New 31DC: Black & White

So, a new year, a new challenge!  While it got a little overwhelming at times, I loved doing the 31 day challenge in October.  It really pushed me to try new things, some with great results and others with really great...lessons.  So, when I saw that The Crumpet had compiled a new challenge, I figured I'd give it a go!  It will be really nice to do this with people, too!  So, for day 1, we are doing black and white nails.  Here's to a new year filled with class:

 

 *1 coat Hard As Nails Hardener
*2 coats Sinful Colors Snow Me White
*Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Black Out

I decided to give little tuxedo nails a try--it felt appropriate for New Year's!  I used Snow Me White as my base and left it crisp as a cream finish (normally it feels a little too harsh alone).  I used the brush from Black Out to paint on the "V" for the coats and a small nail brush for the bow ties.  This time a tried a new technique that still isn't perfect, but was much cleaner than my last bow.  I painted the 2 straight ends of the tie and then an "x" between them to help make the triangles.  On my ring finger I added a black rhinestone for the know, but it's hard to see, so I skipped the rest of the nails.

I spent more time on clean up than I usually do and am going to try to be more patient in that respect.  However, I freehanded when I should have taped off clean lines because I couldn't wait for my base to dry, so there is still some room for improvement in the waiting department...

So here's to a new year, a new challenge, and new skills along the way!  Are you giving the challenge a go?  I can't wait to see what you come up with!