Post Archive

A chalk drawing on a dark slate board showing a delicate nail polish bottle outline with tiny stars and swirls around it, in soft white and pale green chalk against the deep charcoal slate.

Browse all nail polish posts by year and month, from 2011 through early 2016. The most active years were 2012, 2013, and 2014, with the final posts appearing in March 2016.

The Cat's Claws archive is a journey through years of nail art and polish enthusiasm, starting from the earliest swatches in 2011 and building into a rich collection of manicures, stamping experiments, and product explorations. Each month's posts tell a story of growing skill and changing tastes, from sheer French-inspired looks to bold holographic finishes and multichromatic creations. Browsing back through the archive feels like flipping through a well-loved scrapbook, with every entry capturing a moment of creative play and the simple joy of a freshly painted set of nails.

The archive's most prolific seasons showcase a deep love of stamping, with intricate plates and coordinating polishes taking centre stage. There is a clear thread of experimentation running through the posts, as new techniques were picked up, refined, and eventually mastered. Readers will find everything from delicate floral designs and elegant bridal looks to playful festive manicures and bright, sparkly summer shades. The range of colours is impressive too, moving from soft pinks and sheer coats to deep greens, greys, purples, and blues, always presented with the same friendly, approachable voice.

Beyond the polish itself, the archive reflects a genuine community spirit, with posts inviting comments, questions, and shared experiences. There is a warmth to the writing that makes each entry feel personal, as if the reader is being shown a friend's latest creation over a cup of tea. The archive also documents the evolution of popular brands and collections over the years, tracking limited releases, seasonal lines, and beloved staples that many nail enthusiasts will recognise. For anyone new to the blog, the archive offers an easy way to dive into years of accumulated inspiration and polish wisdom.

The final stretch of posts in early 2016 brings the story to a gentle close, with a return after a short break and a few last looks at favourite shades and designs. Even after the updates taper off, the archive remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking nail inspiration, technique tips, or simply a pleasant browse through a well-documented passion project. The posts hold up well over time, since great colour combinations and thoughtful application tips never really go out of style. For longtime readers and newcomers alike, the archive stands as a loving record of a hobby pursued with dedication and charm.

Year Months with Posts Highlights
2016 January, February, March OPI New Orleans collection review; Fairy Nails design; return post after a break
2015 December Holiday-themed manicure: 'Tis The Season To Be Jolly
2014 January, February, March, April Stamping addiction era begins; MoYou London plates featured heavily; St Patrick's Day manicure
2013 January, March, April, May, June, August Australia Day manicure; Femme Fatale Mana Ruby swatch; Blog Fest 2013 participation; Crazy Paving stamping design
2012 July, October 50-follower international giveaway; early indie polish explorations
2011 October Blog launch and earliest posts

Posts span a wide range of brands — from Australian indies like Femme Fatale and Emily de Molly to mainstream staples such as OPI, China Glaze, and Essence. Stamping enthusiasts will find plenty of nail art and technique posts using MoYou London plates and Kleancolor metallics.