It’s been quite some time since Harry Potter first introduced us to the magical world of wizards, but his story continues to capture hearts ever since he received that fateful letter to Hogwarts.
I wanted to create a fun, edible version of the iconic Harry Potter letter. So, I made a semi-homemade caramel pie shaped like an envelope and sealed it with a delicious, edible Hogwarts seal!
Ingredients:
2 boxes (14.1 oz) Pillsbury Premade Refrigerated Pie Crusts*
1 cup apple pie filling
2 tablespoons caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon apple pie seasoning
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 cup red chocolate candy melts
Instructions:
To make the candy “wax seals”:
Place the wax seal stamp in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Melt the red candy melts according to the package directions.
Lay a piece of parchment paper on a flat surface.
Spoon a small circle of melted candy onto the parchment paper.
Remove the chilled wax seal stamp and press it into the center of the melted candy. Leave it in place until the candy hardens.
Once the candy has set, carefully remove the stamp.
Repeat this process until you have the desired number of wax seals.
To make the apple pies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Thaw the pie dough according to the package instructions and roll it out onto a flat surface.
Cut out 2 rectangles approximately 3×5 inches.
Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting out rectangles until you have used up the dough.
Place half of the rectangles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
In a bowl, combine the apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and apple pie seasoning. Stir well and mash the apples if they’re in large chunks.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the apple filling mixture onto the center of each of the rectangles.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
Brush the edges of the dough with the egg wash.
Place the remaining rectangles on top of the filled dough to create pockets.
Use a fork to press around the edges of the pies to seal them and crimp the sides.
With the leftover dough scraps, create small strips to resemble a sealed envelope flap and place them on top of the pies.
Place 4 or 5 pies on a prepared baking sheet and gently brush the tops with the egg wash.
Cut two small vents in the center of each pie, where the wax seal will go.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and toasty.
48 BEST 4TH OF JULY NAILS THAT ARE AMAZING FESTIVE TWISTS
It’s almost Independence Day, and that means it’s time to celebrate with fireworks, barbeques, and of course, festive nail art! Forget the plain old red, white, and blue. This year, we’re going beyond the basics with 48 amazing nail designs that will take your Fourth of July spirit to the next level. Get ready for dazzling twists on classic themes, trendy nail art techniques, and designs that are guaranteed to turn heads. So, grab your favorite polishes, unleash your creativity, and get ready to rock some truly unforgettable Fourth of July nails!
AMERICANA MANI
An Americana Mani is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day in style. It incorporates classic American symbols and colors like red, white, and blue, stars and stripes, eagles, and fireworks. But it’s not just limited to these traditional elements. You can add your own personal touch with trendy nail art techniques like ombre, glitter accents, or negative space for a unique and festive mani.
DOUBLE FRENCH WITH STARS
Take your French manicure to the next level with a double French and starry twist! This design features two thin lines outlining your tips, perhaps in classic white and a bolder shade like red or blue. Then, for a touch of celestial magic, scatter tiny stars of various sizes across the base coat. It’s elegant, playful, and perfect for showing off your patriotic spirit with a modern edge.
SILVER STARS
Channel the night sky with a mesmerizing silver stars mani. Paint your nails a deep blue or black base to create an inky canvas. Then, unleash your inner starry night by dotting on silver stars of various sizes. For extra shimmer, consider using holographic silver polish or adding tiny silver star-shaped nail art decals. This design is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for those who want a touch of celestial elegance on their fingertips.
RED CONFETTI
Celebrate in style with a festive red confetti mani! Paint your nails a bold, classic red. Then, using a toothpick or dotting tool, add tiny red, white, and blue confetti dots in various sizes across the base coat. For an extra playful touch, consider using a mix of matte and glossy red polishes for the confetti.
BLUE GLITTER GRADIENT
Create a mesmerizing blue glitter gradient for your nails this Fourth of July! Paint your nails a light blue base coat. Then, using a makeup sponge and a darker blue glitter polish, create a gradient effect towards the tips of your nails, blending the glitter seamlessly into the base coat. For an extra touch of sparkle, you can add a layer of clear top coat with fine holographic glitter.
