(Re)introducing Karyn and Candice

We'd like to welcome two new bloggers to Blueprint of a First Year. Don't worry — Alica and Melodie will continue to blog at least until their year ends in September, but we want to bring

Hard Candy Sweetness

Julie Tran uses LCN color gel to create this hard candy French design.

Picking Wildflowers: Nail Art Tutorial by Essie

Watch as essie nail artist, Julie Kandalec demonstrates how to recreate this spring-inspired nail art design using Essie polish colors.

Duck Nails Are a "Not" On "What Not To Wear"

Giving up her duck nails causes a breakdown on the TV series "What Not to Wear" (episode "Tristen"), as nail tech Julie Kandalec keeps her cool and gives Tristen a classier nail look. (Kandalec tells us it took her five hours to re-do these nails.)

Statue of Liberty Nail Art Time Lapse

Julie Ventura shows an intricate Independence Day nail art design.

Halloween Nail Art: DIY Appliqués

Julie Ventura shows how to create your own Halloween nail art stickers.

Shattered Glass Mirror Nail Art Tutorial

Julie Ventura shows how to create a shattered glass design with a foil mirror effect.

Love is in the Air

Nails by Julie Kellos, an independent artistic nail instructor based in Layton, Utah.

Easy Holiday Tinsel Nail Art Tutorial

Julie Ventura shows how to create an easy holiday tinsel nail art tutorial.