Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Hot Off The Stamping Press: Winstonia Store Generation 2 Stamping Plates!

Stamping fanatics,

It's that time!  Yup I can't believe I already have news about the latest plates releasing in the new year.  Well I do and you can pre-order yours today in time to ship on on the 2nd of January.  I am of course referring to the Winstonia Store Generation 2 stamping plate collection!  The first collection was so baller  and then they up and released those square plates that rocked my XL sized nail world.  I am so blown away by by this company so when I heard the rumors and whispers that the new plates would be dropping any day now I started my stalking ahem I mean well no I do mean stalking regime and finally my long awaited moment is here!  Introducing the new Winstonia store plates...

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I know you couldn't see well with the first pictures so I have close ups below.  These plates are really interesting.  Even from far there are images catching my eye like the tiny windmills, and castles. You will need to click the pictures for a closer look at the plates.

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So where do I even begin?  Shoud it be with the killer dinos or the fairy tale castle?  Actually on further review clearly it should begin with re-imagined butterfly wing the likes of which I have never seen and the exemplary dream catchers.  You know honestly no matter here I begin or end it's love.  I love what this company came up with.  Tons of original imagery with only a few things I've seen a couple of time elsewhere (the squid tentacles, a few of the Halloween images, and the daruma dolls).  However it's hard to get as many unique images in one collecion.  Winstonia may be the only company that does this so well with a full plate set although to be fair the CYO Bundle Monster set was nothing to write off either.  I see some companies upping their game, and I'm appreciative as a nail art lover.  You can preorder your plates here they retail for $16.99 for a set of 22 plates.  I certainly will be rushing off to do the same.  Thanks for reading and see you next post!
Monday, December 23, 2013

MoYou London Candy Cane Nail Art

Happy holidays lacquer ladies,

It's getting to be a bit of tradition that I break out candy cane nail art.  Last year I did it with watermarbles, but this year I have lots of cool plates featuring candy cane-eque imagery that I wanted to try.  If you follow me on instagram you know I just got the other half of my MoYou London stamping plate order from way back in October and it has the Festive Collection plates that I adore.  There are literally candy canes everywhere so I could resist taking some of my holiday plates for a late spin.


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Mani-louge
Base coat/Top coat: CND Stickey & Poshe Fast Drying Top coat
Basecolor: Wet N' While A Blank Canvas
Stamping polishes: Konad Special Polish in Red and Personal Accents Hunter
Stamping plate: MoYou London Festive 03

One this I have always loved are the candy canes with the multiple stripes of color that's what I modeled my watermarble last year, but this time I just wanted to stick with traditional swirls and stripes mimicking the classic candy canes that abound around this season!

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So thoughts? This mani is pretty easy and straight forward taking me roughly 15 minutes to polish and complete, and because it is so simple I got a lot of compliments on this one.  Winning when you are rushing around during the holiday season!  You can check out the festive plates here.  In all honesty they are worth getting even if you are preparing for next year so you won't be like me rushing to fit in all of the mani's I want to see on my nails before Christmas is gone or until July when I have some fun plans.  In any case thanks so much for reading and I'll see you next post!
Sunday, December 22, 2013

Liquid Sky Lacquer Sleigh Me and Ever Green Christmas Nail Art

Happy holidays lacquer ladies,

Today I'm back with some Liquid Sky Lacquer holiday polishes and Apipila Cosmeticos nail art!  I've actually had the holiday holographic trio by Liquid Sky Lacquer since the end of November, but I haven't had a chance to capture their beauty until just now.  Honestly I think you all know by now I love every single polish Carolyn makes particularly her holographics.  They are intense and gorgeous, but I bet you didn't know that I have been in search of the perfect arterial blood red holographic polish for a very long time.  While I'm still waiting for it I have to admit Sleigh Me is a nice step in the right direction ;)

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Mani-louge
Base coat/Top coat:  CND Stickey & Sally Hansen Diamond Flash
Base Colors: Liquid Sky Lacquer Sleigh Me and Ever Green
Stamping Polish: Konad Special Polish in White, Essie No Place Like Chrome,
Stamping plates: Apipila 05

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This mani is pretty straight forward. It was quick and easy with the right amount of Christmas cheer.  I have to say I have neglected this Apipila plate for far to long.  It's probably one of the best Christmas plates I have and to be honest a lot of plates that have come out recently have only just started creating themes that Apipila has been creating for a while now.  It's probably too late to pick up this plate for Christmas mani's but it does also have some New Years themes that might be nice. 


