQj-4/WHb6z3VM0NI/AAAAAAAAXPc/sus8KTCTjLgRZHqCILov6mwOJManpxObgCLcB/s1600/black-and-white-graphic-nail-art-4.jpg" title="Freehand black and white nail art @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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Here's some #RealTalk... This manicure took me like four hours to complete. The left hand took about an hour, while the right hand (featuring art by my non-dominant, left hand) took about three! I kept wiping off the art and trying to start again because I wasn't happy with how it was turning out.<br />
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Thankfully, I eventually got them to a place where I felt good about each of the nails. I cured them, finished the manicure, and collapsed into bed! 😊Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-26204617551862866642016-11-13T10:00:00.000-07:002016-11-13T10:00:13.843-07:00Daydreamer Gel Marbling with a Textured Accent Nail<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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Hi everyone! I'm off to New York City this week for a really amazing opportunity... I can't wait to share more with you! Follow me on <a href="https://www.snapchat.com/add/chalkboardnails" target="_blank">Snapchat</a> to keep up with my adventures!<br />
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This nail look is something that I experimented with a while ago. All of the flat, non 3D nails were created with variations on my favorite gel marbling technique, while the 3D nail was something I tried and think I could do better if I were to try it again. Read on for details!<br />
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I used the OPI Venice collection in GelColor for this look.<br />
<ul>
<li>OPI GelColor I Cannoli Wear OPI</li>
<li>OPI GelColor Gelato On My Mind</li>
<li>OPI GelColor O Suzi Mio</li>
<li>OPI GelColor Purple Palazzo Pants</li>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Marbled Nails How To</span></u><br />
Begin by prepping your nails for a gel application and applying your base coat. Cure.<br />
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Apply a single coat of base color and cure. Apply a second coat of base color, but don't cure! Drop spots of other colors of gel into the uncured layer, and then use a clean striper brush to swirl around the colors. Cure.<br />
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Finish with a coat of top gel, cure, and cleanse.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/6-J705MSXv/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A video posted by Chalkboard Sarah (@chalkboardnails)</a> on <time datetime="2015-08-29T14:47:36+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Aug 29, 2015 at 7:47am PDT</time></div>
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As for the textured nail, I was aiming for a kind of matte/shiny alligator skin texture. If I were to do it again, I would use a structure gel or some gel resin to create the texture, as it would hold up better and allow me to be more precise with the placement!<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Textured Nail How To</span></u>
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Begin by prepping your nails for gel and applying gel base coat. Cure.<br />
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Apply two coats of gel color, curing between each. Apply your top coat and cure, then cleanse.<br />
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Use a fine grit buffer to lightly buff the surface of the nail until it is evenly matte. Using a nail art brush, apply gel resin, structure gel, or gel topcoat generously in your alligator-skin pattern. Cure and cleanse.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dre4jdgP3Os/V082F7ONv2I/AAAAAAAAWpw/vxo-CgsCdUYy-nzwjWx5s3iIdm5fFaeEgCLcB/s1600/daydreamer-marbled-textured-gel-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Daydreamer Nail Art @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dre4jdgP3Os/V082F7ONv2I/AAAAAAAAWpw/vxo-CgsCdUYy-nzwjWx5s3iIdm5fFaeEgCLcB/s1600/daydreamer-marbled-textured-gel-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Daydreamer Nail Art @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a>Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-67828691414375865322016-10-25T10:30:00.000-07:002016-10-25T10:30:09.682-07:00CND Shellac Startstruck Collection and Creative Play Celebration Collection for Holiday 2016<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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Whether you wear Shellac or regular nail polish, this holiday, CND has you covered with a variety of colors and textures in seasonally festive shades!<br />
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<i>Thank you to CND for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.</i><br />
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The Shellac Starstruck collection is glitzy and glamorous and <i>perfect</i> for the holiday season. We use exclusively Shellac at the spa that I work at, and I am so excited for us to add these shades to our lineup. Inspired by gemstones, there's a shade in this collection for everyone.<br />
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<b>CND Shellac - Alluring Amethyst</b>, 2 coats<br />
A pretty purple base with plenty of silver glitters in small and medium sizes.<br />
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<b>CND Shellac - Blushing Topaz</b>, 2 coats<br />
Blushing Topaz has rosy pink glitters in a clear base. While this shade will layer well over other Shellac colors, I do like the way it looks at two coats alone! It almost has a hammered metal texture when it catches the light.<br />
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<b>CND Shellac - Dark Diamonds</b>, 2 coats<br />
Dark Diamonds is my favorite in this collection! It looks like snow falling at night, or glittering asphalt. I know this one is going to be huge with clients.<br />
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<b>CND Shellac - Emerald Lights</b>, 2 coats<br />
Emerald Lights is a stunning rich green with small glitters and a fine shimmer.<br />
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<b>CND Shellac - Garnet Glamour</b>, 2 coats<br />
Ok, so just look at this one. Perfect Christmas shade, right? So glowy.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nNtt1-4LIJk/WA3pJGQxu3I/AAAAAAAAXNY/oAJkbx9RPHYgMr5IDQQ3faxrHurF2ZBhACLcB/s1600/cnd-shellac-garnet-glamour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CND Shellac Garnet Glamour @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nNtt1-4LIJk/WA3pJGQxu3I/AAAAAAAAXNY/oAJkbx9RPHYgMr5IDQQ3faxrHurF2ZBhACLcB/s1600/cnd-shellac-garnet-glamour.jpg" title="CND Shellac Garnet Glamour @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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<b>CND Shellac - Starry Sapphire</b>, 2 coats<br />
A blurple with a mix of sparkling glitters. There are beautiful iridescent glitters in there as well, but they hid from my camera a bit!<br />
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What do you think of these shades? Are you a Blushing Topaz kinda gal, or more on the Dark Diamonds end of the spectrum?<br />
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The Shellac Starstruck Collection will be available for Holiday 2016. Visit <a href="http://cnd.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cnd.com</a> to locate a Shellac certified pro near you.<br />
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Now, let's get ready to check out the Creative Play Celebration Collection nail lacquers...<br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - Foiled Again</b>, two coats<br />
This yellow gold foil shade is super eye catching and unique. A bold take on holiday metallics for the gal that wants to do things a little differently!<br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - Happy Holly Day</b>, two coats<br />
A beautiful holly green. I've been completely obsessed with this type of green shade lately (especially for pedicures!).<br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - Naughty or Vice</b>, two coats<br />
A deep, moody plum.<br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - Revelry Red</b>, two coats<br />
A fun and unique play on the traditional holiday red! This one adds a bit of candy apple shimmer and some small glitters.<br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - Extravaglint, </b>one coat over Happy Holly Day<br />
Tinsel glitter! So fun for Christmas and New Years!<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U__k_s2yUVg/WA3pH6Gb-DI/AAAAAAAAXMw/WJIv4UXRo4MTy4_EWbbzFVbHkE8W1VmeQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-extravaglint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="CND Creative Play - Extravaglint @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U__k_s2yUVg/WA3pH6Gb-DI/AAAAAAAAXMw/WJIv4UXRo4MTy4_EWbbzFVbHkE8W1VmeQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-extravaglint.jpg" title="CND Creative Play - Extravaglint @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a><br />
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<b>CND Creative Play - RSVPlum</b>, two coats<br />
A unique pink metallic with an interesting satin-looking shine.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxEY6O8vyCs/WA3pIAAKAQI/AAAAAAAAXM8/bcAmFhbIX0cGHX8ZPEImTY5rFBSbNcubQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-rsvplum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CND Creative Play - RSVPlum @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxEY6O8vyCs/WA3pIAAKAQI/AAAAAAAAXM8/bcAmFhbIX0cGHX8ZPEImTY5rFBSbNcubQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-rsvplum.jpg" title="CND Creative Play - RSVPlum @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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<b>CND Creative Play - Stellarbration</b>, one coat over Naughty or Vice<br />
A fun mix of silver and gold glitters with stars! This one is my favorite from the Creative Play shades. It's so versatile and perfect for the season.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpvIGgtT7FI/WA3pIUsBmJI/AAAAAAAAXNA/FxUVpT_uGh0_mnLXP9QlSXKCUG3iehO5QCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-stellarbration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CND Creative Play - Stellarbration @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UpvIGgtT7FI/WA3pIUsBmJI/AAAAAAAAXNA/FxUVpT_uGh0_mnLXP9QlSXKCUG3iehO5QCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-stellarbration.jpg" title="CND Creative Play - Stellarbration @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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<b>CND Creative Play - Turquoise Tidings</b>, two coats<br />
This shade was definitely a surprise for a holiday collection. It has a blue tinted jelly base with iridescent glitters and mylar flakes. There is a lot going on in here, so try to keep your coats thin and even when applying to avoid a thick finish.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZXUCGSE0Rs/WA3pInOAJyI/AAAAAAAAXNE/hz2M1OV_z0oGnzLCE91Jn-KyJFBSwRZdQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-turquoise-tidings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="CND Creative Play - Turquoise Tidings @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mZXUCGSE0Rs/WA3pInOAJyI/AAAAAAAAXNE/hz2M1OV_z0oGnzLCE91Jn-KyJFBSwRZdQCLcB/s1600/cnd-creative-play-turquoise-tidings.jpg" title="CND Creative Play - Turquoise Tidings @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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My picks for this collection are Revelry Red, Stellarbration, and Happy Holly Day, though it was fun to see unexpected shades like Turquoise Tidings and Foiled again in a holiday set!<br />
