Body Art (Tattoos & Piercings.. Got them? Not got them? Love them? Hate them?)

[Kelda]

So, since I'm on a roll with all these posts lately, i thought I'd start a new thread. About body-art.

What body-art do you have? Or would like? or have always fancied if you could pluck up the courage? Or do you hate the stuff with a passion!?!

I have my ears pierced one in each lobe as normal which I got done when I was 12, plus I have a hoop in my left ear up the top at the cartilage - like this photo here.

I got this done when I was 15 or 16. (This is not me by the way).



I also have my belly button pierced - I got this in my first year at uni - just before my 17th birthday. I keep a bar in it at all times.

Three years ago - I got my first tattoo, which I love!!!

I wanted something that meant strong woman (not physically but mentally) or something along those lines - and wanted it to be not a chinese symbol as I wanted something a bit different from the norm. I also knew that I wanted it in a bit of a different place than the norm too. Lots of girls seem to get things on the small of their backs. I didn't want to have at tat done there first. You know me, I like to be a bit different!

So I did a bit of research, (I didn't want 'chicken fried rice' on my body forever!!) and found a guy who runs a website to specifically design arabic tattoos.

I told him what I was looking for in terms of meaning and that I wanted something simple simple. And this was the result.

assaabirah - assaabirah is "patient, enduring, perseverant, steadfast woman".

It's strange, "patient" doesn't sound like a very positive trait of character in English, but "a.s.sabr" is positive for an Arab. This virtue
is mentioned sixty-two times in the Holy Qur'aan.

Tons of ink have been written about that virtue, it's central to the Arab culture (and to islam as well). A saying goes "assabr miftaah alfaraj",
which means "sabr is the key to peace of mind".

Because it is in roqah this means that most arab speakers will understand it. It is very clear. All literate Arab speakers should understand it.

In print, Roqah is like Helvetica and Naskh is like Times Roman. In handwritting, the most common  Western handwritten styles (Morocco, Algeria... ) look more like Naskh and the Eastern (Iran, Iraq,  Siria...) styles look more like Roqah. Everybody knowing can read both, anyway.

I actually drew this on my right foot (first the outside and then I decided I preferred it on the inside - easier to hide if I wish & IMO classier looking) and wore it round the house for a week before i got it done - just in case, so I could change my mind!

I can see why people get addicted to tattoos. In a few years I may get another on the small of my back - iI was thinking a few little music notes. We'll see!

The picture of my tat was taken not long after it was done - so its a lighter black now.

[moremojo]

I think tattoos can be sexy if they're not overdone (as in covering fifty percent or more of the body). Don't have any of my own, though, and don't imagine ever getting one. Never been into ear-rings, and seeing a guy with one really doesn't do anything for me (but not a turn-off either).

I positively dislike extended earspools/earlobes (though I think they look great on the Buddha), nose-rings, lip and tongue piercings, genital piercings, and split tongues-- I don't mean to dissuade anyone from pursuing these markings, but I do not find these attractive (but in most cases tolerable, except for split tongues, which I find repellent). One other body modification that I find distasteful is needless cosmetic surgery--it saddens me to see people not learning to love their bodies as they are. But I do think such a procedure is the individual's prerogative.

I have seen some beautiful temporary body art created with henna and indigo, which I find aesthetically pleasing and memorable, and potentially even sexy, just as tattoos can sometimes be sexy.

[Kelda]

My flaatmate during my first year at uni is a great girl - thoughtful, funny - but when I first told my Mum about her my Mum was worried - as she has lots of tats and piercings & is def a goth - but my Mum loves her now.

Her latest tattoo covers the whole of her back.. far too much IMO - but she loves it... this is it, her dragons wings - it took about 4 months as it had to be done in parts and she couldn't wear a bra for that whole time!

[moremojo]

These kinds of large-scale tattoos can be magnificent to look at, but their artistry comes at the expense of the body's own natural and artless beauty.

[Kelda]

I think the tattoist that did this can definitely be called an artist - no dount - but personally its not to my taste both in look at size. And as you say, it does take away from the natural beauty - I think the back is one of sexiest part of a women's body.

Jill and her husband love it so I guess thats all that matters.

[coffeecat33]

I don't have a photo yet - but recently I got my first tattoo. I thought about it for a long time then decided to "just do it." I have an ankle bracelet of heavenly blue morning glories. I really love it and it's gorgeous. It hurt rather a lot and I wondered about people getting many tattoos or very large ones but even as soon as this tattoo was done, I wanted another. At some point I'd like to get a morning glory vine on my forearm.