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You can buy your Apipila plates here and as to the oh-so-stunning holographics snap them up here after all there is no such thing as too much red or green polish in my universe.  However Carolyn's shop won't be open again until the 28th so plan accordingly. Thanks so much for reading and see you next post!
Thursday, December 19, 2013

Stardust Polish Sweet Pea Holiday Nail Art

Polished prisoners,

Ok for reasons I can't fathom Blogger deleted my original post of this nail art!  I have no freaking clue why, but what a major bummer.  In any event I wanted to put up my last nail art featuring Sweet Pea from Stardust Polish.  This one is absolutely stunning IRL and so pretty I tried not to create art that would crush the light out of the polish.  I think I got the balance just right while staying true to my sense of artistry.  So blogger you better not auto-delete my post this time!

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Isn't this polish so pretty?!?  I took the liberty of once again taking my Apipila Cosmeticos plates out for a spin.  I pray my manilouge is right since it was also deleted and I wasn't sure which plate I used

Mani-louge
Base coat/Top coat: CND Stickey and Sally Hansen Diamond Flash
Base: Stardust Polish Sweet Pea
Stamping Polish: Konad Special Polish in Black
Stamping Plate: Apipila P.10

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I'm so please with how these turned out! You can find Stardust Polish here and it's my understanding that Drema just restocked her shop today so even though my post was deleted it's in perfect time for you to scoop all the pretties you want!  Thanks so much for reading and see you next post!
Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Hot Off The Stamping Press: Messy Mansion Holiday Plates!

Hey stamparellas,

You know I can't stand to miss a good plate release right?  I have so many of these little hot tickets that are releasing to put up on my blog it's nonsensical, but as usual my heart skips a beat when I see that Julia releases new plates.  If you don't know about Messy Mansion check out my Plates I Love feature it's chock full of my love and admiration for this lovely Aussie indie plate maker! Let me say I already ordered away as soon as I saw they released since I am totally in love with this brand!



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These have actually been on the etching table for a while, but they finally released this week. It's a bit late for the Thanksgiving plate, but of course I had to have it anyway so next year I'll be all set ;)

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The last plate MM29 in my opinion is the most sickening sickening plate I have seen from a creator in a while!  Still utterly blow away by this piece.  I got some big plans when that plate arrives.  In any event.  These plates are available now.  Get em here while they last. I hope the winter themed one makes it in time for me to create some lovely Christmas art.  I get plates from Julia pretty quickly though usually in about a week from when I place my order.  The plates retail for $7 USD and it's on $2.50 USD flat rate for world wide shipping.  Got I love your plates Julia!  Thanks so much for reading and see you next post!
Sunday, December 15, 2013

Stardust Polish Supernova Winter Butterfly Nail Art

Happy Sunday ladies,

I wish I could say my Sunday is going to be spent indoors basking in warmth and drinking chocolate chai while working on fun manis, but I know how this jazz is going down.  I'm gonna be filling out templates, chasing down electrolytes, and doing goodness knows what else.  Doesn't that chocolate chai sound nice though? I've been making it at home lately from unsweetened almond milk and the Starbucks mix and it's totally heavenly! Just like the mani I'm about to show you.  It's another Stardust Polish mani and today's dalliance into Drema's world features my favorite of the 3 polishes sent to me - Supernova.  Check out swatches here.  I wanted winter to be a little more glamorous, beautiful, and whimsical.  I think I hit it spot on.

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Supernova Mani-louge
Base: Stardust Polish Supernova
Stamping polish: Konad Special Polish in Deep Blue and Black Gold
Stamping plate: Bundle Monster CYO BM424

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I did a little gradient stamping for the wings because I knew I wanted the butterfly to transition from dark blue to black at the edges. What blows me away is how blue this polish it!  It's bright and exuberant and every time I looked down it made me happy to see the blue and various colored matte glitters shining back at me. 

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So what do you think?  I also took this opportunity to once again break out some of my Create Your Own Bundle Monster plates.  I am so impressed by this set.  The rhinestones and gold beads were simply the final touch required for embellishment.  Over all I love what I created!  In any case thanks so much for reading.  I'll have my last installment of nail art up tomorrow and see you next post!
Saturday, December 7, 2013

Stardust Polish Lavender Dream Winter Nail Art

Hey lacqueristas,

As promised I'm back with some nail art for the Stardust Polishes I reviewed yesterday.  If you didn't see my swatches and post check it out here first.  Normally when I create nail art for a brand I swatch I tend to push them together into one post and it's hard to figure out whether to give swatches or art priority and because of that I decided it's probably best to give each an equal billing especially when I love the polish and the art so much in different ways.  So here I am and here we go!