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The Creative Play Celebration Collection is available this month in select salons and retail stores for a suggested retail price of $7.50.Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-11698608316275835172016-10-18T13:14:00.001-07:002016-10-18T15:11:56.534-07:00Shattered Glass Star Gel Nails<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEDwFZYUiZA/Vm5T-lAJl-I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/Vk5tVCNAD04/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wEDwFZYUiZA/Vm5T-lAJl-I/AAAAAAAAWbQ/Vk5tVCNAD04/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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If you've been around the world of nails lately, you know that <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/shattered-glass-nail-trends" target="_blank">shattered glass nails</a> are still going strong! Even amongst the sea of chrome and unicorn holo, I still see shattered glass effects being incorporated into manicures.<br />
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The basic idea of shattered glass nails involves putting shards of iridescent cellophane, origami paper, or reflective tape on your nail to create a unique and eye catching glass look. Here's a slightly different look that I did with the style!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2K65-lhLE/Vm5T-hTxxUI/AAAAAAAAWbI/rUzqormpxaA/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UP2K65-lhLE/Vm5T-hTxxUI/AAAAAAAAWbI/rUzqormpxaA/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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Here's how to get the look for yourself in gel:<br />
<ol>
<li>Use a star-shaped hole punch to punch stars out of <a href="http://hoopsupplies.com/" target="_blank">hula hoop tape</a></li>
<li>Apply gel base coat, cure</li>
<li>Apply gel color coat(s), cure. Remove tacky layer with isopropyl alcohol.</li>
<li>Peel off the backing from the stars and stick them firmly onto your manicure</li>
<li>Apply a coat of gel topcoat or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M0SH4XX/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01M0SH4XX&linkCode=as2&tag=chalkboardnai-20&linkId=a95ceb87ea712fd5df8fe16db020fd2b">structure gel</a><img src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chalkboardnai-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01M0SH4XX" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> over the stars, cure</li>
<li>If needed, buff the surface of your nails lightly to smooth out any rough edges</li>
<li>Apply a final coat of gel topcoat, cure, cleanse</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CJazE4Uyp4/Vm5T-pyzPRI/AAAAAAAAWbM/-RpkqO2kHpI/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--CJazE4Uyp4/Vm5T-pyzPRI/AAAAAAAAWbM/-RpkqO2kHpI/s1600/glass-stars-gel-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Glass Star nails by @chalkboardnails" width="700" /></a></div>
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My biggest tip for you on these is to prep your stars before you start doing anything else. That is not a task you want to be doing with wet polish or sticky-halfway-done-gels. I used hula hooping tape from <a href="http://hoopsupplies.com/">HoopSupplies.com</a>, and hole punched out the shapes with a star shaped hole punch from Michael's. While I was at it, I prepped a bunch of them and stored them in an empty nail art pot.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/9cSOlFMSXW/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Chalkboard Nails (Sarah) (@chalkboardnails)</a> on <time datetime="2015-10-30T00:40:04+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 29, 2015 at 5:40pm PDT</time></div>
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Since the tape is so awesomely iridescent, it was tough to photograph! I had good success capturing the real effect of the stars with my iPhone in the photo above.<br />
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What do you think? Have you tried this trend? Is this a look you would wear?Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-20195300533124376312016-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-18T15:16:09.959-07:00The 31 Day Nail Art Challenge 2016 Finisher Badges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtZXMhT1Q70/V_wx7j0Yg1I/AAAAAAAAXL4/PqPTqEJSzB8ZyMmKk-Y8a3Z6RCP_SVM3ACLcB/s1600/finisher-badges-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FtZXMhT1Q70/V_wx7j0Yg1I/AAAAAAAAXL4/PqPTqEJSzB8ZyMmKk-Y8a3Z6RCP_SVM3ACLcB/s1600/finisher-badges-2016.jpg" width="700" /></a></div>
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I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate those of you that finished the <a href="http://bit.ly/31dcfaq" target="_blank">31 Day Challenge</a> this year! It's never easy, and definitely something you should take immense pride in finishing. A big ol' high five from me to you!<br />
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The original finisher badges were created by <a href="http://www.lingyeung.com/">Ling Yeung</a>, and I've been modifying them each year. Grab one and display it on your blog with pride! I've included the HTML code below each badge, or you can save the image to your computer and upload it that way.<br />
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<b>FOR INSTAGRAM:</b><br />
Click on the following links for higher-res versions of the badges that you can post to your feed.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX2xIgdxgfw/V_wuDau_gHI/AAAAAAAAXLg/FfKbK_GceyUc-RhEtb5eQMYx4mqDXpXAgCLcB/s1600/31_day_challenge_badge-2.jpg" target="_blank">Pink circle</a> | <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbNbPw7fLYg/V_wuDby3oKI/AAAAAAAAXLc/0Lv5ixFpvFcFeQhIAC1tErI4Ru-zerrzwCLcB/s1600/31_day_challenge_badge-3.jpg" target="_blank">Monochrome</a> | <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KxMIu9yPlQ/V_wuD-3b79I/AAAAAAAAXL0/EbpDR2bzZA8v2euPRvpgZR2rC77Y1ipnQCPcB/s1600/31_day_challenge_badge.jpg" target="_blank">Teal circle</a><br />
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<td style="text-align: center; width: 33%;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6SyNI2d84q0/V_wuDt2_QkI/AAAAAAAAXLk/Z5IUdkXwWXAP1fB7aRJUd2yv5Eu89yKRwCLcB/s1600/31_day_challenge_badge-3_blog.png" /><br />
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Like last year, if you haven't finished the challenge yet, feel free to bookmark this page and come back to it to grab one when you're done.<br />
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Congratulations!
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Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-65562445292493417812016-10-10T16:45:00.000-07:002016-10-10T16:45:53.385-07:00Hand-Placed Glitter Flowers<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J3xxyKRNwI/VcURpAmxqFI/AAAAAAAAV4M/6A9k3MXG9Mw/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J3xxyKRNwI/VcURpAmxqFI/AAAAAAAAV4M/6A9k3MXG9Mw/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-2.jpg" title="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" width="705" /></a></div>
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Here's a bit of a throwback look for ya! I did these nails probably about a year ago, and while I posted about them on social media, they never made it to the blog here. Plus, with fall arriving, these neutral tones with a slight twinge of grey are right on schedule.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FDCJ4UedL8/VcURpUW5jEI/AAAAAAAAV4Q/BFbSWvyOTBc/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_FDCJ4UedL8/VcURpUW5jEI/AAAAAAAAV4Q/BFbSWvyOTBc/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-1.jpg" title="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" width="705" /></a></div>
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This look is done with Shellac. It is much easier to do this style with gel, though you <i>could</i> accomplish it with regular polish, too.<br />
<ol>
<li>After prepping your nails properly, apply your base gel and cure.</li>
<li>Apply one coat of CND Shellac in Field Fox, and cure. Repeat with a second coat.</li>
<li>Use a dotting tool or Crystal Katana to individually place pieces of round glitter to form flowers and falling petals.</li>
<ul>
<li>Since the cured layer of Shellac is so sticky, I was able to pop them right on a cured nail and have them stay. If your gel isn't as tacky, you can also place the glitters into a layer of uncured gel and then cure them together.</li>
</ul>
<li>Topcoat generously and cure. Add a second layer if necessary.</li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUz8jtCXfqM/VcURpJQdKTI/AAAAAAAAV4I/Haiy0VUp46g/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUz8jtCXfqM/VcURpJQdKTI/AAAAAAAAV4I/Haiy0VUp46g/s1600/shellac-floral-glitter-placement-3.jpg" title="Glitter floral nails @chalkboardnails" width="705" /></a></div>
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I purchased my round glitters from Presto via <a href="http://www.naillabostore.com/category-s/1854.htm" target="_blank">Nail Labo</a>. <a href="https://wildflowers-academy.myshopify.com/collections/glitters" target="_blank">Wildflower's Nails</a> also has a huge selection of glitters that would be fun to build flowers or other shapes from!<br />
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No round glitters? No problem! You can use a dotting tool with a large and small side to accomplish this same look. Just go slowly and work carefully -- part of what makes this style so appealing is that the dots are all the same size.<br />
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What do you like to wear on your nails when fall comes around? Do you change your polish shades for the season, or keep on rocking brights and pastels?Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-27559615666160462182016-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:002016-10-05T11:49:56.787-07:00Disney Tsum Tsum Character Nail Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYhg6K72TOI/V_VK9Nta_7I/AAAAAAAAXLI/mArJ8tzy_nM4VVsqoa_MV696J7BnUVp2wCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-both-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYhg6K72TOI/V_VK9Nta_7I/AAAAAAAAXLI/mArJ8tzy_nM4VVsqoa_MV696J7BnUVp2wCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-both-1.jpg" title="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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In August, Sean and I went with a couple of friends to Disneyland! I hadn't been in a few years, so I obviously had to go all out with the nail art. I picked a few of my favorite characters, and painted them <a href="http://characters.disney.com/disney-tsum-tsum" target="_blank">Tsum Tsum</a> style on my nails.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6oPlOoMJQ/V_VEn222CII/AAAAAAAAXK0/h0P2EgHrlKEkVXrL80po0jndEsRXt2pzACLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6oPlOoMJQ/V_VEn222CII/AAAAAAAAXK0/h0P2EgHrlKEkVXrL80po0jndEsRXt2pzACLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-left.jpg" title="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB3xVFM9uz0/V_VEnzFbDjI/AAAAAAAAXK4/FyRN2InPXXgn7XblJzdEKSAXIqVImwaMQCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB3xVFM9uz0/V_VEnzFbDjI/AAAAAAAAXK4/FyRN2InPXXgn7XblJzdEKSAXIqVImwaMQCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-right.jpg" title="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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On my left hand, we have Cogsworth, Buzz Lightyear, Donald, Sadness, and Goofy. I chose Pooh, Mike Wazowski, Mickey, Genie, and the White Rabbit for my right hand.<br />
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I made sure to put the easier characters on my right hand, since I was going to be doing the nail art with my left! I think my strategy worked out pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9utJz0DOzOQ/V_VEnpf7GnI/AAAAAAAAXKo/-mYraw70aFga-2PaMNCgMwMBoCtLIulRQCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-both-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9utJz0DOzOQ/V_VEnpf7GnI/AAAAAAAAXKo/-mYraw70aFga-2PaMNCgMwMBoCtLIulRQCLcB/s1600/disney-tsum-tsum-nail-art-both-2.jpg" title="Disney Tsum Tsum Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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I did this set of nails in gel, which was helpful in that I could adjust things as necessary before curing the nail. Otherwise, my poor left hand would never have stood a chance! It needs all the assistance it can get.<br />
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Most of the detailing was done with Akzentz GelPlay gel paints. I truly use them all the time, for everything. If you do any gel art at all, I highly recommend investing in them (or at least a different brand of gel paints!).<br />
