Tutorial: Freehand cloud design


Hello everybody, welcome to this tutorial! This time I'll show you how to make the freehand cloud look. All you need for this quick and easy design is three pretty polishes and the brushes that come with it, so there's no extra equipment needed. Use this layered look on accent nails, for a full mani or... to cover up tipwear from an old mani. :) Let's get started, shall we?

First apply your basecolor and let it dry. If necessary use a basecoat underneath.
To make the cloud shape, we're simply going to apply the second polish in three strokes. Start each stroke by placing the tip of the brush on the surface and wait a little till enough polish has dripped off forming a round starting point. Start on one side of the nail and make each stroke shorter than the one before.

Tip: If your polish comes with a (big) flat brush, just twist it 90° and use the side. Now it's easier to make those round edges! ;-)
Then take your third color and make a second cloud layer below the first one. Let the polish dry.
Finally seal your work with your favorite topcoat and you're done! Pretty simple, isn't it? :)
Check out the tutorial page for some useful tips. Also I would love to see your attempt on my design, so feel free to leave a link to your creation in the comment section!

Polishes I used in this post are Barry M Shocking Pink, China Glaze For Audrey and Essence Let's Get Lost.

155 comments

  1. You inspired me the first time you did this design! I like your tutorial, I think that I will have an easier time when I try this design again next!

    http://immhappy.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-mani-new-year.html


    -Hayley

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  2. This is amazing :) I will be trying it for sure!

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  3. thanks for this tutorial! i might have to try it myself!

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  4. Oh yay! Thanks for posting this. I have been loving the designs that you've been doing with them and spent some time trying to figure out how to do it myself. (With no real luck! haha) thank you!

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  5. Finally a tutorial! I always thought you used a dotting tool to make the round points... Thanks for this! :D

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  6. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I have been wanting to recreate this design but I couldn't get the brush strokes right! I didn't even think to do it this way! Happy Dance!!!

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  7. This is such a clever and cute idea!! I am so trying this on my next manicure :)

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  8. Very pretty, it sure looks easy, thanks for the tutorial!!

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  9. You're so welcome everyone, glad this is helpful! ^^

    @Hayley: I love it!! Such a cute colorcombo! I'd wear it in a heartbeat, maybe next Christmas? ;-)

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  10. This is so adorable! I can't wait to try it! I love the color combination you used here :)

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  11. Holy Cow that looks super easy! I so want to try this one! Thank you so much for this!!! It's amazing!

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  12. Oh my! I was wondering how you did that, but now, it looks so easy! It's not, but still gorgeous. :)

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  13. Nice idea and it looks very easy! Thanks for posting!

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  14. Thanks so much for the tutorial! I'm going to try this soon and link back to you. :) It's gorgeous!

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  15. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You have such amazing ideas and I never would have imagined this would be so easy - I'm going to try it out right now! You rock!

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  16. Thanks for the tutorial! I have to give this a try, it looks so cute! :)

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  17. your tutorial makes it look so easy!!

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  18. I've wanted to try this for so long!

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  19. Yay! I can't wait to try it out!

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  20. This design is sooooo cute, im definitely gonna try! Hope that look like yours! :}

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  21. You make it seem so easy! I will try to replicate :) Thanks for posting!

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  22. It's probably harder than it sounds. I'm going to try it! Thanks!

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  23. i loveeee your blog! i tried the clouds just now! they were so easy!

    http://xgianger.blogspot.com/2012/01/essie-her-and-clouds.html

    thanks, doll!

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  24. Omgsh, I'm totally going to do this! (:

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  25. Nice n' easy!!
    Cool colors, thanx for share!

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  26. YAY! I was all in love with your clouds and now you show how to do it *-* Thank you so much for sharing~

    =*****

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  27. Awesome tutorial! Great idea! I just stumbled upon your blog and I am so glad that I did! I am now a follower :)

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  28. In a science book I'm reading, it says even the most complex theories can be summarized in a relatively simple pictures.
    I like that the same applies to nail polish ;).

