Get Sparkly New Year's Nails to Ring in 2012 (PHOTOS)

The time is finally here to celebrate the arrival of a new year. Sure, you may not have your outfit picked out for New Year's Eve just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't paint your nails with this fun DIY sparkly manicure to get you in the 2012 spirit.

I looked around the web for some fun, festive NYE appropriate ideas, and settled on this black to gold ombre look. With some black and gold polish and my fave top coat in hand, I was ready to get things started.

Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to re-create this fun look on your own:

First things first, you'll need the right tools. I decided to use Essie's Shift Power ($4.50, amazon.com) and Licorice ($4.50, amazon.com) for my base colors. For the sparkle, I opted for Color Club's Sultry Diva ($6.50, amazon.com). Of course, you can always swap the gold for silver if that's more your style.

Begin by painting your base coat. Paint all nails with two coats of the black polish except you pointer finger. Then, paint your pointer gold. This may take three coats or so, depending on what polish you use.

Allow the base coat time to dry, and then prepare for thing to get glittery. Paint the tip of your nail with the gold paint, like this:

With most of the polish off of your brush, drag the bristles downward on your nail. This will create a faded look. Feel free to get creative with it, and add as much or as little sparkle as you want! 

Top it all off with a top coat, and you're donezo! I chose Seche Vite Fast Dry ($3.25, Amazon.com). Now you're ready to start 2012 in style.

Happy New Year! Are you a fan of this glitter manicure?

Images via Emily Abbate