I know what your biggest nail art hurdle is.

Because I have faced them myself!  One of the biggest stumbling block to creating Nail art is finding inspiration.  The second hurdle for many of my students is the lack of skills to translate this into a nail design.

Inspiration is every where, all around us we see colours, shapes and designs, but the skill is translating that onto a nail and coming up with a design. 

The one thing I see nail techs do over and over again is over compensate because of their lack of confidence and just keep adding more!  The skill of becoming a great nail artist is working out how to translate your inspiration and put the design together over 10 different nails to make it look complete.

What I am noticing is that there are a lot of nail techs looking to social media for inspiration, in fact lets loose the word social media - nail techs are looking at other peoples work and trying to recreate the looks they like.

This is where their problems start! STOP right there! Copying other peoples looks and designs will not only stunt your creativity and  hinder you, making you doubt your abilities and leave you frustrated! 

What you need to do, is find a design you like, and think about the actual application.

Ask your self....HOW? 

What did they use to create the look, was it pigment, did they get the fine lines with the nail art pen or a brush, was using alcohol and ink how they got that effect. Learn HOW, and then put forget the image. Instead draw from your inner creative and use what you have learnt to develop your own unique style. Pull two or three different nail looks together, use a technique or application from one, and colour combination from another. Perhaps the lines and patterns from a third.

Then you have a brand NEW look in your own style, and you feel good about your work!

Remember one thing I always tell my students above all else!

You need to K.I.S.S your nails.

"Keep them simple & sexy"

Arabella Forms - the things you could do!

This weekend I ran a fantasy workshop in Warwick, and it struck me as I was using the Arabella forms, just how popular this reusable plastic mould has become in the industry. I am  delighted when I randomly see people on Facebook using  the Arabella's to create their master pieces, or mention them in a comment.

This month (October 2014) on the Be Creative website, we have a great offer running - you can receive 25% off your set of Arabella's...nice savings we thought, and I wanted to high light some great steps for you which we have done using the forms. Just in case you missed them.

The reason the forms where created was to help produce fantasy art work, but it soon came apparent that these forms, with their in built C curve, could create some time saving stickers and embellishments too.

SWANS in gel

Using Gel paints we created both these designs, the swan and the rose, simply top with a gel polish top coat and peel off. 

ROSE in gel

HOLLY in acrylic

Christmas is  around the corner - and to help you start prepping!  Here is a great acrylic embellishment step by step I created...I make these before my clients come, and they have them as a gift from me each year on their ring finger. 

The Holly step by step link can be found on this blog - CLICK HERE

There are so many other looks, designs and inspiration out there, and I know I don't catch them all, please please share with me HERE on the Arabella form Facebook page what you have created using our Forms.

To buy your pack - visit our website www.sambiddle.co.uk - for October only receive 25% off.

Check out the website for a short film on how to create the rose, swan and an additional Blue butterfly, using one stroke. CLICK HERE

I received this email!

When people attend my workshops I am always nervous about what they are thinking and feelings, no one is ever truly honest to your face, and their expectations after investing in a workshops can either be raised or dashed, with the content or even the attitude of the educator. I received this honest and frank email from one of the ladies who attended the 2 day 'pushing the limits'  workshop in Sydney,Australia.  

This is an unedited email, I wanted to share with you,  I am very thankful of her comments and thoughts on the workshops. 

Melanie wrote; 

Melanie Crowe - Center

1. I was always going to attend with the name Sam Biddle in the heading. I chose this class mainly because I have attended previous workshops with Sam & I have always felt at ease with her. Her teaching style & down to earth approach with everyone in the class is exceptional. I love how she never intimidates & always makes people feel comfortable no matter what level of expertise they have. I always drag the chain but she allows me to potter along at my own pace.

2. I am the first one to admit that I am no painter when I saw some of the designs I must admit to feeling a little disheartened because I actually thought it was an acrylic fantasy workshop but with some practise I feel as though I can achieve the same look especially the feather design & believe it or not I have been inspired to sign up for a painting class, which I am doing this coming Friday. Yeah go me !!!!! I feel the parrot was out of my league but again with practise it is simple enough to be achieved. Sams delivery of her classes is awesome she can laugh & have a joke & not be stuck up but she can also be serious & willing to help whomever gets stuck. Thats what I love most about her there is no airs or graces what you see is what you get a happy friendly person whom is willing to help. She is always engaging looks people straight in the face & tells it how it is. Her advice & friendliness is outstanding.

