Wednesday, September 5, 2012

31DC2012: Day 05, Blue Nails

Hello! This post is going to be light on the chatting and heavy on the photos. There's not much to say about the technique but I am totally enamored with these nails, so I included a lot of photos...

When trying to decide what to do for my blue day nails, I started thinking about beautiful blue and white china patterns. I wasn't sure of the history of this style, but have since come to learn a lot more about it (thanks Wikipedia)!


They start with a base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls. Then I freehanded on the pattern with a medium length striper brush using Cult Nails Time Traveler. The jellylike nature of Time Traveler really helped in creating a more authentic handpainted porcelain look.


While looking for sample blue and white china patterns, I came across this teacup. I loved the designs on it. I thought the flower was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the swoop shapes.

However, as you can see, I didn't quite copy the teacup exactly, and I didn't want to! I was set on doing a full nail pattern and the teacup was a bit simpler than I was aiming for. So I just took elements, moved things around, and added pieces.


Almost no planning went into this manicure... I just practiced the main flower one time and then sort of dove in, filling in areas with whatever I thought would look nice there.


Obligatory thumb nail shot...




These are seriously my favorite nails that I've done in quite some time.


You can check out the upcoming challenge prompts here, and you can also take a look at last year's blue nails here.
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58 comments

  1. *.* love it


    http://maggienails90.blogspot.pt/

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  2. Sarah!! These are beautiful! I think you've got more artistic talent in your pinky than I've got in my whole body!

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  3. Oooooohhh!!! Very nice!!! Have you seen Tatty Devine's new willow plate jewellery collection? https://www.tattydevine.com/shop/by-product/collections/autumn-winter-2012/willow-pattern-set-large-necklace.html Your nails are very fitting to it!!

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  4. i'm amazed by this, it's fantastic! such a brilliant design and idea and it must have taken so much time and concentration :)

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  5. This is so intricate and beautiful!

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  6. I've always wanted to do a nail design based on a china pattern- this is gorgeous!

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  7. I really like, looks a bit like Wedgewood china

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  8. Very beautiful, I love the idea of delicate china on your nails!

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  9. This is gorgeous, the details you put in are lovely :)

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  10. Are you kidding me? FREEHAND? I bow down to your skills! This is one of the most gorgeous manicures I've ever seen!

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  11. How is it that my mom and sister are both hand models?? I must have gotten the ugly hand genes... thanks dad.... Anyway this design is SICK!! Keep it up sissy!

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  12. Beautifuls!!! Congratulations for 4000 followers ;)

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  13. These are so amazing - some of the best nail art I've ever, ever seen!

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  14. Ok, this is just crazy in the best possible way.

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  15. I'm amazed at your creativity!

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  16. I cannot believe you free handed this design it is lovely.

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  17. SOOOO gorgeous! That blue really is the perfect color for this design.

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  18. I would NEVER take it off!!! They are simply beautiful.

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  19. waw realy pretty, delicate and fansy looking ... you can tell a lot of work was put into it
    u r officaly a pro :)

    xoxo
    gin

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  20. This reminds me of the beautiful china we saw in Denmark on our honeymoon. :)

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  21. I think maybe about an hour and a half for both hands? I never really pay attention to time when I do nail art haha

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  22. What a fabulous idea! It reminds me of my nan's kitchen - it was wall to wall blue china.

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  23. This is gorgeous! The prettiest nail design I have ever seen. I love it!

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  24. These look absolutely amazing!

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  25. WOW! This has to be the most amazing polish art I have seen all yr! Know it's in the eye of the beholder but I love love this. I have seen tons of flower art but never seen anyone do such a wonderful china blue/white pattern inspiration as this is! Applause!

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  26. These are awesome! I thought about doing blue and white china nails a while back but didn't want to spend the time on them, haha. I may have to give it a shot now though :)

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  27. Seriously, I am BLOWN AWAY. Cannot believe you freehanded it, and also cannot believe how gorgeous. This manicure should become famous. LOL I _mean_! Wow!

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  28. These are really beautiful! And quite impressive as well!

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  29. That's amaze-balls (a cross between amazing and Spaceballs). I want to have your skill someday!

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  30. this reminds me of my favorite breakfast place here in Tucson called Blue Willow - which is a china pattern (aka Willow). They have a few pieces throughout the restaurant that are so pretty. Very creative and lovely mani ☺

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  31. These are stunning. Breathtaking. Incredible!

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  32. I seriously love your nail art. Anything that is classic on the nails has my vote! Keep up the good work! :)

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  33. Wow, such a good job on the freehand painting!

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  34. Really beautiful mani! I think this is my favorite from the challenge!

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  35. I love this design! I tried to recreate it myself as part of my 31DC last year! Here is the link: http://unconventionails.blogspot.com/2013/09/31-day-challenge-day-31-recreation-of.html

    Definitely not as good, but what a creative design idea!! :)

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