Sun and Sand

Warmer weather calls for tropical nail designs.

 

By Pam Minch

 

 

Have you planted your perennials and annuals? If so, your yards and window boxes will be bursting with vibrant colors this time of year, so why not bring some of that new growth into your salon? Nail art that features flowers goes with every outfit or swimsuit, and Ellen M. Del Valle from Ponce, Puerto Rico, shares her talent with Nailpro to inspire everyone’s green thumb. She offers three floral-themed ideas that utilize a double-load painting technique described in Brush Up, below. One of her designs also features a charming bird that fits in perfectly with her flowery motif. Another blooming idea comes to us from Nodoka Wakabayashi from Sammamish, Washington. She demonstrates how to use 3-D techniques to add the flair of a fresh-cut flower to clients’ nails. You can almost smell the fragrance emanating from this bouquet of designs, and your clients will love helping you pick colors that complement their own plantings.

 

Brush Up
Double-load painting originated with tole painters, who developed elaborate painted designs on metal surfaces, and you can use this time-tested technique for your nail art. Add paint to one corner of a flat brush, and add another paint color to the opposite corner. Swipe the brush on a plastic bag to blend the colors, and you’re ready to go! Use this simple blending technique to create flower petals, clouds, waves, leaves or anything else your imagination allows.