FIREWORK FRENCH
Celebrate with a dazzling firework french manicure! Paint your tips in a classic white or nude for an elegant base. Then, using a fine-tipped nail art brush, create bursts of color that resemble fireworks erupting from the tips. Play with red, white, and blue polishes or a kaleidoscope of colors for a truly festive look. Don’t forget to add tiny dots or flicks of gold glitter to mimic the sparkle of fireworks.
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE STARS
Celebrate Independence Day with a classic red, white, and blue stars mani! Paint each nail a different color from red, white, and blue. Then, using a contrasting color (perhaps silver or gold), use a dotting tool to create small stars in various sizes on each nail. For an extra touch of festivity, you can add a single rhinestone or glitter accent in the center of some of the stars.
BLUE MARBLE NAILS
Channel a dreamy, ethereal vibe with blue marble nails! Paint your nails a base coat in a light blue or white. Then, using a nail art brush and various shades of blue polish, create swirling marble patterns on each nail. For a touch of extra dimension, add thin streaks of white or silver polish to accentuate the marble effect.
SQUIGGLE FRENCH
Add a fun and modern twist to your French manicure with squiggle French nails! Paint your nails a neutral base coat, like nude or light pink. Then, ditch the classic straight line tip and instead, use a nail art brush and a contrasting polish color to create squiggly lines along the tips of your nails. Play with different colors or thicknesses of squiggles for a more playful and unique look.
SLEEK STRIPES
Achieve a chic and sophisticated look with sleek stripes! Paint your nails a base coat in a neutral color, like nude or white. Then, grab a thin nail art brush and choose contrasting polishes (think red, white, and blue for a patriotic vibe). Carefully paint thin stripes vertically or horizontally across your nails. You can use one or two colors for a classic look, or get creative and use multiple colors for a more interesting design.
RED FRENCH NAILS
Add a fiery twist to the classic French manicure with red French nails! Paint your nails a neutral base coat, like nude or light pink. Then, instead of the traditional white tip, use a bold red polish to create a thin line across the tips of your nails. This elegant design is perfect for those who love the timeless appeal of French nails with a touch of sassy flair.
STAR SPANGLED CUTICLES
Add a touch of sparkle to your manicure with star spangled cuticles! After painting your nails and letting them dry completely, use a dotting tool and a silver or gold polish to create tiny stars around your cuticles. This subtle detail adds a playful and patriotic touch to any manicure, perfect for celebrating Independence Day.
GOLD STAR APPLIQUES
Elevate your mani with chic gold star appliques! Paint your nails in your favorite base color and let them dry completely. Then, using tweezers, carefully apply small gold star nail art appliques to each nail for a touch of instant glamour. This is a simple way to add a festive touch to your manicure, and it’s perfect for those who are short on time or nail art skills.
CUTE FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
Indulge in some adorable nail art for a fun and festive Fourth of July! Get creative with playful designs like polka dots, stripes, or tiny watermelon wedges in red, white, and blue. You can even add little fireworks or smiley faces for an extra touch of whimsy!
PATRIOTIC SWIRLS
Create a mesmerizing swirl design for your Fourth of July nails! Paint your nails a base coat in white. Then, using a dotting tool and various shades of red and blue polish, create swirling patterns on each nail. For extra pizazz, add a thin white or silver line to accentuate the swirls. This design is perfect for showing off your artistic side and celebrating American spirit in a dynamic way.
DECORATED CUTICLES
Take your manicure to the next level with decorated cuticles! After painting your nails and letting them dry completely, use a dotting tool and various colors of polish to create tiny designs or patterns around your cuticles. You can go for classic stars and stripes, or get creative with hearts, flowers, or even tiny fireworks! This is a fun way to add a personalized touch to your manicure and show off your artistic flair.
OMBRE HOLOGRAPHIC GLITTER NAILS
Create a dazzling, mesmerizing effect with ombre holographic glitter nails! Apply a clear base coat to your nails. Then, using a makeup sponge and a holographic glitter polish, dab and blend the color on towards the tips of your nails. This creates a gradual gradient effect, with the most intense sparkle concentrated at the tips. The holographic finish adds an extra touch of magic, with rainbows reflecting off your nails with every move.
