Adventures in stamping: What do I do with those strangely shaped images?

(Press samples and affiliate links ahead!)

Hello!


Have you ever wondered what to do with images on your stamping plates that aren't the typical rectangular/square shape? If so, you're in the right spot--I'm gonna show you fast, simple ideas for three odd shapes in today's post.


I chose Messy Mansion's Valareign 04 (also available from Amazon) for demonstration purposes, since it has several different shapes on it. First and foremost, I find that using some sort of image selector is super helpful for finding the full potential of images, so I say pull that sucker out and and see what you come up with!


Let's start with one of the most common of the 'odd' shapes--the bar shape. These are great for stripes, or for super-easy French-manicure style looks:

For this design, I started with Zoya Liv (from the Summer 2016 Sunsets collection), and stamped the band across the top for a simple French look; I used Hit The Bottle Polish Peach Blow, which isn't currently available, but check out her other duochrome stamping polishes, because OMG):

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya Liv

 

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya Liv

Thanks to the clear stampers out there on the market, this sort of look is extremely easy--you can have a simple, classy manicure in minutes. Can't argue with that. :)


Next, let's take a look at a triangle image. My favorite way to use these is to have the point come down from the half-moon area, like this:

For this manicure, I started with Zoya Ness (also from the Sunsets collection), and stamped with Sally Hansen I-rush Luck. To mix things up, I also used the ivy image on my accent nail:

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya Ness

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya Ness

And finally, let's take a look at the house-shaped image in the center...it can be easy to get frustrated with images like this because they don't quite cover your entire nail. But what I like about these images is you get an edge to the design that you don't normally get from full-nail images, and I try to take advantage of that whenever possible. In this case, I wanted to preserve the pretty flourishes on the top of the nail:

For this mani I used Zoya India, and stamped with Messy Mansion Soft Gold (also available on Amazon):

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya India

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya India

Messy Mansion Valareign 04 over Zoya India

 

This would be a beautiful design even if it covered the entire nail completely, but I think the pretty edge along the top just gives this an additional regal feel, like a crown on my nails. Elegant and fast--imagine how gorgeous this would be over red for the holidays.


So there you have it--three examples of how you can get the most out of those oddly-shaped images! Don't overlook them just because you can't cover your full nail. Take advantage of their awesome attributes!


Happy stamping,
M.