“Oops, I’ma go, nails like whoa/Acrylic base, top all gold/Clothes on my back to the paint on my toes/Stay fresh ‘cause I’m accustomed to gold.”
When Kid Sister rapped these lyrics on her hit song “Pro Nails,” I doubt, she thought it would inspire the Rhode-Island based contemporary art jeweler Islay Taylor to design a line of acrylic nails knuckle duster rings.
Knuckle Dusters are super-cute 2-and3-finger rings that are gold-plated bronze, adorned with hand-painted acrylic nails with quirky designs as the center-piece. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly: the rings feature bezel set real acrylic nails, like the ones women pay to have done every two-weeks or so!
The last thing I would think to wear as my newest piece of jewelry is a fake nail, but these pieces are actually street-chic and cute. One of my friends said wearing fake nails anywhere on your hands other than your fingertips is creepy, but I beg to differ. I mean, it’s not like she walked around Rhode Island and snatched the nails from people’s fingers and then used them to create the knuckle dusters! She’s a talented visionary who embraced the essence of creativity by using something other than what it was created for while reintroducing it in an artistic way.
Islay even reiterates the power of using your everyday surroundings to spark creativity, on her blog where she discusses her many sources of inspiration.
“I find inspiration in the everyday object,” she says. “There is splendor and appeal in the mundane and neglected materials that surround us.”
What do you think Glamazons? Would you grace your knuckles with these jazzed up acrylic nail designs?
Ciao Bellas,
Glamazon Margo
Wow! Thank you so much for dedicating your blog space to my work, I'm so glad you like my work. I also have to say that your write up is the best I've read, and I really appreciate your insight!
Thanks so much,
Islay
Very innovative, the jewellry. They're beautiful, add some allure and glam to dressing up. Wonderful idea. How can they be purchased? Keep on creating.