Network Learning Project
Our task during the Network Learning Project is to learn something completely new using only YouTube videos and help forums. I picked water marbling nail art.
Water marbling with nail polish requires the management of more elements than you would think. If the cup is too big, or the water too hot or cold, it will mess up your process. I am attempting to replicate the examples and designs I saw on YouTube. There were so many wonderful resources. The first place I looked was at SaraBeautyCorner, who had a wonderful step-by-step video on how to water marble. I spent quite a while watching several different videos, hearing tips and tricks from several nail art experts, like Natasha Lee.
I tried to find a similar size cup and use similar techniques as the YouTubers. At first, I used a variety of brands of nail polish, hoping that I could identify which formulas worked and which ones didn’t.
Materials needed:
3-4 nail polish bottles- different colors
Scotch tape
Small cup
room temperature water (filtered)
Toothpick
Nail polish remover
Cotton balls and Q-tips
During my first attempt of water marbling with nail polish, I encountered many problems. Some of my polishes were too thin, so I ended up dropping two or more drops into the water by mistake. The polish ring did not create a bulls-eye effect during any of my attempts. You can see an example of this in my video.
I think this may be due to the types of polishes I used or the water temperature. Another factor might be that I was doing this outside. The breeze or hot air may affect drying time, which could screw up the entire process.
I also noticed on my first attempt that there were many air bubbles on my nails. You can see the white spots on my nails in the first photo below. I’m not sure how to prevent this from happening. I will have to seek out nail art forums to get advice on that.
I decided that the next time I attempt water marbling, I will do it inside (away from the breeze) and I will use better brands of nail polish, with similar formulas. I noticed that some formulas were very thin and others were thick. I think this may prevent me from achieving the bulls-eye that I saw on many of the YouTube videos. I’m hoping that if the formulas are all similar, I will be able to achieve this.
Wish me luck!
Sarabeautycorner. (2013, July 11). Water Marble Nail Art! How to Water Marble Your Nails Step by Step Tips for BEGINNERS! Retrieved May 28th, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A5onIW9j3Y
Natasha Lee. (2013, July 22). How to Produce Water Marbling Nail Art With Nail Polish (CND VINYLUX). Retrieved June 7th, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCmQgAnAXTg
cutepolish. (2016, May 11). Water Marble Your Nails Perfectly!. Retrieved June 7th, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IIUtrzzkYs
My Simple Little Pleasures. (2013, December 15). Ornate Holiday Teal and Gold Water Marble Nail Art Tutorial. Retrieved June 7th, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7C2RknSE2yg