Aside from my ear lobe piercings (2 in one ear, 3 in the other) I have my eyebrow pierced with a ring. Lately I've thought about getting a second piercing next to the first but haven't decided yet.

I'll post a photo of my tattoo as soon as I have one. 

[Kelda]

yes please post a pic - sounds pretty!

[dot-matrix]

Well tattoo's seem to be a family tradition for the men in my family and it seems to be secondary to military service. My paternal Grandfather had 2 on his right arm, my Dad has 1 one each breast and 1 on each upper arm  and my Brother has one on his forearm.  I've passed on the ink but I do have pierced ears, 2 on the right, 1 on the left.  I do think that a lot of thought needs to go into the choice of  a tattoo because it will be with you forever and it changes as your body changes.   The blue birds on my fathers pecs with his and my mothers names under them have definitely blurred with age.  I remember how vivid they were when I was a child.

I find the Japanese style of tattoing beautiful but the gang stuff and anything on the face is a big turn off for me.  I agree that ear loops look great on the Buddah but are gross on most people and split tongues are revolting.  I also am disgusted by people who file their canines down to look like fangs and safty pins through the cheek. ::shudder::

[dot-matrix]

Know what though, IF I ever got a tattoo, I get it right here and I'd have a 2 small playing cards, a 2 of hearts and a 2 of spades for Jack and Ennis, a pair of deuces looking for work who found so much more. 

[ifyoucantfixit]

         Since when did patience become not a good trait to have...I think it is a necessity to have.  I salute you Kelda for having the
courage to do as you wanted, in spite of the way you think others might think about the term.....

[Cameron]

Great thread, Kelda!!

I don't have any tatoos, and I don't think I would ever get one, just not for me.  But when I was just out of college, I worked for a while in the Villiage (Greenwich Villiage, in NYC), which was then the coolest place on earth for sure. During that time I kept getting my ears piercied, so I ended up with five in one ear and six in the other, with the sixth earing up on top.  I wore earrings in all those holes at the time, all 11.  But then I went back to school and I starting taking them out, so for a long time I have only worn two earrings in each ear.  But that sure was a  fun time in my life.
 

[Kelda]

Yes, I think its really important to really think about it if you're getting ink done - a piercing you can take out but its a lot harder to remove a permanent tattoo.

As I say I had been thinking about it for a long time, so I felt comfortable that it was something I wouldn't regret a week later. And mine is a small tattoo - about 1.5 inches by 0.5 inches. I don't think I'd like a large one - they suit men better I think.

Thank-you Janice!

Do you think you could still get them in Marleen? Or have the holes closed up long ago?!

[delalluvia]

These kinds of large-scale tattoos can be magnificent to look at, but their artistry comes at the expense of the body's own natural and artless beauty.

Ditto.  I have nothing against them - both my siblings have one - but I will tell you for a fact that they do not age well nor take changes in body weight well either.

I like artfully placed tattoos.  Most people I see really into tats seem to have no plan, they just fill in a blank spot, so after they gather a collection of tattoos, they look like children writing on themselves randomly with a pen.

My ears are pierced once except for my left earlobe which the guy pierced off-center.  So about 6 years after I got them pierced, I had another hole punched in the left earlobe.  My sister did the same.  Now she is going to get her daughter's ears pierced the same way as well. 

A college friend of mine and I once thought of getting our belly buttons pierced, but I called around and checked with doctors - none of whom recommended it - and after hearing horror stories of public pus and knowing that the girl who sat across from me in invertebrate zoo class had lymph nodes in her groin swollen because of her recent piercing, I passed. 

[CellarDweller]

I have just one piercing, my left earlobe.


as for tattoos, I have 3, I got each one rather recently, and each one means something to me.

The first one I got, I got when I started my diet and exercise routines, I was at 285lbs, and 46in waist.  I had decided that I wanted to make changes.  Also, even though I had been out for some time, I was beginning to accept what it was to be a gay man, and so, I got this tattoo on my left arm....





Celtic knots on either side of a pink triangle, which is a gay pride symbol.



For my second tattoo, I decided to get it when I reached the mid point of my diet/exercise routine.  I had lost 50lbs by that time.  I got 3 Kanji on my right arm.




Reading from the top down, they say "Pride", "Strength", and "To Endure".



My last tattoo, I got after traveling to NYC, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, MD, to meet people from DCF.  Brokeback helped me get a lot of things in perspective, and I wanted to have a tribute to that movie, and all the wonderful things that have happened to be because of it, so I got the 3rd tattoo on my left arm, just above my first one.