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Our trip to Disney was amazing. It was really neat to go on Tower of Terror one last time before they change it to the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride! And would you believe that this was the first time I had seen the fireworks show? What an amazing production!Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-70637861145392261432016-09-01T10:00:00.000-07:002016-10-05T00:54:11.857-07:00Where Are My Challenge Posts? AKA How I'm Participating This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hhZReA14g/V_SqUTvm0lI/AAAAAAAAXKY/EIiTPp-PvmYodKDpeWm6z3jK5TO7L2-QgCLcB/s1600/31-day-challenge-instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hhZReA14g/V_SqUTvm0lI/AAAAAAAAXKY/EIiTPp-PvmYodKDpeWm6z3jK5TO7L2-QgCLcB/s1600/31-day-challenge-instagram.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hi everyone! Today is the first day of the <a href="http://bit.ly/31dcfaq" target="_blank">31 Day Challenge 2016</a>, and I'm so excited to see<br />
what everyone comes up with! Personally, I've decided to do things a little differently this year. With all the changes in my job, my life, the scope of blogging and social media... It seemed best to try something new.<br />
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<b>So, my plan for this year is to do all of the challenge prompts on sets of plastic nail tips and film insta-tutorials at the same time.</b></div>
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Here's why:</div>
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<li>I don't make enough video content, and this will force me to do it. I love watching everyone else's videos, and now I will actually be contributing!</li>
<li>I get to keep the nail tips after I'm done and add them to my sample board at work for clients!</li>
<li>Working on a nail tip is closer to working on a client than if I were to do the nail art on my own hands. I'll get more practice!</li>
<li>Everything I wear on my own hands gets thrashed at work.</li>
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Between you and me, I am feeling a bit guilty about not sticking to my usual challenge format. But I'm trying not to be too hard on myself about it, and I know this will still be plenty challenging. I hope you will enjoy the tutorials just as much as my old types of challenge posts! </div>
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<b>As for what you can expect <i>here</i> on ye olde blog...</b></div>
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â‹— I added an Instagram widget above the main post area which will take you right to the Insta posts (you can view them all regardless of if you have an Instagram account or not).<br />
â‹— I will also likely do a few summary-style roundup posts throughout the duration of the challenge.</div>
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<b>And finally...</b></div>
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Not into <a href="http://instagram.com/chalkboardnails" target="_blank">Instagram</a>? The posts will also be pushed to my <a href="http://facebook.com/chalkboardnails" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://chalkboardnails.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a>.</div>
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Thank you, and enjoy! </div>
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-44030399269499096872016-08-24T09:00:00.000-07:002016-08-24T09:00:29.339-07:00The 31 Day Nail Art Challenge 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMG5Fn9a7P8/V7y94psRylI/AAAAAAAAWtE/T1VwEfFrSckWkiv8jI6VZDUxmFulLUMlACLcB/s1600/31DC2016-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cMG5Fn9a7P8/V7y94psRylI/AAAAAAAAWtE/T1VwEfFrSckWkiv8jI6VZDUxmFulLUMlACLcB/s1600/31DC2016-header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
September is almost here, and that means the 31 Day Challenge is almost here, too! I always take on this challenge every year, and, also as always, I invite you to join me! if you're interested in challenging yourself and your nail art, The 31 Day Challenge is perfect for you.<br />
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<b>Unfamiliar with the challenge?</b> Stop by the <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/p/the-31-day-nail-art-challenge.html" target="_blank">31 Day Challenge FAQ</a> to learn more!<br />
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<b>Want to check out the work that I've done previously?</b> Check out my roundups for <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/p/31-day-challenge.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/10/the-31-day-challenge-2012-roundup-post.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2013/10/the-31-day-challenge-2013-roundup-post.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2014/10/the-31-day-challenge-2014-roundup-post.html" target="_blank">2014</a>, and <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2016/08/the-31-day-nail-art-challenge-2015-roundup.html" target="_blank">2015</a>.<br />
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And one final note: don't forget to use this year's hashtag: <b>#31DC2016</b>!
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Here are the 31 Day Challenge prompts for 2016! Feel free to share, repost, upload to your blog, put on Instagram, etc. Click to enlarge.
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LX5uXfyMzMg/V7y6xmE8wRI/AAAAAAAAWss/0kR0KqPf6_sIneNUtthYhA05JJ8wj0SmwCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LX5uXfyMzMg/V7y6xmE8wRI/AAAAAAAAWss/0kR0KqPf6_sIneNUtthYhA05JJ8wj0SmwCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-1.jpg" style="height: 320px; margin: auto; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHEKG-bWAZM/V7y6xnorD1I/AAAAAAAAWs0/e2vlacTKiZ4JsMKQnxi6LwyqpJUZnE8ogCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHEKG-bWAZM/V7y6xnorD1I/AAAAAAAAWs0/e2vlacTKiZ4JsMKQnxi6LwyqpJUZnE8ogCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-2.jpg" style="height: 320px; margin: auto; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nn1sqA3-r8/V7y6xnp-SHI/AAAAAAAAWsw/ZclNPgsqeWoCOpGqaB8_FVcZwx_Hofm0wCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nn1sqA3-r8/V7y6xnp-SHI/AAAAAAAAWsw/ZclNPgsqeWoCOpGqaB8_FVcZwx_Hofm0wCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-3.jpg" style="height: 320px; margin: auto; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Utt596iKy_Y/V7y6yNu8-gI/AAAAAAAAWs4/NwDaCgyDpCku4wVKv4WF9-DcjNN2QpMKgCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Utt596iKy_Y/V7y6yNu8-gI/AAAAAAAAWs4/NwDaCgyDpCku4wVKv4WF9-DcjNN2QpMKgCLcB/s1600/31dc2016-4.jpg" style="height: 320px; margin: auto; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
<br />Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-9219694705066506672016-08-23T15:39:00.000-07:002016-08-23T15:45:31.275-07:00The 31 Day Nail Art Challenge 2015 Roundup (& Only a Year Late, Too!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P07y7Xbx_Qc/V7zO7XogcsI/AAAAAAAAWtg/pqYQNIj80ck3cGXva6PxkxZh9a018vy-QCLcB/s1600/32dc2015-roundup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P07y7Xbx_Qc/V7zO7XogcsI/AAAAAAAAWtg/pqYQNIj80ck3cGXva6PxkxZh9a018vy-QCLcB/s1600/32dc2015-roundup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Almost a year ago, in September 2015, I tackled the <a href="http://bit.ly/31dcfaq" target="_blank">31 Day Challenge</a> for the fifth time ever. I shamefully forgot to do a roundup last year, but figured "better late than never" and completed it this morning. You can also check out the roundup of my manicures from 2015 on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/chalkboardnails/31-day-challenge-2015/" target="_blank">31DC2015 Pinterest board</a>.<br />
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Click any photo to be taken to the original post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/garnet-glittering-gradient-grid-gels.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Glittering Garnet Grid by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DddYX-im7ac/VeZ9cwWpQlI/AAAAAAAAV84/XsL4NvMBhFA/s1600/red-rockstar-glitter-gel-gradient-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Glittering Garnet Grid by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/autumnal-orange-plaid-gel-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumnal plaid nail art by @chalkboardnails" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INng78bv55M/VedySfH7CZI/AAAAAAAAV9s/6SdtwovIwIQ/s1600/orange-plaid-gel-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Autumnal plaid nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/emoji-pattern-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emoji nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl0E4Q87iRg/VejrlKQA7CI/AAAAAAAAV-Y/wUiiVZsRDBo/s1600/emoji-pattern-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Emoji nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/animal-crossing-grass-pattern-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Animal Crossing grass patterned nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0iHZ5rJDjRQ/VeohiSdixUI/AAAAAAAAV_A/T9uqUa7IYcg/s640/animal-crossing-new-leaf-grass-pattern-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Animal Crossing grass patterned nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/something-blue.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=""Something blue" engagement nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q920jLhZc8/V7zNx01QHwI/AAAAAAAAWtU/tKETY-UhMcQUzMEDJz898a4ROZTUL2e_wCLcB/s1600/diamond-engagement-nails-something-blue.png" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title=""Something blue" engagement nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/orchid-petals-inspired-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orchid inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xIIIstHNEr8/VevjVufhypI/AAAAAAAAV_0/bOikNSMH6e8/s1600/orchid-petal-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Orchid inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/encircled-black-and-white-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx8zd_XSM4Y/VevjZvjJKJI/AAAAAAAAWAs/48jvVwVZx9M/s1600/matte-black-and-white-circles-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/pink-and-gold-rococo-nails.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Baroque metallic nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c9DIcGPuITk/VevjXrFSkUI/AAAAAAAAWAU/KOVERec0Xq0/s1600/metallic-gold-and-pink-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Baroque metallic nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/inspired-galactic-rainbow-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Rainbow Road nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TWOIiCT9n0/VfD4NLNOJgI/AAAAAAAAWBY/kAHicaWGiso/s1600/galactic-rainbow-inspired-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Rainbow Road nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/rose-gold-ikat-patterned-nails.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Metallic gradient ikat nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0mOmX7r8us/VfJaLQuWi-I/AAAAAAAAWB8/xWagUhyAkEo/s1600/rose-gold-pink-purple-ikat-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Metallic gradient ikat nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/trippy-mickeys-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trippy Mickey nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-un_ZifNVtWY/VfNVCR4JzaI/AAAAAAAAWCk/N9qZIVCHCHg/s1600/psychedelic-mickey-tie-dye-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Trippy Mickey nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/pattern-blocked-woven-stripes.