Nail Art: Dotting Tools

I've been reading a lot about making your own dotting tools so I tried to do some designs with a toothpick, the end of a pencil, and a paperclip.  Needless to say, I wasn't very successful.  I decided to order some real dotting tools online.  I saw a dotting tool in my local beauty supply store for around $12.  It was an acrylic brush on one end and a dotting tool on the other.  That just seems like an outrageous price.  I was able to get a set of five double ended (so a total of 10 different sizes) dotting tools for $6 online.  So far I have been VERY satisfied with the quality and the effect and I hope to use them on next week's design.  The set I purchased  is by Osaka and they have clear acrylic handles with purple swirls inside.  I highly suggest shopping online for supplies as this seems to be the cheapest and best way to find quality items.