How To: Studded Nails

Another weekend is upon us! Yes! And I hope you have fabulous plans, even if those plans include doing nothing but relaxing. How about some fabulous nails to go along with those plans? I've been asked before where I get my diy/nails/hair/outfit inspirations from, and the answer is: everywhere!  Examples: my Snakeskin Nails were inspired by the pattern on my brush cup, my Monster Mani inspiration came from Pac Man ghosts, my Wavy Striped Nails from the swirl on a Coke can, and my Ocean Waves mani came from a bottle of Tilex. Seriously. Today's inspiration comes from studded bags and clutches. I loved playing around with this in the fall, and am finally excited to share these Studded Nails. Enjoy:

T O O L S
--polish (I used black here, but have used this with dark jewel tones, like colors of leather handbags)
--clear polish
--tiny beads (my nail sprinkles were from Sally's, but I have also used microbeads, like these used in my Caviar Nails tutorial)
--placing tool (I used this tool, but have used orange wood sticks and tweezers too)

 M E T H O D
Quick story: I grew up hanging around my Grandmother's beauty salon, so I've been a beauty fan forever, and on special occasions, my Grandmother would put a tiny rhinestone or two on my newly-painted nails. I know that sparked my nail art interest, and gave me lots of practice; therefore, I can do both hands in under five minutes. After doing this on a couple of fingers, you'll have it down pat quickly! I promise this isn't difficult! :)

Paint your nails with a clear base coat and allow to dry. Paint nails with chosen nail color and allow to dry. I used black here but have done this tutorial with polish colors like eggplant, forest green, and cranberry.

Assemble your tools close by so it will be easier and quicker to apply the beads. I carefully pour some beads into the lid (or a plate). Paint your nail with a clear coat.

Using whatever tool you'd like, take a bead and place it on the wet nail. I used a tool specifically for nail art, but have used tweezers or an orange wood stick . I also gently tap the bead to make sure it stays.

Repeat into whatever pattern you'd like. For this tutorial I had three rows of three beads, but I have done a variety of patterns/designs.

Feel free to do this as an accent nail or repeat the process on both hands. Allow to dry and that's it!

T I P S

• Be careful if applying a clear coat on top. The beads will move if the polish you used to set the beads isn't dry.
• I suggest using the clear coat as the "glue" to hold the beads instead of polish. I do this so it seals the polish as well as holds the beads.
• These nails will last a fun night out or, if very careful, a couple of days.
• Use with caution when eating with hands, hand-feeding children/animals, and other activities. Avoid this look on those days or use gloves.
• Try different colors and designs, like one or two rows of beads, diagonals, or a diamond-shape. I've also tried this look with dark jewel tones.

Have a great weekend. Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle