How’s this for special birthday nail art customized for each month? Michele Baker of Van Goe’s Salon and Day Spa in Cumming, Ga., is developing a year’s worth of nail art based on each month’s birth flower and birthstone to share with NAILS readers. This month’s design is based on the carnation and garnet of January.

All products listed are from EZ Flow Nail Systems’ Boogie Nights and Color Powder Collections.

JANUARY (birthstone: garnet; birth flower: carnation)

1. Fade the background on a curve using Raspberry Crème, Bubble Gum, and Show Me Your Beads.

2. Double dip (using two colors on the brush at once) random combinations of Sweet Pea, Pansy, and Tourmaline. To form the carnation, place the first round of petals directly on the nail; remember to ruffle the outer edge of the petal. Continue to build the petals around and use your brush to pull up on the petals to give them dimension. If desired, you can build the petals on a form and attach them to the nail. Place the flower and bud.

3. Peridot and Emerald create the stem and leaves. Use deep red garnet colored rhinestones. Apply top coat.

To view more birthday-inspired step-by-steps, visit the It's Your Birthday Nail Art Gallery.

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