Dried flower nail art is a beautiful and natural way to add a unique touch to your manicure. The delicate, intricate designs created with real dried flowers can transform your nails into mini works of art. Whether you’re a professional nail artist or someone who loves doing your own nails at home, procuring your own stock of dried flowers can add a personal and creative flair to your nail art supplies. Here’s how you can get started with sourcing and preparing your own dried flowers for nail art.
1. Sourcing Your Flowers
The first step in creating your own dried flower collection is to source the flowers. You have a few options for where to find flowers suitable for drying:
- Your Garden or Local Greenhouse: If you have a garden or access to a local greenhouse, you can pick your own flowers. Look for small, flat flowers that will fit well on a nail, such as baby’s breath, daisies, or forget-me-nots. These flowers have fine petals that are easy to press and dry.
- Wildflowers: Go for a walk and pick wildflowers. Just be mindful of local regulations and avoid picking endangered or protected species. Wildflowers like violets, clover, and small daisy varieties can be perfect for nail art.
- Florist Shops: Visit your local florist and ask if they have small flowers that would work for drying. Florists often have a variety of small blooms and can help you select flowers that will press well.
- Online Retailers: If you don’t have access to fresh flowers, there are many online retailers that sell dried flowers specifically for nail art. These pre-dried flowers are often professionally pressed and come in a variety of colors and types.
2. Preparing Your Flowers
Once you’ve sourced your flowers, the next step is to prepare them for drying. Drying flowers for nail art is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment.
- Pressing Flowers: This is the most common method for drying flowers for nail art. Place the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper or wax paper and press them inside a heavy book. Leave them for about 1-2 weeks until they are completely dry and flat.
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can also dry flowers using a microwave. Place the flowers between two pieces of parchment paper and then press them between two microwave-safe plates. Microwave in 30-second intervals, checking the flowers between each interval, until they are dry.
- Air Drying: Some flowers, like baby’s breath, can be air-dried by hanging them upside down in a warm, dry place. This method takes longer but can preserve the flowers’ shape and color better.
3. Storing Your Dried Flowers
Once your flowers are dried, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality.
- Airtight Containers: Keep your dried flowers in airtight containers to protect them from moisture and dust. Small glass jars or plastic containers work well.
- Away from Sunlight: Store the containers in a cool, dark place to prevent the colors from fading. Sunlight can bleach dried flowers, causing them to lose their vibrancy.
- Separate by Color: If you have a variety of flowers, consider separating them by color or type. This makes it easier to find the right flower for your design when you’re ready to use them.
4. Applying Dried Flowers to Nails
Now that you have your own stock of dried flowers, you can start incorporating them into your nail designs!
- Base Coat: Start with a clean base coat to protect your natural nails.
- Apply Flowers: After applying your desired base color, place the dried flowers onto the tacky layer of the polish using tweezers. Arrange them carefully, as they are fragile.
- Seal with Top Coat: Once the flowers are positioned, apply a generous layer of clear top coat to seal them in. This will protect the flowers and add shine to your manicure.
Creating your own stock of dried flowers for nail art is a rewarding process that allows you to personalize your designs and experiment with different looks. By sourcing, drying, and storing your flowers properly, you can ensure you always have a unique and beautiful selection on hand for your next manicure. Whether you’re crafting a delicate floral accent or a bold, nature-inspired design, dried flowers are a wonderful way to express your creativity and love for natural beauty.