BLUE TWINKLE
Create a dazzling starry night effect for your Fourth of July nails with a blue twinkle design! Paint your nails a dark blue or black base coat to resemble an inky canvas. Then, using a dotting tool and a sparkly blue or silver polish, dot on tiny twinkling stars in various sizes across the base. For a more realistic starry effect, you can even add a few white dots to represent distant constellations. This design is simple yet elegant, perfect for those who want a touch of celestial magic on their fingertips.
WHITE WITH BLUE FLOWERS
Achieve a sweet and refreshing look for Independence Day with white nails accented with blue flowers. Paint your nails a crisp white base coat and then unleash your inner artist! You can create delicate little forget-me-nots with a dotting tool or paint bolder blooms with a nail art brush. For a touch of whimsy, consider adding a single red or blue crystal as the flower’s center. This design is perfect for those who want a touch of elegance and patriotism on their fingertips.
FOURTH OF JULY DOUBLE FRENCH TIPS
Celebrate Independence Day with a festive twist on the classic French manicure! For a Fourth of July double French tip, paint your nails a base coat in white or nude. Then, for a touch of red and blue, create a thin red line followed by a thinner blue line at the tips of your nails. You can adjust the width of the lines to create a more subtle or dramatic effect. This design is perfect for those who want to show their patriotism in a stylish way.
STARS AND STRIPES
Stars and stripes are a classic way to celebrate Independence Day on your nails! You can paint horizontal red and white stripes alternating across your nails, or create a miniature American flag on an accent nail. For a more subtle approach, paint your nails all white and then use a dotting tool to add tiny red and blue stars. No matter how you choose to incorporate them, stars and stripes are a timeless way to show your patriotism.
STARS GALORE
Embrace the celestial spirit with a “Stars Galore” mani! This design is all about celebrating the beauty of a starry night. Paint your nails a dark blue or black base to represent the inky night sky. Then, unleash your creativity! Use a dotting tool and various sizes and colors of metallic polishes (think silver, gold, and even holographic) to create a dazzling scattering of stars across each nail. The more stars,
WATERMELON SUGAR NAILS
Embrace the juicy vibes of summer with watermelon sugar nails! Capture the essence of this refreshing fruit by painting your nails a crisp white base. Then, using a combination of light green and red polish, create tiny watermelon wedge shapes on each nail. Don’t forget a touch of black for the watermelon seeds or a thin green line for the rind. Finish with a clear top coat to make your watermelon slices shine!
UNDERSTATED FRENCH
Keep it classic and elegant with an understated French manicure for a sophisticated take on Fourth of July nail art. Paint your nails a neutral base coat, like nude or light pink. Then, instead of the traditional white tip, use a very thin line in a pale shimmery silver or gold to create a subtle hint of glam at the tips of your nails. This design is perfect for those who prefer a more subdued look but still want to celebrate the holiday.
METALLIC TIPS AND STARS
Elevate your mani with a touch of metallic glam and starry twinkles! Paint your nails in a base coat of your choice. Then, for a metallic touch, paint a thin line in metallic silver or gold at the tips of your nails. To incorporate stars, use a dotting tool and a contrasting metallic polish (like black or a different shade of metallic) to create small stars in various sizes on each nail. This design is both sophisticated and festive, perfect for any occasion.
NEGATIVE SPACE FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
Create a modern and chic look with negative space Fourth of July nail art! Paint one or two accent nails white and leave the rest bare. On the white nails, use stencils or striping tape to create negative space designs in red and blue, like stripes or stars. This design is perfect for those who want a festive mani with a minimalist twist.
DOUBLE-FRENCH MANICURE
A double-french manicure takes the classic French manicure to a whole new level! Instead of the usual single white tip, it features two thin lines in contrasting colors outlining the tips of your nails. This creates a modern and stylish look that’s perfect for any occasion, but it can also be easily adapted for a festive Fourth of July mani. Just play around with your color choices! Try a red and blue combo for a patriotic look, or go for a more subtle approach with metallic colors or glitter accents.