3. Attending this workshop I was hoping to improve on my fantasy. I didnt enter fantasy this year because in previous years I have built everything out of acrylic. It is heavy & hard going on my model. I felt that I could never get past the kiddie looking stage of my pieces. This year I have learnt how to build things from foil how awesome is that !!! It has definately given me hope & inspiration to enter fantasy next year which is what I really love to do. I really loved the second day of the workshop & thought I would never implement any of the designs or techniques from the first day but guess what today I used the brights & party pigments for the first time in salon. I was quite thrilled & chuffed with myself & said to my client this is something that I learnt to do with Sam Biddle. It wasnt much but none the less I was still happy to boost about & say look at what I learnt. I took away alot from those 2 days, made many friends & even surprised myself by retaining that information. I would most certainly do another workshop with Sam & I am hoping that with lots of practise that I could even surprise her with what I might achieve. That is my goal.Cheers to Sam Biddle you rock !!!!!Much love from down under, Melanie Crowe xo

Adding pigment to Gel...damn it is not curing?

WARNING! - this is not a scientific post. This post is written in basic terms...! 

I have just replied to an email from someone who is having problems with curing their gel once they have added pigment to it. This is not the first email I  have gotten about this so I thought I should  address this little "school boy error" here on my blog, mainly to save me time re typing the same  thing over again, but I also think it is a common mistake we can make....because we just don't think about it with our left brain. 

Using your left brain  means you have a more analytic, rational and logical style of thinking, but if we are remotely creative or curious, which I think most artistic people are...we are dominated by the right brain. That doesn't mean we don't switch sides when we need to...but come on be honest when faced with bright beautiful colours and glitters.... don't you just keep adding more regardless... I know I could. 

So why is your gel not curing? Well there are a few things which could be going wrong.....
1. lamp needs to be stronger or new bulbs
2. your adding too much pigment to the gel
3. your applying your gel too thick

Lets start with No 2, because most of you will of course know your lamp is fine, your bulbs are correct (did you know even LED have different strengths) and you don't need to get a new one.

Adding pigment to gel ;
There is a whole range of different you tube videos, instructions and advice out there on the world wide web about how to mix pigment, make up and additives to your gel polish...I can't and won't  comment on those, or even tell you if they work successfully or not....I can only tell you about our pigments from the Be Creative range. 
Lets start with the basics,  When you add another source to gel, hard gel, gel polish or soft gel it doesn't matter...you are disturbing the chemical make up of the gel, you are adding an additional product which will inhibit the UV/Led light to penetrate and cure. So we need to be mindful on the amount you add.  The Be Creative pigments, lets use the primary ones as an example, are 'pure'. I am not saying this as a sales point, I really mean it, there is NOTHING else in it to bulk out the pigment. That is why we only have tiny little pots of the stuff. So when you start mixing it into gel, you only need the smallest crumb. 
Now I know from experience...I start mixing the red nothing happened...this little crumb might stain the gel...but it looks rubbish and I want to add more.... 

Keep mixing, eventually the red will break down and you will find it will get stronger. If you find it is not strong enough...add another crumb...but no more! Remember the LIGHT penetration dilemma we have. 
So now you have a gel...it looks a bit wishy washy...and you think...'this is not looking like a gel polish colour to me, why have I done this?'

.....hmmmmm yes why have you done this? 
Let me come back to that point in a minute.......

So now we are at issue 3 application...

As a rule with any gel polish application, the thicker the application the less efficient the cure.  This also applies with regular polish...it takes longer to dry the thicker layers. It is a false economy to imagine 2 thick coats will be better than 3 or 4 thin ones, for a start you will get more lifting sooner and it won't be as hard wearing.  

WHY?

Because the Thinner coats allow more light to penetrate the layer. So now we have our wishy washy looking colour and we want to apply an all over polish look....it is going to take a few more layers to get the vibrant red look we are after...so lets add more pigment.....NO! 

