Black and White and Beautiful All Over

I started a new challenge right away, solo and at my own pace, of course. I thought about a break between challenges, but I think the "rules" help me to branch out from using just my favorite colors all the time. I'm trying to go through this challenge using all untrieds or polishes I've previously only used for nail art or on one nail for a skittle.

The first day is Black and White. I love black polish on my nails; I think it looks elegant rather than goth, especially as a backdrop for some nail art. I've seen all sorts of beautiful art done with the paisley image from BM-315 and have been looking for the perfect opportunity to use it. So, here it is:

I was a little frustrated to see that I didn't aim right on my left thumb; Bundle Monster 2012 full-nail images just barely cover my wide thumbnails when I do get it lined up perfectly. Other than that, I was pretty happy with this. My base colors are Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Black Heart and my one and only OPI, My Boyfriend Scales Walls, which is thin and streaky, but well worth 3 coats because of its tendency to look white without being glaring. I stamped with Konad's black and white stamping polishes. I thought this design was eye-catching yet not obnoxious!

Redwall!!!

My little man requested for his 12th birthday that I stick to just one color of polish with no embellishments, and that he get to pick the color. Boy, was I surprised when he picked hot pink, and then wanted holo top coat on it! I weaseled my way into at least doing an accent nail, so since his party theme was the Redwall books by Brian Jacques, I tried to make Martin's sword.

I used Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Twisted Pink, topped with a holo top coat from Pretty Polish I got off eBay. I drew the sword with silver and black Sharpies and added a red jewel from Born Pretty to the pommel (which is too short, but oh well).

natural light

flash

I told my bud that after his bday, all bets were off on the "one color only", and I decided to try freehand French tips with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Black Heart. Not bad for my first try freehanding the tips, I think.  This shot was also taken with a flash, obviously, since it's a little washed out. I discovered that painting tips on top of a top coat gives me edge wear too darn quickly, so I don't think extending a mani's wear time with French tips is going to work for me.