. . . . Nail Stamping . . .

                 I get tons of compliments on my nails, (hence the start of this blog), but part of my "success," is from nail stamping. A quick and easy way to add designs and images to your nails without the need for stickers or expensive trips to the nail salon. I can change my nails to match my outfit or mood or whatever odd whim I have at the time. Nail stamping images can be anything from flowers, hearts and peace signs to characters, holiday images and words. They can be a simple accent image or one that covers your entire nail. There are different companies that make stamping plates. I use" Bundle Monster," I bought it from Amazon.com. Aside from the plates you need the stamper, scraper and nail polish. Most brands of nail polish will work, "Konad," is a big brand that pushes their polish- but it is expensive and not necessary. I have great success with Wet n' Wild creme colors, Sinful Colors and Pure Ice brands. If I use a glitter polish it has to be one that is "glitter heavy," more opaque than transparent. But enough talking. . .  let's get started. . . . .

Here are a few of my plates,stampers and scraper.

After picking a design and polish, paint the image.

Lightly scrape off the excess polish, so just a little remains in the etching.

Press the stamper onto the image.

The image picked up fairly well. The trick here is being quick. If you take too long the image can dry on the plate and not pick up or it can dry on the stamper and end up being useless.

Super grainy picture (sorry) After picking up the image, "roll" the stamper over the nail and press.

Bronze leaves on a brown background. OPI "Sonata in bronze" and Sonia Kashuk "Chocoholic"