New 2012 Bundle Monsters Arrived!!

I'm VERY excited to announce that today I recieved the new 2012 series of Bundle Monster Image Plates from BundleMonster.com

I haven't gone through and taken a picture of every plate.  But if you would like me to do this, please leave a comment below and i'll be more than happy to do this.  I'm also at work at the moment (literally just recieved them!) so can't spend too much time here taking heaps of photos then cropping them and uploading... you get the idea.  So will most likely do a proper review later.

There are 25pc in total.  And I was so excited I haven't even taken off the blue protective sheat, sorry about that.

So since I am currently at work, I took a few quick photo's of some of the plates I instantly fell in love with and some of the ideas and observations that popped into my head. 

For example I love the idea of providing negatives of some designs seen in the images below.

Below are a few which I've picked out as some of my first favourites already, so you'll be definitly seeing these in the very near future...

I saw a sneak peek of this plate (BM-315) and I instantly fell in love with the paisley design on the right.

I absolutely LOVE the bottom floral design on image plate BM-314.  Think this would frame an accent nail beautifully. Almost reminds me of a painting, but it'll be on you nail :)

I was (still am) a big fan of newspaper nail art and I also a sneak peek of this image plate as well (BM-311) I love the calligragphy at the top of the plate.

Another image plate seen in a sneak peek... now gradients are a big thing at the moment so was curious how the gradient on the next image plate (BM-301) will look, to the right of the plate.  Probably not as nice a finish as sponging would do, but still I'm curious, will need to do a test and put something on the blog.

I really liked the idea of the following two.  One which has th ribbons, which I can see coming in handy on awareness days (eg, pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness).  Also love the heart themes of the second plate.

Well I don't know about you, but i'm dying to get home and play with these!!  This will have to do for now, must get back to work... :P

Have you got yours yet?

Again here is where i got mine from on BundleMonster.com

See you next time
xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 17 - Hippie Retro SummerLove

This was a lot of fun.  I was happy with the result, because it was exactly what i had in mind (don't get that confused with happy with the actual overall look, I definitely need to brush up on my technique) and please forgive me, the cuticles weren't cleaned up properly.  I was at my mums when i did this manicure and didn't have my paint brushes to clean around the cuticles properly.  They got very messy from all the stamping and only had cotton-tips.

But here is the end result anyway.

Again here is the before and after the stamping exercise... oh my!

 

At first I was keeping it simple. Was really liking the simplicity of this up til here and was toying with the idea of slapping on the top coat and calling it day.





How about some cute smileys :)

And last one

Colours Used from Left to Right:

Revlon Red

OPI - On The Same Paige

Sally Hansen - Yellow Kitty

OPI - Suzi Says Feng Shui

Generic Purple (it was promo freebie, no name)

OPI - Alpine Snow (used this as a base to stamp on)

I also didn't have a green nail polish bright enough for a rainbow so mixed the yellow and blue polishes listed here.

Image Plates Used:

BM07 (peace symbol)

RA-117 (Smileys)

Thanks for having a look. I thought this was a really fun design.  I like to hear your comments, so leave a comment below.



Next...

Day 18 - Ballooning or Kites

See you next time  

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 16 - LadyBird

I present to you...

The Ladybug? or Ladybird :P

Personally this is one of my favourite reds - OPI's Vodka & Caviar, I used two coats of this.  And on my on my ring finger I used two coats of Ulta3 in Lagoon (picture below).

I used Konad Image Plate m79 (the dots), Bundle Monster Image plates BM13 (the lady bug) & BM19 (the leafy background) for the ring finger.  I used Seche Vite for my top top.

And that's it.  I was disappointed the ladybug didn't turn out the way I'd hoped. It was a stamp! how could I possible get that wrong!? well I did, and it's there, just looks very dark in the photo's.  On the brighter side I did like the other nails, they turned out well :)

So let me know what you think. 

Next ...

