I started out by trying some color combinations on a nail wheel. I originally started with an orange base but that didn't look realistic at all... and I really wanted the skin of the basketball to look realistic. So, using a picture I took on my phone as a guide (see the end of the post), I started trying to match colors. I ended up finding a nice base in OPI's Gouda Gouda Two Shoes, which was surprising as I always saw that color as sort of a dusty brown pink. I then added on the dots in China Glaze Brownstone with the small end of a dotting tool.
I tried to make the accent nails look like the "seams" on a basketball, though scale wise I know they aren't totally consistent with the dots on the basketball skin. Artistic license, right? :) For the seams, I just freehanded them on with a small nail art brush in Konad black.
Here's my inspiration picture:
I also want to mention that every afternoon this week I will be showing a polish from the new GlitterDaze Simply Spring line. Keep your eyes open for those, especially if you like glitter!