elegant gold gradient

I am currently working on a cake design for a friend.  The cake is going to have some gold in it, either a gold ribbon or an entire tier covered in gold leaf.  Thinking about gold designs has rolled over into this paint job.

Just a simple champagne color paint for the base color.  Then some thick gold glitter paint on the tips.  I wasn't sure about the gold glitter at first.  But now that it is all done, I love it.  There is something very elegant to it.  It also reminds me of a pair of shoes I own.  They are nude 4 inch, nothing fancy, but they have this awesome gold glitter sole.  I wish I had more fancy occasions to wear them.

OPI - Up Front & Personal, GoldenEye

elegant blocking

After seeing some pretty cool color blocking nails on the web, I decided to give it a try.  I need to be more patient next time.  When I started to peel the tape off, some of the base color (grey) started to come off around the cuticle.  After peeling it back, the two colors just looked a little bland by themselves so I jazzed it up a little with some gold glitter polish.

I just found a great site for nail art supplies (bornprettystore.com).  I ordered a bunch of stuff (danger danger) including some nail studs.  These are like rhinestones but flatter and metal.  I also got some glow in the dark nail polish colors!!  I think I might redo this paint job, even with the same colors once the studs come.  This would look good with either the silver or gold studs.  But I have even more selection than that, because I got both square and circle.  This package is coming from Hong Kong, so I just hope to get it in time for Halloween.

Sinful Colors - Mesmerize, Jungle Trail, All About You, Why Not

Has anyone done any color blocking with tape?  Do you have metal studs for your nails?  Any tips and tricks before my package comes?