Royal Wedding - Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

I consider myself a bit of a monarchist and I was really excited for the Royal Wedding. After a day of mourning, I removed the Canadiens nails and prepared for April 29th. I tried to represent Kate's engagement ring on the ring fingers, not sure if it's a pass or fail. C+W on the pinky fingers. I did a generic bride from behind given that the dress was (obviously) still unknown the night before the big day, but I got a bit of the a-line shape so success? Union Jacks on the index fingers. I went with Prince William's RAF uniform on the thumbs and chose wrong. He wore his uniform as the newly appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards.
I had fun with these nails, but they might not last long as I'm thinking of Playoff nails next... minus the Boston Bruins of course.

Montreal Canadiens - 2011 Playoffs - Round 1

It was a busy week. Vimy Ridge nails were removed on the 13th, Hillsborough nails were finished that night and removed on the 17th, and now it's time again for Montreal Canadiens nails. Classic logo design on the left hand. I had to take it up a notch though and did mini player portraits on the right. Price is (obviously) on the thumb, and from index to pinky finger there is Gionta, Cammalleri, Gill and Plekanec. I think these are competing for my all time favourites (to this point). With the series very sadly tied 2-2 at the moment, hopefully my unwavering dedication can help them win 2 more.

Hillsborough 22nd Anniversary

On 15 April 1989, 96 people (Liverpool supporters) were killed in a crush at Hillsborough stadium. It was the worst stadium disaster in British history and it has had a big impact on LFC. It is considered by many to be the reason Kenny Dalglish (Player Manager at the time) ended his managing career in the early 90s, the Sun newspaper's coverage of the event led many to boycott the paper (still ongoing), it is the reason the British top flights have all seater stadia - these are just a few of the impacts the disaster had on Britain. You can read more and watch videos/documentaries by visiting: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/history/hillsborough

There is currently an independent panel looking into the disaster and their report is expected to be issued early 2012. For the memorial this year I did Hillsborough nails. The torches are based off the ones on the Liverpool crest, the left hand has 96 (for the 96 killed) and YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone). The right hand has OPI's "Black Shatter" on the tips - interpret as you will, I saw it as constraints preventing justice for the 96 that are being pulled back as the result of the inquiry report gets closer (hopefully).

Vimy Ridge 94th Anniversary

I hate to admit it, but I didn't remember the anniversary of the Canadian assault on Vimy Ridge was coming up until midway through the first full week of April. So, my plans for the next design had to be delayed slightly since I can't not commemorate this date. And sure, that whole 'Vimy Ridge made us a nation' thing is just a myth, but the first time the Canadian Corps fought together is not, the victory is not, and the impact Vimy has had on defining our history is not. I feel like there should be the Canadian Red Ensign flying behind that bit of text. But I digress. The right hand is adapted from "The Ghosts of Vimy Ridge" by Will Longstaff (1931). The thumb is an approximation of the maple leaf that is on Canadian war graves. The left hand is text from the grave of a Canadian soldier (and others, I presume): "Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn." The thumb is just rows of crosses to pay homage to the killed and missing.

Tiger Stripes

When I returned from vacation I took a break. That is to say I had purchased OPI's "Black Shatter" polish and decided to do a test run before I incorporate it in a design (still to come). When that came off I had about a week before the next set needed to be completed so I remained simple. I wanted to do something orange and I've not done an animal print before so I thought I'd try tiger stripes. The design is based off the back of a tiger with the stripes centred on the spine, so to speak.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

So I planned a trip back to the province I grew up in that (not coincidently) coincided with the first Whitecaps game of the season and their first in Major League Soccer. As such I had to do Whitecaps nails. Being a procrastinator, they were done far too late in the evening the day before my flight so they weren't, perhaps, as polished as I would've preferred but I had quite a bit of fun with them anyway. And it was nice upon arriving in Vancouver that people actually knew what it was as opposed to just commenting on the nice design and asking what "Caps" meant. If it were possible for me to write "Vancouver Whitecaps FC" on a single nail, that definitely would've happened. But, it was a great game, with a fantastic final scoreline. Despite the fact that I'm a 'Caps fan, I'd been following TFC in the seasons before Vancouver was promoted. As such, it was good to be able to see De Rosario (who has since been traded to NYRB) alongside Hassli, DeMerit, et al. Definitely worth the trip.