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Lavender Dream Mani-louge
Base: Lavender Dream
Stamping polish:  Konad Special Polish in Black Gold, White and Purple
Stamping plates: Bundle Monster BM14 & BM407
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Again Lavender Dream is a subtle scattered holo with a blue shimmer.  I love everything about it and for some reason when I saw it I knew a winter inspired theme would suit it perfectly!  I have to say this came out so gorgeously.  I wanted to create a gradient purples sliding from dark to light along the light base which is exactly what I think I achieved.  I have to say I am also really loving my new CYO Bundle Monster plates!  The images on them are just so cool and workable.  Love em to death!

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So what do you think?  You can get Lavender Dream here in the Stardust polish store.  Stand by for more awesome nail art from the brand.  Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you next post!
Friday, December 6, 2013

Swatched: Stardust Polish Lavender Dream, SuperNova, and Sweet Pea Review!

Hello lacquer ladies,

I have some very pretty polish for you all today.  I don't know who is whispering in the ears of these creative geniuses but thank you!  I got the opportunity to swatch a few polishes for the indie brand Stardust Polish, and I am beyond honored.  If you've never heard of the brand is it run by the highly professional and sweet Drema.  When she sent me the package it contained a card and the polishes laid out professionally.  This is clearly someone who values the impact of presentation.  I do as well that's why I can appreciate it when I see it done well! I know this brand for a red holo by the name of Yes Your Majesty inspired by the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.  For some reason I can't get the timing of this one so I have yet to attain it as it's quite popular so it sells out pretty quickly.  So now that I've told you a little about the brand let's get swatching!

Lavender Dream
A lavender weak scattered holo with a blue shimmer throughout.  It's very difficult to capture the holo component indoors but easier to see in flashes of direct sunlight.  The formula on this one is one of my favorite kind a medium thin consistency.  It applied a little streaky in the first coat but leveled out evenly by the second.  I used 3 coats for opacity here but could have gotten away with 2 coats easily.   I will say this is a color that plays very well with my skintone and I don't believe I have a lavender polish with a shimmer like this in my collection.  I will say though that the holographic  component is very subtle even in direct sunlight, and takes a backseat to the shimmer which in my opinion isn't a bad thing when the shimmer is so gorgeous! I thought of at least 5 ways to wear this polish after I got it laid down on my nails and when that happens I know I've got a hold of something good!

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Outdoors

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 Artificial Light - holo becomes more silvery

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 Outdoors again - subtle holo shimmer here and blueish sheen

Sweet Pea
Easily my favorite of the bunch and not just because of my problematic holo hussy ways.  Sweet Pea, a deep rich raspberry toned polish with a linear holographic finish, has utterly stolen my heart!  It's so flattering on my skintone I never want to take it off.  While I was going about my business at home occasionally I'd get a glimpse of fire flash from this mani and immediately stop to stare and angle my hands to catch the best light.  Yup it's a winner!  This polish is extremely thin which means you have to build it up.  At three coats I still had visible nail line, but at 4 everything was perfect with no drag in between coats.  Here's another bonus of this shade - I felt with every coat the berry colored became richer and deeper.  I was worried about putting down so many coats to reach opacity because I felt it might take forever to dry, but as with every well done holo I've encountered this was dry at a speed that made me blink!

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Sweet Baby J this polish is gorgeous!

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Supernova
Be. Still. My. Heart.  This polish is genius! I wanted to swatch it first the minute I opened the package.  I went ooooohhhh and ahhhhh and squeeeee.  Hey don't judge a lady has to have her little pleasures in life you know!  You all know I love me some blue polish, but what I like the most about this one are the pops of reddish pink, white, and yellow in the canary blue base.  This is a bold and happy polish and with the winter plaguing me by the day I could use a little burst of cheer.  This polish is a also on the thin side in the most perfect way!  I'm really surprised because usually cream based glitter filled polishes tend to be a bit thicker, You do however need to be careful of drag from the matte glitter and not rush between coats.  Supernova is pictured here in 2 self-leveling coats.

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I had to adjust the color here so my skin looks jaundiced but this blue is what it's like in real life.  Fantastic!!!

