DIY nail decals!

In this post I'm gonna show you how to make these super cute nail decals, with just a few simple things you probably already have at home!

I started the idea for this post with a lovely forest green that I purchased at Big Lots for a buck! I was thinking it would be great for another beautiful bargain! I decided then, that it would look beautiful matted! 

Great. Right?

I was inspired to try a multi-day mani challenge by a fellow Reddit lacquer lover and I started trying to come up with ways to change up the plain polish I had on! Pinterest is great for getting inspiration too, and I found a little tutorial on how to make these with a plastic bag, some nail polish and a paper punch! 

Just paint your colors, and let them dry. Let them dry for a long time, or your polish will tear (like the gold did on my bag). For my decals, I used a mini heart punch and a pinking shear!

Paint some topcoat on your nail and stick them on! I used a wax pencil to make picking up and placing them very easy. After you stick them on, throw on some more topcoat and you're good to go! 

(This could be a good UND fan mani!)

I love these DIY nail stickers, and I can't wait to make more!!

I went all out this time!

For today's post, I thought I'd include a little step by step so that you can see just how easy it is to make some cool nail art for yourself! I don't know about you, but I'm ALWAYS checking out pinterest for cool nail ideas. I saw something similar to this a long time ago, and had forgotten about it until yesterday. Here in the midwest, fall is fast approaching and so I felt like doing something bright, flashy and summery while I still can! There's a little bit of everything in this mani, so get ready!

Isn't it fun?? I'm showing you my finished product first, then the steps to get this look.

The pink is China Glaze in "Neon and on", the white is Revlon Top Speed in "Spirit" and the black and white craziness is Hard Candy's "Black Tie Optional". I also used a Wet 'n Wild quick dry polish for the black. (I HIGHLY recommend using quick drying polish for nail art like this)

First, get your base colors all ready to go. For neons and pastels, I always put a base of white underneath...they just look better that way! 

If you've been wondering how to get the chevron effect that's everywhere right now, this is the easiest way. I tried cutting the tape by itself, and all I wanted to do was throw the roll of tape out the window! Use wax paper and apply the tape to it, then cut! I've also done this when I use a 

paper punch to do cutouts on my nails.

Stick it on! That's all ya gotta do.

Boom. It's that easy.

Next, get yourself some dotting tools. I picked up my set from Amazon for less than $2. 

(Tip: look for a seller in the U.S. or somewhere close to you, or you will be waiting FOREVER for them to come in the mail)

Different sized tools, for different sized dots!

Striping tape! This is another one that runs real cheap, just 

check where it's coming from before you place your order.

Stripey!

Here's another pic. I used one coat of Seche Vite when I was all finished. Make sure your designs are TOTALLY dry before top-coating. The black and white can run when you paint on your topcoat. Sorry for the blurry thumb. I used the Black Tie Optional for one of the nails, because it's fun and it reminds me of the '90's and Lisa Frank folders! It looks especially cool over gradient painted nails!

Are you ready to try some nail art?