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  29. OMG!!! i did it two days ago and loved it!! i'm doing it again today after school, i'm going to try it wish a base color i'm also so happy girls with short nails can do it :)! here's my attempt on my "little nails" http://glitterielacquerdollies.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-inspired-design-attemp-freehand.html

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  30. Thanks for the tutorial! It looks simple enough for me to attempt! I'll definitely give it a go!

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  31. great design and idea, I made it, and it was super easy and very fab :)

    http://bikirablog.blogspot.com/2012/01/notd-clouds.html

    greeting from hungary :)

    (roni)

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  32. Finally! i look forward to make the design! :-D

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  33. thanks for sharing it :) i will try this one too

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  34. I'm so glad you have done this tutorial as I love this cloud look on you :) Going to try it out when I get home later thank you!

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  35. With my shaking hands I wouldn't be able to do it so precisely :)

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  36. It seems to be so simple when you show it but I'm pretty sure I will have problems with this pattern :P. Anyway I'm going to try it!

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  37. Ik wist niet dat het zo makkelijk was! Ik dacht dat je dit ook met tape deed. Ga ik zeker eens proberen ;) bedankt voor de tutorial

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  38. Ohh en ik maar denken dat het héél lastig was met plakband e.d. ... Nou deze ga ik zeker eens namaken!

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  39. so nice!

    thanks for this inspiration, i think i ll try this out next time i do my mani:-)

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  40. Thank you for this tutorial, i will try it :)

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  41. Hey, I'm from Germany and I love your naildesigns! I tried to copy this look and you can see some pictures on my blog:
    http://blush-affair.blogspot.com/2012/01/wolkige-aussichten.html

    It is not that perfect, but I love the cute idea.

    :)

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  42. I love this nail art!
    Thanks for sharing.
    kisses

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  43. ¡Gracias por este tuto! Me preguntaba siempre cómo te hacías esas nubes tan chulas.

    Besotes

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  44. Ik dacht altijd dat het super moeilijk was, maar het is zó simpel D: Dit ga ik zo snel mogelijk proberen!

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  45. Thanks for doing a tutorial on this. I have been wanting to try this for awhile. you make it look so easy, I am sure mine won't look as good though.

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  46. You are perfect!
    Here's my go at the design: http://nailsinthecity.tumblr.com/post/16477722175/nailside-inspirado

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  47. damn it's perfect! and thank you! cause lately i've asked you to do some tutorial and well.. here is it :) thank you very much. i'll do my best end show you how it worked.

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  48. Hello you ! That's my first comment, but I read your blog every week ! I love it sooo much ! I made a cloudy manucure last week (with a link to yours) but I didn't post a comment, so I do it now ! ^^ http://pshiiit.com/2012/01/05/les-cloudy-nails-le-retour/

    Thank you so much for your beautiful idea, I really love it ^^

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  49. Thank you so much. I have always loved your designs but never thought I would be able to do it myself. I was wrong. I did it here for my Australia Day mani.
    http://thekhromazone.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-australia-day.html
    Love your work so much.

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  50. I gave it a shot! Take a look: http://alyloveslacquer.blogspot.com/2012/01/winter-clouds.html

    Thanks for the great tutorial, Jane!

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  51. Amei o tutorial, maravilhoso, gostei bastante!


    Bjos
    Belinha
    www.colorindosuasunhas.blogspot.com

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  52. I always thought your signature cloud design was way more complicated than that-- you shouldn't have revealed your secrets, lol! Kidding of course-- I must try this now! Thanks for the post!

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  53. Thank you for making this! I will definitely try it!

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  54. Hello!
    I love your blog & your naildesigns.. !I tried to copy this naildesign, u can see here -> http://addicted-to-nail-polish.blogspot.com/2012/01/hello-again.html pictures.. it was my first try ;o
    Thank you so much for your ideas :)
    Nicole

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  55. Thank you very much for this tutorial!! :D

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  56. I love your blog so much you are so talented. Please check out my blog at
    http://LaurensNailArt.blogspot.com

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  57. I definitely have to try this, but I'm afraid I won't mix different colors as well as you ! I should start with gradient clouds :)

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  58. Thanks for the tutorial! You make it look so simple. I hope I have a steady hand when I try it.

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  59. Thank you for this tutorial! I always wondered how you cut the tape for this and never thought about free-handing it! It's so simple it's great! LOVE!

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  60. I love, love, love your cloud designs! Every single one of them is a amazing! <3

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  61. Just tried and my first attempt wasn't too bad. Here's the pic
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2910535455300&set=a.1272463704530.40801.1618025145&type=1&ref=nf

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  62. Just completed my first attempt. Definitely needs some practice but not too bad.

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2910535455300&set=a.1272463704530.40801.1618025145&type=1&ref=nf

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  63. gosh you make it look so easy and it comes out looking perfect and cute I wanna try but I know for sure it won't come out like yours.

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  64. So awesome! I will try to do this! I love this colors, also the pattern is amazing! That for this tutorial!

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  65. I went from memory and didn't realize the whole tip was covered :( I WILL be trying this again! thanks!
    http://nailpolishismycrack.blogspot.com/2012/01/ready-for-spring.html

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  66. I did mine and my daughters and I have been getting complimented by perfect strangers. Thanks

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  67. Saw this tutorial, and came up with my own version here: http://hellonails.tumblr.com/post/16742986875/inspired-by-nailsides-cloud-tutorial-amazed-at

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  68. Hy. Here is my first attempt of a cloud manicure. Please don't laugh.
    http://lililalanailblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/different-kind-of-clond-manicure.html
    Have a nice day!

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  69. I'm so glad you did this tutorial! I just tried it and it was so easy. Here's mine: http://refinedandpolished.blogspot.com/2012/01/clouds-with-zoya-jacy.html

    Thanks for all of the great tutorials that are easy to follow!

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  70. This is such a cool idea! Looks so simple to do, as well. Thanks for the tutorial!

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  71. I absolutely adore this look, and have tried it a couple of times. I LOVE IT!

    http://prettypolishplease.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/electropop-clouds.html

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  72. thanks for the tutorial! I can't do it anywhere near as good as you yet, but I shall persevere!!!!

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  73. Thank you for such a great tutorial! This sounds like it is easy to do but yours looks so professionally done :) I love the colors you used too - very cute!

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  74. Thank you for the great tutorial! Yours looks so perfectly done; I am going to have a hard time making mine look anywhere near as nice as yours haha. I love the colors you used too - very cute! :)

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  75. Did you see that thebeautydepartment.com totally ripped off this tutorial?

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  76. This was a really nice, simple tutorial. I'm new to nail art and this was incredibly easy to take a stab at.

    Here's my first attempt at the cloud mani: http://www.onegentsten.com/?p=569

    Let me know what you think :)

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  77. I love those clouds and I think your tutorial will help me a lot, thanks

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  78. I love your blog - I had to try the Clouds for myself :D It's sadly not as perfect looking, but I will try again! Practice makes perfect I hope!
    http://pretty-perfect-beauty.blogspot.com/2012/02/notd-art-deco-clouds.html

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  79. All kinds of spectacular! Thank you! :) Consider following this days old noob? http://fingertipfrosting.blogspot.com/ I sure appreciate the consideration! Ta!

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  80. This tutorial is brilliant! Thanks so much

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  81. Hi Jane!
    Here is my first attempt thanks to your tutorial : http://vernisenfolie.com/2012/02/26/les-ongles-dans-les-nuages-avec-longlerie-a-england-et-essie/
    Thank you for sharing your really nice ideas.
    Have a good day ;)

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  82. Thanks so much for the amazing tutorial! I just gave this design a shot myself. It didn't turn out nearly as neat as yours but it was still a lot of fun!

    http://www.splatbyarfblat.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-first-clouds.html!
    clouds.html

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  83. Thanks a lot for this cute clouds tutorial. I give it a try, and added something extra... I think it did well for my first attempt.

    http://nailartaddictions.blogspot.com/2012/03/birds-flying-in-clouds.html

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  84. Great tutorial. I gave it a go and it turned out ok. Have a look at
    http://handmade-by-aida.blogspot.com/2012/03/cloud-nails.html

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  85. Oh .. so gorgeous ... I am going to do them tonight .. I usually to stick to nail stickers (as shown in my blog)

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  86. Here is my attempt! Not all that great, but I'm sure it will improve with practice!

    http://dixiescup.blogspot.com/2012/03/freehand-cloud-nails.html

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  87. Hi, saw your tutorial from a pin on pinterest. thought i'd give it a go...although should have read your tips, as I had issues making the clouds round. I guess it just takes more practice. Thanks for sharing, I think I will try your Miffy one next, as I have a friend who likes Miffy.

    http://maryknits.com/2012/03/21/cumulus/

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  88. so cute! i love your blog! i follow you :)
    greetings from Spain ☺

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  89. I made it !
    You can look it here!

    http://princesagr.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/notd-cloud-nails-from-nailside/

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  90. This is absolutely gorgeous!! How simple and nice!! :)

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  91. Amazing post! I initially found your blog a week or so ago, and I want to subscribe to your RSS feed.logo design

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  92. THANK YOU! You just made my day hihi :D

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  93. Jane! Recreated his tutorial here:
    http://unhasdali.blogspot.com.br/2012/04/desafio-das-31-unhas-unha-30-troquinha.html

    :*

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  94. hi wow.. this is amazing..

    can i find out the colours and nail polish brands u used?

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    Replies
    1. Thank you!! The polishes I used are Barry M Shocking Pink, China Glaze For Audrey and Essence Let's Get Lost. :-)

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    2. oh wow.. if i currently only have access to china glaze and opi polish.. is there any colour you know that will be similar to your barry M and essence?

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    3. I had a quick look in my stash and found out that OPI Don't Know Beets Me looks identical to Barry M Shocking Pink. Though it's a very standard barbie pink color, so you might find a very similar pink in your local drugstore. And OPI Fly seems similar to Essence Let's Get Lost, but I'm not sure since I don't own it. Perhaps it's a little more turquoise, but still a great alternative.

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  95. I must say, mine is less impressive and text is in dutch... I wish I were as skilled as you are!
    https://deijsprinses.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/nail-art-clouds/

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  96. LOVE! This is so smart, and seems super easy, can't wait to try it.

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  97. I tried this manicure a few times without success, but I think I finally got it right!

    http://thenailpolishchallenge.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-clouds.html

    I also put a link to your blog on my post :)

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  98. After the great! this is my version: http://lidzia007.blogspot.com/2012/05/burzowe-chmurki.html . Thank you for tutorial.

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  99. Wow, this look is much simpler than I thought! I'll definitely give it a try once my new polishes get here. :D

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  100. thanks for showing,, its so easy

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  101. Is it pathetic that I want to EAT your nails? I'm trying to get back into having good nails but I keep having to bathe toddler/wash up so my hands are always in water. This looks easy though so I will try it today or tomorrow - or whenever I have a few minutes this week - and let you know. Thank you!

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  102. hi. i used your tutorial and you can see the result here. http://alyssabcde.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/free-hand-cloud-nail-art/ :)

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  103. I just gave this one a try yesterday and I really like how it came out!

    http://takethistopcoat.dreamwidth.org/34200.html

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    Replies
    1. It look neat! Love it combined with the flakies. ^^

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  104. Completely love this design! Tried it out myself tonight - pic is on my blog here: http://caznpolish.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/cloud-tip-nails.html
    Caz x

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    Replies
    1. Ooh, you did such a nice job, I left you a comment on your blog. :-)

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  105. Hi, first of all, thanks for the awesome tutorial. I did it with a little twist. hope you'd like the outcome :)

    Link here:
    http://lacqueerisa.blogspot.com/2012/07/notd-vintage-lace.html

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  106. This is such a great tutorial, and it was the perfect design solution for my nail nubs. I love how people can put their own take on it with different colour combinations! Here's mine http://thenailartiste.blogspot.ca/2012/07/nail-art-clouds-la-nailside.html

    You have gained yourself a new and huge fan! Keep up the amazing work!

