My Wicked-Awesome Nail Art Kit

After looking at so many cool photos of nail art, I decided it's time I put together a collection of supplies to play around with.  And I did so for under $20!  I'm going to tell you how.

First, you have to decide what you want?  What kind of nail art do you like to see?  What's your skill level?  I really fell in love with the Konad stamping sets about 2 years ago, but honestly, I stink when it comes to using them.  This is frustrating since SO many people use them and they look great.  I don't know if I don't have the patience or if I simply don't have the knack for it.  And while I would like to invest in some of the awesome, HUGE plates I've seen, it's just not worth it for me.

I knew I wanted to get some brushes.  Since I tend to complain about a lot about some of the cheapie brushes that come in the lids of some nail polishes, it seemed like a logical choice.  I also picked up some striping brushes.  That seems like something I can do.  I've been coveting the dotting tools that have the acrylic handles with swirly colors in them.

I decided I wanted to get some striping tapes.  I don't know that I'll actually use them for striping, but I like the idea of using them to make patterns, paint over and peel off.   But that didn't stop me from getting them in almost 20 colors!

Then I began to think of other things to stick on nails.  The options are endless.  There's glitter, teeny steel balls, dried flowers, rhinestones, fimo slices, stickers, stencils, you name it!  Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for sparkly, so glitter and rhinestones?  Yes, please!  I also picked up some wheels with dried flowers, teeny steel balls (like you see in the "caviar" photos), rhinestones, pearls and some adorable pearl bows!  The glitter I got is AWESOME!  I got two sets.  One has fine glitter, the other one has large, hex glitter.

One thing I learned while shopping on eBay is that there are a LOT of companies that sell these things!  All are from China.  I got MANY items for under $1, including shipping!  I think the most expensive thing I got was the wheel with the pearly bows.  BUT definitely keep an eye on the things on your watch list or in your cart.  I had a couple of sets of glitter go from $1.40 to $25.00 overnight!  Fortunately, it only takes one search to find more listings!

Here are just a couple of photos.  I'm on vacation at the moment, but when I get back home, I will add a photoblog of the rest of my stash!!