Nails, Nails, Nails!: 25 Creative DIY Nail Art Projects by Madeline Poole - Chronicle

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

NAILS, NAI LS, NAILS! 25 C REAT I V E D I Y NA IL PRO J E C T S

By Madeline Poole

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

NAILS, NAILS, NAILS! 25 Stylish DIY Nail Art Projects MADELINE POOLE

• Introduction • Anatomy of a Nail • Nail Toola • Techniques

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

CONTENTS

Half-Moon

Drops

Clueless Plaid

Alternating French

‘40s Two-Tone

Cubic

Triple Eclipse

Half Nail with

Negative Space

Splatter Paint

Classic Camo

Crystals

Outline

Leapard

Chain Link

Triangulate

Galaxy

Glitter Studs

Studded Eclipse

Electric Fade

Gold Leaf

Deco

Stained Glass

Abstract Floral

Multi Stripes

I am often asked why nail art is so popular these days – why people of all ages, backgrounds and fashion sensibilities are sporting bold, eyecatching nails. It’s a tough question, and there are as many different answers as there are ways of painting your nails. But one thing is clear: nail art is fun! It’s really as simple as that.

Nail art is where beauty, fashion, and art collide. Many come to nail art with an interest in cosmetics, applying polish and colors with the same passion and precision as eye shadow and lipstick. Others see nail art as a fashion accessory, completing an outfit in that same way that hats and purses can be a stylish finishing touch. Still others see nail art as an exciting craft, arranging polish on the nail like paints on a canvas, patches on a quilt, or beads on a necklace.

Personally, I discovered nail art as a form of self-expression that unites many of my hobbies and interests, such as miniature painting, color theory, pattern, and of course fashion and beauty as

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

INTRODUCTION

well. My nail art toolbox includes a grab bag of random inspirations— ancient symbols, textiles, pop culture, cave paintings, nature, and music.

You might ask, what do these things have to do with nail art? Well, if nail art is a form of self-expression, then there are no wrong answers. Anything goes!

What’s in your inspiration grab bag? As you complete the projects in this book, I hope you will find new ways of expressing yourself. These 25 classic and original projects represent a broad range of styles and techniques. Some are more challenging than others, so you can expand your skills while developing a steady hand. Some require a partner for double the fun. All include ample opportunity for your own customization and self-expression.

Let each project be an experiment. Let each nail represent a different side of your personality. If you make a mistake, simply wipe it off and start over – or keep going, and see where it takes you. Your finished nails will be beautiful, stylish, and crafty, all at once.

Welcome to the world of nail art!

Madeline Poole / Los Angeles, 2012

There are dozens of nail art tools on the market, many of which are common household items. The lists below include the key tools that every aspiring nail artist should obtain, plus miscellaneous items that are used in the projects in this book. (See Resources, page xx, for specific recommendations.)

POLISHES

*

Clear Base Coat creates a smooth first layer before color is applied and aids in polish bonding to the nail.

*

Nail polish applies color to the nail.

(See Choosing a Polish, page xx.)

* Clear top coat seals in the completed

look and provides a protective

layer. A fast-drying top coat is highly recommended. *

2-Way Polish Striper Pen, containing a striper tool at one end and a pen tool at the other, paints fine lines with nail polish.

* The striper tool is a long skinny

polish brush for painting stripes (as

its name implies), intricate curves,

and covering larger areas of miniature decoration

* The pen tool performs like an ink pen

and is ideal for tiny dots, lines, and smaller areas of miniature decoration

Note, this book calls for five specific Striper Pen colors—black, white, pink, gold, and gold glitter—but a wide selection of colors is available.

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

NAIL ART TOOLS

* An Angled-Edge Eyeliner Brush,

typically used on the eyes, is recommended as a nail art tool for applying nail polish remover with precision. It is important to obtain one for the exclusive purpose of nail art; do not use one brush on both nails and eyes. Synthetic bristles are a must.

*

Clear Packaging Tape, cut into strips and shapes, can be applied to the natural unpolished nail and painted over to create smooth lines and tracing effects. (Do not apply tape to a painted nail, as it can damage underlying polish.)

* A Cotton Swab, with the tip thickly

coated in nail polish, can be used as a stamp to create organic round shapes on the nail.

* A Double-Sided Dotting Tool features

round metal knobs at each end. Dip them in polish and apply to the nail to create small dots and perfect

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

BASIC TOOLS

circles. Knobs can also be used to apply individual pieces of glitter to the nail.

*

A Nail File is used to shape natural nails before polish is applied.

*

Nail Polish Remover is key! Do not attempt a nail art project without it.

Apply it before, during, and after projects as needed. (See Keeping Clean and Clean-Up, page xx.)

*

Small Nail Scissors are handy when cutting is needed—while preparing clear sticky tape for outlining, for example, or cutting lace and other nail decorations.

*

Paper Reinforcements are an office supply item used in nail art to create a smooth outline of the moon area.

(See Nail Anatomy, page xx.)

*

A Plastic Soda Cap is used as a small cup to hold nail polish remover, providing convenient, instant access to this crucial clean-up tool.

Opaque polishes work best for nail art because they require fewer coats than translucent polishes. The best way to test the opacity of a polish is to try it out, painting just a single stroke down the center of one of your nails.

Can you see the nail through the polish, or does the polish cover the nail in a dense layer of color? If you are shopping for polishes and are unable to test them, simply hold the bottle up to ceiling light. If light passes easily through it, then it has low opacity.

NAIL PREPARATION Nail preparation can be extensive, including a full range of manicure procedures, or it can be as simple as you like. The projects in this book don’t require any preparation other than a good cleaning of the hands. First, remove old nail polish with nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Then wash hands with soap and water. If you would like to clip or file your nails, do so now, and follow with a second hand-washing using soap and water. Dry hands thoroughly with a cloth

towel. Apply a clear base coat, allow it to dry, and you’re ready to begin!

DRYING TIME Nail preparation can be extensive, including a full range of manicure procedures, or it can be as simple as you like. The projects in this book don’t require any preparation other than a good cleaning of the hands. First, remove old nail polish with nail polish remover and a cotton pad. Then wash hands with soap and water. If you would like to clip or file

: D D TE E N H IZ IO IG R T R HO BU PY T I O U TR C T A IS O D N R FO

TECHNIQUES