[Kelda]

I'm at work son can't see the pictures (photbucket etc is not allowed here!) - but I ca't wait to get home and see them! (9 hours to go!)

[moremojo]

My last tattoo, I got after traveling to NYC, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, MD, to meet people from DCF.  Brokeback helped me get a lot of things in perspective, and I wanted to have a tribute to that movie, and all the wonderful things that have happened to be because of it, so I got the 3rd tattoo on my left arm, just above my first one.

Wow, this is the first I've learned of anyone with a Brokeback tattoo! That is just too cool! 

[Marge_Innavera]

What body-art do you have? Or would like? or have always fancied if you could pluck up the courage? Or do you hate the stuff with a passion!?!

I have a red-and-yellow tattoo of a lotus blossom on the back of my left shoulder that I've had for about 25 years now -- it's been touched up once, and definitely needs it again. Maybe next time a Brokeback-themed tat on the right???  And my earlobes were pierced for many, many years but afer 7 years of working full time at a museum where I had to wear a pioneer lady costume (no jewelry except on special occasions) I got out of the habit of wearing earrings and the lobes closed up. So that needs redoing as well.

As far as piercing in other parts of the body is concerned, I don't hate it; just think it looks kind of dumb.  Just a personal taste.

[Kelda]

wow! thats some tribute Celler!

so Marge - have you a pci you could show us?

[coffeecat33]

A lotus sounds like a lovely tattoo, Marge. I think it's wonderful you got a BBM tattoo CellarDweller - looks good!
 

[Brokeback_Dev]

I have three tattoos.  The latest one is on my foot.  Didnt hurt as bad as everybody said it would..

[Kelda]

Dev, you are one cool Mum!!

[mvansand76]

I wanted to get one of a small scorpio, the smallest there is, I mean TINY, but they said they couldn't do it, because it has to be a certain size and it was way too big for me. 

[delalluvia]

I wanted to get one of a small scorpio, the smallest there is, I mean TINY, but they said they couldn't do it, because it has to be a certain size and it was way too big for me. 

That's what happened with my sister.  She saw this really cool abstract design of a roadrunner and wanted a smaller version.  The guys at the parlor said it couldn't be done - which I had a hard time believing having seen all the tattoo TV shows and magazines where intricate designs are done.

All I can think of is that those guys couldn't do it.  They weren't artists, they were tracers, basically technicians.  I told my sister to hold off - I was buying her her tat to celebrate and commemorate her post-divorce single life - and we'd find a really good expensive tattoo artist and she could even bring in her own design, but she didn't want to wait.  So she got the roadrunner in its big size.

[Brokeback_Dev]

Dev, you are one cool Mum!!

Thanks Kelda!

[Kelda]

how small is tiny? My tat is pretty small.

[ifyoucantfixit]

       just over a year ago now, my grandsons best friend, was killed by a hit
and run driver, I know some of you have already heard this story, but bear with
me...he lived with my daughter and her kids for two years, so he felt like one
of the family.  He was from Hawaii, and when he died, all his brothers and all
his friends got tattoos in memoriam.  My grandaughter got one also.  I have never really approved of tattoos, but it was their choice, and if you are going to get one, I think that is the best reason I have heard yet.
     Her mom drew the picture, she took it to a very well know artist in the area
and had to wait for a couple of mos. for it, the woman is so booked.
It is a plumeria design, and i have to admit i think it is beautiful..

[Kelda]

Smellykellyjay - interesting that your nephew noticed your tat first - I was baby sitting my nieces - and my middle niece noticed my tattoo  - she must have been 2 or 3 at the time. I swore the kids to secrecy - it a secret - lets see how long it takes your Mummy and Granny to notice (as I though they would go off their heads so I thought well when they do notice - I can say well it isn't that bad cos I've had it for x months!) and it was about 2 months before they noticed and only through a hint from my bigger niece who gave it away!!

Janice - i didn't know about your grandsons friend.  Thats a lovely memorial.

[delalluvia]

That is a lovely tattoo and if one decided to get one, a memorial is a wonderful reason.

Too bad many many men - if they see a woman have a tattoo in that particular area - refer to them as "Tramp stamps". 

[opinionista]

I guess you can say I have another tattoo on my ass.  I sat on an ink pen when I was a kid, and it broke the skin, leaving a little blue dot.  It’s hardly noticeable.  It may have faded to nothing.  I don’t know.  I don’t look at that area too much. 

That happened to me too. I stepped on a ink pen when I was about 10 years old which broke my skin and left a black spot on my left foot. It has faded but I had it for quite some time.