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  107. So so amazing, I have gotta try this tonight!

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  108. Thank you for this tutorial! I tried this for the first time the other night and now I keep thinking of different ways to make clouds.

    Here's what I came up with: http://bit.ly/O60pOD

    Love your blog! Thanks again!

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    Replies
    1. Dear Fitzy, I left you a comment on your post. ;-)

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  109. I had a go. Not nearly as neat as yours, but here you go: http://instagram.com/p/P17CnzxFdb/

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  110. Just did this! Used Sinful Colors - Rain Storm, Loreal- CLub Prive, and Sally Hansen - french white.

    took a few tried to the rounded edge perfect... but so easy! Great explanations!!

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  111. This seems to be pop art! I love this!

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  112. Thank you for this tutorial! I finally did my first nail art mani! Oddly enough I used almost the same colors you did. I used Essie Mod Square, Where's My Chauffeur and Lapiz of Luxury.

    LOVED IT!

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  113. Oops here is the pic

    http://instagram.com/p/UX330BKvJf/

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    Replies
    1. That's so lovely, Shirley! Makes me want it to be summer again...

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  114. Love this! So simple, yet it looks so fancy. :)

    Here's my attempt: http://jlh.me/wp/darkclouds/

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    Replies
    1. I love your version, Jessica! So, so chic! :D

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  115. Thanks for sharing this tutorial! Here's my attempt (bad phone picture alert): http://freeupload.mobi/image/show/8dc68c0eb2b80fd12b585c8aa9794892

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  116. Hello =) my friend tried out your tutorial and I've posted the photo on my new blog!
    http://alohamanchester.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/rennie-makes.html
    I think she did a good job on her little nails...
    Cheers =)

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  117. Here's my version of this look!

    http://www.squeakynails.com/2013/03/pink-clouds.html

    I really love your tutorials, thanks :D

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  118. Hi Jane, hierbij mijn variatie op jouw nailart: http://www.beautygoddess.nl/nailz/cloudy-spring-nails.html

    Bedankt voor de inspiratie!! Fijn Paas weekend!

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  119. Thanks so much for thinking of this :) Here's my spin on it:

    http://agirlandherchickennamedbetty.blogspot.com/2013/03/tri-polish-challenge-day-one-clouds.html

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment, Alexandria! You did an excellent job on your version, so neat! ^_^

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  120. Thank you so much for sharing!. This is my very own version: Manicura de nubes de tormenta X-)

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  121. OMG I love it! very beautifull design. i just tryed it out. i might put it on my (dutch) blog. Groetjess xx

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  122. I just tried it for the first time, with Essie Lady Like, Recessionista and No More Film :)

    http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/e1494c36d75511e2b47222000a1f9e47_7.jpg

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  123. Regularly in weekends i experiment some new designs in my nails and for this weekend the nail clouds will be my target.Loved this.

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  124. Thank you for all the easy to follow tutorials.

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  125. hi jade :)I was inspired by you.I applied this pattern.And I told you on my blog.Do you want to look? :)
    http://www.softfashionn.blogspot.com/2013/08/ben-ne-yaptmmm.html

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing! Love your version, the purple with the orange looks so funky :3 It's Jane, by the way, haha ;-)

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  126. Thank you for explaining how to get the rounded effect on the brush strokes. I have been trying to find out how you get a rounded brush stroke from a square ended brush LOL.

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  127. Thanks! I found this on Pinterest, and tried it out last night. :)

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