The 411:
Scoop these little pretties here
Follow Drema and stay updated on the latest on Facebook
Polishes retail between $8-11 USD

So thoughts?  These polishes are all unique and pretty in different ways and I like that!  I think Drema did a good job of showing me and and as such you what her brand is all about,  namely presentation and eye-catching elements in the vein of shimmer, holo, and bold glitters.  I can honestly say it's been a while since I have been sent polishes to review and found I loved each one equally in different ways!   That said because I liked them all so much I took the time to create nail art for all three polishes!  So come back tomorrow and check out my Startdust Polish nail art.  I want to say thanks for reading and I'll see you next post!



Clearly as I already stated these polishes were sent to me for review but like everything else on this blog I give you my true opinion 110% of the time!

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Hot Off The Stamping Press: MoYou London Explorer Collection Expansion + Holiday Limited Edition Plate

Hey stamperellas,

I took a pause over the holidays.  Lol not really unfortunately I didn't really get a true holiday and spent most of the time working like the proverbial dog.  I did post some things to my IG including some Elevation Polish nail art that I will have upcoming on the blog, but today let's play a little catch up!   Remember the MoYou London Explorer Collection that I raved and raved about basically telling you which organs I would sell off in order to attain these lovelies? If not click here and relive my insanity and unquenchable lust!  Lol well MoYou has already updated the collection and these 5 new beauties have joined the crowd to play!

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I can see so many amazing things happening with this design on my nails!


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For me this plate is probably my least favorite but only because I feel like the Artist Collection with the Sugar Skull Madame that I secretly call La Catrina blows this one out of the water!

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Look at this friggin giraffe!  How cool how cool is this plate! I freaking adore this!



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 Love the dreamcatchers above lol questionable love over the little eagle head which is borderline creepy.  **Shrugs**


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Just spectacular right?  This collection is sneaking up to the Artist and Suki for my favorite collections thus far.  These plates as usual are highly unique and even better I think this collection has an edge of funkiness which makes them even more superb! For a bonus I'm going to also show you MoYou's new limited edition holiday plate!

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Aren't these plates awesome?  The Explorer plates released last week and the Limited Edition released today.  They retail for 4.99 Euros as usual and are available now so hurry up and go scoop some pretty.  Jeez I  honestly once again want everything!  It's unfortunate that right now I'm being pulled in multiple directions in terms of awesome stamping plates coming out now.  It's a travesty to my wallet!  Lol Thanks for reading and see you next post! 
Saturday, November 23, 2013

Hot Off The Stamping Press: New Bunny Nails Plates

Stampaholics unite!

More hot and happening plates are coming off the presses from one of my favorite ladies in the nail art game - Bunny Nails!  Yup you might recall that she recently released HD-C and HD-D Halloween themed plates not that long ago and now she's back with a few more plates just in time for the upcoming holidays.  Oh be still my heart!  So let's see what she's got in store for us today shall we?

First up I'll show the holiday themed HD-E and HD-F plates.  As usual she knocks it out of the park with these creating something that every holiday lover will want to stamp with.  I know because I have her small HD set with holiday themes and they are so cute.  They feature reindeer, slices of pie, icicles, snowmen, you name it and they are absolute adorable!

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How cute right!?!  Lots of useful image here for the upcoming holidays.  The only thing that bothers me is her plates tend to release right before holidays like Thanksgiving so you are in a rush to get them so that you can use them before the season passes.  Clearly this will not be the case for Christmas and New Years.  I do see a few repeats from her smaller plate series the snowman, ski boots, Santa and a few others but I'd say only about 8 or so and only of the smaller images. 

Lacquer Lockdown - new stamping plates 2013, new image plates 2013, new stamping plates, nail art, stamping, bundle monster, new plates 2013, holiday nail art, christmas nail art, thanksgiving nail art, new years nail art, floral nail art, roses, birds, snowmen, reindeer, fireworks, intarsia sweater nail art, cornucopia nail art, indie plate makers, bunny nails, bunny nails HD-E, konad, bunny nails HD-F plate, gingerbread men, ornaments, winter nail art

Ok now let's talk about the new BuNa plates.  I feel as though there were a few plates with this title when she originally released the small HD plates they were bonuses to the purchase.  This time she has come out with larger full nail images for everyday use i.e. no holiday themes like the historical releases of her plates. 