[coffeecat33]

here are photos of my tattoo! it's a bracelet that wraps around my right ankle. I love it! Eventually I'd like to get a small vine tattooed around my wrist. Click on photos to enlarge.

[delalluvia]

That happened to me too. I stepped on a ink pen when I was about 10 years old which broke my skin and left a black spot on my left foot. It has faded but I had it for quite some time.

Talk about awkward.  I onetime noticed a similar ink dot on a lover's forehead - dead center - and wondered idly where he had gotten that.  His answer made me want to crawl under the sheets.

"Oh, that's the tattoo they give you so that they can line up the radiation machine at the hospital."

He had had a very late childhood leukemia. I felt about this . small. 

[Kelda]

Oh Del, I can imagine, but how were you to know 

[Kelda]

heh, thats entirely up to you!!

[injest]

I still have mine.  I was doing my all-over beauty treatment this weekend, and noticed it.  You want I should post a picture of it or something? 

LOL!!

[mvansand76]

here are photos of my tattoo! it's a bracelet that wraps around my right ankle. I love it! Eventually I'd like to get a small vine tattooed around my wrist. Click on photos to enlarge.

Leslie, that tattoo is beautiful, I love the colours!

I have always wanted a tiny tattoo but the things I want as a tattoo (a small pencil) can't be made as small as I want it.... 

[Kelda]

wow Leslie - the tat is cool - I don't think I would be brave enough to have it that big. You must get a lotta of comments on it

[Toycoon]

I love good tattoos! At one point, I'd seen so many bad tattoos that I wanted to become a tattoo artist just so I could give my friends good tattoos that were symmetrical and clean. I don't have any tattoos, myself. I can't think of any design that could live with permanently but hey, that's just me!
One of the best tattoos I ever saw was on this sexy dude at the gym. In Old English type, he had the phrase, "Give Me Sodomy or Give me Death" on his lower back. So hot!

[MaineWriter]

Lots of tattoo folks on this thread. I'm a piercing sort of girl, myself. LOL

I have five piercings: one in each ear, my navel, and my nipples. My ears were pierced when I was a teenager, by a friend, with a needle. I had my navel pierced in 1999 after I had lost alot of weight. The weight is back but the piercing is still there.

I had my nipples done a year ago. I had thought about it for ages but just couldn't find the courage. Then, last year, I had to have a series of mammograms over some "worrisome" spots. When I finally got the a-okay from the radiologist in August, I decided to treat myself to my long desired nipple piercings.

Just yesterday, I went and had the jewelry switched. The original piercing had been done with a 14 ga, 1/2" diameter surgical stainless steel ring with a captive bead (very typical). For my permanent jewelry (I am not into changing rings--I wear the same earrings every day, too!) I wanted gold. I found a very cool segment ring that doesn't require a bead. I chose the same gauge but slightly larger diameter, 5/8". It is amazing what a difference 1/8" of an inch makes! And the smooth round ring--very cool. Personally, I think they look great.



Of all my piercings, my navel took the longest to heal--close to a year.

To get the jewelry switched, I did go back to the piercing shop and I am glad I did. I would have been a nervous wreck trying to do it myself! And even though they are completely healed, it still did hurt a little bit. The other thing that has been on my mind is my annual mammogram. Do I take them out for that? After yesterday I decided no. I'd be too worried that the holes would close up and that I couldn't get the jewelry back in myself. And besides that, they are part of me. If the technician has a problem with that, well then, that's her problem, right?

L

[Kelda]

Of all my piercings, my navel took the longest to heal--close to a year.

To get the jewelry switched, I did go back to the piercing shop and I am glad I did. I would have been a nervous wreck trying to do it myself! And even though they are completely healed, it still did hurt a little bit. The other thing that has been on my mind is my annual mammogram. Do I take them out for that? After yesterday I decided no. I'd be too worried that the holes would close up and that I couldn't get the jewelry back in myself. And besides that, they are part of me. If the technician has a problem with that, well then, that's her problem, right?

L

So you don't change anythin but your earrings the rest you get switched at the shop? i find changeing my navel pierecing really really easy, but I can kinda understand the nipple one being a bit tricky. But they won't start closing up for at leats a week, I'd say.

And you're right as long as it doesn't interfere with the proper mamogram its the technicians problem if they dont like it..

[MaineWriter]

So you don't change anythin but your earrings the rest you get switched at the shop? i find changeing my navel pierecing really really easy, but I can kinda understand the nipple one being a bit tricky. But they won't start closing up for at leats a week, I'd say.

