Workshop Up Date

Ok, I wanted to give you a quick update on the workshop bookings

I have 2 more Gel classes this year; the 8th November in London is now  FULL.

Monday 15th November, has just 4 spaces left. 

The class In Birmingham, on the 20th November is Acrylic & Gel,  and Rebecca tells me spaces are 'limited'. The Cardiff class looks the same! 

all dates are just £35

Book today ladies...this is a red hot event, not to be missed!

ARABELLA FORMS - Sunflower embellishments

This Nail Design is created using the Arabella forms, they can improve the way you work within the salon, giving you an opportunity to practise but also by pre making these flowers you can save time, when it comes to applying them onto your client’s nails. These embellishments can be encapsulated or embossed, perfect in any colour on an acrylic base or gel nails. Follow these instructions to create these sunflowers out of Gel, but please remember you can substitute the yellow for any colour to compliment the nail extension.

Step 1; I have created these flowers in gel; place a small bead of a thick   viscosity white gel onto the form. Have in your mind where the centre of the flower will be.

Step 2; Using a thin striping brush dip this into a yellow gel, so it coats the   bristle. Then drag the brush with the yellow gel  through the white bead, from the centre of the flower out. Lift the brush slightly as you get to the point  of your petal, this will help create a point.

Step 3; remember to cure each stage under the UV lamp, this is only a flash cure so no more than 10 seconds is needed.  Now to create the centre, use a combination of orange and brown gel, and place thins into the centre of the flower, mixing slightly, cure for 10 seconds and with a dotting tool dipped in black gel. Place dots around the outer edge of the brown centre.

Step 4.; once your happy with your flowers you need to attach them to your nails. Remember you can store these in a little pot for a later date to use when your short of time. Use all the forms sizes to fit different nail widths.


Also make the flowers on different parts of the forms to incorporate the c curve, so they themselves can be placed on different parts of the nail. To attach place a thin layer of gel down and using long nosed tweezers secure the flower, then flash cure. If your placing the flower on the top of a finished nail, use gel sealer first and bond the flower to the nail when it cures under the UV lamp.

For the full steps visit http://www.nailfreaks.com/
These nails were created for Nail Freaks.com

To get your set of Arabella Fantasy forms

Visit http://www.sambiddle.co.uk/ to view a short film for some more great ideas for these fantastic forms.

Top Tips - Getting the most from your Arabella Forms

Have you got a set of these Arabella Forms, I personally have sold hundreds, and they are now available worldwide, so now it is about time we came up with some Top Tips for you to get the most of these forms.  I have three great steps coming up over the next few weeks using these forms, so watch this space.

Arabella fantasy forms are the brain child of Sam Lynam, created as a unique tool to help you     improve design skills. Measuring 10cm long, they can be pinched, drawn on and are also reusable.  

•   Pre design tips 
•  Develop fantasy nails
•  Create embellishment
•  10 different sizes
•  Reusable

• INDIVIDUAL EMBELLISHMENTS; Use the Arabella Forms in your quiet moments to practise your craft, creating a collection of embellishments to encapsulate onto nails later. Suitable for both Gel and acrylic you can encapsulate either  within your design.

• PRE DESIGNED TIPS; Pre design complex tips without a client being present or amaze then with your fantastical pieces of art. The Arabella fantasy forms can be used with any system and after you have designed your tip, embellishment or full nail, the design can be taken off the form easily and adhered to the free edge.  Use your Arabella forms for photo shoots, pre make the nails at your leisure, after sizing your models nails, and then apply with speed on the day

• FANTASY;  If your creating petals and leaves, or entering a competition, use the forms and mould your creation around it. All you will be left with is the acrylic and not an unsightly tip. It is create to just start work with, as there is no time consuming tip prep.

Here are my personnel Top tips to getting the best from your Arabella forms.

• The forms can me marked, so your smile lines and nail lengths are the same. Turn your form over and with a ‘sharpie’ draw these guide lines.  This can be removed later with a cleanser.
• Remember they are reusable, in your pack you get 20 tips, that is two of each size. If you want to     create a display board with your designs then I would advise you get a couple of kits. And use the same size form...so the tips look attractive on the board. I use H and I.
• I personally create the nail beds on all my forms, and then start the design. I always place a nail bed, even if I am applying a full colour over the whole nail.

• Each of the forms have a curved end, use this to your advantage, this becomes your cuticle. DON’T create your tip in the centre of the form, your nails won’t be consistent in shape.

• Don’t remove your design until your ready to file and finish.

• Work on two or three forms at the same time, especially if your working with gel.

