Nautical but Nice! (Not) Friday Challenge!

This week's Friday Challenge was on the theme of NAUTICAL... BUT NICE. 

Yes, I know it's now Saturday! I usually do these nails on a Thursday night, but I was (ahem) otherwise engaged on Thursday and have only just had the chance to do these!  

I wanted to avoid the common theme in nautical nails of the blue and white stripes, and the anchors, much as I always like those nails when I see them on blogs.  I started by painting my nails with a base of OPI I Have a Herring Problem, a pretty dusky blue with lots of shimmer. Then I sponged a rough gradient over that using Zoya Sunshine on the tips and some Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream to lighten up the sky area.  I also dabbed on a bit of Barry M Lady, a white textured glitter, over the top of some of the Sunshine. 

I like how the glitter and the texture makes the sea look.  And I like how the sky came out - sort of blotchy and stormy, with the dusty I Have a Herring Problem peeking through the prettier blue.  I then used Barry M nail art pens in black and white to make the little boat, and added a few seagulls for good measure. 

I love this matte, with all the texture showing. But then I decided to try it glossy too, and I like it that way too!

What do you think?

My friend hasn't seen this yet - I hope I pass muster!  And I hope I'm forgiven for being late with the Friday nails; I did have a very good reason, honest!