MONOCHROMATIC BABY BLUE
Achieve a clean and refreshing look with a monochromatic baby blue manicure. Paint your nails a base coat in a light, baby blue polish. This delicate shade is perfect for summer and adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. It’s a simple yet versatile choice that’s perfect for those who prefer a more understated look.
COLORFUL FOIL FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
Celebrate the Fourth of July in style with colorful foil nail art! Apply a base coat in a neutral color like nude or white to your nails. Then, cut small pieces of red, white, and blue foil and press them gently onto your nails in a random pattern. For a more secure application, use nail glue to adhere the foil. Seal the design with a clear top coat for a festive and eye-catching manicure!
PATRIOTIC MASHUP
Let your creativity soar with a patriotic mashup nail art design! Combine your favorite Fourth of July elements for a unique and festive mani. Think stars and stripes with a splash of fireworks, or watermelon wedges accented by majestic bald eagles. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and colors to create a nail art masterpiece that truly reflects your American spirit!
PETITE POPSICLES
Channel the refreshing vibes of summer with petite popsicle nail art! Paint your nails a base coat in a light pastel color like pink, yellow, or light blue. Then, using a thin nail art brush, paint tiny popsicle shapes in red, white, and blue on each nail. You can even add a small stick at the top for an extra touch of detail. This design is perfect for those who want a cute and festive mani that’s perfect for summer.
STAR SPANGLED MANI
A Star Spangled Mani is a classic and festive way to celebrate Independence Day! It typically incorporates the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag and stars. You can create this design in many ways, like painting your nails all white and then using a dotting tool to add red and blue stars. Or, you could alternate red and white stripes across your nails, with a single blue star as an accent. No matter how you choose to design it, a Star Spangled Mani is a timeless way to show your American pride!
METALLIC STARS
Channel a night sky filled with twinkling stars with a metallic stars mani. Paint your nails a deep blue or black base to create an inky canvas that mimics the night. Then, unleash your inner artist! Use a dotting tool and various sizes and colors of metallic polishes (think silver, gold, and even holographic) to create a dazzling scattering of stars across each nail. The more stars, the merrier! This design is both elegant and eye-catching, perfect for those who want to celebrate with a touch of celestial flair.
RED AND BLUE FRENCH
Take a classic French manicure and give it a patriotic twist with red and blue tips! Paint your nails in a neutral base coat, like nude or light pink. Instead of the traditional white tip, use a thin line of red polish followed by a thinner line of blue polish to create a chic and festive look. You can adjust the width of the lines for a more subtle or dramatic effect. This is a perfect way to show your American spirit with a touch of sophistication!
GOLDEN STAR FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
Celebrate Independence Day with a touch of elegance and shine using golden star nail art! Paint your nails in a base coat of your choice, such as classic red, white, or blue. Then, using a dotting tool and gold polish, create small stars in various sizes on each nail. Scatter them randomly or arrange them in a specific pattern for a unique touch. Consider using holographic gold polish for an extra sparkly and festive look! This design is perfect for those who want to celebrate with a subtle nod to Americana and a touch of glamour.
FESTIVE FRENCH
Festive French manicures take the classic French manicure and infuse it with a celebratory twist! This can be achieved in a variety of ways, from using bold colors instead of white tips to incorporating festive themes like little hearts for Valentine’s Day or snowflakes for Christmas. They’re a fun and versatile way to add some holiday cheer to your fingertips!
FLORAL FIREWORKS
Floral fireworks combine the delicate beauty of flowers with the vibrant bursts of color in fireworks. Imagine soft watercolor floral designs blooming on your nails, with pops of glitter or neon polish mimicking the sparks and bursts of a fireworks display. You could even create firework tendrils reaching out from the flowers, for a truly unique and eye-catching design.
SUBTLE FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
Subtle Fourth of July nails are a fantastic way to show your patriotic spirit without going overboard. This style typically involves muted, pastel versions of the traditional red, white, and blue color scheme, often with minimalist designs. It’s a classy and understated nod to the holiday, perfect for those who prefer a more sophisticated look. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be worn beyond the Fourth of July celebrations!