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pattern blocking nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjHE7Jswkok/VfT3rlTSLbI/AAAAAAAAWDQ/fvjaU7nfmUg/s1600/blanket-weave-striped-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Pattern blocking nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/bobtail-squid-pattern-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bobtail squid nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-obvdNIDnsP0/VfZaTMOiMNI/AAAAAAAAWD4/66Xwd44ZVXg/s1600/bobtail-squid-pattern-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Bobtail squid nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/electric-daisy-floral-print-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric daisy nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlIDz1wI63k/Vfeo2w_i9yI/AAAAAAAAWEg/hxbvwVW4sxw/s1600/electric-daisy-nail-art-neon-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Electric daisy nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/lavender-blossoms-floral-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lavender blossom nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaFH1-CARBY/Vfi36HPzyfI/AAAAAAAAWFE/FE49dCOOz3I/s1600/lavender-blossom-floral-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Lavender blossom nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/flower-of-life-sacred-geometry-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Flower of life nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aftJzQUaDOI/Vfo5gIWOVEI/AAAAAAAAWFw/mOgU3joESxg/s1600/flower-of-life-sacred-geometry-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Flower of life nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/silver-honeycomb-glitter-placement.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Honeycomb glitter placement by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0SCCbGDujHE/VfueG_IZubI/AAAAAAAAWGQ/JcgK8fi89EU/s1600/silver-glitter-honeycomb-nails-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Honeycomb glitter placement by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/electric-carnival-half-moons.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric carnival nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eO_eiXF4ZhY/Vfzwuehb0wI/AAAAAAAAWG0/hSt1qr01Lac/s1600/electric-carnival-half-moon-nails-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Electric carnival nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/bejeweled-galaxy-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bejeweled galaxy nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVhGEtBeVSU/Vf4QJaHwrgI/AAAAAAAAWHY/0xXphcRUcdc/s1600/golden-jewel-tone-galaxy-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Bejeweled galaxy nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/peachy-marbled-stone-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marbled stone nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_DoXr2uboVs/Vf-PuRQoWAI/AAAAAAAAWII/_y5x1sPDvAQ/s1600/peach-marbled-stone-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Marbled stone nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/night-sky-nail-art-with-jinsoon-nocturne.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crescent moon nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jAsaGQQUAAw/VgDqtegS57I/AAAAAAAAWIs/Y2MSyD5EcoE/s1600/jinsoon-nocturne-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Crescent moon nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/paint-it-black.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paint it Black nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QI0EN_aoG4E/VgIaibYjagI/AAAAAAAAWJU/5I425uRo8Z8/s1600/paint-it-black-splatter-rainbow-nail-art-2.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Paint it Black nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/toy-story-nail-art-woody-buzz.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Toy Story nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEaIQegyrlQ/VgNYtlUI0xI/AAAAAAAAWJ0/056lptYi744/s1600/toy-story-buzz-woody-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Toy Story nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/modern-romance-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Modern Romance nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRa9BsF5CeA/VgS_PR79TZI/AAAAAAAAWKY/JPmlBVF74hE/s1600/modern-romance-nail-art-tinder-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Modern Romance nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/pinstripe-and-damask-nail-art-inspired-by-tory-burch.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tory Burch inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bweUKnoAihw/VgYNRl4DdWI/AAAAAAAAWM0/wNSJzFWMuIs/s1600/tory-burch-ss16-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Tory Burch inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/carnaval-netting-x-patterned-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Netted nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-13lE64LdNHw/VgdWnAl5MyI/AAAAAAAAWNQ/UJXYdbaJf5I/s1600/candy-land-mesh-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Netted nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/line-drawings-inspired-by-zach-bootz.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Zach Bootz inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0m3bxWmyYQ/VgjB9f8PvEI/AAAAAAAAWOA/MWy0zRHA8Tc/s1600/zach-bootz-inspired-nail-art-3.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Zach Bootz inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/pizza-bunting-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pizza bunting nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT6E-luATw4/VgoSEEA6RjI/AAAAAAAAWOo/Q0-0bJ2X7jU/s1600/pizza-bunting-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Pizza bunting nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/crop-circle-inspired-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crop Circle nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScFCfVoFhuI/VgthinSfwSI/AAAAAAAAWPg/1EbsvoqYJRU/s1600/crop-circle-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Crop Circle nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a>
<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/09/simple-vintage-floral-inspired-by-lacquerstyle.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Floral nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUxt-f2KDM/VgyerSD83mI/AAAAAAAAWQc/2ykKRVAUbec/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Floral nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/10/east-asia-meets-the-southwest-inspired-nail-art.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkFd2216_yw/VgzioBhOpWI/AAAAAAAAWRI/oLP80C-8LDU/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-hands-1.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 240px;" title="Southwest-inspired nail art by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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My personal favorites are the crop circles, the lavender blossoms, and the southwest-inspired final manicure.Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-8693951163979474502016-06-29T19:25:00.001-07:002016-10-05T00:49:37.775-07:00Watercolor Wash with Splattered Accents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ol_L6jf-sQ/V22Aq_mp2rI/AAAAAAAAWrI/gqj9idwl93EOpBOirdpaAwKkXuPX81hEwCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ol_L6jf-sQ/V22Aq_mp2rI/AAAAAAAAWrI/gqj9idwl93EOpBOirdpaAwKkXuPX81hEwCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-3.jpg" title="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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Recently, I had the very exciting opportunity to do an interview with our local CW station here in Phoenix, CW6! I knew they would be filming an up-close view of me doing some nail art, so I knew I had to do something jazzy on my own nails, too. I adapted this look from a <a href="https://neiru.me/" target="_blank">Neiru</a> lesson called "Fuchsia Swirl" by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mariko_shida/" target="_blank">Mariko Shida</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv4-vULZuRM/V22Aq7mW6QI/AAAAAAAAWrA/_Ltn4aNuGfEo9KEEy58YXSXYnkLEPIvdQCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv4-vULZuRM/V22Aq7mW6QI/AAAAAAAAWrA/_Ltn4aNuGfEo9KEEy58YXSXYnkLEPIvdQCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-1.jpg" title="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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It's super easy to get this look, especially if you're working with gel. I'm sure many of you guys have seen the drag marble looks with nail polish, right? Well this is the same, but in gel, you aren't working against the evaporating solvents and drying nail polish!<br />
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After prepping and applying your base coat, start with one coat of your main base color and cure. I'm using Presto Sordino.<br />
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Apply a second coat of your base color, but don't cure just yet! Add some swipes of your additional colors, as well as some thin lines of black gel. Clean off a striper brush, and use it to drag through the wet gel. This look is more of a "long, swoopy lines" type of marble, but you can draw whatever pattern you want. Cure your marbling.<br />
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Finally, add some splattered details. I actually used Gelish Pinch of Pepper for this particular manicure, but you could hand paint on some black and white as well.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvkKIWyuNSc/V22Aq76dBnI/AAAAAAAAWrE/XY5tN5VLMPsPY_fqGjbLzxJE7gySvivTgCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FvkKIWyuNSc/V22Aq76dBnI/AAAAAAAAWrE/XY5tN5VLMPsPY_fqGjbLzxJE7gySvivTgCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-2.jpg" title="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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Full product list:<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Dynamic-Soak-Nail-Polish/dp/B006DOC09Q/" target="_blank">Gelish Foundation and Top It Off</a><br />
<a href="http://www.naillabostore.com/Default.asp" target="_blank">Presto</a> Sordino (grey)<br />
Presto Bis (mustard)<br />
Presto Garante (blue)<br />
Presto Con Amore (neon yellow)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Collection-Carnival-Hangover-01477/dp/B006ER6KB6" target="_blank">Gelish Carnaval Hangover</a> (purple)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harmony-Gelish-Trends-Collection-Pepper/dp/B00H92ALPQ/" target="_blank">Gelish Pinch of Pepper</a> (black and white glitter)<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Matte-Sealer-Polish-Ounce/dp/B00FMB2XYS/" target="_blank">Gelish Matte Top It Off</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3NpRBmj4aw/V22ArYQoTmI/AAAAAAAAWrM/5IiS16kVvSwV1wdUoYIKGDkSBqrqNI_YwCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3NpRBmj4aw/V22ArYQoTmI/AAAAAAAAWrM/5IiS16kVvSwV1wdUoYIKGDkSBqrqNI_YwCLcB/s1600/spring-watercolor-wash-splatter-nails-4.jpg" title="Watercolor marbled nails by @chalkboardnails" /></a></div>
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If you're curious, you can also check out my <a href="http://www.yourphx.com/community/valley-nail-blogger-ups-the-game" target="_blank">interview with the CW</a>! Here is the manicure I was working on for the segment (shoutout to my friend Kristi for stepping up as a last minute model).<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGMz0CIsSet/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Chalkboard Nails (Sarah) (@chalkboardnails)</a> on <time datetime="2016-06-03T17:08:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 3, 2016 at 10:08am PDT</time></div>
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Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-2627048254624200772016-06-10T16:03:00.002-07:002016-06-10T16:03:53.424-07:00The Collector - Golden Decals for Your Odder Side<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dUCoTtwNMo/V082KYSXiNI/AAAAAAAAWqA/zxvam0KlhDcjaR4vcZp32G8UvqgfLO5LwCLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2dUCoTtwNMo/V082KYSXiNI/AAAAAAAAWqA/zxvam0KlhDcjaR4vcZp32G8UvqgfLO5LwCLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-1.jpg" title="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I titled these nails "The Collector."<br />
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Doesn't it seem like an amalgamation of weird items that you'd find in some spooky antique shop, owned by a weird dude that probably does a little spellcasting on the side?<br />
