When it comes to creative manicures, I am all about it. There is just one minor problem, I am not much of an artist and patience is not my strong suit (which are two very important components when it comes to nail art). I was on the search to find a solution, which is when I decided to make my own nail decals! These DIY nail decals are a surprisingly easy and totally fun way to spice up your boring mani!
Step 1: Gather your supplies. First you are going to need to choose your colors. I chose to use Parker, Stella, Natasha, and Oscar. You will also need a plastic zip lock bag, some decorative paper punches, and (if you would like) a pair of zig zag scissors. All of these items you will be able to find at your local craft store, except for the plastic bag… that will probably be located in your kitchen.
Step 2: Using the colors you chose, paint decent sized squares on your plastic baggy. You will most likely need about 3-4 coats. Let your colors dry over night.
Step 3: Once dry, peel of your sheets of nail polish. If they are beginning to bunch up or you are having a hard time peeling them off, they simply need more time to dry.
Step 4: Using your decorative paper punches, punch out the shapes you want to use for your nail decals. You can also use your zig zag scissors to create some fun decals (perfect for a chevron manicure)!
Step 5: Paint your nails and let them dry fully. Paint one layer of top coat & place your decal on your nail. Let it dry.
Step 6: Seal off your decals with another layer of top coat, and you are good to go!
30 Responses to How to: Make your own nail decals!
Melissa April 9th, 2012
This is such a great idea! I will be trying this very soon.
mandie's manicures April 9th, 2012
This is so creative!
Farhee April 9th, 2012
Pretty neat ideas
nailsbeautiqued April 9th, 2012
Clever! Where did find the small decorative paper punches?
Kylie1403 April 10th, 2012
You could do with with tissue paper too couldn’t you? or wrapping paper??
Brittney April 10th, 2012
I’m guessing it wouldn’t peel off easily.
Mercedes March 26th, 2013
Pretty sure she meant that she could punch shapes out of tissue paper or wrapping paper and it would the same as the nail polish
Ree April 10th, 2012
Love this idea!!
Also my New Video is up! @JulepMaven April “IT GIRL” unbox along with nail tutorial! Check it out! http://t.co/X9hQsNla http://t.co/uop10ZaP
Heidi April 10th, 2012
What a cool idea! I’ve seen punches like that at Michaels craft stores.
Mal April 10th, 2012
very cool! What section of Michaels would be these punchers be in? Have they been seen anywhere else?
Ch April 13th, 2012
I found punch levers for only $1 at Michael’s.
Alexandra April 14th, 2012
So cool!!!! Ohhh my I love it
xxx
Felicia May 10th, 2012
LOVE this idea, I am a scrapbooker and also love nail polish. I have tons of these little paper punches and plenty of zig zag scissors around. Going to find some of my favorite Julep polishes and try this out, thanks for sharing!♥
Hannah May 12th, 2012
Incredible idea! I can’t wait to try this out.
Jade May 13th, 2012
Cool idea I will have to try it
Jen June 12th, 2012
It worked great!!! I just wish i had more paper punchers, i really need to get one that does hearts
heather July 8th, 2012
i went to hobby lobby, & michaels to look for the decorative hole punches and they had the big ones:( soo i cant make my own nail decals.
Erica July 12th, 2012
Maybe try to order them online through Amazon?!! You can also cut out your own shapes if you have smaller scissors.
Laura July 30th, 2012
They have the punches at Joanns and Michaels…. usually in the middle aisle in the dollar baskets or near the register.. I just picked up a bunch of halloween ones at Joanns they are only $1 each.. there are larger ones in the scrapbooking aisle
chichicho August 2nd, 2012
that is such a great idea!
Thanks!!!
ashley August 5th, 2012
using those punchers is such a good idea
Maddie September 6th, 2012
I am having a hard time peeling them off the plastic.
EricaStolman September 6th, 2012
Try painting another coat of polish if it is cracking when you try to peel it off. If you just can’t get it to peel off try to “roll” the plastic bag to get the decal off or place it in the sun for a couple seconds to “loosen” up the decal!
tiffany September 10th, 2012
Could you make a bunch in advance and keep them for later or would they dry out
EricaStolman September 11th, 2012
Yes, most definitely!
Kat December 16th, 2012
I use clear report covers. They are stiffer and easier to work with than a baggie. My decals practically pop off by themselves! Transparency sheets work as well, but they are a little thicker and not as pliable as the report covers.
melissa December 30th, 2012
Ca’t wait to try this…THANK YOU!