More pigment...less light penetration - less curing! 

Get the picture? Just in case you don't...imagine these blinds on the window is the extra pigment you add to the gel, turn the blind (add more pigment) and we block the light......! 

Although it might say on your instructions to mix the gel and pigment together, I didn't mean for you to create full cover nails with it,  I do mix pigment and gel when I am creating designs or doing art work, but for a full coverage...I will go with what is meant to be hard wearing and long lasting and pick up a gel polish colour. 

So let me tell you how to create full cover colour with pigment in half the time. 

Lately I have been  creating full colour nails with the pigments....taking me very little time to do so as well. I also mainly use White or Black gel polish to achieve this look and this is my suggestion for you to save time, effort and stressing over non curing issues. 

The gel polish leaves a sticky layer once cured...press in the pigment to this layer....there is no mixing, no worrying and it is much quicker to apply.  The bonus you have control over the application s well....you do't have to chase the gel over the nail. You can create a blend, layer the pigment colours and glitters, you can even scratch off the pigment to create a pattern and the colour shows up underneath. 

I hope this has been helpful ...my advice don't try and cut corners and make your own colours for gel polish...buy them..they are designed for that job......use the pigments for art and creating back grounds. 

NAIL ART TRENDS FOR 2014

Last year we had an abundance of nail art and expected a down turn to the popularity of this self expression in 2014. Looking at  Pinterest, We Heart it and Instagram awash with images of nails in the media, on celebrities and  ‘nail selfies’,  it seems we are in luck this year as the nails are still set to be #trending. 

The trending nail fashions right now vary from a nude with minimal fuss and artistic flair, to the brights and golds. But hey. Don't let that stop you filling those finger tips with what ever takes your fancy. 

NUDES

From simple slivers of colour on nude nails (as a nudge in the direction of a french manicure) and the half moon manicure are still around, each year we see a variation; using colour, eliminating colour or adding texture and sparkle in the luna. But a simple white half moon on a nude base is another great look seen on New York fashion week for spring 2014. 

EMBELLISHMENTS

Embellishment is the new black for 2014, with more elaborate designs and adornments, from skulls, Swarovski covered hello kitty faces, bows, bows and more bows, and lest we forget crowns and tiaras. Watch this space as we take texture to the next level. 

MINIMAL CHIC

As a direct contrast to the above Minimalist chic is what we can except from this years nail art, taking the nail art pen and drawing horizontal line straight down the middle of a block colour, adding optical illusions to the nail with shapes and angles. Working with black and white and separating the designs with block colour. 

OMBRA & GLITTER

Subtle ombre blends and fades, using two shades of the same colour is another re worked look to suit this seasons colours and set the trend. Adding a fine glitter and shimmer as a subtle go to for a evening out is in high demand.

Adding a metallic effect with silver foil over the tips of the nails, over a shimmer nude or pink gives you a less tacky look.

MATTE VS GLOSS

The battle between high gloss, sheer nails and Matte still rages and I think there is still fuel in nail art looks that are rocking the Matte effect. Yet it seems a collaboration between the two have formed and working a look using both shows us a great effect. 

A clever look is to add shimmer to a dark colour and then finish with a Matt top coat, creating depth and dimensions. 

Colours are far from understated, bright, bold and a 'hey look at me' attitude. Pastel's have grown up and become muted natural shades and if your looking for nails to work with those clean white fabrics then dark nails will do it; forest greens, blacks and rich blues are a perfect companion, as long as they are perfect and chip free. 

I hope you enjoyed this blog post  I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment below.
Sam

Doesn't it feel wonderful?

Doesn't it just feel wonderful when the sun is out, the weather is warm and we walk around beaming. OK maybe not at 2.00pm in the afternoon when it is really hot and we are melting, but you have to admit regardless of how many people complain about how hot the weather is, it is still always a treat...here in the UK that is. I know some of you are across the pond and thinking, what is this chick talking about. 

