Good and Evil Custom Pandora’s Box

I just had to share this with you!  You may have seen my Pandora’s boxes, which begin as everyday candy tins, and, layers of polymer clay later, end up as unique works of art.  A customer requested that I make a “good and evil” box.  Well, here’s what I came up with.  Four more pix after the jump!

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New Pill Bracelet

I have a new bracelet available that features the beloved Gearbunny pills!  The Pharma Bracelet is a colorful eyecatcher that’s sure to stir up some discussion.  I can picture this being a great addition to a Halloween costume, especially.

I decided to make this bracelet because I’m reading Mad in America, a fascinating look at the real history of psychiatry by Robert Whitaker.  It’s quite disturbing and yet I can’t put it down.  It’s certainly opened my eyes to all that we don’t understand about mental health.

Here’s a peek behind the scenes:

Check out the listing here.

OPI “Shatters” Breast Cancer!

This hot off the press!  There was a pleasant surprise awaiting me when I walked into the Soho Ricky’s this evening.  Breast cancer awareness month is not until October, but OPI has already released a limited edition hot pink shatter polish with the catchy slogan “Let’s Shatter Breast Cancer.”

It’s called Pink Shatter: Pink of Hearts.  Proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure (in the US) and Rethink Breast Cancer (in Canada).  I love how OPI is thinking big – let’s do all of North America here! OPI will also make its annual donation of $25,000 to Komen.

I can’t wait to scoop up one of these for myself.  This is the exact color I picture when I imagine a true, hot pink.  Check out the swatches after the jump.

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Hard Candy Glossaholic Lip Glosses Review

When I saw these Hard Candy Glossaholic lip glosses in WalMart I HAD to have them.  They’re lip gloss with flakies!!  I picked out Fabulous (a dark red – left) and Lush (a peachy pink – right).

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NYC Inspired Nail Art – Checkered Yellow Cab

Hey everyone, I was inspired to do some NYC-flavored nail art this afternoon.  It’s been pouring all day so I’m holed up inside, taking it easy and staying dry.  Be kind – this is my first nail art ever.

Here’s what I started with, but I felt it needed something.

So I freehanded some black french tips using Wet N Wild Black Creme.

The yellow is Prevail Taxi! Taxi! appropriately enough.  I used three coats which was enough to even out any streaks and create an opaque surface. My camera could not handle this shade of yellow at all.  Although it appears neon here it’s really much warmer, the actual color of an NYC Yellow Cab.   Anywho, I’m not certain that the Prevail brand is sold outside of NYC @ Duane Reade.  Does anyone know?

For the checkerboard nail I began with two coats of Sally Hansen XTreme Wear White Out, a basic white creme.  After allowing 15 minutes for dry time I drew a checkerboard pattern in Sharpie.  I used a very thin one to sketch out the squares, and a slightly thicker one to fill in the black squares.  I was skeptical that this method would look passable, but I think it does.  You can only tell I used marker if you’re studying my nail really closely.  My pattern was close-to-perfect but did smear a bit on one side, where some excess topcoat settled.  Next time I’ll use a very thin coat.  Also, I learned the hard way to let those black tips dry completely before adding your topcoat.  I rushed a little and my middle finger’s yellow got smeared.

Does freehanding French tips sound too intimidating?  I used to feel that way.  But I discovered a very easy method for getting straight French tips.  I load my brush with polish and anchor my hand on a flat surface, with the brush pointing sideways and slightly downward.  Then I put my nail under the brush, far corner first, and rotate til the entire tip has been painted.  The brush remains stationary and only the nail moves.  This way I get a straight, even line every time.  I’ve mastered this technique when I’m painting on my left (non-dominant) hand, but I need much more practice painting on my right hand.  You would think two different people manicured each of my hands, lol!  Therefore my right hand doesn’t make appearances on this blog.

Hope you enjoy this fun mani!  Do you prefer it with or without the black tips?

~ Allison ~