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These golden Wrap Artist decals pair with the soft, pink base in a really cool way. It's a sort of girly-meets-peculiar juxtaposition that I really enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOwreFJY2OE/V082KY43yDI/AAAAAAAAWqI/I0RFAUXwEiMlpX_HgOq9MaKPovfnITqqwCLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aOwreFJY2OE/V082KY43yDI/AAAAAAAAWqI/I0RFAUXwEiMlpX_HgOq9MaKPovfnITqqwCLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-2.jpg" title="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I began by applying <a href="http://www.naillabostore.com/product-p/024526.htm" target="_blank">Presto Secco</a> as my gel polish base. It's a really pretty soft pink that I actually bought for bridal season, but that works great year round as a more "natural" look!<br />
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Then, I applied the <a href="http://www.wrapartistnails.com/" target="_blank">Wrap Artist decals</a>. These are water slide decals, which is my preferred method of application for decals. They just work better! I used decals from both the "Bone Structure" and "Oddities" sheets for this look, but you should really just go look around the Wrap Artist site, 'cause there are so many awesome options.<br />
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After blotting off any excess water, I applied my gel topcoat to seal everything in and cured. The decals are very thin - I only needed one coat of gel top to smooth everything away.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dyqTwO8gUk/V082KZn6PzI/AAAAAAAAWqE/WKxJZVUt8i48-ZDVHRuVgHo_olDHWTfpACLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0dyqTwO8gUk/V082KZn6PzI/AAAAAAAAWqE/WKxJZVUt8i48-ZDVHRuVgHo_olDHWTfpACLcB/s1600/the-collector-wrap-artist-decals-3.jpg" title="The Collector - Gel manicure with decals by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had a few people at work questioning the weirdness of this manicure (though just as many thought it was awesome, too). A client was like, "Um, did you know you have bugs on your nails?"<br />
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Yeah, I'm aware, and I love it!Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-70647294716749929112016-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:002016-06-01T13:39:38.376-07:00Sushi is Bae Nail Art <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ji2O8DmtfA/V082IEgKyQI/AAAAAAAAWp8/n-Zz02PcmBMgVYF5RQRe0Ao3cc-Bz3SvgCLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ji2O8DmtfA/V082IEgKyQI/AAAAAAAAWp8/n-Zz02PcmBMgVYF5RQRe0Ao3cc-Bz3SvgCLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-1.jpg" title="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love sushi and so does most of the rest of the world. It's fresh and delicious and actually gorgeous. Have you SEEN the color of raw tuna? I want to paint my LIFE in it!<br />
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Anyway, as with most things I love, I decided to try to put it on my nails. Because, naturally. I've seen a lot of gorgeous interpretations of sushi nails lately, but I did try to make mine "my own."<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmx8G3kozYE/V082IKaLmVI/AAAAAAAAWp0/E9ldbOrRETgdxY6yF8YlW4jCoWphJ9khACLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmx8G3kozYE/V082IKaLmVI/AAAAAAAAWp0/E9ldbOrRETgdxY6yF8YlW4jCoWphJ9khACLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-2.jpg" title="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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On my thumb, I put my bae tuna. My pointer is tamagoyaki, which honestly I chose more for it's color than anything -- I have only eaten it once! My middle finger is salmon, my ring finger is rice, and my pinkie is intended to look like avocado with sesame seeds.<br />
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Quick sidebar about the rice nail that might give you some insight into my brain: in hindsight, if I were to do this all over again, I would paint individual white grains of rice over a negative space clear nail. I think that would read more like rice and look cooler than what I attempted here. The grey patterning is hard to read.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgRt-HnX6GI/V082IHBak7I/AAAAAAAAWp4/iIKMWcp1F941yI4kDiM13YPfUYEnrDoGwCLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgRt-HnX6GI/V082IHBak7I/AAAAAAAAWp4/iIKMWcp1F941yI4kDiM13YPfUYEnrDoGwCLcB/s1600/sushi-nail-art-gel-3.jpg" title="Sushi nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used gel polish for this, but won't be able to list out all of the materials I used. I did a lot of color mixing, layering, and blending, and beyond that, I wore this manicure a month or two ago and I don't remember the specifics. Oops! 😇<br />
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Are you a sushi fan? What's your favorite thing to order?<br />
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-12896575367621885852016-03-03T14:39:00.000-07:002016-03-03T14:39:44.401-07:00Simple Constellation Nail Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpiWQ31GR_c/Vtfa_8Z8uhI/AAAAAAAAWnM/FeSmd-8skok/s1600/constellation-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpiWQ31GR_c/Vtfa_8Z8uhI/AAAAAAAAWnM/FeSmd-8skok/s1600/constellation-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was due for a fresh set of gel polish this week, and have been craving black and white lately. I don't usually gravitate towards dark nail colors, because I feel like they make my nails look small and (sometimes) weird. #truenailconfessions. BUT, I've been seeing black and white nails all over my feed lately, and it had me wanting it on my own fingers.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rVc4GNTKVU/Vtfa_wIBA5I/AAAAAAAAWnQ/tll1NnimnII/s1600/constellation-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6rVc4GNTKVU/Vtfa_wIBA5I/AAAAAAAAWnQ/tll1NnimnII/s1600/constellation-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_hotcKtiAo/VtfbI8AiUoI/AAAAAAAAWnY/53kj6mRaJ4U/s1600/constellation-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_hotcKtiAo/VtfbI8AiUoI/AAAAAAAAWnY/53kj6mRaJ4U/s1600/constellation-nail-art-4.jpg" title="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since I try to ride out these gel polish sets as long as possible, I can't slack on the nail art for my right hand. I figured constellations would be easy enough that I could pull off something passable using my left hand.<br />
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I started with two coats of my new favorite black gel polish, <a href="http://www.naillabostore.com/product-p/014863.htm" target="_blank">Presto #060 Minaccioso</a>. Next, I used <a href="http://wildflowers-academy.myshopify.com/collections/art-paints" target="_blank">Wildflower's Art Paints in Powder</a> to paint on constellations and stars. Then, I used two coats of gel topcoat to seal the paint details in. Easy peasy!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kpK8oyFefE/VtfbAZ8iVII/AAAAAAAAWnU/dZnndkYgQB4/s1600/constellation-nail-art-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="336" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kpK8oyFefE/VtfbAZ8iVII/AAAAAAAAWnU/dZnndkYgQB4/s1600/constellation-nail-art-5.jpg" title="Constellation Nail Art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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P.S. They're all based on real constellations! I wanted to do my zodiac sign, but who knew Sagittarius had so many stars in it?!?!?Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-82262016552926266992016-01-27T17:07:00.000-07:002016-01-27T17:08:35.995-07:00Mid Century Modern Nail Art<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CovR6Xgx34/Vqj9bV2NLgI/AAAAAAAAWkw/prWkt0K8oW8/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CovR6Xgx34/Vqj9bV2NLgI/AAAAAAAAWkw/prWkt0K8oW8/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello friends! It's been a while since I posted here (thanks to everyone that reached out to make sure I was ok), but I'm back with a couple of snazzy new things to show you! First off, don't miss my new blog header! I wanted something fresh, lighter, and more fun, and so I made it mahself. Second, I'm shooting my photos on a light background! The black background looked too heavy with the blog refresh, so I'm giving this a go.<br />
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Now, on to the nail art. This simple look was created by saying "yes, and..." You know that rule of improv where you're supposed to take what your partner says and say "yes, and..."? It accepts what's already put into play and then adds more to the scene. Well in this manicure, I just kept adding pieces! It looked nice at several stages throughout the process, but I decided not to stop and to keep adding elements.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8dMVdzQJ-M/Vqj9bRTV32I/AAAAAAAAWks/6wKKbvfAUMY/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e8dMVdzQJ-M/Vqj9bRTV32I/AAAAAAAAWks/6wKKbvfAUMY/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the following polishes for this look:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/LVX-Nail-Lacquer-Polish-Militaire/dp/B016IXPS54" target="_blank">LVX Militaire</a> (base)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/LVX-Nail-Lacquer-Polish-Monarch/dp/B016IXPSPE/" target="_blank">LVX Monarch</a> (gold)<br />
Salon Perfect Oil Slick (black)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Classics-Formula-Sephora-Push-Limits/dp/B00FRKO03G" target="_blank">Formula X Push the Limits</a> (red-orange)<br />
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Can we take a second to marvel at the beauty that is LVX Militaire, by the way? It's such a great gorgeous grey with just a twinge of green, and it covered perfectly in two coats.<br />
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After applying the base, I used the polish brush of Monarch to dab some random gold shapes on top of it. Next, I grabbed my new Tati Chou Chou detail brush (<a href="http://shop.neiru.me/collections/tati-brushes" target="_blank">splurge!</a>) to add the thin black linework. The last step before topcoat was to apply the red and black dots; use a dotting tool for the smaller ones and a pencil eraser for the large ones.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_0eUa6Ni3I/Vqj9bbgMTVI/AAAAAAAAWko/GdF3LOZHv8A/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_0eUa6Ni3I/Vqj9bbgMTVI/AAAAAAAAWko/GdF3LOZHv8A/s1600/mid-century-modern-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoyed this look, and here's crossing my fingers that the next post won't be another month out! :)Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-83849501633636909452015-12-17T10:02:00.000-07:002015-12-17T10:02:23.285-07:00It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter!<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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Meet my current holiday nails! I sat down to do a festive set the other night, but wanted to take them in a slightly different direction than the usual seasonal fare. I reached for the pastel versions of red and green and combined them with silver accents for a marshmallow winter set. I'm in love!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rIAd13kx9w/Vm5T4eFuIYI/AAAAAAAAWas/k2hAaC4E24s/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0rIAd13kx9w/Vm5T4eFuIYI/AAAAAAAAWas/k2hAaC4E24s/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used the following gels for this set:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Hello-Pretty-Collection-Summer/dp/B00VXI8UKK/" target="_blank">Gelish Look at You, Pink-achu!</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gelish-Hello-Pretty-Collection-Summer/dp/B00VXI8UKK/" target="_blank">Gelish Do You Harajuku?</a><br />
<a href="http://shop.vetro-us.com/Vetro-No-19-Gel-Pods-VL271-Silver-Leaf-VL271.htm" target="_blank">Vetro Silver Leaf</a><br />
<a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/akzentz-gels-gel-play" target="_blank">Akzentz Gel Play in Platinum Quartz</a><br />
<a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/akzentz-gels-gel-play" target="_blank">Akzentz Gel Play in White</a><br />
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Since I am still obsessed with all things Japanese nail art, this set is inspired by that style. I'm still working to master their eye for mix-and-matching, but I think I found a pretty good balance here that I'm happy with.<br />
