31 Day Challenge, day 20: Water Marbled


They say practice makes perfect, and I couldn't agree more. I once tried water marbling just after I started this blog: I looked up a few tutorials, prepared the stuff I needed for it and then failed miserably. "Never again." I thought to myself. But since the technique is included in the 31 Day Challenge, I had no choice but to give it another go. So last week I failed again, and again, and again. And again. But I learned from it. And now I can proudly say I can do it. Weeee!
Things I had the most trouble with were finding the right polishes (some dry too quickly), drawing the designs in the water (maybe from using the wrong polishes) and preventing air bubbles. Though I have to admit I completely forgot to follow tutorials first this time, so I ended up rediscovering some handy things that I vaguely remember from the first time I did it. Clever me! :') Guess I was just too excited to get busy.

The polishes I used for this mani are Sea Spray and Four Leaf Clover, both from China Glaze. They were excellent for water marbling, but next time I'll be experimenting with my stash of too-crappy-for-normal-application-polishes. Because let's face it, water marbling uses up a LOT of polish. Thanks for reading!
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38 comments

  1. lovenailpolishJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    Another feather in your cap! Beautiful marble and I adore the colors you used, I really love that Four Leafed Clover.

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  2. DannyJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    And it looks amazing!!Well done! ;)

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  3. Ann-Sofie/Colour itJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:23 PM

    Wow, gorgeous!! I love it!

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  4. RobynJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Finding the right polishes can be so hard! I often give up because they just won't go right and I had my heart set on those colours!

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  5. KayleighJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    It's beautiful!!!

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  6. ewlynJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    Those too-crappy-for-normal-application-polishes are perfect for water marbling ;) especially those runny, non-drying ones...

    Lovely mani!

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  7. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:33 PM

    ya done good! It looks very pretty!

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  8. Kirstie at Nail CakeJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:37 PM

    These are so cool! Congratulations! Water marbling is something I've yet to try...the tutorials make it look so easy but I've read loads of 'horror stories' haha. x

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  9. JFloColmanJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    you did an amazing job!!!

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  10. Fernanda BereniceJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:53 PM

    No one could tell those nails are from a beginner in water marble!
    Make a tutorial for us, the handicapped in nail art! hahahaha

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    Replies
    1. JaneJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:11 PM

      Hahaha! I hope to make a nice tutorial once I've gained a little more experience! :-)

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  11. OliwkaJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:14 PM

    Beautiful mani :D

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  12. Refined and PolishedJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    This is gorgeous! I hope to see more marbles from you soon!

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  13. Jamie @ Polish, Please!January 23, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    This water marble turned out great!! I love the colors you chose!

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  14. femketjeJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:49 PM

    looks awesome :D

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  15. WendyJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    What a pretty colour combo, love it! x x x

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  16. Whitney at Dressed Up NailsJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    this is such a pretty water marble! I've always been afraid to try water marbling but I have both of the polishes you used so maybe I'll give it a try with those too :)

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  17. Fashion FootingJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    Another lovely manicure. Water marbling is one of those things that I just cannot get down. I usually get too frustrated to keep practicing, lol.

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  18. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    Gorgeous watermarble.

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  19. Deborah - Love. Varnish, chocolate and more...January 23, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    This is a great marble, hope mine comes out as well as yours :).

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  20. Faith January 23, 2013 at 9:46 PM

    I love those colors!

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  21. KayleighJanuary 23, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    I've found Barry M is amazing for Water Marbling. This is beautiful.

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  22. My Mint NailsJanuary 24, 2013 at 12:14 AM

    Love the colour combo! It looks great x

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  23. JenniJanuary 24, 2013 at 12:49 AM

    Very very nice job indeed!!!

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  24. KayleighJanuary 24, 2013 at 5:14 AM

    I love this, awesome colours!

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  25. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    You did it :-) it's gorgeous. I didn't try it yet, I'm also scared to fail and indeed it takes a lot of polish! But on the other hand, the designs are so lovely! I want to try this too.

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  26. Mary BarnsJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    Wow!!! This is so pretty. Love the color combos and design. You def did a great job on this. Love it!

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  27. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 3:36 PM

    oh awesome! I wish I had mastered the craft...

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  28. Claudia C.January 24, 2013 at 8:07 PM

    It looks so pretty :*

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  29. SaraJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:55 PM

    Nice combination :)

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Beautiful!

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  31. KrystenaJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:58 AM

    Did you use Sea Spray as the base and then do drops of that and Four Leaf Clover?

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    Replies
    1. JaneJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:10 PM

      Hi Krystena, first I applied one coat of Sea Spray on the nails, for extra coverage. Then I used both Sea Spray and Four Leaf Clover to drop in the water.

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    2. KrystenaJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:03 PM

      I love doing water marbling. Yours is beautiful and makes me want to run out to get Four Leaf Clover. : )

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  32. DistinKt NailsJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Beautiful. I was the same, first time I tried it was a complete fail but with practice you get better. I still need to work on my skill. I love the colour combo.

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  33. JaneJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    Thank you so much for your comments everyone! I hope you'll try it too. :-)

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  34. ABOP LaquerloveJanuary 26, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Stunning! Lovely marble!

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  35. GlittersnapdragonJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:46 AM

    Love those colors together AND I love the pattern (not too dense)! Makes me want to do a marbling attempt as well :)

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