If you’re familiar with the book above from your high school days, then you know that people tend to love it or hate it (you can share your feelings in the comments below). While I am definitely fanatical about nails, I am also fanatical about books (as evidenced by my Gatsby manicure). I have a literature degree, so I understand the passion that comes with going to school to learn about the thing you love most. J.D. Salinger was a masterful artist and has remained a mystery to his fans for decades. So when I heard a documentary was being made about his life, my passion for his work was ignited all over again. I’ll be seeing the film tonight and I wanted to show my enthusiasm by sporting some Salinger-esque nail art.This is an easy design inspired by the covers of a few of the editions of Salinger’s novels. I may be a pro at dissecting a piece of literature, but I am still a beginner when it comes to nail art. This design makes me so happy, like the smell of an old book.
I used a striper brush and a rainbow of polishes (in order of appearance):
- OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls
- Butter London British Racing Green
- CND Vinylux Water Park
- CND Vinylux Grape Gum
- O So Dollish Strong
- CND Vinylux Lobster Roll
- Orly Melodious Utpoia
Here’s what I did:
- Apply base coat
- Brush on three coats of My Boyfriend Scales Walls
- After white base is completely dry, begin brushing on colors starting with green in the far corner of the nail. Continue through the color scheme to make longer strokes across more of the nail.
- Seal with top coat
Note: You can edit the color scheme as you see fit. I think there are more colors on the book cover than what I included on my nails. Since my nails aren’t very long, I didn’t want to overcrowd them with the color, but rather let a lot of white show, like the cover. Also, don’t worry if the lines aren’t perfect, since you can overlap the color with the next line.
For a more challenging Salinger design check out Dressed Up Nails’ “Catcher in the Rye” inspired design that is just amazing! And for more literary inspired nail art, see here, here, and here.
Do you have a favorite book that has inspired your manicure? Share in the comments below or be e-mailing me a picture at [email protected].
