Big Game: Puppy Bowl Nails

Hello, Konaddicts!  Today is the big day!  That's right - today is Puppy Bowl XI!  Yes, for those of us not particularly into football, there is this super cute alternative.

So, to commemorate PuppyBowl Sunday, I created this little festive mani.  Here's the lineup:

-- Image plages --

Puppy Image - T28

Lines - BM411

Football - CH35
Letters - Konad M18-M19

-- Polishes --

Kleancolor Grass Green

BM Black

Konad Special White

Kleancolor Mocha

Revlon Top Speed Expresso

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Sand Storm

Thanks for reading!  And whether you go for the SuperBowl or the PuppyBowl, I hope you have a fun day rooting for your favorites!

April Fool's Day Mani: Mr. T Nails

Okay, so I have to confess that I got so excited about these Mr. T nail decals that I totally skipped my usual Easter-y type design because I couldn't wait to try these out.  

I decided to poke around eBay to see if I could find something different for an April Fool's Day manicure.  I found these decals and they were in the cart in snap.  I used to LOVE Mr. T!  I even had his record - Mr. T's Commandments.

Oh, yeah!

I tried a couple of different ideas for backgrounds, but I decided to go with a simple gradient of Sally Hansen Insta Dri Orange Impulse and Insta Dri Lightening.

I had a few, uh, "technical issues" with the decals - I'm used to the really thin decals that float off of the backing.  These were a thicker plastic and didn't seem as "sticky" as others I've used.  Even with the issues, I managed to get the hang of them and with a little quick action with the top coat, I got them stuck on.  

I added the barbed wire using BM323 and Wet n Wild black Creme.

Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em!

I wanted to use my Konad "letter plates" (which I HAD to buy and then rarely use) so I pulled out M17 and M18 to stamp out "Mr. T".

Too much excitement (and not enough top coat) means a few of my Mr. T's had some injuries - a missing ear and missing chin - but I have really loved wearing this one.

I hope you are having a blessed Easter weekend, Konaddicts, and that your April 1st gives you many things to smile about!

Halloween Candy Corn & Giveaway Winner!

I'm thrilled to announce the winner of my first giveaway - it's Katie!  Katie is all set to get her plates.  I hope she comes up with some great designs!

Thank you to everyone who entered and, to all the new followers, thank you for making me part of your "nail family". :)

Amazingly - and nearly just in time for Halloween - inspiration struck and I'm sporting these fun candy corn nails!

This was one of those designs that sort of evolved as I went about my day.

I knew I wanted candy corn stripes, so I used tape for the color blocks.  I started with a base of  Sally Hansen Insta Dri Whirlwind White (A).  I polished about half of the nail with Sinful Pull Over, an yellow-orange (B).

I waited until the polish was completely dry before adding tape to section off the middle (C).  Polished in my China Glaze Life Preserver (D).  And removed the tape! (E).

I'm getting better about remembering to smooth the tape before polishing and removing the tape while the polish is still wet; my lines are getting better!

I couldn't decide whether to stamp these or leave them in blocks.I decided I wanted to add the candy corn shape, but I didn't feel like trying to cut tape, so I decided to use nail pens and a nail brush to fill in the sides with Revlon Top Speed Espresso.

Then I decided I wanted to stamp them, so I used  Konad M17 and M18 and Wet n Wild Black Creme for the letters.

Please forgive the nail wear in the photo.   I wanted to take the picture sooner, but I have a new addition that has been keeping me busy.

This is Rosie.  She's only about 5 lbs, but she's a year old and is a burst of youthful energy.  My other dog, Barley, is 11, and we have been together for 8 years, so adding this little whippersnapper to our tried and true routines has been a challenge.  She's a sweet, sweet girl, though, and it already feels like she's a part of the family.

Well, take care Konaddicts!  I hope you have a fun and safe Halloween - and are wearing fun polish designs to celebrate!