Do you enjoy allowing yourself the pampered pleasure of an exquisite manicure? It's been a while since I indulged in that activity. Perhaps because I don't like long lines and endless gossip while waiting in salon parlors.
I prefer to take care of my own pampering in the quiet of my home. I purchased all the required tools; even a small pedicure soaking tub with a pulsating jet stream. However, I can't quite seem to get the professional salon effect I see others displaying so proudly.
I sighed, resigned to my streaky brushstrokes and messy cuticles, and decided it was time to put my drying tools away. Glancing down at my undeniably amateur, yet perfectly functional hands, the realization finally settled in. The true luxury wasn't a flawless finish; it was the sacred, uninterrupted silence.
So, I decided it was time to up my game. I've never shied away from a difficult project. Frustrated by my wobbly non-dominant hand, I decided to embrace the challenge rather than give up.
It took some reading, but I finally ran across some useful and simple instructions.
First, I swapped my favorite polish for a thick, ridge-filling base coat. Next, I angled a tiny concealer brush dipped in acetone. Lastly, I slowly erased the smudges.
The polish finally locked in a glassy, salon-worthy reflection.
Then it struck me. I realized the only thing my sanctuary needed was patience.
Finished with the top part by applying a quick-dry spray, I spied the bottom. Dipping my feet into the pulsing jets of the store-bought tiny electric basin, I reached for a glass of diet peach tea, and smiled. Oh so careful not to smudge my newly manicured nails. My polish might have been slightly uneven and a little chipped around the edges, but as I sat in the tranquil peace of my den, I knew I’d never trade it.
The truth is that I hate salons with the long wait times and endless gossip that was TMI (shorthand for too much information) given out in an inappropriate setting. I neither cared nor was interested in other people's personal romantic, family, career, or social conquests or mishaps.
I'll not go so far as to say I'm now an expert, as I've yet to master the intricate nail designs Ii so admire. For now, I'm satisfied with the at-home salons treatment.
I was perfectly pampered, entirely at peace, and entirely alone...which is exactly how the best indulgences should be.
For my current mixed media project, I wanted to project an over-the-top manicure. I believed I achieved this with the free-sourced image I discovered of manicured fingernails. Placing it with a striking female meshed well.
Below are my steps:
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Female with blue hair ~ Manicured nails ~ Cloudy Skies - Contributed to the #LIL by @seckorama ~ Pure Fractal titled "Puffy Clouds" ~ Pure Fractal titled "Snake Skin"
I utilized Canva, my design program, to blend the different type images. I leave with you my procedures which began with a blank, white canvas. I then add layers of elements in accordance with my upgraded Annual Pro Membership that includes tools to remove backgrounds, detach elements from their backgrounds, filter, duplicate, and reposition items as required.
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I share with you my completed project:
Thanks for taking the time to view my post. I hope you like my mixed media art project.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience an understanding.
At 38, I can certainly attest that practice makes perfect, and you’re only going to keep refining your technique from here on out. I loved the story accompanying today’s design; it kept a smile on my face the whole time I was reading. The design is brilliant—you were clearly inspired—and I’ve realized I’m still a total novice when it comes to using Canva; I hope to practice more. Wishing you a wonderful week and sending you a huge hug! ❤️
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I certainly hope so, @jesuslnrs. I need the quiet times at my senior citizen age. Thanks so much for your visit and view of my story and design. I appreciate it and your kind compliment for them both.
You know, I was a bit afraid to tackle Canva. Once I saw all the features and tool, I was inspired. It is a free program, but I wanted more features so that I didn't have to go elsewhere for background removal and other tools. So I upgraded. The feature I like the most is the ability to detach elements from their backgrounds, then use them separately. And now they have a 5-sec video.
Take care and have a good rest of your week. And Thanks for recommending my project to the OurPick Reading Suggestion List. Much appreciated.
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I don’t like queues or the gossip in beauty salons either, and above all I don’t like the strong smell, it irritates my throat and hurts it, so I couldn’t go to them. But I love doing my own nails, and I learnt that from my maternal grandmother; I have the same nail shape as her. It makes me feel really good to look after them.
That’s why I understand what you’ve done, and I realise that patience is the only thing that enables us to do what we want. Your design is lovely; it depicts a woman who is feminine and delicate, yet strong and determined to achieve what she wants… like doing her nails. Beautiful colours, by the way! Thank you always for your work, a big hug!!💗
Hello my friend @avdesing. Hope you had a nice weekend. In the U.S., we celebrated the 7th of July independence holiday. I'm so pleased my salon piece resonated with you and I feel it does many who hate the "salon" scene. My nails are super hard and grow quickly like my mom's. I see women buying nails or having them glued on all the time. I'm glad I don't have that problem!
You know, patience is the key to lots of life's "endurances". We just have to learn to practice it at every turn. Much more difficult to master though. Thanks so much for your lovely compliment for my design. I was hoping for that exact reaction. Delicate and strong as the same time. The image already had tons of color in it, so I didn't have to dedicate too much time selecting elements to blend with it.
Thanks so much for your visit and engagement about your salon experience. I appreciate it. Take care and have a nice rest of your week.
I’ve got strong nails too, and they’re growing! That’s a bonus – we don’t spend money on nail salons, though I wouldn’t go anyway; those glues weaken your nails in the long run. As always, it’s a pleasure to be here!
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Thank you!!!
!PIZZA
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Thanks for sharing my project.
You are welcome