Lacquer Lockdown - new stamping plates 2013, new image plates 2013, new stamping plates, nail art, stamping, bundle monster, new plates 2013, holiday nail art, christmas nail art, thanksgiving nail art, new years nail art, floral nail art, roses, birds, snowmen, reindeer, fireworks, intarsia sweater nail art, cornucopia nail art, indie plate makers, bunny nails, bunny nails HD-E, konad, roses, abstract nail art, flowers, lace, drips nail art 

I am in love with BuNa-A the floral scene at the bottom is gorgeous!  Reminds me of some beautiful prints I saw a while ago in Papershelf.  Also love the antiquated border in the lower left hand corner.   However in terms of originality and highest factor of desirability I'm looking right at BuNa-B.  This plate has images unlike many I've seen.  It's getting harder to create original designs for stampers. I think this is in part because we have seen a huge boom in indie plate makers over the last 2 years and because buyers are increasing their selectivity.  We want new and innovative approaches to nail art and designs that fit within the desire.  I think BuNa-B is a prime example.  I'd also like a moment to point out this is the first time I've seen a plate put a proper cardiac normal sinus rhythm on a plate before.  The little hearts and stuff are cute but I am bothered tremendously when I don't see the waveforms marching out in a manner that I'm accustomed to.

Lacquer Lockdown - new stamping plates 2013, new image plates 2013, new stamping plates, nail art, stamping, bundle monster, new plates 2013, holiday nail art, christmas nail art, thanksgiving nail art, new years nail art, floral nail art, roses, birds, snowmen, reindeer, fireworks, intarsia sweater nail art, cornucopia nail art, indie plate makers, bunny nails, bunny nails HD-E, konad, bunny nails BuNa B, Bunny Nails BuNa A

So thoughts? Are there any you absolutely have to have or do you think you'll hold out for a bit?  If I could I would snatch up all 4 right now!  I want those holiday plates pretty badly lolol.  In any case you can find the new plates here on Bunny Nails.  They retail for $17.99 and have free shipping worldwide shipping.  I will be throwing myself upon the mercies of the upcoming holidays to ahem increase my stash.  Lol my wishlist is once again swelling.  Randomly more than anything at the moment I'm wanting a carbonated water maker.  I keep forgetting the name of it but every time I go into Target or Bed, Bath, & Beyond I keep staring wondering when the price will go down.  Gah!  In any case thanks for reading and I'll see you next post!

Plates I Love Interview: Messy Mansion Nail Art

Hey lacqueristas and fellow stampaholics,

As you know I've started up this new feature called Plates I Love! on my blog.  Today's post is part deux of my Messy Mansion feature.  If you didn't read Part 1 check it out here. Today I got the chance to pick the brains, so to speak, of the creator and owner of  Messy Mansion nail art plates Julia McGowan, and I think you are gonna like what she has to say!  So without further ado let's start the show ;)

When did you become interested in nail art and what led you to stamping nail art in particular?

Around 18 months ago, I decided that I'd had enough of mud, pirates, and dinosaurs.  As the mother of two little boys (now 5 and 2) I really needed some girl time!  I'd loved painting my nails as a teenager, and I even had some of my old polishes from back then!  But my clean up was horrific, and I knew I needed to refresh my skills, so I turned to Youtube to find some inspiration.  That's when I came across nail stamping.  I loved that it looked so quick and easy, and that after buying the initial plates and stamper, you didn't have to keep paying for supplies to keep your nails looking fancy.   I bought the cheapest stuff I could find on eBay, dug out some thick encrusted brown polish to stamp with and got started.  Except I didn't realise you had to remove the plastic off the plates, so after throwing them in a corner, buying a new stamper, and watching more videos, I finally worked out I had to remove the film!

How did you decide to launch your own brand of stamping plates?

I first decided to design a plate when I wanted some images that nobody seemed to stock.  The idea was to get the designs for myself and sell off the rest to hopefully cover my costs.  Once I got started it ballooned from there!  I wanted more designs, people kept suggesting ideas, and I got some great feedback on my plates, which all encouraged me to just keep creating.

When you are creating your plates what inspires you?

The weirdest things!  Greeting cards, wrapping paper, jewellery, wallpaper, ancient manuscripts, artwork, the tiles at the back of my fireplace, trees on the drive into town... basically anything that grabs me visually, that has a beauty and form to it that I want to capture.  I've loved drawing and creating since I was a little girl, and before I got into stamping plates I designed jewellery, did some interior design, as well as lectured in Multimedia at a local college.  I love to capture the essence of the theme, but try to avoid the clichés... especially with events like Christmas etc.  I get great satisfaction out of creating images that are instantly recognizable, but still a little bit quirky and different.

