Easy Polish Removal

just thought I'd pop in...

...with an awesome tip.

I decided that it was time for a new manicure, and decided to try a new technique to get my polish off.

I've tried variations of this technique before,
but this way is by FAR the best.

You will need:
- nail polish remover

- cotton balls

- scissors

- aluminum foil

- painted fingernails (duh;)

Step 1:

Start with painted nails.
Eyeball your fingers and get the "size" of your nails.

Step 2:

Grab a cotton ball.

If the technique is done correctly, you SHOULD (there's always exceptions) only need one.

Find the end and begin unrolling.

^^ this is what it looks like unrolled

Step 3:

Take your scissors and cut up the cotton.
Make a piece for each individual nail.

^^ cut them to fit your nails, 

meaning bigger pieces for thumbs and little pieces for pinkies.

Step 4:

Cut out squares of aluminum foil.

Mine were 2''x2''

You need at least 10, but having a few extras wouldn't hurt.

Step 5:

Fill the cap full of polish remover.

Step 6:

Take a piece of the cotton and dip it into the remover.

Don't dunk it, the liquid will travel up through the cotton fibers.

Just dipping a corner is sufficient.

Step 7:

Stick the cotton to your nail.
Make sure that the entire polished area is covered.

Step 8:

Take a piece of foil and wrap it around the tip of your finger.
Make sure the cotton is completely covered, and that it's good and tight.

Step 9:

Repeat with each finger.
I choose to do one hand at a time, 

it's much easier than trying to maneuver with the foil on your fingers.

Step 10:

Wait 5-10 minutes.

When the time is up, grip the foil, applying pressure to the nail.

Slide the foil AND the cotton up and off the nail.
If enough time has passed, there will be NO remaining polish left on the nail.

If there's still a little left, rub it off with an extra cotton ball and wait a little bit longer for the rest of your nails.

Step 11:

Repeat with each of your nails.

Above is a picture of my nails after just removing the foil, with no extra scrubbing involved.

It's FUCKING boss.

It may take a few minutes, but it's SO worth it.

No scrubbing, no pile of used cotton balls; just spotless, mani-ready nails.

Hope you liked today's tip :)

See you all soon!

PS: This works on toenails too :)

DIY: Button Bracelets

hey loves :)

Today I have a tutorial to make your own bracelets with nothing but buttons and string.



Miss last week's button tutorial? Click Here :)

You will need:
- buttons (25ish)

- embroidery floss

- scissors

- tape (optional)

Step 1:

First you need your string.
When it comes to measurement, here's what I always go by:
Three times the length around around your wrist,
multiplied by two.
You WILL have string to trim at the end,
but it's worth it to make sure you're able to tie off the end.
Fold it in half and then tie a knot at the fold
(like the picture above)

Step 2:

Lay out your buttons,
this will give you a projection of what your bracelet will look like when it's on the string.

Step 3:

For the first button, thread through the front.
Cross the strings over behind (if it's a 4 hole button) and thread back through to the front.


Step 4:

For the second button, thread from behind.

Step 5:

 Repeat the pattern, 

front thread, back thread, front thread, back thread, and so on.

It'll create a nice layered effect.

Continue until you you ALL BUT ONE of your buttons.

Step 6:

When you have only one button left, tie a knot at the end of the string.
Then tie another about half an inch away.
Thread the last button however you want, and then tie another knot.

This is the button that will be attaching the bracelet together with the loop at the top.

Cut the remaining string and you're done :)

Mix it up with different buttons and different colors.

See you next time loves!

Dying Buttons

hello lovelys :)

who doesn't love buttons?

they're great for crafts, adding color to your clothes & even for making your own jewelry.
but what happens when you can't find buttons in that particular perfect color?

well here's a way to dye your own :)

I recently ordered a ton of Rit Dye (for a few other projects),
and found out about this cool technique.