The side walls on your natural nails are important, and you must make sure you recreate this on the Arabella forms. You can see here an example of what your trying to recreate and the image also shows you how the nail bed would look if you don’t consider the side walls.

Featured in my Pure Gel DVD, you can see just how great these forms are, and how much you can utilize them in your business. to get your set please visit my website www.sambiddle.co.uk  

they are listed on the products page. To order your Arabella forms click BUY NOW!

Red 10's Christmas Roadshow invites you....

Sunday 26th November 2011

Mount Pleasent Hotel, Doncaster

1.00pm - 5.00pm

Just £15 a ticket...

• entered into free price draw, with prices up to £500
• exclusive launch of Brand New Gelez
• find out more about what you can do with Colour Drops
• and check out the NEW Confetti collection. 
• Sam Biddle Demo's Design techniques with gel & colour drops
• Presentations by Jo Shirley, Amber Gibbons and Laura Hughes
• not forgetting a wealth of special offers and massive discounts on products and training. 
• spend over £150 on the day and you could win a 50% discount card for all training at Red 10
• Win a free set of nails for a whole year to the winner of the Quiz
• Treasure Hunt winner will receive a FREE colour class
• Free 3D design class to winner of 3D design nail
• golden ticket prices
• relay race...and more
• Competitions start in the morning 

Oh yes and I will be there!

Contact Jo for more information 

joshirley@red10nailbars.co.uk or call 01302325848

COME AND SAY HELLO

Help!

Designs Using Gel Polishes

This is a call out to all nail technicians using one of the newer 'gel polish' ranges. I am currently working on a feature for Scratch Magazine for the January issue which is looking at how these new gel polishes are effecting the industry today, this positive feature will look at a range of different polishes from Shellac, Gelish to Gelac. I am looking into 7 different ranges and am interested in your opinions. I want to find out more about your reactions to this new phenomenon hitting the industry today. So I have three questions to ask, can you please leave a comment on this post with your answers. or send me an email to info@sambiddle.co.uk

1. What Gel polish do you use and what's your feedback about the application: how did it apply, how did you find the finished result (shine ect), what would you change if anything? 
2. Can you provide client feedback, I am especially looking at initial reaction, at the idea and concept of the gel polish, and how they found it wearing over 2 weeks, and if they would continue having this service?
3.  Can you give me 1 great idea of how you market and sell this new service to their clients. let me know how long you have been using the product and if you have noticed an improvement to your turnover. 

Thank you so much for your time.

Inside a Be Inspired workshop

Last week I spent the day at Grafton’s International in Tamworth, they have invited me to hold one of my Be inspired workshops, working with their new range of colour drops.   It is an exciting new range of stains which can be used with both gel and acrylic and I enjoyed showing off some great new ideas for the salon.  

On the day, everyone had a chance to practise the new skills, working on the fantastic Arabella forms, rather than taking time out to prep and finish file nails, I wanted to cover as much as possible and give everyone the opportunity to practise.

Covering gel throughout the day,  I first showed the girls how to get texture within the gel, giving you a fine frosted glass effect.  This got Cheryl all excited, and she was off developing new and fantastic ways of adding texture within the nails, with light boxes and embossing paints. We also worked with the standard gels and created a 3D embossed design, as well as using pigments and acrylics within the gel to create a thicker more manageable gel for this type of work.

After Lunch we worked on applying a pre made tip, which I had prepared on the arabella forms, this is perfect for photo shoots, or even when clients want something more intricate and you can then spend time pre making your design tips.  Then using the colour drops as a base I created a stiletto nail using white gel to create a smoky effect, using gel over the finished nail to create a cage effect on the tip.

We also covered blending and fading,  I have a little trick that gives a seamless effect. Applying some premade gel flowers onto the nail with gel, I showed how you can pre make your embellishments in gel much like my last blog post. This is a fantastic little time saver in the salon, and gives you a chance to practise.

Overall the girls thought the day was inspiring and helpful, full of some great ideas to make working in the salon more creative.  This sort of workshop is meant to help nail technicians find a new direction, build on some marketing ideas to improve income. 

If you fancy attending one of these workshops, developed for experienced nail technicians looking to bring new creative skills to their work, I have the following dates.

• 28th OCTOBER ~ TAMWORTH
• 8th NOVEMBER ~ EALING, LONDON
• 11th  NOVEMBER ~  CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM
• 18th NOVEMBER ~ EALING, LONDON
• 29^th NOVEMBER ~ CARDIFF

visit http://www.sambiddle.co.uk, you will find more information and details on how to book on the events page.  Or email me at info@sambiddle.co.uk     

·     

ARABELLA FORMS - acrylic flower embellishments

This Nail Design tutorial shows how to create some small acrylic flowers in various colours using the Arabella fantasy forms, which are a great way to practice and develop your designs and Nail art. Here is a simple flower which I have attached to the surface the a finished nail using gel top coat, although you can just as easily encapsulate them with gel or acrylic.