And you're right as long as it doesn't interfere with the proper mamogram its the technicians problem if they dont like it..

Tricky, yes, but I also don't totally understand how the jewelry works. (I hope this doesn't make me sound like a moron!) With the captive bead, the guy at the shop uses these special pliers. Even with the segment ring (the one I am wearing now), he held it gently with the pliers and slipped the little segment piece in. I am not sure how I would maneuver that to do it myself.

And my intent is to just wear these rings permanently. I didn't have them pierced with the idea of switching jewelry all the time. And I have NO interest in nipple shields (a la Janet Jackson). Yuck!

L

[Kelda]

Tricky, yes, but I also don't totally understand how the jewelry works. (I hope this doesn't make me sound like a moron!) With the captive bead, the guy at the shop uses these special pliers. Even with the segment ring (the one I am wearing now), he held it gently with the pliers and slipped the little segment piece in. I am not sure how I would maneuver that to do it myself.

Ah, right! Yeah this seems to be harder than a simple belly bar for example.

[Brokeback_Dev]

i have three tattoos.  One very large one on the inside of my right calf..  an Amy Brown fairy, for those of you who have heard of her.. 

i've had my nipples pierced, belly button, upper cartlidge on my right ear, and two other wholes in my ear.  First time i got my ears pierced i was 10 years old visiting Columbia, South America.  Traditional needle and lots of booze.  lol

now i only have my ears done..  i tried to push a ring through my belly button a few weeks back.. i miss it but it was too closed up... maybe ill have a peircer redo it

[Brokeback_Dev]

Leslie whenever i got a mamo done they always made me take out my  nipple rings
just so you know..  it may be diff for you sweetie

[Brokeback_Dev]

My first tat was done on my left shoulder 18 years ago adn i had it redone a while back.. its a nice size rose with my daughter's name Ashley inked in a banner through the stem..  My fave tat is the one on my foot.  its healing well.  Paid too much for it though.

[Brokeback_Dev]

My first tat was done on my left shoulder 18 years ago adn i had it redone a while back.. its a nice size rose with my daughter's name Ashley inked in a banner through the stem.. 

Wonder what her/his name will be when she goes through the transition?   I kinda like Ash..  thats a nickname i call her.... one of the many!   really gotta stop with the Missy nick and Miss nick.

[Kelda]

amy brown fairy?

Luckily for Ashley, her name is suitable for both sexes, so if she doesn;t want to change it, she doesn't need to.

[Brokeback_Dev]

my first tattoo

[Brokeback_Dev]

amy brown fairy?

Luckily for Ashley, her name is suitable for both sexes, so if she doesn;t want to change it, she doesn't need to.

Yes Amy Brown is a well known Artist who specializes in Fairy Pictures.  I found my Fairy tattoo in a book by her.

[MaineWriter]

Piercing and mammogram update:

I had my annual mammogram this morning. I had called last week to ask about the piercings and when I got there today, she said the same thing. First, can you take them out? I said I would prefer not to. Then she said, I can't guarantee that the radiologist won't ask you to take them out and I said, well, we'll cross that bridge if we come to it. And last, This may hurt more than usual...I don't know how tender they are and I said, I generally do not find mammograms painful.

And that was that. She did all the usual views, we chatted about the new digital machine she is getting in a year, and then she developed the films. Everything looked fine she said...this is in terms of clarity, not the radiologist's reading. I'll get that report in a few days.

Last but not least, the mammogram didn't hurt at all!

L

[KristinDaBomb]

I don't have any tattoos and the only piercings I have are my ears. :]

[Brokeback_Dev]

Here's a pic of my Amy Brown Fairy.  She's on my inner right calve.  It is big, and it did hurt.   She was done in about 4 hours in one sitting...

[Kelda]

wow! i love it! a little too big for me i dont think I could go through the pin but I love the colours and the lifelike fairy.

[Brokeback_Dev]

wow! i love it! a little too big for me i dont think I could go through the pin but I love the colours and the lifelike fairy.

Thank you Kelda.  I really didnt realize it was gonna be so big.  Oh well.  I love her!

[Kelda]

apparenryl it was world tatto day yesterday - anyone wanna show some more tats?

I just watched a few episodes of the current amazing race back to back and the fast forward on the race was to get a tattoo! they got a little tat with ff ina kind of celtic design.