Hippie / Retro / Summer love

(I'm not generally a rainbow fan, but this was fun)

See you next time.

xx Karen

Seche Vite - Review

Seche Vite - Where have you been all my life?!?!?

I have to admit, I'm a damn harsh critic deep down, particularly when it comes to trying something new, but something made me want to really try this Seche Vite all these girls have been raving about on YouTube and other blogs. So...

What's so good about it? ...

I finally bought a couple of bottles on eBay, it was a bargain buy.  Decided if I didn't like it I was going to give the second bottle away, that's IF it didn't find it lived up to the high expectations. 

I can't believe how surprised I was when I used it for the first time! To say I was amazed is an understatement.

I was blown away!! 

It exceeded all my expectations!! 

This stuff is truly great!! 

I can't believe I waited this long to give it a go.  Yes, I am a devoted OPI girl, but I have to admit, I will now take a second thought next time before grabbing my OPI top coat.

I can't recommend this top coat enough to all my friends, like me, that don't have the time to wait for nail polish to dry enough so that it doesn't smudge or worse, ruin your nail art or manicure which took a lot of effort and time to perfect.

Not only does it dry super fast it is great for

applying on top of stamping, no streaks.

It literally is dry in less than 2mins (can comb fingers through hair) and hard enough to knock around in 15 (for example pick up a bunch of car keys and not worry about getting dints) and completely hard as a rock in under 30mins!.  What would normally take hours with to become as hard as a rock, only takes Seche Vite less than 30mins!  

 "This is particularly good when I do friends and clients nails,

because it drys so fast and I have the confidence

their manicure will survive past the front door."

I do have some concerns about Seche Vite (this is the little critic inside me rearing it's ugly head). I was a little overwhelmed by the smell, it is very chemical intensive.  I don't know what exactly goes into this little miracle bottle, but whatever it is (should probably look further into this) it works wonders. 

So the critic and health warrior inside me does get concerned every time I go to put on a layer of Seche Vite. 

The chemical aroma

is VERY strong...

       and my natural reaction is telling me that something that smells that strong CANNOT be good for you. Do you agree? So to be on the cautious side, I've decided to use Seche Vite on myself sparingly, or only when necessary.  For example when I don't have the time to wait for my nails to harden up enough, for example like just before bed or a lazy Sunday afternoon. 

Do you have any thoughts on Seche Vite or personal experiences you'd like to share, good or bad?  Have you tried any of the other Seche Vite products? What are your thoughts on these and would you recommend any of them?

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 15 - Hot Pink (freestyle) / Luis Vuitton Nails!

What's more hotter than Luis Vuitton Nails?!?

I just got these images plates and was quite excited to use them.  I got them from this blog sale, and the price I paid for these plates, they're pretty good value and there's a great variety to choose from and some especially cute characters.  check it out here.


Starting with two coats of OPI's Kiss Me On The Tulips, I stamped OB39 the Luis Vuitton pattern. Done, and after my last design I really enjoyed doing a nice simple one. 

Next...

Day 16 - Ladybug

(Ladybird?)

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 14 - Gardening

Hey there again, time for some gardening!

I had a lot of fun putting this one together.  Used a lot of my image plates, it was a great opportunity to use a lot of plates I have used yet :)

Tell me what you think of what I came up with:

For the base I used Maybelline Mini Colorama in Party Blue then started stamping.  Starting with the clouds on Konad m79, the grass from Red Angel plate RA-105, the flowers on Bundlemonster BM205 (they're there just a very faint pink) and then finished with butterflies from Konad m36.  That's all.

Let me know what you think.

Next...

Day 15 - Hot Pink Freestyle (it's Hot!)

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 13 - Summer Fete

Wow... I tried a new technique that's been floating around lately.  Have you heard of Sugar Spun?

I first saw this technique by xoxoalexisleigh and she has a really good YouTube tutorial, however I don't think my nails turned out quite as nice.