Make sure you use the various different sizes of the Arabella forms so they fit different nail shapes.  

Step 1; place a small bead of acrylic which has been double dipped in two shades of the same colour. Here I have used a purple and lilac acrylic.

Step 2;  press the brush into the centre of the petal, with the point of your brush towards the middle, press out as flat and thin as possible.

Step 3; continue adding petals around the flower, approximately 5,  overlap the petals to give a more realistic effect.

Step 4; for the centre of the flower I have added these tiny bullion beads which I pick up with acrylic. Dip your brush into the acrylic first and then the beads in a matching colour, place onto the acrylic flower before it dry's.

Step 5; attach the flower, cover the finished nail with a gel top coat and then place the flower before you cure for 3 minutes, alternatively encapsulate the design within acrylic or gel. I have also added more petal and some buds, to complete my look. 



To purchase your set of Arabella forms for just £15.00 click the BUY NOW button here.

Please visit www.sambiddle.co.uk, you will find on the products page a short film with some more great ideas of how to use these fantastic forms. 

Most commonly asked Questions about Training

Q1. HOW DO I FIND A GOOD EDUCATOR?

 When you are booking onto a class try to speak to your educator on the phone or in person if possible, don’t just book through a distributor without asking some important questions like; how long your educator has been training? Are there any other qualifications in the teaching field that might improve their teaching skills?  Any class you take should be fun, inspiring and motivating, at no time should you feel you are not good enough or able to complete the task at hand, the success or failure to learn will be the success or failure in teaching ability from your educator not you. Remember these three key questions; what can I learn from this class? How will I learn in this class? Who can I learn from in this class?

Q2. HOW DO I START OUT AS A MOBILE NAIL TECHNICIAN? 

Firstly make sure your legal, and have the correct insurances for work as well as for your car.  Factor in the costs of travel and timings; you will spend as much time on the road as providing your treatments. DON’T undersell yourself by keeping costs down, the very fact that you’re traveling to them is a bonus, and they should pay for this.  Keep everything simple with equipment, and always remember an extension lead and bins (take your rubbish away with you).  Your diary will eventually fill up, but it does take time the best form of advertising is word of mouth, advertising in local papers and leaflets through letter boxes do work but do this regularly, for at least 6 months to see some return.

Q3. IS IT OK TO JUST DO ACRYLIC OR SHOULD I BE LEARNING GEL TOO?

If you want to be a successful nail technician you need to think about offering a full service menu, which includes both gel and acrylic.  Different clients require different types of overlay and of course there is always the option to mix and match.

Q4. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I UP DATE MY TRAINING?

This is a question I am often asked, and I would suggest you try and get at least one workshop in every 3 to 4 months.  It is important to keep adding new skills and update your knowledge, but it will also help working with other like minded people. Sharing different ideas, your mind is opened to new and other exciting possibilities.  If costs of workshops are a factor there are other types of training available, I provide a regular newsletter and blog full of great tips and trade secrets, step by steps and DVD’s.  The internet is full of websites offering the same.

FOLLOW ME for a freebie!

 Please support my blog by clicking on the FOLLOW button, just below my intro on the right hand side bar. 

Be the first to find out  about any new posts, top tips and step by steps.

FOLLOW ME TODAY...and receive  FREE step by steps. I will send you 3 different steps either in gold or silver.

To receive your step by step become a FOLLOWER and then email me at info@sambiddle.co.uk, make sure you write on the subject line I AM A ............. FOLLOWER (place either silver or gold in front of follower) and include your followers member name for cross checking.

This offer will close on Friday 8th October 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

I was inspired to write this blog by a recent Face book conversation, where I had put on my status, a request, or even a plea to all FB nail technician's to send me some Questions about nails. I had a Magazine deadline and no clue of what to write.  I was inundated with various questions, some suitable some not...(and you girlie's know who you are...Caroline).   Questions, from the technical, about application and then the more personal; Now I am not about to reveal all to you, but I thought it might be a bit of fun to answer some of the questions aimed at me, and not  necessarily about nails.  I have also included some from a recent blog interview I did with the Make up it girl (http://makeupitgirl.blogspot.com/)


Just to let you know I will be posting the nail related Q&A later...promise. 