FOILED STRIPES
For a glamorous Fourth of July mani, consider foiled stripes! Apply a base coat in your favorite color, then use thin strips of red, white, and blue foil to create stripes or other geometric designs on your nails. For a precise application, use tweezers to handle the foil. Seal the design with a clear top coat for a smooth, finished look. This adds a touch of luxury and shine to your festive manicure.
GLITTER GRADIENT
Glitter gradient nails are a stunning choice for anyone who loves a little sparkle. This design involves transitioning from a solid nail polish color to a dazzling glitter finish, typically from the base to the tip of the nail. It’s a glamorous and eye-catching look perfect for parties or special occasions. Plus, the gradient effect adds a unique twist to the classic glitter manicure.
WHITE FOURTH OF JULY NAILS
White Fourth of July nails are a chic and modern take on patriotic nail art. The use of white as the dominant color provides a clean and fresh canvas for pops of red and blue. The look can be achieved through various designs such as stripes, stars, or even abstract patterns. It’s a sophisticated way to celebrate the holiday while keeping your manicure sleek and stylish.
NEGATIVE SPACE
Negative space in nail art refers to designs where portions of the nail are left bare or nude, creating a striking contrast with the painted areas. This technique allows for a wide range of creative designs, from simple geometric shapes to intricate patterns. It’s a modern and minimalist look that adds a unique twist to your manicure. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion, be it casual or formal.
SLANTED FRENCH
Slanted French manicure is a modern twist on the classic French tip design. Instead of the traditional straight-across line at the tip of the nail, the slanted French features a diagonal line, creating an asymmetrical and edgy look. It’s a chic and contemporary style that allows you to play with different color combinations and nail shapes. Perfect for those who love to experiment with their nail art, the slanted French manicure exudes sophistication with a touch of boldness.
WAVY BLUE MANICURE
A wavy blue manicure is a simple yet elegant design perfect for summer or any occasion. To achieve this look, paint your nails a base coat in a light or medium blue shade. Then, you can use a striping tape or a fine nail art brush to create wavy lines across your nails. For a more organic look, ditch the striping tape and freehand the wavy lines with the brush. Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine.
DOTTED FRENCH
A dotted French manicure adds a playful twist to the classic French tip. Paint your nails in a neutral base coat, like nude or light pink. Instead of a solid line at the tips, use a dotting tool and a contrasting polish color to create small dots along the tips of your nails. You can space the dots evenly or create a more random pattern for a unique and eye-catching look.
BRONZE WITH STARS
A bronze with stars manicure is a chic and sophisticated design perfect for summer or fall. Paint your nails a warm bronze base coat. Then, using a dotting tool and a contrasting polish (like silver, gold, or even black), create small stars in various sizes on each nail. Scatter them randomly or arrange them in a specific pattern for a unique touch. You can also use stencils or nail art stickers for a more precise application of the stars. Finish with a clear top coat to seal the design and add shine. This manicure is perfect for those who want something a little more subtle but still festive.
PATRIOTIC TIE DYE
Patriotic tie-dye is a fun and vibrant way to show your love for your country. This style often combines the colors of the national flag in a swirling, psychedelic pattern, perfect for shirts, bandanas, or even socks. It’s a popular choice for national holidays like Independence Day or any festive event. Plus, the DIY nature of tie-dye allows you to create a unique piece that’s truly your own!
RED, WHITE, AND BLUE TIE-DYE
Red, white, and blue tie-dye is a vibrant and creative way to express your patriotism. This design combines the classic colors of the American flag in a swirl of tie-dye patterns, creating a visually striking look. It’s a perfect choice for national holidays like Independence Day, or any day you want to show off your national pride. Plus, the DIY nature of tie-dye allows for a unique and personalized creation each time.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there’s no shortage of amazing nail art inspiration to celebrate Independence Day! Whether you prefer classic elegance, playful patterns, or a touch of celestial magic, there’s a design out there to match your style. So grab your favorite polishes, unleash your creativity, and get ready to rock some truly unforgettable Fourth of July nails! With 48 unique ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect festive twist to show your American spirit and complete your holiday look.