It seems to me that we are a nation who waits, for the sun to shine, for the rain to stop, for wealth to arrive, or for that one big break. But we should take a moment and look at what we have now, yes it might be hot (or cold) we might be struggling to pay the bills, or even look against a particular client...but take a moment right now as you read this and count out 5 things that make you smile. That your thankful of, that makes you happy. then carry them with you until bedtime time tonight. Before you close your eyes, revisit those things, it should put all the negativity that may or may not touch you into perspective. 

So let me share with you my list; 
1. the sun is shining, 
2. my kids are amazing and I am very proud of both of them.
3 I have the most amazing husband, who made me laugh today. 
4 I have two great businesses and I am doing what I love to do the most.
5 I enjoyed a late morning coffee in the sun with my husband just chatting about work and our plans for the week, I am my own boss and can do this without guilt. 


This is for starters, I would love to hear whats on yours. Remember, we all have negative thoughts, emotions and situations in our lives which seem so much bigger than our selves...but play the 'glad game' with me...and find 5 little things to be glad about. 

The next thing to do is pass this onto your clients, friends and family...tell them to play the glad game as well...you will start to change lives and affect people in ways you just can't imagine.

Hows your creative flow?

So we all get it...that creative block.......where your brain freezes and all those ideas on the cusp of existence has melted away as soon as you sit in front of a set of nails. 

It might be that you normally have no problem coming up with some creative magic, combining colour and flicking your brush to produce 'art'...and then all of a sudden....your brain is mush and your ideas are burned under the reams of 'to do's'.

Here are 3 quick and effective tips to getting back on the Creative train:

1. Take a moment.....forcing the issue is not going to help, you need to leave everything behind and get away from the desk (either office or nail).....walk the dog, go for a swim, drive in the car and turn up the stereo really loud. you physically need to leave the room, and remove the visual stimulus which is dragging your thoughts away from all that is inspiring. Getting some clarity and peace in your mind; it allows it to reboot....it is magically organising your brain and your inspiration will pop up like new crocuses in May. 

 2. Some times we get stuck beginning a design, we don't know where to start. In our heads we have an idea or maybe a thousand, and they are swimming around like tadpoles.  grab a tip and the nearest polish, paint or pigment and just let your fingers do the talking. This nail is a throw away nail, but I find that just taking a step towards your end goal, releases the crowded mind, all of a sudden you will find you put the throw away nail down and start working on something you really want to do. 

3. More often than not we hit a point in our art work where we don't know where to go....do we stop? Do we use another colour? do we give up? You know the conversation you have in your mind.....well all you need to do is  hop on your mental helicopter and get an Ariel view of your work.....this works by stepping away from the nail....go grab a cup of tea or go for a wee. Then come back to it with fresh eyes. Another great trick is to take a photo of it with your phone, it looks totally different. The reason for this is that we as woman process a 2D image better than 3D. 

I hope this helps, I would love to hear your comments. Sam 

Competition made easy - my top tips

There are two distinct ways to approaching competing, the holistic thoughtful approach and then the down right practical.  

Winners are those who have a nice balance of both. 

Sometimes our approach to the competing  is not in line with our perceived outcome.    The saying “it's not the winning but the taking part that counts” are words  we have all heard and perhaps said it to others our self's, but if we are honest do we really think it applies to us?   

Getting the approach to competing right in our heads, will ultimately mean when it comes down to the practical side of competing we are one step closer.  Take a moment to realise why you are entering the competition, what are your goals.  Do you want the recognition? Do you want to improve your skills? Is it the feedback from the judges your interested in? or perhaps you want to market your competing to improve your business.  Finding out your drive to enter a competition will help you focus in the competition. Each of the points I have mentioned is a valid benefit to competing and means regardless of a 1st 2nd or 3rd place you are still a winner.  

If your entering a nail competition you should have already grasps the basics, you should know what is expected and what you can produce in the way of winning nails.  However there are some extra little things which might work towards giving you the edge over the competition.

Before you start this journey you must be realistic.  It might seem harsh for me to say this,  but judge your own nails and be honest.  it is no good ‘hoping’ that the judges don't notice that your nails aren't perfect or that the judges will miss that your smile lines aren't crisp for example. These same judges have been in your shoes, and have done their fair share of hoping, good judges will be the toughest to ‘blindside’.  

