Fan Friday // Mani-Pedi

So if you've been following me on twitter or instagram you might have seen some pictures/tweets about the nail class I am currently taking. In fact, take a look at this one & how funny nail shapes are.  Shortly, in addition to my BFA in ceramics I will be a licensed Nail Tech.  That sounds really cool, right? To be able to manicures/pedicures all day long? (Well maybe the mani part, still very undecided about feet.....)

I did my first 'professional' manicure on my room mate who chose a great mud brick red color.  The whole process from start to finish is not as intense as I thought it would be.  There is a lot more than just painting your nails.  That's only part of it.  Massage is another big part (which as a person who types all day, I can appreciate).  While doing the manicure on my room mate I had a tough time with the massage part.  Not enough pressure is my deal.  But I have about 1 zillion more practicals to do, so the only thing to do is get better!

Since starting this class I've been thinking a lot about fun manicures I'd like to do.  Since it is my sisters birthday over the weekend, I am hoping she'll be able to come visit so I can practice & giver her something really cool.  Looking around on Pinterest I found some great Mani-Pedi inspiration.  I've added these to my Manicure Pin Board:

source // source // source // source

The one on the upper right was popular in the 1930s where a rosy red polish came on the market (so says my book).  

By the beginning of the 1930s, the US has over 85 factories manufacturing millions of gallons of lacquer for the automotive industry.  This development in quick drying lacquers & pigments carved the way for today's nail polishes.  Max Faktor (the name sake of Max Factor) developed a cream to buff into the nail creating a rosy hue.  Nail enamel was later developed by Charles Revson (behind the name Revlon), his brother, & a chemist.  This was the first opaque nail enamel that was produced in a variety of shades.  And by variety, I mean shades of red: red, dark red, crimson, & vermilion.  Max Factor followed closely behind with his nail enamel.

Excerpt adapted from Salon Fundamentals: Nails

My room mate just got a plain ol manicure but I am hoping to see if my sister is up for a glitter looking one because I really want to try it out.

My Current manicure: OPI & Apple pie & Lighten up, You're Two Pence!

Nail Technology was something I was totally interested in when I was in high school, but was taking too many classes to be able to go to the vocational school.  I really am excited to be able to have a skill that is fun & could be a fall back if I needed one.

Do you get your nails done regularly?

Do you try to manicure at home? Have any tips?