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All of the details are handpainted, from the "PEACE" to the snowflakes! I also opted for a peace sign on my right hand, cause my left hand can't handle lettering (plus, it mixes things up a little more!).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sV-wesWCMAw/Vm5T4ZVYQnI/AAAAAAAAWa0/NNDyFqIsKL0/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sV-wesWCMAw/Vm5T4ZVYQnI/AAAAAAAAWa0/NNDyFqIsKL0/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really love this set and my clients have been enjoying it, too! It's nice to feel festive without the traditional "rich red, deep green, glittering gold" color palette.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjJqcpFo-f0/Vm5T4-Fw_GI/AAAAAAAAWa4/JjMJlnguGUA/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OjJqcpFo-f0/Vm5T4-Fw_GI/AAAAAAAAWa4/JjMJlnguGUA/s1600/marshmallow-winter-nail-art-4.jpg" title="Marshmallow Winter nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-50959350637414861852015-11-20T15:00:00.000-07:002015-11-20T15:00:01.663-07:00My Nail Polish Collection + How I Stay Organized!<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<i>This post is sponsored by <a href="http://bit.ly/1MqF9LV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Clutch</a>. All opinions are my own.</i><br />
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One of the questions I'm asked the most is the dreaded, "How many nail polishes do you have?" As a nail art blogger, I have an absurd amount of polish, despite repeated destashes and reorganizations. So, I always fear the reactions I will get when I answer that question.<br />
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Thankfully, I know most of you guys will be supportive and understand (right?!). So here goes: I own around 2,500 bottles of nail polish!<br />
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After I answer <i>that </i>question, the next question is predictably, "But how do you store all of it??" Today I'll be taking you on a tour through how I store my polish as well as giving you some organization tips and tricks that have helped me.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">My nail polish army</span></b><br />
Firstly, the bulk of my collection is stored in <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40107872/" target="_blank"><b>IKEA Helmers</b></a>. They're small, inexpensive metal drawer units that come in four colors. I alternate between red and grey, and currently use four units. They're decorated with stickers because stickers are awesome.<br />
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The thing I like about Helmers is that the drawers are super shallow, and the perfect height for a bottle of polish, so there's no wasted space! If you use this route, however, be sure to <b>pick up some drawer liner</b>. Otherwise, your polish will slide around when you open the drawers and that is <i>not</i> good for organization.<br />
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Within the Helmers, I have my polishes <b>organized by brand</b> and that's it. Some people will further sort by color or by collection, but I find it too hard to maintain.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed_UbD8OCGM/Vk9uQtHANTI/AAAAAAAAWZY/_qsg33ckJsM/s1600/decorated-ikea-helmers-nail-polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed_UbD8OCGM/Vk9uQtHANTI/AAAAAAAAWZY/_qsg33ckJsM/s1600/decorated-ikea-helmers-nail-polish.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Polishes on display </span></b><br />
I use the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/1XeXcK5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Clutch 18-bottle storage case</a></b> to store some of my most treasured, expensive, and favorite polishes. The foam slots can fit almost every bottle shape and style, so I am able to include babies like:<br />
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<li>Clarins 230, AKA Unicorn Pee, which was a gift from my fiance and the only polish he has ever bought me</li>
<li>Cirque Au, my favorite gold leaf topper</li>
<li>MAC Bad Fairy (you collectors know where I'm coming from here)</li>
<li>OPI DS Glamour </li>
<li>Sally Hansen Pacific Blue (pour one out for my homie)</li>
<li>Lynnderella Connect the Dots, the polish that started my addiction to indie polishes</li>
<li>A Chowder themed custom from my friend Michelle at Sonoma Nail Art</li>
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I keep it as a display piece on top of my Helmers, which don't usually receive much indirect light. But since they are all in the Color Clutch storage case together, if I need to move them, it's no problem.<br />
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Plus, if I had to leave my house in a hurry, I could just grab the case and go!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-hZaunnDYE/Vk9vFgWhqHI/AAAAAAAAWZo/Ux8vT34-_Fw/s1600/color-clutch-18-bottle-closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-hZaunnDYE/Vk9vFgWhqHI/AAAAAAAAWZo/Ux8vT34-_Fw/s1600/color-clutch-18-bottle-closed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have polish, will travel</span></b><br />
I also have a <a href="http://reireishnailart.bigcartel.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>nail emoji backpack</b></a> that I use to transport things back and forth from my personal stash to my job as a nail technician.<br />
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I use the <b><a href="http://bit.ly/1NHrgZK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Clutch 8-bottle storage case</a> </b>to store a stash of seasonal colors to supplement the selection we have at work. It holds the bottles in places and zips them in securely so I can toss the case in my bag without worrying about breaking bottles or messy spills. Right now I've got some fall/winter shades loaded up from Essie, LVX, China Glaze, and more.<br />
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In addition to the seasonal colors, I always travel with my<b> box of sanitized implements</b> (nippers, clippers, pushers, and a rasp) and my <b>box of tools</b> (nail art brushes, silicone brushes, dotting tools, French brush, and a <a href="http://www.crystalninja.com/crystal-katana/" target="_blank">Crystal Katana</a>). I also make sure I always have my <a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/akzentz-gels-gel-play" target="_blank">Gel Play paints</a> and <a href="http://wildflowers-academy.myshopify.com/collections/art-paints" target="_blank">Art Paints</a> on hand. I keep the gel paints in a <b>Lego bento box</b> that I've repurposed for storage!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpBa2ZRCqs4/Vk9vWqAaWXI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/5LiFnGK9rTE/s1600/color-clutch-to-go-nail-backpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LpBa2ZRCqs4/Vk9vWqAaWXI/AAAAAAAAWZ4/5LiFnGK9rTE/s1600/color-clutch-to-go-nail-backpack.jpg" width="620" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Odds and ends</span></b><br />
My manicuring supplies at home are organized in an <b>acrylic makeup organizer</b>, which I keep stored on top of my Helmers. I filled the back compartment with rice so it would keep my nail art brushes upright, and have found the perfect slots for everything else (that acetone bottle fits like a glove!).<br />
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I also keep a three-drawer plastic organizer for all my miscellany: flocking powder, stamping plates, mini gel lamps, backup files and buffers, etc.<br />
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And of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my <b>magnetic nail art organizer</b> on the wall, which I made from scratch (<a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/05/diy-magnetic-nail-art-organizer-frame.html" target="_blank">and wrote a tutorial for</a>)!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmnU2VIFalo/Vk9viLWWR5I/AAAAAAAAWaE/B1D_2Eh5DE8/s1600/nail-table-organizer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UmnU2VIFalo/Vk9viLWWR5I/AAAAAAAAWaE/B1D_2Eh5DE8/s1600/nail-table-organizer.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok0osLVJAkg/Vk9vhyWL5fI/AAAAAAAAWaA/DGtr47Hg-l4/s1600/nail-art-supplies-organizer-magnetic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ok0osLVJAkg/Vk9vhyWL5fI/AAAAAAAAWaA/DGtr47Hg-l4/s1600/nail-art-supplies-organizer-magnetic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So that's it, now you've seen inside the madness! Are there any ideas here that you'd like to incorporate into your own storage system? Do you have any suggestions for me of things that have worked well for you? What polishes of your own would you store securely in a Color Clutch? Share in the comments below!<br />
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<i>This post has been sponsored by <a href="http://bit.ly/1MqF9LV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Color Clutch</a>. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Chalkboard Nails! </i></div>
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-9131146476633633322015-11-18T16:53:00.000-07:002015-11-18T16:53:05.473-07:00Tie dye your tips with this nail art tutorial and sneak peek from "Pretty Hands and Sweet Feet"!<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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Hey friends! Today I have a sneak peek into one of the tutorials that I contributed to our new nail art book, <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/11/pretty-hands-and-sweet-feet-book-announcement.html" target="_blank">Pretty Hands and Sweet Feet</a>. This design, as well as 20+ additional designs, can be found within its beautiful, full color pages.<br />
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I first tackled tie-dye nails WAY back in 2013 with my <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2013/03/sally-hansen-x-rodarte-tie-dye-and.html" target="_blank">Rodarte-inspired design</a>, but figured it was time to do a classic rainbow version, too.<br />
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I suggest using neon polishes for this look (I used the <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2015/03/china-glaze-electric-nights-for-summer-2015-swatch-review.html" target="_blank">China Glaze Electric Nights</a> collection) because they usually have a semi-sheer consistency that helps blend all of the colors together nicely. Plus, who doesn't love a good neon?<br />
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Start with a white base, and then use a medium length striper brush to add dashes of color spiraling out from the center of your nail. I began with my yellow shade, and then continued to build out the colors on either side of it (sticking with rainbow order, of course!). Don't forget a layer of topcoat to smooth out and protect your design.<br />
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This look is pretty simple to achieve, and the less precise you are, the more tie dyed it will look! So just have fun with it!<br />
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If you want to pick up PH&SF for a nail art lover or young adult DIY-er in your life, it is available for purchase now wherever books are sold. Here are links to some of the places that you can nab it:<br />
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<a href="http://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633220201/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet.html?direct=1">Quarto</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet-crazy-cute/dp/1633220206/">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pretty-hands-sweet-feet-sammy-tremlin/1121585519?ean=9781627889124">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781633220201">Indie Bound</a> | <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet/9781633220201-item.html">!ndigo</a></div>
