Have you tried this before? It is something I have wanted to do for AGES! In fact, ever since I’ve been using Pinterest… I love Pinterest (do you use it?) I can often be found searching for ideas and inspiration around 3am when up with Rupert… 😅😴
Anyway, after buying some ceramic blanks from Hobbycraft, I just knew now was the time to give this craft a try… Nail Varnish Marbling! Wow, how simple, vibrant! And addictive! 😂
TIPS
– Do it in a well ventilated area as actually, nail varnish really does STINK! – Not all nail varnishes ‘work’ – some (of the cheaper ones) disappate into the water – and so would give an overall colour rather than a ‘marble’ look. – Glittery nail varnishes can be used, but some of the ‘bigger’ glitter ones can ‘clump’ together and not sit on the surface of the water. Some of the smaller glitter ones don’t really marble, they just coat the shape and actually- you could just paint that varnish on! – Fiddly shape bases don’t work as well, as the varnish creates a ‘film’ over any gaps and so not as effective. – You need to work quite fast as the varnish is drying as soon as out in the air. – There seems to be all sorts of advice on this but I would recommend the water not be toooo cold as it can cause the varnish to seize on touching the surface and that’s not good! You want it to stay fluid. – Finally, do wear gloves or have nail varnish remover as it DOES get on you – so don’t do with a fresh manicure! 😆 And, don’t do what I did and didn’t your hand in to get something at the bottom. You get marbled yourself!!!
INGREDIENTS
Blanks (whatever base to add the marble effect to)
Nail Varnish
A tray/bowl
Water
Gloves
A ‘stick’ such as a wooden skewer/end of a paintbrush etc.
Somewhere to hang the baubles etc to dry.
Mask (optional – those fumes are strong!)
METHOD
Pour water into your tray or bowl before gently pouring your nail varnish near the surface of the water. You will need to work quickly as the varnish will instantly start to dry now… Use as many colours as you like!
Using your stick gently swirl the varnish around to create patterns before dipping your blank into the water allowing the varnish to attach on to the bauble or whatever you are making.
Now, hang or leave somewhere for the varnish to dry.
Using the end of your stick, you can ‘collect’ any residue nail varnish left on the surface to start again.
You could also paint your ceramic blank first if you like. I have used both – I have painted some plain white ceramic baubles and Christmas trees beforehand using ‘ordinary’ acrylic paint. However, you could try this technique on ordinary plastic Christmas baubles, glass, whatever you like within reason.
Be sure to check out my top tips above… it is a simple craft, but I am honestly amazed at the results you can achieve using just water, nail varnish and a blank canvas… a simple and (I think!) beautiful make!
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