Are you creating for your fans, yourself, or for someone else in particular?

All of those.   I started creating for myself, and I still do that.  I don't make anything that I can't imagine in a manicure, or that I wouldn't wear myself.  Having said that, I definitely listen to my fans and use their ideas as inspiration.  I love hearing what people want, and I love their reactions when I can give them what they are after. I really get a buzz out of seeing the creativity and awesomeness folks make using my plates.  It makes me happy. 

What big plans or crazy ideas do you have for the future?

Shhh.. can you keep a secret?  ;)  (Let me insert myself in the interview here lol clearly I can't!) Well... more plates, obviously.  But I've also been working on stamping polishes and indie polishes that all fit in with a theme.  Sometimes I can't find the exact polish I want for a look I have floating around in my head.  So my upcoming "Waterworld" image plate will come with an Indie polish called "Waterworld" and a stamping polish that compliments it called "Seafoam".   I often have folks ask me what polishes I'm using in my manis, and so I thought it would be really cool to make polishes and plates that all worked together.  Kind of a one-stop-shop so people can re-create a look without having to hunt around for specific polishes. 

I'm also organizing the production and distribution of a range of plates a graphic designer friend put together.  The LilyAnna plates should be released later in the year.  Can't wait!

Sneek Peeks of upcoming plates in 2014








Whats YOUR favorite brand/creator of nail art plates?

You really can't go past the other Indie plate makers.  I swoon whenever Natalie from Nailz Craze releases more plates, and I'm hoping to catch up with the creator of Emily de Molly soon because I really want her gorgeous new plates too!  (And plus.. she's super cool to hang out with.)


If you could change one thing about the nail art scene what would it be? 

I actually love the nail art scene.  I've met so many fantastic people through it and made some wonderful friends.  I occasionally hear about dramas, but being in Australia, by the time I get up in the morning and get on to the internet, it's all over.  Which is how I like it.  LOL Seriously, the creativity and generosity of the nail art community really blows me away.  It inspires me to create more, think more, express more, push the boundaries more and collaborate more.   We live in a rural area, and by having such a great bunch of people to be involved with, even if only on the internet and occasionally in person, it hardly feels remote at all.   If I could change anything, I'd have us all live closer so I could check out everyone's manis in person!!  Maybe an international road trip is in order!!


Anything else you want to share with your fans?

That's the toughest question.  :)  Just my favourite quote, I think.. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.”  - Howard Thurman.   So just be brave, whatever that may mean for you.  Oh.. and post your manis on my facebook page!  Your awesome manis inspire me.  :)

You can purchase Messy Mansion Nail Plates here
Add your lovely manis and keep updated on the latest previews on her Facebook here 

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So ladies what did you think?  Isn't she so damn cool and more importantly kind?  I have to say reading about her difficulties when she initially started stamping made me laugh out loud.  How many times have I heard someone say what the hell is this little sticky crap over the top of the plate (referring of course to the blue or clear film like it was back in the day).  I'm so glad she kept at it though because I am always so excited when she releases new plates!  Her shop reopens on the 25th of November so get your mouses ready and warm up those carts :)

I'm also looking forward to these coordinating stamping polishes and bases.  She is totally gonna rock our worlds! I hope you all enjoyed reading this interview and let me know what you think.  I have more plate makers upcoming,  but if there anyone YOU want to hear about in particular let me know!   Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you next post! 
Friday, November 22, 2013

Plates I Love!: Messy Mansion Nail Art Edition (Pic Heavy)

Happy Friday Stamp Tramps ;)

Welcome to my new feature called - Plates I Love!  I will be featuring brands of stamping plates that I have tested out myself and can attest to the quality of and know for a fact that the creators are well...creative.  These will be two part features - in the first segment I'll talk about the brand and show you some fabulous nail art creation and in the 2nd I'll be interviewing the creator (click here for the interview).  I think it'll be kinda awesome to get personal insight into the process of their designs.  So let's start the show!

