Captain America is my Hero!

With Fourth of July around the corner, my thoughts turn Patriotic; red white and blue! So with a little patience and some great inspiration, I was able to create a sophisticated look with some good ole' fashion inspiration.
I thought long and hard about who I wanted to honor with my colors, and with what I could create to have a look that would go with just about everything.  Then it came to me, I looked down at my t-shirt and knew.... MY HERO!!!!

Image found on Google

With a little trial and error, I found some colors that would look good, be subtle and not overwhelm .... well, ME!  I used Julep nail colors.  I have so many that I never use so I thought this would be a great time to pull them out and see what I could dream up. I picked some great colors; Gunta a true blue color, Dendrie the steel grey, Jordan a sparkling black and silver tribute to stars everywhere and Glenn the shining red in every true American love. With these colors I was able to pull together a tribute fit for a hero......

Captain America, You're my Hero!!  

Here is my Julep Nail Tutorial in your honor! 

If you need to increase the size, please right click and save to your computer.  There you will be able to enlarge the instructions. 

If you choose to share this tutorial, re-type in your own words or use this and link it back to this post.

Ladybug Ladybug Fly away home....

You know, I love ladybugs.  I have ladybug hair pins, I love the colors red and black. My youngest daughter was my moms "Lucky Ladybug".

So in my mind, it stands to reason that I would find something crazy to do with ladybugs!

Image found on Google

Searching through the internet on new and exciting ways to paint my nails with the new polish that will be in my Etsy shop soon, I came across this tutorial on how to make ladybug fingernails....  I just had to try it!  And with an idea in my mind and the supplies to create the colors I needed, I was off!  

  

 I first started with two basic colors, a clear top coat and a dot tool.  The colors used are You Betcha Black and Hello Dorothy by Plum Valley Notions (yes... me).  I have an OPI top coat because I love OPI.  And last but not least, I have a dot tool.  Super easy to use and has two sides for small dots and for larger dots.

I made sure my hands were clean and dry then I applied two coats of the Hello Dorothy Nail Polish and allowed it to dry. 

Next, I did this part in two phases.  I went over the top of my nail as if I were giving myself a french manicure in You Betcha Black.  I allowed that to dry.  If you are not as steady to to this freehand you can always use the french manicure guides. 

I then went back over with a fine tip brush and drew a line from the bottom up and curved to the right slightly.  I repeated the step and then curve to the left.  I fill in the small "V" if needed with the You Betcha Black Nail polish.

Then came the fun part!  I added dots with the large end of the dot tool.  I added three dots to each side because my nails are so small!  (don't look at t hose cuticles!  they are in desperate need of love this weekend) I repeat this step by just dabbing the dot tool on the brush then onto the nail.

 Finally I finish with a top coat to seal all my hard work! And now I have 10 little ladybugs to keep me company!  And the best part is I find myself singing the rhyme... "Ladybug, ladybug fly away home"

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!  I am not a professional nail artist but I do want to share what I can do with the new nail polish line that will be coming to my Etsy shop soon!  With bold new colors and great products, you will be able to primp and pamper all in one spot! 

Please note all the photo's are my own. IF they are not mine I have labeled where they were found.  Please do not use these photo's without permission from me.