Summer Challenge - Skittle Mani and Ikat Print

Hey guys!

Happy Monday! I'm so happy that it's finally officially my summer break! I can't even express how nice it is to not have anything to really worry about for a little while. Bungee jumping this weekend was amazing, and I got to spend time with a lot of my friends that I haven't been able to see much since starting med school! So basically, I'm super happy. Haha. Definitely starting the summer off right. =D

For June and July, the Hobby Polish Bloggers have created another challenge! Yay! It's called Step Into Summer and features 8 different prompts that can be completed at any time throughout June/July. So if you want to participate, please do! The more, the merrier!

My first look was supposed to be a skittle mani, but I had a lot of trouble coming up with ideas for some reason. Despite my creative struggles, my design turned into an ikat print that I ended up loving! So even though I really didn't successfully complete a skittle manicure, it led me to something better and a design that I've never tried before, so I consider it a success regardless! Click on the read more link below to check it out.

For starters, here's the Step Into Summer Challenge. A lot of fun ideas, huh??

I've been wanting to try to do an ikat print for a while... I really love how it looks! I chose bright colors that I think complimented each other well and made for a nice summery look. I started with Essie Tart Deco, a bright peach/coral creme, as my base. I used OPI Can't Find My Czechbook (sky blue), Jessica Banana Peel (soft yellow creme), and OPI Black Onyx to create the design. 

The ikat print is actually pretty easy to create! I really like designs like this that don't require precision and that are actually better off without it... definitely makes doing my right hand a hell of a lot easier. I just used a fluffy nail art brush to paint on the blue and yellow, and a striping brush for the black. 

Here are the polishes I used:

And here is my skittle mani that I'm considering my first submission for the Step Into Summer challenge. Photo was taken in the sun.

For some reason, I just wasn't in love with this. The blue and yellow nails just look kind of plain compared to the ikat print on the rest of my nails, and I really had an urge so just do the ikat on all my nails. Therefore, I did. Haha :p

And I *loved* the final result! So fun and different! And definitely unlike anything I've done before. Sorry florals, but it's summer now and I can't keep using you as a crutch forever. I'm definitely trying to branch out and push myself to try some new nail art designs. Hence the ikat print =)

Here's the final look that I wore for a couple days.

Right hand.

What do you guys think of my ikat mani? Have you guys tried it before? I hope that you'll take part in this challenge! I can't wait to see what the other ladies come up with, and don't forget to check out their designs using the links below!