The first brand I'm featuring is Messy Mansion an Australian based company created by the wonderful Julia McGowan who I discovered through my AIS group!  I will always have a weak and sentimental place for Australia, a country I lived in for half a year while studying abroad, so of course when I heard of these plates I had to snag them up! Julia is seriously seriously seriously talented and to date has some of the most innovative plates I have EVER seen.  This is saying something for a lady who owns, no joke, hundreds and hundreds of stamping plates from all over the world (my inventory is coming soon).  Today I used several of her plates to create a special manicure to go along with this feature and I'll be showing you some of her other plates later as well.

Lacquer Lockdown - Fleur de Lis, roses, Messy Mansion, MM06, MM20, stamping, nail art, konad, bundle monster, Liquid Sky Lacquer, Liquid Sky Lacquer Solar Plum, UV polish, indie polish, PolishedbyKPT, PolishedbyKPT Green Awakening, french tips, french tip nail art, Orly Satin Hues, Orly Satin Hues Satin Joy, Orly Satin Hues Satin Reflection, rhinestones, pearls, embellished nail art, holographic polish, holographic, plates I love feature, new plates 2013, indie stamping plate makers, indie image plate makers, indie nail art, new image plates 2013, nail art, cute nails, easy nail art, french tip nail art, Orly, pretty nails

Mani-louge
Basecoat/Topcoat: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat/Poshe Fast Drying Topcoat
French tip bases: Orly Satin Hues Satin Joy and Satin Reflection
Overcoat: PolishedbyKPT Green Awakening
Accent: Liquid Sky Lacquer Solar Plum
Stamping polishes: Konad Special Polish in Black Gold
Stamping Plates: Messy Mansion MM20 and MM06

Lacquer Lockdown - Fleur de Lis, roses, Messy Mansion, MM06, MM20, stamping, nail art, konad, bundle monster, Liquid Sky Lacquer, Liquid Sky Lacquer Solar Plum, UV polish, indie polish, PolishedbyKPT, PolishedbyKPT Green Awakening, french tips, french tip nail art, Orly Satin Hues, Orly Satin Hues Satin Joy, Orly Satin Hues Satin Reflection, rhinestones, pearls, embellished nail art, holographic polish, holographic, plates I love feature, new plates 2013, indie stamping plate makers, indie image plate makers, indie nail art, new image plates 2013, nail art, cute nails, easy nail art, french tip nail art, Orly, pretty nails
Blurred to capture holo and green flecks - the shade of it all!

Let's pause here for a moment so that I can show you some of the plates Julia created which started my fanatical obsession with her awesome products so below are a few of the plates Julia has created thus far...













The following are coming soon!








The 411:
Stalk Messy Mansion here 
Enrich your nail art soul and collection here or here
Plates are $7 AUD with $2.50 AUD shipping worldwide  
 
So now you know what's so hot about Mrs. McGowan aka Messy Mansion.  The images on her plates are massive as in they fit my wide and long nail beds like a dream and the engravings on these plates are genuinely some of the most fantastical and imaginative artistry I have seen come out of a stamping plate company.  In addition the quality and etching of the plates is flawless!  You will hear me utter not one word against this brand.  You will see me run falling screaming and tumbling to get my hands on a preorder for her plates, and try desperately to create nail art that is worthy of their beauty.  Yup full of hype today but every word I say is true and more!

Shade

A little about today's mani starting with Liquid Sky Lacquer Solar Plum because I don't want you to be an idiot like I was - it's a UV changing polish not a thermal which means unless you are sitting in a tanning bed or out in the direct sunlight this bad boy won't shift.  Don't be ridiculous like me and email the seller and then have her politely explain that a full spectrum lamp just won't cut the mustard.  Lol I love you Carolyn! I also used PolishedbyKPT to give the iridescent green effect you see over all of my nails except the accent and I really love how that turned out!

 Sun

So thoughts? I wonder if it was too much to show a mani and her plates together in one feature?  I could use so feedback so let me know what you think! Do you prefer to just see the plates and have me talk about the brand or to see nail art and then split from there with a separate post about the plates and the brand?

I realized after I did this mani that it has been entirely too long since I have done a bling mani! How is that even possible? I mean I used to live for the bling bling.  Lol well tis the season coming for all of that so hopefully I can get a bit in during these holiday months.  I totally adore this nail art.  It's completely over the top and impractical, but it's so shiny and pretty I can't stop staring.

Finally, I'm always for supporting creativity and ingenuity in the stamping and polish world.  I love all of my plates, but my indie ones have a special place in my heart for being unique and cool.   Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow for the interview with Julia.  I promise it will be worth your while and I'll see you next post!