Wedgwood-Inspired Nails: Translating Jasperware into Nail Art
Inspiration for nail art can come from almost anywhere, and for this set it came from a piece of Wedgwood Jasperware. My client shared an image of her own Wedgwood pottery as inspiration. Rather than working from an existing nail design, I looked at the elements that make Jasperware so recognisable: the soft blue background, matte ceramic finish and delicate raised white decoration.
Translating pottery into nail art
Getting the colour right was an important part of this design. I custom mixed a soft cornflower blue to capture the distinctive feel of the pottery, then used a matte topcoat.
Over the blue, I hand painted delicate white botanical details inspired by the decorative patterns found on Wedgwood pieces.
The combination of the matte blue background and fine white painting gives the finished nails that ceramic-inspired quality while still working as a wearable manicure.
Finding nail art inspiration beyond nails
This is one of my favourite ways to approach nail art. Instead of starting with another manicure and recreating it, you can look at an object and ask what it is about it that catches your attention. Here, it was the colour palette, finish and botanical decoration. Those elements became the starting point, rather than trying to reproduce one particular piece of pottery exactly.
Looking at ceramics, textiles, jewellery, architecture, nature and other areas of art and design can open up completely different possibilities for nail art.
Want to develop your own nail art skills?
If you’re a nail tech looking to build your confidence with nail art and develop your own creative style, explore Paintbrush Nails education, including in-person training, online learning and creative resources.
About the Author
Kirsty Brown is the founder of Paintbrush Nails, an independent nail artist and educator based in Scotland. A Glasgow School of Art graduate and qualified Art & Design teacher, she combines professional nail education with a creative approach to nail art and design.