While preparing for my fast approaching nail competitions in June, I have come across some unconventional items to help me prepare and construct my competition pieces. I have been watching a lot of YouTube videos by Sam Biddle; in one of them she uses a plastic sleeve protector to make and smooth out pieces of acrylic. This technique has really helped me with the construction of some of my pieces.

I found these plastic sheets in the art department at Wal-Mart. They are see-through and flexible and work well to draw out shapes and construct pieces on top with acrylic, because it doesn't stick and everything comes off easily. I have also been using different size straws to make a number of different elements in my competition pieces.

You have to keep an open mind and think outside the box when it comes to competing in 3-D and Fantasy nail competitions. If you have an idea, try it out. It’s all about trial and error and finding what works for you. I know some of these techniques have been used for years, but for new competitors I want to give you all the suggestions I can to help you succeed this competition season.

Another thing that has really helped me focus on my competitions is I have made a work space in my garage. I was working on my pieces in the salon in my down time, and in between clients and I just wasn’t getting enough done.

People would walk by and ask what I’m doing and want to see my work. The salon excitement was really distracting me, so now I work on small items at the salon and I work on the bulk of my competition pieces at home. I go out in my garage, turn on Pandora radio, and work out there for hours with no distractions and I seem to get a lot done.

Now it's time to get back to work.

Only two months left until my competition entries are due. Please keep an eye out for my next blog.

Thanks for reading

— Amanda