[bec]

always wanted to get a tat but never had the courage (low pain tolerance) but i been thinking it more latley and decide to get one in the next few weeks.
as to piercings i have 3 in each ear lobe but one lot closed up years ago and another one in the top of my left ear which i got done bout 10yrs ago and last but not least my tongue done 5 yrs ago.
ah nearly forgot my nose which i ain't had much luck with twice in less than a yr and both times closed up with in a week, last time i got it done was just before Christmas and they didn't do it right.

Here's a pic of my Amy Brown Fairy.  She's on my inner right calve.  It is big, and it did hurt.   She was done in about 4 hours in one sitting...

love the fairy it's very cute, i was just talking with a friend today who was also talking bout getting a tattoo with an amy brown design, never heard of her b 4 today

[Kelda]

always wanted to get a tat but never had the courage (low pain tolerance) but i been thinking it more latley and decide to get one in the next few weeks.
as to piercings i have 3 in each ear lobe but one lot closed up years ago and another one in the top of my left ear which i got done bout 10yrs ago and last but not least my tongue done 5 yrs ago.
ah nearly forgot my nose which i ain't had much luck with twice in less than a yr and both times closed up with in a week, last time i got it done was just before Christmas and they didn't do it right.

love the fairy it's very cute, i was just talking with a friend today who was also talking bout getting a tattoo with an amy brown design, never heard of her b 4 today

go for it bec if you can do multiple piercings you can do a tat!

[bec]

go for it bec if you can do multiple piercings you can do a tat!

thanks for the encouragement 

[mvansand76]

Guys! I'm getting a tattoo next week. Been thinking about it for about a year now, and it's about time I got one... 

[Kelda]

Guys! I'm getting a tattoo next week. Been thinking about it for about a year now, and it's about time I got one... 

so is the scorpian?

[MaineWriter]

Guys! I'm getting a tattoo next week. Been thinking about it for about a year now, and it's about time I got one... 

Oh, tell us about it when you are done!

Oilgun posted on another thread that he is getting Heath's leaf tattoo tomorrow. Same place, same design.

[Brokeback_Dev]

I love Heath's tatoos.  Just goes to show he was just like the rest of us.  Pierced ears, tats, just like us.  I miss him.
I had my navel peirced which i loved, but one day after a shower it fell out and since I didnt put it right back in, it close up.  I probably never get it redone.  Also, I have my ears pierced, one has 3 and one has two.  My nipples were pierced for about a year or two.  No pics of that though. lol

[MaineWriter]

I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for years and years. I always said I wanted a sun tattoo but I could never find a picture I liked. Now, I keep looking at that picture of Heath's leaf tattoo and thinking, "Maybe I should get that one." I think it's very pretty. I wouldn't put it on my hand though. Maybe my upper back/shoulder. Thoughts, anyone? Anyone want to encourage me?

L

[Brokeback_Dev]

I have been thinking about getting a tattoo for years and years. I always said I wanted a sun tattoo but I could never find a picture I liked. Now, I keep looking at that picture of Heath's leaf tattoo and thinking, "Maybe I should get that one." I think it's very pretty. I wouldn't put it on my hand though. Maybe my upper back/shoulder. Thoughts, anyone? Anyone want to encourage me?
L

GO FOR IT!!   I think it would be a wonderful tribute to Heath.  I know how much you love Heath.  What better way to show that than getting his tattoo on your shoulder.. Yes definitely your shoulder.  Its a very pretty tat and it looks good on him.. I also love the one on his wrist.

[Kelda]

I have to say Heath's tatto is pretty - so go Oilgun!

But the placment of it wouldn't be ideal for most people - he was in a profession where he could 'get away' with it where it was but certainly I couldn't have a tat there.

There is a british presenter called Davina McCall - very famous - and in her youth she got a lot of tats done - she now has 3 children and quite 'sensible' now but i still quite like the one she has on her hand - its on her wrist so more easy to hide under a watch I guess than heath's.
http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo/celeb-mccall.htm

I think that tat should tell a story - and have a personal meaning to the person that gets it. I also think people should think clearly before getting them and weight up the pros and cons.

Your leaf could def tell a story leslie!

[MaineWriter]

GO FOR IT!!   I think it would be a wonderful tribute to Heath.  I know how much you love Heath.  What better way to show that than getting his tattoo on your shoulder.. Yes definitely your shoulder.  Its a very pretty tat and it looks good on him.. I also love the one on his wrist.

Then I need to find out how to find a good artist who will do a fabulous job. Any suggestions on that, Dev?

L

[Kelda]

So mel... photos of this new tat?

