Magic in the Monarch

Do you believe in Magic?

I do and I love that I can’t understand it and am happy to accept it as magic. This of course is completely opposite to The Boyfriend who knows that there is definitely a logical explanation for every trick and that magic is just clever sleight of hand. Whatever. It’s magic. Embrace it.

We were watching Dynamo last night and that was what got us chatting about it. I am awe struck with his tricks. Seriously. They are fun and beautiful and take me back to the days of believing knowing anything is possible and everything can be real (including the fairies). In his one trick, Dynamo manages to turn a paper butterfly into a real Monarch butterfly and then a swarm of them fly about the room. Awesome. (link below)

Watching this inspired my latest mani… Ombre nails with an accent nail of a monarch butterfly wing…

These nails were easy enough but did take  a very steady hand and will need a bit more practice from my side.

First I did an ombre of orange and red using the sponging method  (see here how I did my ombrenails last time)

I chose to do just one accent nail wing, mainly because it is pretty tricky and I couldn’t bear trying to do my entire right hand and also because it feels like it may take away from the beauty of one winged nail.

To do the wing, draw a black curve on both ends of your nail, then painting from the top curve to the tip of your nail. Then join the two lines with three thin black strips, round them off slightly and finally add a few white dots to the black tips.

 

 

 

 p.s. If you know how Dynamo does his tricks don't dare tell me! I love believing in magic...

Floral Fetish Nailed

Am I taking my floral fetish too far? Dresses, skirts, in my hair and now on my nails too! But personally, if I may say so myself, I am in love with this mani! It reminds me of Cath Kidston designs and having Cath Kidston nails makes me happy.

These nails weren’t too hard to do, but they do take patience and time, but it is so worth it!

What you need:

• A base colour (I chose a soft blue - Mavala Lagoon) but you could even use a creamy beige.
• Your flower base  (I used a bright pink – Essie Lovie Dovie )
• Your flower detailing ( I used a darker pink  - Mavala La Paz)
• Green for the leaves ( I used a woollies olive-y type green)
• Top coat and base coat (as always)

After applying your base coat, apply your base colour. I apply two coats so that it is fully opaque.

Once the base colour is dry, create the base of the flowers. These are not meant to be perfect circles so no need for other tools, the little brush in the nail polish is perfect. Just dab onto your nails creating messy little spots.

Once these are dry, using a toothpick dipped into your darker colour draw little squiggles on your roses. These create the petals and define the rose. I sort of outlined areas of the rose and brought them in making a 'c' shape of sorts. Play around and see what looks best on your nail and your lighter pink spot.

Lastly, you need to add the leaves. Do not leave (hehe) these off. They really bring the final look together. Two little green triangular-ish shapes complete your little rose.

As you go from step to step the flowers won’t really look good. You may think it is looking messy but once every step is complete they really come together to look gorgeous. Up until I had completed the last leaf The Boyfriend was not entirely convinced either, but as a final picture you’ll see the effort is so worth it.

Helpful Hint: I read that sometimes it is easier to try do the splodges on your left hand using an earbud as it is easier to control. I however managed with the nail polish brush so didn’t use them, but if you’re struggling keep one close for just in case…

Whitewash Weather

The view from our balcony

The weather this weekend has been quite miserable, which has suited me  perfectly as The Boyfriend and I have created a list of 35 things we need to get done to our house before the year is up. The list has everything from the very simple (buy more big wine glasses) to the far more extreme (convert the spare room into a creative workspace). And this weekend we got going on our list.

We are redoing our spare room into a space where I can blog, do my DIY and get messy, and also a space where The Boyfriend can sit down with good music and edit his surf footage (He received a gopro for his birthday so he can now be seen in the water with it on his board, or strapped to my old mop pole for better angles...)

We are building a work desk in the room and wanted to make the desk a space where I can mess without making the desk look damaged, so we decided a good whitewashing will create a look that will actually be enhanced by drops of glue and splatters of paint.

Whitewashing Wood

What you need:

• Wood
• Sandpaper and sandpaper block
• White water based paint
• Water
• Varnish / sealant
• Paintbrush
• Mixing container
• Old rags

Before you can start with the painting you will need to first prep your wood. Using the sandpaper sand the wood down to remove any old varnish / paint. Be sure to wipe the wood down afterwards as you don't want any dust to be there when you paint.

Sand the wood

Once the wood is sanded you need to create your whitewash. Mix 2 parts paint to 1 part water. That's it. No funny tricks here. 

Paint on the whitewash in small sections

Working in small sections, paint your wood, and then wipe the excess paint off. Whitewash dries pretty quickly so wipe as you go.

Wipe off excess paint

Once the whitwash has dried, apply a second layer if necessary. Once this layer is also dry, get your sandpaper and start sanding where the wood would naturally weather, so on the corners and raised areas. This adds the texture and worn look.

Sand the wood again to age it

Finally, once you wood is looking well old, slap on a layer of sealant / clear varnish to protect the wood.

Varnish wood

Once we have finished our workspace I promise to post pictures of the final product...

Royal Class

I have seen many of my favourite bloggers rocking the princess bun (such as Blair from Atlantic-Pacific) and proving it is no longer just for sweetheart ballerinas.

How to achieve the princess bun

You’ll need a men’s sock that you can cut. Because I have dark hair I went for a black sock. Blondes should probably go for white / beige.

 Cut the top of the sock off so it becomes more like a tube sock, then fold it until it resembles a scrunchie (Those nasty hair ties that were better left in the 80’s)

 Now with your hair in a ponytail, pull your pony through the sock, leaving the sock just at the end of your hair.

Roll the sock down, making the hair roll under and into itself. At first the hair might only be on one side, so just wiggle it all around the sock with each turn, making it cover the entire sock and starting to form the bun.

Keep turning until it gets down to your head. It should feel fairly snug and in place. 

 I accessorized with a little bow, and in an instant you’re ready to go.

Although this is super easy, it may take a few tries.

Have Fun!