Last Minute #DIY Valentine's Day Nail Art

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I figured I'd get in the spirit by painting my nails. I opted against the traditional red and pink colors and went for pastels. 

Here are the tools I used:

• Nail polish (I used Essie's Pansy, Lilacism, Absolutely Shore, Good as Gold, Color Club Apollo Star and Chanel Eastern Light)
• Nail dotting tool (or toothpicks)
• Washi tape (this tape is less sticky and is easy to work with)
• Scissors

Paint your nails with the shades you picked 

Fold a strip of washi tape in half (leaving the ends apart so you can pull apart the tape later).

Cut out half of a heart shape where the fold meets in the middle.

Pull apart the washi tape, which now holds your heart stencil.

Place the washi tape over the nail of your choice and choose an alternate color to paint over your nail stencil.

Use the nail dotting tool (or toothpick) to dot your other nails.

And you're done! Finish with top coat and you now have no-fuss, Valentine's Day inspired nails.

Happy 4th!

Wishing all of you a happy and safe 4th of July! 

=)

Wednesday Whim - Nailed by Dzine

images via The Standard via photographer Kai Regan

If my nail board over at Pinterest is any indication, there is a ton of inspiration floating around the web for nail art. But, have you ever wondered about the history of nail art and where it came from? Over the holiday season, I came across a new book called Nailed by a Chicago-based artist, Dzine (or Carlos Rolon if you prefer). I was so fascinated by the book and had a draft post ready to reveal as my "Wednesday Whim" but neglected the post until today! (Shame on me!) As the social saying goes, "better late than never," right?  


The book is sold exclusively through the Standard Hotel (until February 1). It is wonderfully fascinating with all of its pictures, the artist's personal recollections and work, and the overall history behind nail art. (Did you know nail adornment was first known to be used in China during the Ming Dynasty era for social status?) Sure, the nail art featured in the book is a bit bold for everyday, but it sure does make for good creative awakening.