Q. DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE AN EDUCATOR AND HELP PEOPLE LEARN NEW SKILLS

No, but I do find it easy to explain things to people, or find a way to show someone what I mean. Everyone has a different learning style and part of being a good educator is finding that learning style, and adapt your teaching style to suit it. I get a thrill when I can share something new with someone, and especially when they have the dawning realization of how they can use whatever technique I am showing them within their own work.

Q. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE FAMILY LIFE, EDUCATING AND CLIENTS

Image created for www.nailfreaks.com 

I think I have trained my family well, and brought up two amazing children who are fiercely independent. I have been self-employed since they were born and they have always come to work with me.  I was lucky to be working with my husband at the time, so we shared everything.  As a family we work as a team. So if it is jobs around the house, deciding on were we go on holiday or even how we are going to save up for something we want, we sit and discuss this.   We are all part of the team, and the family can’t function if someone isn’t pulling their weight. We have regular meetings and discussions and are very open. Each of us have their individual strengths and roles within the house but  we are all on the same page. The other important thing is that we all have a voice and an opinion. Of course my kids are not angels , and frustrate the hell out of me when they don’t empty the bin cause  they ‘forgot’, or I get back from teaching and they haven’t fed the dog! But they are teenagers and on the up side, if I text Devon to start dinner, she will quite happily. So juggling is a joint venture with the family and they help me work on my clients and students.

Q. WHATS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE SET OF NAILS

This is a difficult one; it’s like choosing my favourite child. I love the nails I am working on at the moment.  I also like the nails which get the biggest reaction! sometimes this  surprises me.  Every set has a little ‘back story’,  it’s hard to decide which I prefer.

Q. WHOSE NAILS WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO, DEAD OR ALIVE

Someone with the most perfect nail beds that will allow me creative freedom, has time to sit and let me play, who is willing to pay. 

Q. YOUR BIGGEST TIP

Money wise????? Or biggest top tip!

Q. HOW MANY OF YOUR CLIENTS HAVE YOU INSPIRED TO ACTUALLY GO TO COLLEGE?

 3

Q. STILETTO NAILS OR HEELS

Stiletto nails….because wearing heels kills! Although I would love to totter around in heels all day….I just don’t have the physique…shame…so I can make an impression with stiletto design nails.

Q. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE IN THE NAIL INDUSTRY AND WHY.

This is a difficult question because it changes.  I admire certain people for what they have achieved,  others for what they contribute and many for their undeniable talent. Mostly I admire the new technicians out there with their rampant passion for anything colourful. They are the new life blood for the industry, and with some stunning work already being presented they have a lot to live up to. So, who do I admire….should I give you a list of the big names, which some may or may not know, or cop out and tell you that I spend my time looking within, and not concern myself  about what others are doing.

Q. EXTENSIONS OR NATURAL NAILS

Extensions all the way, unless your blessed with the most perfect nail shape, and super strong nails, you have to live with square, flat, short and stumpy…but with some clever illusions you can create nails to die for, and maintain the natural nails without worrying about splits and chips.

Q. WHAT DO YOU PREFER TO WORK WITH GEL OR ACRYLIC

Q. DO NAIL EXTENSIONS WEAKEN NATURAL NAILS

No No No…absolutely not, I get so frustrated, when I have a client, or even some one at a party tell me that overlays ruined the nails.

The natural nail cannot die, suffocate or discolour because there is not air! The Nail plate does not not change once it has been keratinized…there for the only way the overlay will ruin the natural nail is through human error,  either by the nail tech applying them incorrectly so they lift, or they  are over buffed causing ‘rings of fire’,  not having put in place the correct hygiene procedures and causing infections, to name but a few.  Or the client has a nasty habit of ripping the overlays off…generally this is because they have not been told the proper aftercare procedures. Preparation of the natural nail also will not damage the natural nails if it is done properly, and please trust the chemist when they tell you the products you have bought (from a reputable distributor and not off ebay) are safe to use on clients.

Q. HOW DID YOU GET INTO NAILS AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?

I started in the industry in 1999 some 11 years ago now, and it was quite by accident. I loved doing my own nail art, and used to buy the spangles kits from QVC, soon I ran out of friends and family with long nails, so I thought I would learn how to create talons to paint. I called up united beauty and they booked me on their beginners class. I stuck with united beauty for 2 years before moving over to Ez Flow. I used to come to the shows and spend hours at the Ez Flow stand. 

Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE A SET OF NAILS

For clients between 1.30hrs and 2 hrs, if I am working on some ace design nails then 3 hours.