The idea behind this design is Fairy Floss, because whenever I thinking of Summer Fete's, I think of the Pink Fairy Floss machine :)

Try not to look too close, and it makes me feel better if you squint your eyes, so the pictures blurry... here's the end result:

Colours I used for this design were:

Sally Hansen Yellow Kitty and

Ulta3 bo peep (which I picked up for $2 at the post office shop)

I chose not to put top coat on, because even the end result was a disaster, i like the 3D affect.









It was sure interesting trying to learn the new technique and I found it did waste a lot of polish (hence why i went for a cheaper pink), my first attempt I used OPI's Kiss Me on The Tulips, that was even worse (can you imagine!) and so reached for a cheaper bottle on my second attempt.

Well i hope it wasn't too difficult to look at. Let me know how you've tried this technique and what you think of it.

Next...

Day 14 - Gardening 

(had a lot fun with this one, lotsa stamping :D )

see you next time :)

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 12 - Hot Hot Hot Combo

Hi Everyone,

Hope you having a great day and enjoying this challenge as much as me.  I was actually looking forward to this one.  Saw this in the list and instantly knew what I wanted to do.  It had to have flames I thought, and colours of a hot summer.  Summers are generally so hot here in Australia it burns, literally. I don't remember a summer I haven't got sunburnt yet.

Colours I used for this design were Sally Hansen Yellow Kitten (2 coats), OPI's A Roll In The Hague and Revlon Red.  The Image was using Bundle Monster Image Plate BM12 and using Konad Stamping Black Polish.  I always use OPI Base Coat (Nail Envy Matte) and OPI Top Coat.

After my last attempt of a three tone gradient, I needed to improve my technique, think I did something right this time around.

Next time...

Day 13 - Summer Fete

Hope you like and looking forward to seeing your designs.

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 11 - Pink + Blue

I was sitting down and pumping these out the other night and was so delighted to be back on track again.  I can't believe how much fun I'm having from doing this challenge (can you tell it's my first).  Perhaps the further down the challenge I get, might curb my enthusiasm, but right now at this instant I'm loving it.

So much that I got a bit carried away with this one.  Did one design and thought I can do something more.  I should have stuck to the first design and left it at that :P

The first design with hand painted French Tips:

On now for the second attempt, I thought I'd try a sponge gradient. Didn't quiet work out the way I planned ...

Colours I used were: OPI's No Room For The Blues, Kiss Me On The Tulips and My Boyfriend Scales Walls for the base of the sponging.

Next...

Day 12 - Hot Hot Hot Combo

 See you next time

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 10 - Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Another day another challenge.  Yes I may have skipped one, I couldn't think of what to do for street party and I'm so far behind I didn't think missing one day would be so bad.  And I was really looking forward to this particular day.
I had an idea in mind, it had to be shiny and it had to have diamonds and crown jewels.  So I took advantage of my image stamping plates and came up with this little number:

Summer Challenge Day 10 - Queens Diamond Jubilee

What do ya think?

I was rather happy with this little effort.. another first for me, the flag was done using a art line brush.  There's a lot of firsts doing these challenges and that's what I'm really enjoying about them.  That make me think of creative designs and trying new techniques which I normally wouldn't use.

So back to the design...

Union Jack - CHECK
Jewel encrusted royal crown - CHECK
Diamonds in English flag colours - CHECK
English Rose - CHECK :)

I even love the fact that I used a colour that is called Dating a Royal (OPI)


Here are the colours I used:

OPI - Dating a Royal
OPI - Alpine White
Revlon - Red (#680)
Generic Silver
OPI Nail Envy Base & OPI Top Coat

Here is my Union Jack.  I thought it was going to be easy because whenever i see others use striping brushes, they make it look soooo easy.  This too me a while...

Putting all the elements together.  I used Bundle Monster Image plate BM09 for the Diamonds, BM08 for the Crown (sorry it was white on silver base, in hindsight probably not a great idea, I didn't have a gold polish opaque enough) and Konad m54 for the roses. and of course a 1.5mm blue rhinestone sitting on top of the crown.

