Custom Nail Art

Are you tired of spending $5.00 to $10.00 on so called custom nail art for which you have to "settle" on their interpretation of the design? Have you ever seen "something" and thought, OMG, I would SO love to have that as a manicure? Well, if you can find the image in high resolution (1024 x 768 - unless you know something the hubby doesn't), wish no longer!

Step 1 What You Need

You will need:
Fingernails (your own or purchased)
Polish Remover (Non-acetone for artificial nails, acetone - if preferred - for natural nails)
Isopropyl Alcohol
Q-Tips
Cuticle Scissors
Tweezers
Bowl with water
Clear Nail Polish
Base Colour Nail Polish (Preferably White or Silver)
Lazertran Waterslide Transfers (Purchase for YOUR printer, inkjet or lazer/laserjet!)
Paper Towels
Smooth File or Buffing Block
Patience
Time

Comments

[AussieAnglerGal]

i own the sally hanson skull and crosbones set, i got it for christmas
walked into a store the other day and their $14! i am definitely making these!

[AussieAnglerGal]

wow, totally cool...hmmmmm (brain cogs whirring) this needs some thought to designs...awesome
5/5 stars!!!!!

[Spyridoula Nemesis]

Thank you so much! I've actually gotten my hubby quite addicted to seeking out new nail images for me online, in his spare time!

[AussieAnglerGal]

hahaha, cool! this is such a great idea!!! i'll get the stuff and send some pics when i do it!

[Spyridoula Nemesis]

Fantastic, I can't wait to see what you find! Also, just a side thought, since the waterslide transfer paper will print anything that shows up as white as translucent once the lacquer is applied (because most colour printers don't print in white), one could even print small 'appliques' and apply them over a solid colour base, or even layer them over each other. That way you can have a compilation, all of which would relate back to the overall theme, without having to find that one "perfect" image on your own.

*Just remember that a light coloured base coat under your transfer paper is your best bet.

[AussieAnglerGal]

Ok awesome thanks! would scanned photos work?

[Spyridoula Nemesis]

Scanned photos would work, just make sure you're scanning at a high resolution. The more detail in the image, the better your final look will be.

[AussieAnglerGal]

wow Great, thanks!

[sailormoon22491]

This is awsome! I actually just tried out those nail art things for the first time the other day and loved them! I was lucky enough to find a nice lace set which matches my dress for my friends wedding but when practicing with the set I sat thier saying to myself I wish I could make my own. This is exactly what I was looking for! Awsome idea <3

[Spyridoula Nemesis]

Thanks! I'm right there with you, I only wish I'd figured this out before my "stockpiling" of all of the retail sets!

[Browncoat]

Genius use for water slide transfer paper!!

One question: What is the purpose of putting rubbing alcohol on the nail?

[Spyridoula Nemesis]

Thank you!

The rubbing alcohol helps to fuse the decal to the nail surface. Waterslide transfers act like - for all intents and purposes - paper and will fold over on themselves to bend round the corners. The rubbing alcohol allows them "relax" (for lack of a better word) and conform to the natural contours of the nail.

[Browncoat]

Thanks. That helps explain why one of mine DID bend up on itself & come off the window after a while. :)