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"Art Gallery" showcases the nail art of some of the best artists in the industry. Every month, the column features four to six nail art designs created by one or more of our readers with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions. The nail art usually follows a theme for an upcoming holiday or season and depicts that theme in creative, easy-to-replicate designs. The column also provides promotional tips to help readers make the most of their nail art businesses.
Nailpro is actively seeking nail art submissions, so send in your best examples today. If your art is chosen, we'll pay you $25 per nail and you'll be featured in an upcoming issue. Package nails securely, using bubble wrap, a padded box or cotton, and send by snail mail to: Nailpro, 7628 Densmore Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406, Attn.: "Art Gallery." Don't forget to include your name, address and phone number! |
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This Fourth of July, clients will flaunt nail artistry that bursts forth like fireworks.
By Pam Minch
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 Sparklers and barbecues, firecrackers and homemade ice cream—spirited Americans across the country enjoy celebrating the United States’ independence. The Fourth of July holiday presents a time for patriotism, for neighborly good cheer and for nail techs to show off some sparkling talent!
Whether your clients attend a local picnic or a backyard barbecue, the ant design I created (at left) will march in and steal not only the food, but also the hearts of your clients’ friends.
And what’s Independence Day without an abundance of high-flying American flags? Flags will wave proudly all over America; why not paint a red, white and blue flag on your clients’ nails as well?
Once the summer sun sets, the sky fills with the sights and sounds of dazzling fireworks. Practice the following firecracker designs so that the beauty of your clients’ nails can compete with the nighttime celebrations!
Don’t forget that the sunny month of July calls for both fingers and toes to be exposed, so take this chance to share your nail artistry with all of your patriotic clients. Declare that your clients’ fingernails and toenails look patriotic this holiday season—and watch your profits grow!
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 Step 1. Polish the entire nail white. Allow it to dry. Create the wavy blue portion of the flag with dark blue polish.
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 Step 2. Create red wavy lines on the white portion of the nail.
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 Step 3. Paint tiny stars and dots with white polish following the curve of the blue polish. Allow the design to dry and apply top coat.
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Average Time: 5 to 7 minutes per nail.
Suggested Price: $5 per nail.
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 Step 1. Polish the entire nail metallic dark blue and allow it to dry. Paint a red star in the corner of the
nail near the cuticle area.
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 Step 2. Outline the red star using white paint.
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 Step 3. Paint several tiny lines in white falling from the star.
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 Step 4. Add tiny red and yellow stars. Using white paint, create small accent dots. Allow the design to dry and apply top coat.
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Average Time: 3 to 5 minutes per nail.
Suggested Price: $3 per nail.
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Star Light, Star Bright
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 Step 1. Polish the entire nail with burgundy glitter polish. Paint firecracker pieces with lime green.
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 Step 2. Using white polish, create the fuse and explosion lines. Add white accents to the
firecracker.
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 Step 3. Create lines near the top of the firecracker using red paint.
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 Step 4. Use yellow and gold to create accents on the explosion.
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 Step 5. Allow the design to dry and apply top coat. While the top coat is still tacky, add tiny hologram stars near the explosion.
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Average Time: 5 to 7 minutes per nail.
Suggested Price: $5 per nail.
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The Ants Go Marching...
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 Step 1. Polish all of the nails pearly lime green. Polish the
tips white, gradually elongating the white tip area as you progress through the nails.
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 Step 2. Create a red checker pattern for the tablecloth on the white area of the nails. Using black, create a line on top of the tablecloth and four ants walkiing down the line.
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 Step 3. Create grapes by using dark purple and lavender paint to make several dots. Complete the grapes by painting a tiny green stem. Create a peach by painting an orange circle. Use white paint to accent the peach. Add a brown stem and two green leaves. Create cherries by painting two red dots. Add white to accent. Paint a brown stem. Create a watermelon by painting a melon slice with bright pink paint. Add dark pink near the bottom of the slice. Use green paint to create the rind. Add tiny black seeds.
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 Step 4. Add three black ants to the nail with the watermelon.
Allow the ants to dry and apply top coat.
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Average Time: 5 minutes per nail.
Suggested Price: $20 to $30 for a full set
or $5 per nail.
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Have you ever had a client request unscheduled nail art? Even though you might feel like you don’t have time to create nail art, here’s a quick Fourth of July fix: Craft stores sell star-shaped glitter in red, silver, blue and gold. Apply top coat and add individual stars in a clever pattern. This quick fix takes almost no time, yet creates a dramatic effect. Remember to reapply top coat over your design once you’ve placed all of the stars.
Celebrating her 25th year as a nail tech this year, Pam Minch specializes in nail art at Elysium Day Spa in Parker, Colorado. Her art has been featured in Sports Illustrated and several other publications. She has been a top nail art competitor, a competition judge and an educator for a major manufacturer.
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