Q. DO YOU THINK YOU CAN BE TAUGHT THIS TYPE OF DESIGN WORK WHETHER YOUR CREATIVE OR NOT?

I do think you can teach design nails, you can recreate pretty much any design as long as your shown the application technique, but what most people find difficult is coming up with something new, or be inspired by things around them. I wouldn’t say I am a great artist, just that I am able translate my inspiration onto a nail, and more importantly have the ability to help others do the same.

Q. WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?

Oh my goodness, everywhere and anywhere, from packaging, advertisements, clothing and shoes. Generally I think of a  theme ‘ tropical or valentines’ and then I research every think that is synonymous with it.  I collect  images and fabrics and come up with a design. Other times I just want to try a new technique and just play until all of a sudden I have a nail. To be completely honest most of time I have no clue what the nail will end up looking like.

Q. WHAT BRANDS DO YOU USE IN YOUR DESIGN WORK?

I love using Ez Flow for my acrylic design work, and some of the glitter powders from NFU.oh. For gel I enjoy IBD and the colour range it has, but the range from Astonishing is great, especially the cover pinks. I also use the 3D gels from LCN, to be honest I am a bit of a collector…I have the most gorgeous green from CND, and a beautiful yellow from IBD, Ez Flow has Cocktail time….you can see where this is going.

Q.  DO YOU DO REGULAR NAILS ANY MORE?

I do still do clients, I have girls come from all over the country, generally for special occasions, weddings or holidays, someone travelled 3 hrs for their nails, now that is a hard core tech. I have a small selection of clients I still do, they have stayed with me from the early days and actually won’t let me go. I do them every other week on a Wednesday. They now come to my house, although they used to enjoy the benefits of a salon, they have become friends now.

WORKSHOP DATES FOR OCT/NOV

 Ez Flow Workshops

I have been working closely with Rebecca Orme, to bring a couple of conversion classes to the Southwest.

·         ACRYLIC CONVERSION - TRURO - 19th October 2010

·         ALTERNATIVE GEL SOAK OFF CONVERSION - TRURO - 1st November 2010

·         ACRYLIC DESIGN -  SOUTHAMPTON - 17th November 2010

To book contact Rebecca 01299841009 or email rebecca.orme@nailsand.net

Design Days

Sam Biddle be inspired & Creative ten bring you Design Days with Colour Drops, using Gel & Acrylic, work with Sam and produce amazing results, which are quick to apply in the salon.

·         11^th November ~ Midlands (TBC depending on interest, call to express interest)

·         29^th November ~ Cardiff

10.00 - 4.00 ~ £35   To book  call 01299841009 or email rebecca.orme@nailsand.net

GEL WORKSHOPS

·         5th October 2011 ~  TAMWORTH

·         13th October 2011~ ELLISONS, COVENTRY

·         28th OCTOBER ~ TAMWORTH

·         8th NOVEMBER ~ EALING, LONDON

·         18th NOVEMBER ~ EALING, LONDON

10.00 - 4.00 ~ £35  TO BOOK CALL 01827253302

Bringing you idea's and  concepts which are outside the box for the amazing price of £35.  Work with Sam Biddle, and produce amazing results with four exciting new designs, you will cover a range of techniques which are quick to apply in the salon, using Coloured Gel and Colour Drops. ONLY £35.....BOOK TODAY AS SPACES ARE LIMITED

COMPLETE GEL WORKSHOP

25th October 2010 ~ Eastleigh, Southampton

TAILOR YOUR WORKSHOPT TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.

IBD and Sam Biddle have developed a range of mini workshops all in one day.  Just book the session or sessions which interest you the most.

Covering everything from Pink & White gel sculpt, Natural nail overlay with soak off and a great design nail suitable for the Salon.

SESSION 1-NAURAL NAIL ENHANCEMENT Using IBD soak  off. 9.30-12.30 

Covering natural nail overlay,  this is perfect for clients who want something extra to strengthen the support their nails. We will also cover extending the natural nail, perfect for repairs, and permanent polish.

SESSION 2-Pink & White Sculpt using hard gel. 1.30-4.30           

Covering sculpting techniques, getting a crisp smile line, nail bed extension, ideal for nail biters. Perfect the ideal C curve, and more fantastic tips and Techniques.

SESSION 3-GELDESIN FOR THE SALON  using coloured gels 5.30-8.30            

Bringing you some great design ideas all in one nail. You will take away some great techniques which you can utilize in your own nails within the salon, that are quick and simple to apply, creating additional revenue . In her own unique way, Sam Biddle will inspire you and share some brilliant creative tips and tricks to market design to the salon.

TO BOOK CALL 01827253302