You will need:
- a measuring cup
- measuring spoons

- liquid or powdered Rit dye (yes, it HAS to be Rit)

- a plastic bottle (1 for each color)

- buttons (duh)

- hot water

- strainer
- paper towels

- garbage bag

- a butter knife (or anything to stir the dye)

Step 1:

Before doing anything,
cover your workspace with the garbage bag.
This dye is permanent, so it WILL stain your shit.


Step 2:

This step is completely optional.
During the dying process,
it's important to check the color of your buttons every few minutes
to ensure that you get the color you desire.
I knew it would be a pain in the ass to stir it with the top if the bottle,
so I cut it off.


Step 3:
 
Time to prepare the dye.
Take your measuring cup and fill it with water.
Microwave it for about 3 minutes.

 
For liquid dye:
1 cup of water + 1 tablespoon of dye

For powdered dye:

1 cup of water + 2 tablespoons of dye

To make sure it's the desired color, dip a piece of paper towel into the dye.
If it's too dark, add more water,
if it's too light, add more dye.


Step 4:

Add the buttons to the dye.
For some colors, it will take only a few minutes,

for others, it will take a little longer.


Step 5:
 
Stir and check the color of the buttons every few minutes.
Don't forget to wipe of the stirrer after each color.


Step 6:
 
Once your buttons have reached the desired color,
pour the dye and buttons into the strainer.
Rinse the buttons with cool water.
Repeat for each color.


TA-DA!

you're done! easy right?
:)

 



can you even imagine the possibilities?
no more searching for that perfect shade, you can make it yourself :)

See you next time loves :)

PS: Like the new signature? ;)

Ear Candy: Joshua Radin

good morning loves :)
Just wanted to drop in and brighten up your day with a song :)



I heard this song on an old episode of House M.D., and I absolutely loved it!
I hope it makes you smile :)

Friendship Bracelets: Simple Stripes

Hi guys :)

Fun fact:
I went to summer camp for 8 years when I was still living in Washington.
Meaning I am a freaking PRO at friendship bracelets :)

So I've decided that over the next few weeks (or months, I dunno;)
I'm going to teach you too:)
Let's start with one of the easiest:


Simple Stripes

You will need:
- embroidery floss (5+ colors)
- tape
- scissors

Step 1:

Pick your colors,
If this is your first time making a bracelet like this, 
I suggest using 5 (or more) different colors.
It will make it A LOT easier to keep everything in order.

 

Step 2:

Cut your string.
Each strand should be about 3 feet long.
Don't have a yard stick or ruler?
No problem!
What I do is take the strand in my hand and place it next to my heart.
Then I extend my arm horizontally as far as I can reach.
If your recipient has larger or smaller wrists, go ahead and make the proper adjustments.

Step 3:

Tie all the strands together, 
forming a knot with 1-2 inches of excess string.

Step 4:

Tape the excess string to a hard, non-porous surface.

 Step 5:

Decide what order you would like your colors to be in.
Once you begin you won't be able to change it.
(I mean, you could, but it would mess everything up...)

Step 6:

Start with the string on the far left.
In this case it's the pink one.

Step 7:
 
Take the pink string and place is over the second (in this case, the blue) string.
It will look a little bit like the number 4.


Step 8:
 
Take the end of the pink string, pull it through the center of the "4".
Hold the blue string tightly, 

and pull the pink up the blue string until it makes a knot at the top.

Do this twice.

Step 9:
 

After tying two knots on the blue string,
move onto the next string in the row (in this case, the green string).
Using the same pink strand,

follow step 7 and 8 for the green string, and then the rest of the strings in the row.

^^after tying all the knots,
the pink string will end up at the end of the row.


Step 10:
 
Follow steps 6-9 with each string, until reaching the desired length.
^^ here's a work in progress
^^once your bracelet reaches 4 or 5 inches,
add another piece of tape,

it makes it easier to tie the knots.

Step 11:
 
Once you've reached your desired length,
tie another knot at the end, leaving 2-3 excess inches of string.

ALL DONE
:)

I hope you enjoyed this post:)
Keep an eye out for more friendship bracelet tutorials!

Have a great day loves:)