My latest design for Maniswap Circle really takes me back to when I did loads of freehand nail art. This Freehand Flowers and Lines design inspired by Sezies Nails (Sarah) is based on a dress, and was originally created in white, pink and black. I used the Maniswap prompt colours of brown, white and red to create a beautiful Valentine’s Day design.
Polishes and tools
Jessica Fusion
Orly Bonder
Chanel Gitane
Color Club French Tip
Barry M Cocoa
Tati and Pure Color nail art brushes
Seche Vite
I thought you would like to see the original inspiration for this design:
Sarah recreated this dress design in polish, and it’s gorgeous! Perfect for a summer event. By changing up the colours, mine reminds me that Valentine’s Day isn’t far away.
I used Gitane which is a fairly true red, and Cocoa which is a dark brown. Cocoa had separated and needed a lot of shaking before use. Both were very easy to work with.
The white was thick and a bit of a hassle, as white polishes often are. At least I only had to paint four nails with it!! All the base colours used two coats.
Tips for your freehand designs
Next was the grid lines. I used my Tati liner brush dipped in Cocoa and cleaned off frequently to help keep the lines thin. In keeping with Sarah’s design, I tried to make the squares really even, and the lines thin.
You can always use a little white polish (your base colour) to correct any mistakes.
Take the lines over your cuticle and then use clean up to remove the excess for neater looking lines.
If you don’t, you might end up with tapering lines or little blobs where the brush started.
I then used my Pure Color brush for the flowers. Gitane isn’t completely opaque in one coat, so you can definitely see the lines through the flowers. I’m pretty happy with how it looks, but use a stamping polish or go over them with a second coat if you prefer.
Once clean up is done, then use Seche Vite to seal it all in.
Freehand Flowers and Lines
This design looks great in these colours. I think it’s a great alternative for a Valentine’s Day manicure, if you aren’t into pink and hearts.
It’s great to see I haven’t completely lost my freehand skills! Is there a nail art or beauty technique you’re out of practice with? Or is there a colour combination you love for Valentine’s Day? Tell me in the comments below!
February 11, 2018
What an adorable mani for Vday or any day! I am envious of your freehand skills
February 11, 2018
Thank you! I’m really out of practice with freehand though, so I’m glad these turned out so well.
February 12, 2018
This design is SO GOOD!!
February 12, 2018
Thank you Jamie! I wish I could take credit for the design, but that’s all Sarah’s!
February 12, 2018
Such a fun post!!!! Love manis based on fashion!
February 12, 2018
Thank you so much! I’m loving your Valentine design too – looks like freehand is the way to go this year
February 12, 2018
I have to agree your freehand skills are great! I especially like the checked look.
February 15, 2018
Thank you Leanie! I haven’t done much freehand work for ages, so I’m happy they turned out so well
February 15, 2018
Wow! impressed. Those nails look awesome!
February 15, 2018
Thank you so much Lynsey – really glad you like them!