So lets get down to some practical advice, 

RULES AND REGS

The first and very important thing to do is to read and understand the rules.....they are written to help and guide you.  International competitions like the Olympics are run very differently from national competitions, worldwide nail techs are coming together to compete with their varied experiences, and its up to the head judge to develop a good criteria to follow which suits multiple nations.  Language and translation of specific terms might become confusing.  I think it is always worth finding out more information if your worried at all. 

SCORE SHEETS

If you have entered a competition before you are normally given a score sheet, this sheet is invaluable, look at the criteria the judges are scoring your nails against, finds out how many marks you can achieve with each criteria, for example if you get just 5 points for a polish but 25 points for floor judging...then make sure whilst your working you are aware of this and keep your working space tidy! the other thing to remember is these score sheets are a route map to improving your nails, as they will tell you where your skills need work.

MODELS

Another good point to consider when entering is your model,  regardless if it is for pink and white or fantasy make sure she fits the bill, her nails are good and she is willing to be there and support you! Sometimes within international competitions it is hard to find models, but with the help of Face book and the right nail community you can pretty much ask a fellow tech to find you one suitable when you arrive.  I would advice paying them for their trouble, it always helps.

DESIGN & FANTASY

There is a wealth of tips and steps to help compete with pink and white but it is design nails and fantasy which are my passion and speciality.  If there is a theme try and think out side the box but ultimately keep it simple.  Over complicating the design will turn off the judges, but having a simple design which has detail and creative workmanship's is much better. But don’t mistake ‘keeping it simple’ for ‘less is more’.  Although you don’t want to overload your nail and designs you don’t want large empty spaces either.   Entering a design sculpt competition means your design nails need to include a good structure. Don't forget about you c curves and side walls, remember the nail has to be well formed as well as the design. Also think about your design story over the whole 10 nails, and not just apply a little flower on the ring finger for example. 

GEL

Gel nails are always let down by their shape and c curve. Trying to  get a great model who’s nails have the c curve you need is not always possible.  There are some other little tricks you can do to get the shape you need. Apply a thin clear base which you need to pinch before you apply your white, pinching will give you the c curve you need, do do this I use reversed tweezers or pinching clips, available from www.sambiddle.co.uk.  Then apply your pink gel cleaning up the smile line with a clean brush and then your white gel application should be easy, butting up to the ready made smile line. The nicest and easiest white gel for this is INM bright white.  Generally in the arena it gets cold so Warm up your product in your hands if the gel viscosity to very thick!

To get a crisp Smile line use a separate detail brush or striper brush and for good curing a high wattage lamp at all times. For more definition use a brighter pink along the smile line and I would personally custom blend your pink and white, to suit the models skin tones.

ACRYLIC 

Be prepared and don’t rush, When the competition starts, apply 1-2 nails onto the polished hand to overcome adrenaline rush. Remember you have plenty of time, and the mistakes happen when you rush! Prepare the natural  nails by doing a mini manicure the morning on the competition. Use 2 dappen dishes for liquid, one for the white and one for the pink/clear so it is clean and crisp.  When filing Use a new file for each hand, the grit changes as you go, a great way to get a constant look is to File all 10 nails the same way, for example side walls x10, free edge x 10, cuticle x 10.

Wipe the nails with acetone to remove and dissolve any residue dust before you buff.  If you do have any pits or air bubbles apply some brush on resin and once dry buff the surface, they will become invisible. For great polish application, clean up polish brush with acetone before you start, and re-dip into the polish.  

TIP APPLICATION

Pre crimp your tips to create beautiful c curve by using with Hot/cold water method, securing the tip around c curve tips.  When your applying a Tip  to the natural nail apply resign to tips and shake downwards to remove excess before application, the last thing you want is resin on the underside of the free edge. 

FINAL WORD

Entering is an enormous step for most nail technicians, stepping into an unknown arena can be daunting and scaring,  but just stop a moment and take a look around you at the seasoned competitors.  Watch their body language, they are relaxed and take things as they come, this is what it will be like for you too in time,  competing will benefit you as a nail professional, and it will become an enjoyable experience.  Enjoy every moment and learn from it. 

Oh Christmas tree....Oh Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas Trees….Oh Christmas Trees…..they are seriously a staple for nail art this time of year, but we need to jazz it up a little, don’t you agree? 

