Does anybody do their own nail art (gems, painting, airbrushing)? I wanted to get some books at the library that would show me how to do this. I always see people with nicely decorated nails but I do not want to spend a lot of money since I have a budget and this would not fit it. Any suggestions?

I have used the nail art decals before. That is really the way to go in my opinion. I am not artistic enough to paint designs. Plus the nail art decals are cheap and easy to apply.

There is this thing my mom picked up at a women's expo that is a stamp. You put special polish over the design, then pick it up with the rubber mallet/stamper, and press on your nail.
http://nailartstamp.com/My_Homepage_Files/products.html

Also, Klutz, the company that makes hands-on instructional books for kids, has a nail-art one that comes with some colors as well. The ideas are really neat inside, but I'm personally not skilled enough to pull them off.
http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Channel-41116-Nail-Art/dp/B000068E63

I had a book like the kids one when I was little. It did give me good ideas so when Christmas came around I always made snowmen using the end of a paintbrush to make circles and toothpicks for the details.

I've tried the nail sticker thingy, Revlon actually have a couple ones that are really pretty, one is white and one is black. I found using the stickers much easier than trying to paint some design on my nails. Or you can use nail gems for some decoration too.

I also agree with the nail stickers. They are easy and look great. Just apply the sticker to the painted nail and put on a clear coat. I've found good selections at Walgreens and Wal-Mart. Cute flowers/daisies and kinda basic little whimsy designs.

Anything too themey...like animals, poker-playing, I (heart) NY, etc. is not attractive in my opinion...but basic designs not overdone are cute.