Artistic designs created by the independent nail artists of Chicago & DIY Tutorials
These designs aren’t from your corner salon. Independent nail artists thrive in Chicago. Every Friday a new nail art creation is featured in preparation of the weekend to come. Wearable art at your fingertips!

Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: DIY Crayola Box Inspired Tips by Kari - 04-19-2013
My manicure by Cheryl Cheryl of Polish2Times lasted almost two weeks against dish-washing detergent, bathroom cleaners, and bleach (I should start wearing gloves). This wasn't a non-chip manicure, by the way. When the thumb nail began to chip yester...
When Court Takes a Recess: An Interview with Cheryl Cheryl of Polish2Times Nail Salon by Kari - 04-16-2013
Late as usual, but spring seems to have finally arrived. It was inching near 70 degrees the afternoon I visited Cheryl in Chicago’s Gold Coast – perfect weat...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Dawn Danielle of Digits by Dawn Nail Lounge by Kari - 04-05-2013
Few things endorse the talent of a nail artist like being called to work Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Mojo Spa by Kari - 03-29-2013
It's been some time since I featured my favorite Chicago nail art of the week. Lately, Pinterest has me addicted to DIY anything, including nail designs. However, Mojo Spa is preparing to become not only Chicago's top boutique for homemade beauty pro...
For the Nail Art Obsessed: Afrobella Gives Us a Peek at Trends to Come by Kari - 03-12-2013
Chicago blogger extraordinaire and public speaker Afrobella (government: Patrice Grell Yursik) has been making moves and doing thangs since the dawn of brown beauty blogging. I’ve always admired her range in writing, her knowledge as a beauty blogg...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: DIY Ombré Nails by Kari - 03-08-2013
Like 'Shatter Nails' were three years ago, Ombré Nails are everywhere. Before begging a nail artist, who probably feels their work is above this trend, ...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Cheryl Cheryl of Polish2Times by Kari - 03-01-2013
Enough about the weather. This weekend's design has nothing to do with snow, cold, peppermint candy canes, or deep winter hues. Today's nail art is brought to us by Cheryl Cheryl of Polish2Times. Available mostly on the weekends and after office ...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: DIY Inspired by Vlogger Andrea’s Choice! by Kari - 02-22-2013
One of my favorite vloggers Andrea’s Choice (subscribe to her YouTube channel for great beauty tips!) features some amazing DIY nail art tutorials. She’s not a Chicago girl but I thought we could feature her Galaxy Nails design for this weekend ...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Fantasy Nails in Wicker Park by Kari - 02-15-2013
I specified the title with 'in Wicker Park' since Chicago is filled with literally a gagillion manicure shops called Fantasy Nails. The name may not be original but Fantasy Nails in Wicker Park is a hidden gem when it comes to nail design. The ow...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Naughty Nail'z by Kari - 02-08-2013
What’s black, white, and hot all over? This Friday’s nail art design by Naughty Nail’z (Logan Square). Dip your tips in tuxedo hues for a night out this weekend and you may avoid looking too over-the-top Monday morning at the offi...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Mojo Spa by Kari - 02-01-2013
Like a glamorous scene from your favorite Bollywood film, today's nail art inspiration is over-the-top and luxurious. Gold jewel details over rich red enamel, Mojo Spa feeds our need for gaudy beauty. Even Lady Gaga's a fan of the Wicker...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Miss Renaissance by Kari - 01-25-2013
Simple. Beautiful. Miss Renaissance has her hand in many different crafts and her blog is always inspiring. Each week she features new nail art and color ideas. Always simple. Always thoughtful. Daydreams of escaping the Chicago cold in a bea...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: Spifster by Kari - 01-18-2013
Nerds and Geeks, Get Like Me! Pac-Attack the weekend away with a design that's guaranteed to grab the attention of a nerd or two. This weekend's nail art is brought to you by Spifster Sutton. Spifster is a true artist in every sense...
Weekend Ready Chicago Nail Art: AstroWifey by Kari - 01-11-2013
Go hard for Chicago this weekend! No matter the neighborhood, CTA inspired nail art by Ashley Crowe, a.k.a. AstroWifey, will ensure you’re never lost. Even if you haven’t heard of her you may have seen Ashley’s work on MTV Style, ...
