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!

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

Find an online template like this one or create a template in Photoshop; this is most definitely NOT the template I used (I happen to be in possession of an awesome hubby who is no slouch when it comes to Photoshop!) but it will suffice. Once you have your template set up, find your images.

Now that you have a template and an image, (for this Instructable, and in honour of what would have been my Papa's birthday on 1/15,) I have chosen Papa's family tartan with the family Coat of Arms (on the thumb).

Print your image on waterslide transfer paper and cut out of template. 

Paint your nails with a white or light coloured basecoat that will complement your image.

And, I mean actually DRY, not dry-ish.

Soak your waterslide transfer in water (for 30-60 seconds) and place on a paper towel to dry, then slide off the paper backing.

Soak a Q-tip in Alcohol. 

Liberally cover your fingernail in alcohol (via the Q-tip).

Place the "waterslide" transfer image over your natural (or purchased) nail. (Use the tweezers.)

Soak the fingernail in Alcohol. 

Make the waterslide transfer conform to the shape of your nail.

File off the free edge and coat with clear polish.

Do not let the finished, painted nail come in contact with ANYTHING WHATSOEVER, until it's dry.  

If you do, pray that you have a matching "patch polish" on hand.

And, voilà! You have your own image on your nails!

The only limit is your imagination!

This is the template that I use. Photoshop CS3 or newer. Photoshop current up to CS6.