[mvansand76]

Here it is, it's a Japanese dragonfly design. I like the austerity of the design. I have always loved the symbolism behind the dragonfly, and have wondered if I should get one tattooed for years. My boyfriend picked a dragonfly for me as a piece of jewelry years ago. Plus, according to legend, when a dragonfly lands on your body, you will hear good news about somebody who lives far away, so I immediately thought of my sister who is waiting on the results of her first scan after 8 chemos!

This one took only 3 (!) minutes!

[Brokeback_Dev]

Then I need to find out how to find a good artist who will do a fabulous job. Any suggestions on that, Dev?

L

Make sure you have a good pic of the Heath's Leaf Tat.  Shop around for good artists..Tattoo artists online and go into shops.  The way I found the artist who did my Amy Brown Fairy tat was by seeing her work on someone esle.  I asked where they got their tat and went to the tattoo shop and met Siobon and went through her portfolio.   Most good Tattoo artists have a portfolio...   Never get a tattoo unless you've seen the artists work.!  Oh and BTW when you finally do find the right artist, dont be high or drunk while they are working on you.

[delalluvia]

Checked out that link Kelda.

Didn't know Jake had a tattoo.

[Kelda]

Checked out that link Kelda.

Didn't know Jake had a tattoo.

Neither did I! Do you think its real? It looks like part has rubbed off?

http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo/celeb-gyllenhaal.htm

Wow Mwl - I love it! So simple, but so right!

[mvansand76]

Neither did I! Do you think its real? It looks like part has rubbed off?

http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo/celeb-gyllenhaal.htm

Wow Mwl - I love it! So simple, but so right!

Thanks, Kelda!  The tattoo artist first put it with its head facing the top of my arm and it just wasn't right. I'm so glad I had my best friend with me, she told the man it didn't look right, so he put it the other way around and then started tattooing... 

That Jake tattoo isn't real, it could be for "Brothers", just like the fake tattoo in his neck.

[delalluvia]

I guess it's fake.  We would have noticed something that big before now with all the topless shots we have of Jake over on the Jake, Jake, Jake thread. 

[Kelda]

I got forwarded this from a friend (an ex actually) and the title said 'pork scratcings anyone?'

Warning - if you've got a weak stomoch you may not like seeing this.. its pretty graphic.

I'm going to put the finished product first and then get to the actual getting it done photos. So in reverse order to I saw them.....

Its something called 'scarification'.

This is a beautoful design on the girls back but by god I think shes mad - and I'm sure it can't be good for you.

[mvansand76]

I just threw up the entire contents of my stomach. Sorry to be so judgmental, but WHAT. A. FREAK.

[Kelda]

I just threw up the entire contents of my stomach. Sorry to be so judgmental, but WHAT. A. FREAK.

Sorry! I did warn you! Do you think I should remove?

[David In Indy]

Kelda, what is that stuff laying on the blue blanket? Is that her flesh?

This looks like self mutilation to me. You're right though, the final result is quite beautiful.

[MaineWriter]

The end result does look nice...at least in that picture. I wonder how it will look over time?

Here I am agonizing over a little leaf tattoo and people are scraping off entire chunks of their backs...okay....to each their own, I suppose. I can't imagine it, myself...

L

[Kelda]

Kelda, what is that stuff laying on the blue blanket? Is that her flesh?

mhhhmmm... yucky isn't it!?!

The end result does look nice...at least in that picture. I wonder how it will look over time?

Yeah leslie thats true.. as her sking starts to sag and things.... hmmmmm 

[mvansand76]

Why didn't she just get a tattoo of the bamboo? That would have been quite pretty, this is just plain sick!

[delalluvia]

I believe scarification is a time-honored tradition in some African/Polynesian/South Pacific cultures.

Ewwwwwwwwwww...the worm-like skin peelings were icky to look at, but it's just skin.

Just another 'tribal' self-expression. 

Yeah, it may not look great when she's 60, but neither will tattoos.

[David In Indy]

mhhhmmm... yucky isn't it!?!

It sure is! I've seen some gross stuff in my life but this is really yurp. 

God, that had to hurt like hell.

[Shasta542]

That would take some intensive care to keep from getting infected, wouldn't it?

[Shasta542]

Not nearly so extreme as the scarification, but still pretty dramatic:

[MaineWriter]

I've seen pictures before of those "corset" piercings.

Those are surface piercings, only designed to be in place for a few hours, or maybe a day or two, at the most. The body will start rejecting them almost immediately. It is a combination of how they are done (shallow) and the type of skin they are placed in (ie, not cartilage, like you would find in a pierced ear). They look dramatic but are designed for short term decoration. Even so, you couldn't talk me into it, even for a few hours!

