you paint your nails as usual, n you stick these on with nail glue in a pattern you like and put a top coat on them. they are awesome! I use them a lot on my little girls toe nails. they love it! I use them as well. I think these make a good fun idea to have a girls night/slumber party more fun. People also use them to accent home made cards, deco their cell phone covers, scrapbooking, etc.