I don't know if anyone else has been keeping watch, but haven't every mani "Elena's choice" so far... hehehe. What can I say, it's my need to go beyond the typical and usual shining through. Before I get into the post itself. Thanks to Erin for putting this together, and love to Lynette for joining us. Both of you ladies are amazing bloggers and artists! Happy Valentine's Day to both of you lovelies...
Valentine's Day is day where the most grand romantic gestures seem status quo. I figured that I had to get a bit bold and sassy. Also, thanks to Julep's winter collection neon has not died down and that is fine by me. I am still a fan of neutrals with a neon pop in fashion- a great hint of the unexpected. Well as with Valentine's Day, there is no hinting, we are full on neon, baby! I also wanted to celebrate my love of music, I constantly have it playing. I do have a soundtrack to my life.
Since I declared this the season of the trigger mani, I started with a coat of Julep's Fiona (neon green creme) and Madison (neon pink creme) for the base. With Stripe Rite in white, I painted the musical notes. On my index finger and thumb, I accented with two coats of Nicole by OPI's Love Your Life. ( a fishing expedition for those hearts...). I affectionately call this mani, "The Music of My Heart."
Now onto the dedication... this one is dedicated to someone I follow on Twitter, recording artist, record label owner, lover of neon, and 80s culture aficionado, Bylli Crayone. He has such love for his fans, it's incredible. I always have respect for someone who makes the time for others to feel special. You know how I feel about "sharing the love", so that is why I am sending this one off... Happy Valentine's Day, Bylli!
Happy Valentine's to Jes, my Mom & Dad, my best friends, my lovely bloggers-in-crime, and all of you who read and follow ECKlipsed by Color. *kiss*
Now go on and check out the amazing Erin at LovelyLacqueredLife and the lovely Lynette at Pink & Purple Dots. These girls are beyond fantastic with their nail art... Remember, share the comments, share the love!
Just a preview of what is to come... more Whimisical Ideas by Pam! I finally got my hands on some Takko Lacquers! Essie's Mojito Madness is all mine! Thanks to an awesome chick, there are some Laylas on the way...
Here we are at the conclusion of another absolutely amazing challenge! A few months ago, I was still in the phase of "should I even attempt my own blog". During that time, I was looking at all the 31 day challenges and at some impeccable nail art by Sarah at Chalkboard Nails, Amy Grace at the Polished Perfectionist, Alice at One Nail to Rule them All, Kelly at Tuxarina, and Heather at Peace, Love, and Polish. Since then, I have been very fortunate to start the blog and even get to participate along side Kelly and Heather. I always appreciate their support. Thanks, girls!
Granted, I am not an old pro yet by any means, I can definitely see how through practice and sheer will (lol) you can pick up more skills. Also, I can see how easily you can get addicted to polish. I have quadrupled my stash since September. I've come to totally embrace Indie Polish and can't wait to buy and swatch more in the New Year. It has been awesome to share my love the polishes that Christina at Spy Princess and Pam at Whimsical Ideas make. Also, they are both awesome ladies! (Thanks for the shout outs on Facebook & Twitter!) So, this is a bit of a Christmas love fest... oh well. I am following in my own spirit of "Share the Comments, Share the Love."
So on to the favorite part of the post... the manicure! I have to say, I was at a bit of an impasse. I had a base color that I wanted to use, but I didn't know how it was going to fit in. Leave it to Jes to solve that... The color in question is Nicole by OPI's A Gold Winter's Night ( A Kardashian Kolors holiday release). It's a combination of rose gold microglitter, gold and teal bar glitter that is full coverage in 2-3 coats. It's actually quite lovely. It's kind of like the gold version of OPI's Save Me ( I rocked that over Essie's Marshmallow for a fun summer pedi.) He looked at it and said it either looks like tinsel or a vintage aluminum Christmas tree. Voila! Perfect base for Christmas lights!
For the light cord, I used Stripe Rite in white and Finger Paints Ch-Art-coal Black. With regards to the light bulbs themselves I used Sinful Colors Jungle and Be My Valentine and Essie's Blue Rhapsody (I just bought a few Essie's last night and will swatch soon!).
So there you have it... the challenge is complete! I hope this has given you a lot of ideas for your Christmas nails.
Kelly has been so much fun to work with and get to know more during the challenge. Her nails are like art work, so go over to Tuxarina and show the love!
I plan on posting one more time before Christmas... so see you then!
"Not my gumdrop buttons!"
I can't believe it is Friday and a whole week of the nail challenge is complete! And yes, I stared the post with a quote from Gingy (of Shrek fame). I have had a lot of fun and learned a few new techniques along the way. My new brushes haven't hurt either (thanks, Jes, did I mention that you are the best ever?) Making gingerbread cookies and constructing a gingerbread house are things I do every holiday season, so I was loving today's theme. I contemplated picking up I Love NP's Ginger Spice Latte (forgot about buying until it was too late) or Lynnderella's Gingerbread Hearts ($24.00 for a seasonal polish...eek.) I ended up using my own tried and trues in the end, but I like how it came out.
Since I warned you, you knew you were going to be seeing some kind of trigger mani again- well a trigger-french hybrid, technically. I started with a base coat of Sinful Colors Nirvana- a soft brown creme. I then did a coat of Nicole by OPI's Rainbow in the S-Kylie (I'll be featuring one of the NOPI Kardashian Kolors Holiday collection next week.) With a dotting tool and Finger Paints Paper Mache, I created the icing drips.
With Revlon's Graceful and a nail brush, I painted a gingerbread man and house on my index finger and thumb. I added the details with Stripe Rite in White and then added Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Disco Ball. I topped the whole mani with Sephora by OPI's matte coat.
Before I forget, welcome to all my new followers and visitors! Remember share the comments and share the love! It's time for you to go check out my partner-in-nail art-crime, Kelly at Tuxarina. I am loving her fab and fancy holiday nails!
I will be resuming normal posting this weekend and then on Monday....
On the eighth day of Christmas, my nail are gave to me... winter foliage! (love me some foliage...)
Stay tuned...
Other than Halloween, the time of year that really does it for me is something I call Birthday Season. Starting from the week before ( the actual date being December 4th- I accept all gifts nail polish..lol) until New Year's Eve, I celebrate. One would think that the older I get I wouldn't want to focus on "getting a year older". Absolutely not. It's fun and each year is truly a gift.
This year since I have this awesome new blog, I thought I would lead up to my birthday with some themed nails- call it a self- imposed Birthday Challenge. I think cupcake imagery is super cute ( or Kawaii in Japanese) and I have loved the turn towards this baked confection. Brides opting for cupcake towers, many (many) shows on Food Network dedicated to cupcakes, and various cupcake-only establishments are just a few of the ways that this baked good is just taking over.
So to a mind already filled with Birthday and cupcakes, I added some inspiration of Japanese deco nails and the Lime Crime Les Desserts d'Antoinette Collection. ( I have been going back and forth on buying any- any opinions?) I hit the pulse button on the mixer and came up with this...
I started with a coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Petal Pusher ( a peach creme). I then added a coat of Wet N Wild Party of Five Glitters. I then added a coat of Mary Kay Pink Sand ( a sheer soft pink). Instant jelly sandwich- love that look. With Stripe Rite in White, I added the lines for the baking cup.
I then added the frosting with Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Mint Sorbet and outlined it in white. I dabbed Nicole by OPI's Rainbow in the S-Kylie on as sprinkles and used a dash of Julep's Julia for the rich background shade.
I hope you find them as tasty as I did...
