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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!

 

New Dimensions

Take your nail art to great heights.

 

By Pam Minch

 

Ready for a fun twist on basic nail art? You can use color acrylic to add a little texture to an everyday design or build a 3-D object for special occasions. Another great way to use color acrylic is to apply a tiny bead of acrylic on the nail and drop a rhinestone in the center to spark up a 3-D design. This technique really adds a “pop” to flat nail art. s


This month, I’ve enlisted the help of 3-D nail art expert and educator Tami Bice-Hobson. She gives us four designs for all levels of expertise and skill, and while some of her designs are applied directly to the client’s nails, others can be completed before an appointment to save time.


The current trend is toward embellished nail art, and color acrylic is a quick and easy way to boost any service. Try adding some 3-D color acrylic to your favorite flat art designs for a whole new look!

 

Brush Talk
Tami Bice-Hobson shares this great tip: Make 3-D designs and display them for clients to purchase. Remind clients that these types of designs are reusable; they can wear them for different events, depending on their mood or the occasion.

   
Beginner:
Raised Elegance
1 Polish the nail mauve.
2 Place five drops of color acrylic in a circle near the tip of the nail to create a flower.
3 Add a small drop of yellow acrylic to the center of the flower.
4 Using green paint, add a leaf, and then add veins with silver glitter paint. Finish with top coat over the entire nail.

Nail Design: Tami Bice-Hobson

 

Average Time: 5 minutes per nail
Suggested Price: $5 per nail
 
Intermediate:
Springing Up
1 Polish the nail a
glittering gold.
2 Sculpt three leaves with green acrylic and then set them aside.
3 Using yellow acrylic, sculpt a flower. Bend the petals before they set completely.
4 Attach the flower and leaves to the nail with clear acrylic or glue. Then, add a black acrylic ball in the center of the flower. Use a toothpick to add texture to it.
5 Using white and dark brown paints, add details to the petals and leaves. Finish with top coat.

Nail Design: Tami Bice-Hobson

 

Average Time: 15 to 20 minutes per nail
Suggested Price: $10 per nail
     
Advanced:
Bunny Hop
1 Polish the nail bright green.
2 Paint multicolored eggs and flowers on the nail. Use dark green paint for grass and leaves.
3 Using white acrylic, sculpt one large ball for the bunny’s body and one small ball for the head. With smaller balls create two ears and a tail.
4 Attach the bunny with acrylic or glue. Then paint the eyes black, and use pink for the mouth, nose and insides of the ears. Paint the tail pink as well. Glue on brush bristles for whiskers. Finish with top coat.

Nail Design: Tami Bice-Hobson

 

Average Time: 15 to 20 minutes per nail
Suggested Price: $10 per nail
 
 
French:
Mod Magnolia
1 Polish the nail in a French design, using gold on the tip.
2 Sculpt leaves with dark green acrylic. Once they’re set, glue them to the nail.
3 Sculpt petals separately using white acrylic. Before the product sets completely, bend each petal into shape.
4 Glue petals to the nail. Add a small ball of acrylic to the center of the flower. Before it sets, make several holes in the ball with a pin for texture.
5 Add detail with paint and glitter. Finish with top coat.

Nail Design: Tami Bice-Hobson

 

Average Time: 15 to 20 minutes per nail
Suggested Price: $10 per nail
 

Pam Minch specializes in nail art at Sahair Beauty Salon 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.