Opps smudged my middle finer... :P

I had a lot of fun doing this one. Being an Australian I still have a lot of interest in the English Monarchy, and was delighted to be part of this Challenge for this days theme.

Looking forward to the next one...

Next...

Day 11 - Pink + Blue

(came up with two variations for this one, is that cheating?)

Well I hope you enjoyed this and I really like hearing and getting comments, so drop on by say hi below in the comments box.  See you next time.

xx Karen

Summer Challenge Day 8 - Swimming Pool

Hi...

It's been a while, and i feel bad about this. But if you hadn't seen my last post, I was sad to report that my computer died (RIP Hp). I've finally had a chance to get on the bf's computer and upload some photo's for the Summer Challenge. Just because the computer has been down doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up with the challenge, this will be the first of a few to come.

And Just so I don't bombard your feeds with a lot in one hit I'm going to post a new blog every second day till i get back up to date.

So here's my interpretation of Day 8 - Swimming Pool.

Summer Challenge Day 8 - Swimming Pool

Now I know it's messy, but i get so excited when I finished and can't wait to take photo's. I guess I really should learn to be a bit more patient. I have to admit it wasn't quite what i was hoping for, far from it. But it was fun none-the-less.

This was also my first attempt at "framing" my nails, so please forgive my sloppiness. More practise is obviously needed.

The colours I used were:

OPI No Room For The Blues
OPI Dating a Royal
OPI Alpine Snow
OPI San Tan-Tonio
OPI Did You 'Ear The One About Van Gogh?
Sally Hanson - 420 Yellow Kitty
OPI Base & Top Coat
Acrylic White Paint

(can you tell I like OPI??)

Here are the base coats before i starting the sponging. Started out nice, right?, that was before I tried my attempt of being creative...

There was a lot of sponging involved with this design. And after all that sponging I couldn't quite get the effect on camera


I would like to take this opportunity to say that this was my first Nail Art Challenge and I have to admit, that although my talents or creativity meet the standard of some of the other girls I've seen. I had a lot of fun trying to come up with my own interpretation of the theme and look forward to the next theme

Next...
Day 10 - Queens Diamond Jubilee (I really had fun with this one!)

xx Karen

My Computer Died

My computer officially died last night.  I finally got time to sit down and upload some photo's for the Summer Challenge... but the computer, she no workie.  Didn't even turn on!

However do not fear. Even though my personal laptop is not functioning, it doesn't mean I'm not sticking to the challenge, making my nails pretty and taking photos as i go along.  I will just need to either upload the new photo's either at work (hehe) or use the bf's computer.

So now that i'm in the market for a new computer (preferably another laptop) Any recommendations what computer i should get?

I was thinking about getting my first Mac Book but they're so expensive, however on the positive side they do come with some great editing programs/apps. 

Share with me your thoughts, all suggestions are welcome.  There are a lot of computers & laptops out there and it's difficult to choose, so your help is really really REALLY  appreciated.

xx Karen

Summer Challenge - First Timer

Hiii,

I'm excited to be announcing that i'll be (trying) to participate in my very first nail challenge.  I've seen a lot of these on the blog sites and thought I'd give this a go.  I think I've probably chosen a very difficult challenge for my first, since there are soooo many days in this challenge.  But I'm up for it, I'm excited, and I've got some ground to make up.

Despite that it's actually heading into winter here in the Southern Hemisphere, I like the idea of this and will give it go. The Summer Challenge is already up and running and in to it's 9th day, so it may take me a little longer to get to speed with the rest of the challengers.  I've sent my request here which includes all the details and a list of the challenges to come and their corresponding dates.

So now the challenge begins...

I want to say a thank you to A Girl and Her Polish, it was on her blog that I came across this challenge and gave me the inspiration to give it a go :) Thank You! xx

I'll be tagging all these with #Summer Challenge

Hope you follow me along my challenge.  Later m'lovies

xKaren