1. Gel polish (or use regular polish if you prefer) your clients nails….any colour. 
2. Apply a glitter topcoat in the shape of a christmas tree (that would be a triangle)! 
3. Using the nail art pen, as a dotting tool, apply silver dots randomly over the glitter triangle. 
4. Repeat this using white and gold. 
5. Using the nail art pen, and any colour you like (for me it is gold) draw on your tinsel, like gold rings, getting bigger as they come down the tree. don’t forget to top off your tree with a star…or a Swarovski crystal if your feeling generous. 

check out the nail art pen, for more unique design ideas. 

www.sambiddle.co.uk

Xmas Nail Art

 Fast and furious…that is what this festive season is like in salons all over the country. 

This step by step is your perfect solution, to give your clients something totally unique this Christmas.

1. Gel polish your clients nails, in the colour of her choice. Top coat and wipe off inhibition layer.
2. Buff the nails, so you remove all the shine….reassuring your client that she will end up with beautiful nails in the end. 
3. With your top coat (must have an inhibition layer) apply creating circles randomly over the nail. Just 2 - 3 per nails. don’t over do it and Cure.
4. Using Be Creatives Chameleon pigment (the blue looks amazing also) I have used lilac lounge lizard in this step……pat into the sticky layer of the top coat. 
5. The nail  art pen is an amazing tool for nail art, but it is also fabulous for scratching through your pigment, remove the pigment in various patterns over the baubles.
6. Now use your nail art pen to create a thin line of gold (or white) to hang your these baubles from your tree. 
7. Last step - top coat to seal. 

check out the chameleon pigment for some more great special Fx on nails. 

www.sambiddle.co.uk

Day 1 be creative artisan training

Day 1 of the the Be Creative USA education program is over and I am sitting here by the fire with Rebecca discussing how truly amazing these new Artisans are, the phenomenal talent in one room is inspiring and to think they will be spreading the Be Creative word across the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. The naughty side of me enjoys the fact that we are enjoying a glass of something fresh in the bar as they continue to practise and complete theirs homework for another day of training tomorrow....and that in my defence is because I have been in their shoes all too often! Thank goodness we love our jobs.
The day started off with a giggle and plenty of ice breaking....first challenge to them was to deliver a 'creative' personnel presentation. From belly dancing tutorials to naughty knicker drawers we found out why our new artisans where blessed with their imagination.
Working in Las Vegas is distracting I have to admit, taking a lunch break in such a beautiful and entertaining setting means my normal 30min rule goes out the window....but hay oh we have all night.
So for now I shall sleep easy and look forward to tomorrow and their assessment day.
Check out this nail created by Sandy Borges for her homework.

Nail created by Sandy Borges

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Paradise Rd,Paradise,United States

Make it work for you

Are you a good nail technician? 

It is easy to be a good nail technician, you need to know your stuff, be educated in your craft and continue with that education with skill building workshops throughout your career.  

But to be a great nail technician……That is a different question. 

Not to let fear hold you back, to relax when you apply your acrylic or gel and just ‘know’ it will be ok.  I wrote these top tips quite a while ago, I found them again whilst looking for something else and they resonated with me...reminded me actually of how it should be.

This is a top 10 list  about working smarter and learning some tricks to make your craft work for you. This little list is not about all the technical stuff, it isn’t a “do this, and you will achieve that…list”, instead it is guide, my little “notes to self” that achieves some fantastical results. 

