An Experiment. . .

In the midst of painting, repairing, and making my house a home I had on my nails for a week these Incoco On The Dot Tips.

I got them in my Little Black Bag.  It was my first LBB and my first nail polish strips.  Basically a lot of firsts.  I have never tried nail strips before, because there was never anything that really caught my eye, the price tag seemed too steep, and I like changing up my nails too often.

I left these on for a week and I only took it off because I wanted something new.  They held up nicely and they might be the reason I didn't have any nail breaks.  However, when I put them on they had a harsh line and looked like stickers.  I dipped a brush in acetone and softened the edges, but the still looked like stickers to me.

They also curled up on the edges, but if I put a top coat on it, they laid down.  The product totted that I just needed to apply them and I would be done, so do the extra steps a bit annoying.  Also, removal was a beast!  They were so hard to get off!

I don't think I would ever buy them again, unless I was on vacation or something where I couldn't change my nail polish willy nilly.  They are pretty and did a great job holding up.  They also are easy to apply.  But the cost and my need to change my polish will make my next time using them distant.  Although, I did get two sets in my box. . .

Tootles!
Fitz

A Music Nerd

I know I have been a bit MIA and I don't know when that is going to get any better.  I have a back log of designs, that are simple, but have not had time to write posts.  I am working on moving into a new place, but there are a lot of fixing things that need to be done before I can move in.  All the painting, demolishing, and building has left my skin in horrible shape.  Luckily I have not broken a nail yet. *knocks on wood*

I have gotten some new stamps and polishes.  What can I say, I got my taxes back and I had a bit of fun. . .  The Adventures in Stamping group's theme for today is nerds.  Well, I am huge music nerd, so I went with that.

I used Essie Where's My Chauffer? and Konad Special White.  This is the first time I have used a Konad polish and I have to say I am impressed.  I gave in because I have been trying to find a good white to stamp with and I couldn't.  This is an amazing polish to stamp with.  I also broke down and bought my first Konad plate M73.  That too was awesome!  I had to clean it between stamps, but I think that was more about the intricacy of the design and not the plate itself.

I love this design and colors.  I did but a few more Konad polishes, however I am not sure I will be buying another plate anytime soon.  I like the variety of designs from other companies and none of Konads other plates have left me drooling.

Can't forget my thumb!  I don't like the piano at the bottom and so wasn't very careful stamping it.  Next time I will remove it.

I will see you soon, I hope. . .

Tootles!
Fitz

Half Moons and Hearts

Today I went over to my friend Kathleen's house and did her nails.  It was so nice to visit with her.  I don't see her often enough and it was great to catch up a bit.  She didn't know what she wanted on her nails, so I decided to use her for the challenge.  The only problem is that after I did it I looked at the rules and it says I had to use my nails and I forgot to take a picture with a sign.  Oh, well.  I will continue to do the challenges, I just won't be eligible for the prize.  It isn't a big deal, I just wanted an opportunity to have a little direction in my designs.

So this is what I came up with for Kathleen's nails.  She wanted something soft and feminine.  She really didn't care for my last manicure with the black and red.  So I decided to do the top of a heart in her half moon and the full heart on an accent nail.  I am not sure about the "lace" dots, but I am still happy with it.

I used China Glaze Kinetic Candy, Wet N' Wild French White Cremè, and Essie Need A Vacation.  I don't know why NAV has been unused for so long.  It is such a lovely, creamy pink.

I know the pictures aren't my best, but it was hard to get the right lighting and they were about to start dinner.

Well. don't forget to look at the other artists!

Tootles!
Fitz

Stamping an Enigma

Today Sunday Stamping was a bit hard.  We were supposed to use our occupation as an inspiration.  The problem is that I paint my nails to distract me from work. . .  Maybe I should start by saying what it is I do.  I am a paraprofessional in a classroom for emotionally disturbed children.  It is a rather stressful job that entails a lot of different asspects. I serve the children as a teacher, counselor, friend, and authority figure.  I honestly didn't know what to put on my nails.  I didn't want to do school type things, paper or pencils, but I had no other ideas.  So I went with the abstract.  You see, working with these kids is rather unpredictable.  It is kind of like playing chess, but with half the board covered.  Hence, my nails. . .

I used OPI Thanks So Muchness and then the stamp and sponging was done in China Glaze Liquid Leather.  The stamp was GALS plate GA2.

Even with the meaning being rather. . . a stretch. . . I still think it came out looking quite striking.

A bit of my thumb.

Well, until next time!

Tootles!
Fitz

Pastel Galaxy Nails

I decide to begin another challenge.  I kind of missed being given a direction for my nail art.  Don't worry though, this challenge is much less intense.  Erica's Nails and More is the host and she has provided nine themes for the month of February.

The first challenge is galaxy nails.  I wanted to do something different again and I remembered seeing a someone do a pastel galaxy manicure.  This was a while back and I tried so hard to find my inspiration, but to no avail.  It just reminded me that if I like it I really should pin it. . .  (Edit:  I finally found it!  Natalie from Nail Craze!)

My base color is Orly Decades of Dysfunction.  I then sponged OPI Sparrow Me The Drama, China Glaze No Plain Jane, Re-Fresh Mint, Lemon Fizz, Kinetic Candy, and Medallion.  Lastly I used Nina Ultra Pro French White for the "stars."

I am really proud of how this came out.  Next time I need to remember to use a nail art brush rather than a fine dotting tool for the stars. I think I would get a finer "star" that way.

I couldn't forget the thumb!

Check out the other artists too! 


Tootles!
Fitz