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-18864694960659052812015-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:002015-11-04T10:00:00.644-07:00The Contrary Polish Wintry Weather Collection<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUkExrx_sa4/VjkeDsHkt3I/AAAAAAAAWYU/22F4t8y-udo/s1600/contrary-polish-wintry-weather-trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contrary Polish Wintry Weather Collection via @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="520" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUkExrx_sa4/VjkeDsHkt3I/AAAAAAAAWYU/22F4t8y-udo/s1600/contrary-polish-wintry-weather-trio.jpg" title="Contrary Polish Wintry Weather Collection via @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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These swatches are <i>long</i> overdue, but as we're headed back into winter anyway, I figured now would be a great time to share this seasonally-themed collection with you! The polishes are still available for purchase, so thankfully my tardiness has not affected their availability.<br />
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Meet the <a href="http://www.contrarypolish.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contrary Polish</a> Wintry Weather collection, a group of three chilly shades with shimmer and icy flakes!<br />
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<b>Frozen Sky</b> is a grey shade with silver shimmer and flakes. I used three coats for the coverage below.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyq6z3DoYBM/VarnxV5WDLI/AAAAAAAAVxo/GOMI3f1NbVo/s1600/contrary-polish-frozen-sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contrary Polish Frozen Sky via @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyq6z3DoYBM/VarnxV5WDLI/AAAAAAAAVxo/GOMI3f1NbVo/s1600/contrary-polish-frozen-sky.jpg" title="Contrary Polish Frozen Sky via @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Snowy Night</b> is a rich, deep navy with white shimmer and flakes. I used two coats for my swatch.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaokjQvBKhY/VarnxXTbXWI/AAAAAAAAVxs/DfPxFlsPatE/s1600/contrary-polish-snowy-night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contrary Polish Snowy Night via @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aaokjQvBKhY/VarnxXTbXWI/AAAAAAAAVxs/DfPxFlsPatE/s1600/contrary-polish-snowy-night.jpg" title="Contrary Polish Snowy Night via @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Winter Sun</b> is a squishy, marshmallow-white with gold shimmer and flakes. I used three coats for the coverage shown, and found this one to be a little streaky when applying, so be sure to wait between coats for your previous coat to set.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlhKrxxgAWU/VarnxfUHJZI/AAAAAAAAVx4/V5lJiljhkA4/s1600/contrary-polish-winter-sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Contrary Polish Winter Sun via @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AlhKrxxgAWU/VarnxfUHJZI/AAAAAAAAVx4/V5lJiljhkA4/s1600/contrary-polish-winter-sun.jpg" title="Contrary Polish Winter Sun via @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you're feelin' these shades, head on over to <a href="http://www.contrarypolish.com/product-category/wintry-weather/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Contrary Polish</a> where they are available as minis for $5 and as full size bottles for $10. Which one is your favorite?Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-70511360296949697602015-11-03T09:09:00.001-07:002015-11-03T09:09:26.175-07:00We wrote a book! Plus, enter to win it!<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqsDAd1YDjc/VjXVx1ExZxI/AAAAAAAAWXc/x20wnc_grNw/s1600/prettyhands-and-sweetfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqsDAd1YDjc/VjXVx1ExZxI/AAAAAAAAWXc/x20wnc_grNw/s1600/prettyhands-and-sweetfeet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Huge news, guys... <b>I coauthored a book</b>! If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/chalkboardnails" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="http://facebook.com/chalkboardnails" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, you may have seen this news teased already, but now I'm here to give you the full scoop. This project has been in the works for the past year and a half and it's so amazing to see it come to fruition. Meet <u><a href="http://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633220201/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet.html?direct=1" target="_blank">Pretty Hands and Sweet Feet</a></u>, a step-by-step nail art tutorial book perfect for the DIY nail art enthusiast.<br />
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I couldn't ask for a better group of coauthors to join me in this project: Sammy from <a href="http://www.thenailasaurus.com/">The Nailasaurus</a>, Lindsey from <a href="http://www.wondrouslypolished.com/">Wondrously Polished</a>, and Katy from <a href="http://www.blognailedit.co/">Nailed It</a>. We also had the help of <a href="https://instagram.com/jovialweaver/">Penelope Yee</a> who translated our designs into pedicure art.<br />
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In addition to the <b>25 full color, step-by-step tutorials</b>, there are also sections dedicated to nail art tools, techniques, and inspiration. Not only is this a great book for nail art enthusiasts, but it's perfect for beginners, too. And um, just saying, the holidays are coming up shortly...<br />
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Plus... my hand is on the cover! HOW COOL IS THAT?!<br />
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The book is set to release on November 9th, wherever books are sold. If you want to get a jump on it, you can preorder from the following retailers:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.quartoknows.com/books/9781633220201/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet.html?direct=1" target="_blank">Quarto</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet-crazy-cute/dp/1633220206/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pretty-hands-sweet-feet-sammy-tremlin/1121585519?ean=9781627889124" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781633220201" target="_blank">Indie Bound</a> | <a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/Pretty-Hands-Sweet-Feet/9781633220201-item.html" target="_blank">!ndigo</a></span></div>
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And the good news continues... I've got 10 copies of the book to give away! You can enter using the widget below - entries close at midnight on November 12th, and it's open internationally. Good luck!<br />
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<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/xg8hb/pretty-hands-and-sweet-feet" rel="nofollow">Pretty Hands and Sweet Feet</a>
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Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-2767932127478034172015-10-22T09:00:00.000-07:002015-10-22T09:00:06.816-07:0031 Day Challenge 2015 Finisher BadgesI'm a bit late with the badges, but want to take the opportunity to congratulate those of you that finished the <a href="http://bit.ly/31dcfaq" target="_blank">31 Day Challenge</a> this year! It's a huge accomplishment and you deserve to celebrate your success.<br />
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This year's badges are a modification of last year's, originally created by <a href="http://www.lingyeung.com/">Ling Yeung</a>. Grab one and display it on your blog with pride! I've included the HTML code below each badge, or you can save the image to your computer and upload it that way.<br />
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<b>INSTAGRAMMERS PLEASE NOTE!</b><br />
Click on the following links for higher-res versions of the badges that you can post to your feed.<br />
Pink (<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw4RPVoBzXk/Vig-7jlWWWI/AAAAAAAAWWY/rzY4ixcNTig/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-pink-1.png" target="_blank">White</a>, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdhA9E9SaYI/Vig-8LE8UdI/AAAAAAAAWWU/ASaPiJryd8c/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-pink-2.png" target="_blank">Black</a>) | Teal (<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jL7Z-ttBx5M/Vig--B29qkI/AAAAAAAAWWw/uIIR-GYpNE0/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-teal-1.png" target="_blank">White</a>, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FMpDpQFIL30/Vig--SW8UJI/AAAAAAAAWW0/2yCaf7vzEgc/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-teal-2.png" target="_blank">Black</a>) | Purple (<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4bQMZA62TP0/Vig-8kj4lnI/AAAAAAAAWWo/9xXPukcys8g/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-purple-1.png" target="_blank">White</a>, <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ueV2Xe_MjIY/Vig-9P_c4XI/AAAAAAAAWWs/LN4s2K8uE80/s512-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-purple-2.png" target="_blank">Black</a>)<br />
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<td style="text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BAJ5kabCQDk/Vig-7imMwHI/AAAAAAAAWVs/2MmS696xZPs/s175-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-pink-2-small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BAJ5kabCQDk/Vig-7imMwHI/AAAAAAAAWVs/2MmS696xZPs/s175-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-pink-2-small.png" style="height: auto; margin: 0 auto; width: auto;" /></a><br />
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<td style="text-align: center; width: 33%;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDTbJuEa79g/Vig-9z4G8_I/AAAAAAAAWWg/lmhqRnyynRs/s175-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-teal-2-small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yDTbJuEa79g/Vig-9z4G8_I/AAAAAAAAWWg/lmhqRnyynRs/s175-Ic42/31dc2015-badge-teal-2-small.png" style="height: auto; margin: 0 auto; width: auto;" /></a><br />
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Like last year, if you haven't finished the challenge yet, feel free to bookmark this page and come back to it to grab one when you're done.<br />
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Congrats to all of you finishers!</div>
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-56148592265198665662015-10-14T10:00:00.000-07:002015-10-14T10:00:03.659-07:00Wrought Iron Scrolls with the China Glaze Great Outdoors Collection<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNE65n6wbdQ/VhySXklJbBI/AAAAAAAAWSI/avDA_135Ssk/s1600/scrolling-leaves-wrought-iron-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wrought iron scrolls by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNE65n6wbdQ/VhySXklJbBI/AAAAAAAAWSI/avDA_135Ssk/s1600/scrolling-leaves-wrought-iron-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Wrought iron scrolls by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've always thought that wrought iron scrolls and leaves in gates were so pretty. Putting together one of those gates seems like so much work, no? I went for the same look in this nail art, but with significantly less effort and expertise required.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAoSzSOT24/VhySXlVMQZI/AAAAAAAAWSM/-s6-JodQCms/s1600/scrolling-leaves-wrought-iron-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wrought iron scrolls by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lAoSzSOT24/VhySXlVMQZI/AAAAAAAAWSM/-s6-JodQCms/s1600/scrolling-leaves-wrought-iron-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Wrought iron scrolls by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used <b>China Glaze - Check Out the Silver Fox</b> as the silver base. It went on beautifully and covered fully at two coats. I love these kind of "gritty" metallics that don't have a totally smooth finish; they tend to sparkle more in the light.<br />
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Then, I added the leaves and scrolls using <b>China Glaze - Take a Hike</b>. It's a really nice muted deep green that I can see myself using for a lot of nail art in the future.<br />
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The Great Outdoors collection is available now at Ulta and Sally Beauty, as well as in select salons nationwide.<br />