1. Don’t think it…. just do it, enjoy the process, and live in that moment, because believe me this will show in your work. 
2. Do you over analyse your nail?  Sometimes we get stuck over thinking our designs, and before we know it we have given up before we have started, because we feel it might be too difficult, or might not be good enough.  It doesn’t matter it will be what it will be when you’re done. 
3. Don’t try and manipulate any creative process. There is no right and wrong, you can’t make any mistakes, and you’re not going to win any prizes…..so just enjoy it…find that inner child who doesn’t care what others want least of all you…and have fun!
4. We are as human’s extremely over critical, mainly of ourselves. We end up having long drawn out conversations with our selves, mostly negative.  Turn around and tell that part of you to “SHUT UP”, pop those ear plugs in……you might like this new you!
5. Don’t rush anything, don’t try and finish the nail before you have even started it.  This is my problem; I get so excited I want to see the finished product. 
6. Because you may miss opportunities to improve it along the way.   
7. The secret is to just go with the flow, and see what happens.  Sometimes the best results are born from a mistake.  
8. Have faith in your product; know what it can do for you.  Learn how your acrylic ticks and make it work for you; build a relationship out of mutual respect. 
9. Don’t….don’t copy.  Don’t take an idea from someone else and recreate it, but do….DO use someone’s work to inspire your own design. If you are unique and original you will have a style, this is what will define your work, not designs….but you will never develop a style if you copy someone else’s, and let that influence you…instead, use their designs as your muse, to wet your creative appetite to develop something fantastic.   
10. The final thing, and most important in my option is not to compare your skills and talents with others around you. As technicians we find this habit very hard to break, looking at what other people are doing and judging their talents against our own.  We just have to face it there is always going to be someone else more talented than you, it might be that they seem to be more creative than you feel, or display a unique talent that you covet. But equally there will always be those who are less than you in all these ways.  The way to find out who you are is not by comparing yourself with others, but by looking at fulfilling your own potential the best way you know how. Now ask yourself “Are you incomparably unique?”

Let me know if you have found this blog post useful and helpful, and please feel free to share it with others.  Samxxx

Clearing the decks for 2013

So I am taking a few moments to do some long awaited, and I might add much enjoyable, jobs on my to do list (which I might have to carry over into 2013) and I wanted to do a last post on my blog for 2012 and perhaps just sit and review just what we have achieved over the last 12 months...

Then I took a look at what I had actually have done over the last 12 months, and realised new years eve is tomorrow and I doubt I would get in done in time......! Phew I have been a busy girl!

So I thought I am going to try and do it in brief.....see how far that gets me!

2012

JANUARY

Be Inspired in USA - Long Beach workshop.

Nail Pro front cover shoot

Butterfly Effect Front Cover created with nail art pen and gel paints

FEBRUARY

Judging nail professional of the year awards

Filming for Nailgasm documentary

Professional Beauty show - Excel

Judges for Excel Competition

MARCH

Filming for Gel Paint DVD - find your inner artist

Daily mail interview

Gel Paint DVD cover

APRIL

Facilitate the enrichment program for EzFlow

Operation

Launch the Velvet manicure

MAY

Spain - Malaga educator training

Training for Original Sugar at Urban Retreat Harrods

Ann Summers press launch - velvet manicure

Mercedes & me in Spain

JUNE

Be Inspired USA, Orlando, Vegas and LA

Became an Orly Ambassador and met Jeff pink

Was on nail Talk radio with Naja

Nail Talk Radio interview with Naja

JULY

Malaysia Be Creative educator training and show

Introduce Be Creative distributor in Asia

Changed my hair colour

Demoing in Kuala Lumpur

AUGUST

Australia - Be inspired workshop and introducing new Be Distributor distributor

Slovenia - be creative launch

Launch New gel lamps

Rihanna wears our Velvet manicure

Breakfast in Sydney with Tracey Boyle our new Be Creative distributor

SEPTEMBER

Family Holiday

Nail Olympics - judging and seminar ( which I couldn't attend)

Rushed into Hospital for a week

Be creative educator training

Pink Wears our Velvet manicure in her new music video

Scratch front cover

Hot Tubs, Games and long walks .....perfect

OCTOBER

Launch new website

Be Inspired in Belgium

Launch Chameleon pigments and Arabella forms

NOVEMBER

Launch Original Sugar Pro

Be Creative launch in Lithuania

Be Creative refresher training

Original Pro Kit is released

DECEMBER

Harrods urban retreat press launch

College Enrichment showcase day at Graftons

Creating a Velvet manicure for Sky Living in harrods Urban Retreat, Original Sugar press launch

All this fitted around a lot of Be Inspired workshops, one to one's and many many photo shoots, filming and some phenomenal press.  I would like to wish everyone whom I have worked with this year a very happy New year and I hope I can work with your again in 2013. 

HAPPY NEW YEAR