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<i>Products in this post were provided for review.</i>Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-535889918302988492015-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:002015-10-01T09:00:00.481-07:00East Asia Meets The Southwest - Embellished Gel Nail Art<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ZR1MGeDfs/VgzioZblGrI/AAAAAAAAWRY/ANKWZjDyiKA/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-hands-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ZR1MGeDfs/VgzioZblGrI/AAAAAAAAWRY/ANKWZjDyiKA/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-hands-2.jpg" title="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been waiting for this day since the beginning of the <a href="http://bit.ly/31dcfaq" target="_blank">challenge</a>. Not only because it meant that I had successfully completed the gauntlet for the fifth (!!!) year in a row, but also because I had a manicure that I have been dying to recreate for a very long time.<br />
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This beauty of a manicure is completely inspired by <a href="https://instagram.com/p/3tsSDlpcWO/" target="_blank">111NAIL salon in Japan</a>. I love it SO much. I tried to copy it to the best of my ability (and materials) and I am beyond happy with the outcome. I just adore the aesthetic of Japanese nail art; it's always so refined and balanced.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7f08sGWf1g/VgzinlzvBLI/AAAAAAAAWRE/OENHCCTru-c/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7f08sGWf1g/VgzinlzvBLI/AAAAAAAAWRE/OENHCCTru-c/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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Since the challenge is now over, I decided to these in gel and on both hands so I can enjoy them for a while. Here are the products that I used:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nail-Harmony-Gelish-Soak-Polish/dp/B004SSFE8S/" target="_blank">Gelish - Hot Rod Red</a><br />
<a href="http://www.redcarpetmanicure.com/sandal-scandal-p-376.html" target="_blank">Red Carpet Manicure - Sandal Scandal</a><br />
<a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/akzentz-gels-gel-play" target="_blank">Akzentz Gel Play in White and Black</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/color-steel-ball-caviar-beads-manicure-nail-glitter-decoration-p-456.html" target="_blank">Gold caviar beads</a><br />
<a href="http://dailycharme.com/search?q=triangle" target="_blank">Triangle studs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/5pcs-cute-colorful-pattern-water-drop-shape-gemstone-nail-sticker-p-5603.html" target="_blank">Turquoise teardrop charm</a><br />
<a href="http://dailycharme.com/products/beaded-6mm-round-frame-gold" target="_blank">Round gold frame</a><br />
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<a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/bling-on/dp/1359" target="_blank">Akzentz Bling On</a> (used to attach 3D embellishments)<br />
<a href="http://shop.gellipop.com/presto-top-gel-polish-05oz/dp/1684" target="_blank">Presto Top Gel</a> (thick gel topcoat)<br />
Gelish Foundation (go-to gel basecoat)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZhKuYCVDFY/VgzinpqCG6I/AAAAAAAAWRA/3KuOYZYFqNo/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vZhKuYCVDFY/VgzinpqCG6I/AAAAAAAAWRA/3KuOYZYFqNo/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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These nails weren't hard to do at all; however, they were pretty time consuming.<br />
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The drag marble nails are my favorite part and are beyond easy, especially in gel. All you need to do is apply the colors in arced stripes, and then drag a clean striper brush through them to create the patterns. Cure the marbling in your lamp and you're set!<br />
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The other nails are basically just dots and embellishments, which I attached using Akzentz Bling On. It's a super strong, thick gel that grabs ahold of your charms or studs and helps keep them in place once cured. It made the process of placing the gold bits a lot easier, especially on a manicure like this with so many elements.<br />
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I made sure to finish with a thick gel topcoat to help smooth out the edges on the 3D pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkFd2216_yw/VgzioBhOpWI/AAAAAAAAWRI/oLP80C-8LDU/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-hands-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkFd2216_yw/VgzioBhOpWI/AAAAAAAAWRI/oLP80C-8LDU/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-hands-1.jpg" title="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you have a moment, be sure to go give <a href="https://instagram.com/111nail_omotesando/" target="_blank">@111nail_omotesando</a> a follow on Instagram, I have completely copied this manicure from them and there is so much more gorgeous work to be seen on that account.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFsvMBDFyKY/Vgzinn8-izI/AAAAAAAAWQ8/EMJF8awYbbs/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFsvMBDFyKY/Vgzinn8-izI/AAAAAAAAWQ8/EMJF8awYbbs/s1600/east-asia-meets-southwest-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Southwest-inspired gel nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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That's a wrap on the challenge for this year! Stay tuned for my 2015 roundup, and congratulations to those of you who have finished as well!<br />
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Previous nails I've honored:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2011/10/31-day-challenge-day-31-recreate-your.html" target="_blank">Rebecca Likes Nails' Candy Print</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/10/31dc2012-day-31-recreate-manicure-you.html" target="_blank">Mr. Candiipants' Koi Fish</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2013/10/31dc2013-day-31-honor-nails-you-love.html" target="_blank">Nailside's Abstract 80's Design</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2014/10/chunky-sweater-nails-inspired-by-very-emily.html" target="_blank">Very Emily's Chunky Sweater Nails</a></li>
</ul>
<br />Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-51607854975379767552015-09-30T20:04:00.004-07:002015-09-30T20:04:56.946-07:00Simple Vintage Floral Inspired by Lacquerstyle<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUxt-f2KDM/VgyerSD83mI/AAAAAAAAWQc/2ykKRVAUbec/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUxt-f2KDM/VgyerSD83mI/AAAAAAAAWQc/2ykKRVAUbec/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-1.jpg" title="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are nearing the end of the challenge! Today's prompt is "inspired by a tutorial" and I've taken inspiration from the talented (and Queen of Florals), <a href="http://www.lacquerstyle.com/2015/08/wnac2015-august-summer-simple-abstract.html" target="_blank">Lacquerstyle</a>. For this particular look, I've followed her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9P1w0bQE20" target="_blank">Simple Abstract Floral Tutorial</a>, which not only features a fun and easy design, but has gorgeous cinematography and photography to boot.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKSK_xB1s-o/VgyerRyaQZI/AAAAAAAAWQk/FTw5hUy5COQ/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IKSK_xB1s-o/VgyerRyaQZI/AAAAAAAAWQk/FTw5hUy5COQ/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-2.jpg" title="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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I wont detail how to do this look -- if you want to visit the tutorial, just click on the link above!<br />
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I used <a href="http://www.sephora.com/sheer-strength-P393226?skuId=1662832" target="_blank">Formula X Cloud Nine</a> as my base. The flowers are painted with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Lacquer-Entrance-Fluid/dp/B00011JKS6" target="_blank">China Glaze Make an Entrance</a>, while the blue blossom sprays were done in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Polish-First-Fluid/dp/B004IPLJ9Y/" target="_blank">China Glaze First Mate</a>. I created the leaf shade by mixing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Great-Outdoors-Lacquer/dp/B012EB58IG/" target="_blank">China Glaze Take a Hike</a> and American Apparel Crescent Heights.<br />
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I love this look, though mine aren't quite as perfect as Kristin's! The smaller blue sprays really add a lot to the completed manicure.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg30tXRq7E0/VgyerXntpmI/AAAAAAAAWQg/on7wFzDWbSo/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rg30tXRq7E0/VgyerXntpmI/AAAAAAAAWQg/on7wFzDWbSo/s1600/lacquerstyle-simple-floral-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Vintage floral nails by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out the other tutorials I've tried in the past:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2011/09/31-day-challenge-day-30-inspired-by.html">Cutie owl half moons</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/09/31dc2012-day-30-inspired-by-tutorial.html">Candy mermaid scales</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2013/09/31dc2013-day-30-inspired-by-tutorial.html">Floral pond manicure</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2014/09/glow-in-the-dark-stars-reverse-stamping.html" target="_blank">Reverse stamped glow in the dark stars</a></li>
</ul>
Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5116897484403806316.post-20412572704788270792015-09-29T21:22:00.001-07:002015-09-29T21:22:48.468-07:00Crop Circle Inspired Nail Art<div class="disclosure-buttons">
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"Inspired by the supernatural" is another one of the challenge prompts that I'm not usually too enthused about. I started out today attempting a manicure depicting the <a href="http://theinfosphere.org/Galactic_Entity" target="_blank">Galactic Entity</a> from Futurama, but quickly changed my mind (looked too much like my galaxy nails!). I decided to do some crop circle nail art instead, and boy am I glad that I did! I'm super pleased with these and hope you enjoy them too.<br />
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I started out by applying two coats of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/essie-Color-Greens-Mojito-Madness/dp/B00O4Q3A4Y" target="_blank">Essie - Mojito Madness</a> as my green base. Then, I used the dry brush technique to add some swipes of Duri - Shocking Twist. If you're unfamiliar, you just wipe most of the polish off of your brush, and then lightly swipe it over your nails.<br />
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Then, I used <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LVX-Luxury-Vegan-Polish-AVENAL/dp/B012HDXY6Y/" target="_blank">LVX - Avenal</a> to handpaint my crop circle designs. Many of them have geometric elements to them, so I chose to focus on concentric circles as well as lines and triangles.<br />
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I finished the nail art with a matte topcoat. I liked the look of it glossy, but to be honest, the reflections of the lights that I use for my photos on my nails made my linework look distorted.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9h7g1rxo0Sk/VgthilerNjI/AAAAAAAAWPY/4bHa2JtAABQ/s1600/crop-circle-nail-art-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crop circle nail art by @chalkboardnails" border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9h7g1rxo0Sk/VgthilerNjI/AAAAAAAAWPY/4bHa2JtAABQ/s1600/crop-circle-nail-art-3.jpg" title="Crop circle nail art by @chalkboardnails" width="640" /></a></div>
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See more of my supernatural nail art:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2011/09/31-day-challenge-day-29-inspired-by.html">Glow in the dark ghosties</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/09/31dc2012-day-29-inspired-by-supernatural.html">Glittering Edward nail art</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2013/09/31dc2013-day-29-inspired-by.html">Phoenix feather nail art</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2014/09/raava-and-vaatu-legend-of-korra-nail-art.html" target="_blank">Raava and Vaatu nail art (Legend of Korra)</a></li>
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Sarah Thompsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12065144587322086491noreply@blogger.com0