L

[MaineWriter]

Have you heard of the guy called The Lizardman? (www.thelizardman.com). He graduated from my son's college, class of 1994. I have asked Lance if they ever mention the Lizardman as a distinguished alum....he says no. I wonder why? LOL

L

[Kelda]

The corset thing I've never seen - also quite pretty but not for me.

I know what you mean about rejecting them leslie - my flatmate (the one that had the dragon wings tattoi I posted at the start fo this thread) had a pierciong on her elbow and also in the fleshy/flappy bit between her thumb and finger - both of these grew out within about 2 weeks or so.

btw - its http://www.thelizardman.com/ (the link you posted is for a record company) I had heard of him, and the tounge thing and some implants under the skin but hes done a lot more than I realised - not for me either!

The worlds most pierced woman is based in Edinburgh, although she is Brazilian.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/11/13/1068674283575.html

["Joseph Golden"]

Hey, I just found this thread and i thought I'd add my two bits if that's alright.

I went though a little rebellious stage when i was sixteen. Without my parents permission. I got a eyebrow piercing and a labret a few weeks later. The labret hurt the most. Dear god..... It hurt..... 

I dont have them anymore, i kinda grew out of them. But i think they looked hot on me...... 

Tattoos on certain spots are nice. But i'm bot into piercings. 

[Kelda]

Hey, I just found this thread and i thought I'd add my two bits if that's alright.

I went though a little rebellious stage when i was sixteen. Without my parents permission. I got a eyebrow piercing and a labret a few weeks later. The labret hurt the most. Dear god..... It hurt..... 

I dont have them anymore, i kinda grew out of them. But i think they looked hot on me...... 

Tattoos on certain spots are nice. But i'm bot into piercings. 

I had to look up what a labret was - a lip piercing! Yeah, def some people really really suit facial piercings!

[Shasta542]

The worlds most pierced woman is based in Edinburgh, although she is Brazilian.

I wasn't aware that Brazil has the highest crime rate in the world, so I learned something.

And EEEEK -- 500 genitalia piercings!!!!!      OMG!! One is too many in my opinion. LOL

[Kelda]

The worlds most pierced woman is based in Edinburgh, although she is Brazilian.

I wasn't aware that Brazil has the highest crime rate in the world, so I learned something.

And EEEEK -- 500 genitalia piercings!!!!!      OMG!! One is too many in my opinion. LOL

my thought was how the hwell she fits them all in!!!!

[Shasta542]

my thought was how the hwell she fits them all in!!!!

She must have impressively large genitalia. 

[j.U.d.E.]

WOW! Eeew no! Five hundred?! No no..

I'm not into piercing really (don't have any anymore - got my ears pierced as a teenager because I was the last girl in class not to have them done - peer pressure. Never liked wearing earrings.. ). I have a tattoo though. It's on my left shoulder (or right?) - quite boring really. I had it done 10 years ago in July. I had never really thought about getting a tattoo until a friend from university showed me hers (on her hip) when it was freshly done (all a bit red at that point). That was 1992 or so. I forgot all about it, until I was in Tel Aviv in 1998. One street there was packed with tatoto shops. I went to a few of them and checked out the design samples. I was then suddenly determined to get a tattoo, but none of the ones in the sample books I liked. I knew it had to be small and monochrome (black). At taht time I was reading a book by an African author (Shafique Keshavjee - "The King, the Wise Man and the Jester") about a King who's nation is bored. He decides that his nation is in need of a Religion, but he can't figure out which one. He then invites one representative of each of the five biggest Religions and also an atheist. All of them are asked to talk to the King's nation to praise their Religion. I'm not telling you how it ends though..   

The cover of my book showed the symbols of those 5 Religions and that's what I wanted as a tattoo. I made a drawing and went back to one of the tattoo shops. They gladly agreed to do my little design. They then even asked me if I minded them taking a picture of the work done (I didn't mind!). The guys in the shop and the shop itself were quite 'weird'-looking  , but the guy doing my tattoo was taking the most care about hygiene and all. He threw away two new needles before using the 3rd one because he said they weren't right (I don't know what was wrong - he unwrapped them in front of me, so they were clean - I think they weren't straight enough - no idea).

I was glad to be there with a friend, because I might have chickened out at the very last minute. I was also glad my friend was there, because it DID hurt!! It felt like when you cut yourself with paper, but much more! ..

I have no regrets of having it done. The only thing I would do differently is the place on my body. I'd have it done in a more unusual place, but not sure where.

Leslie, I can't help you about deciding where to have the tattoo, but I'd say do it, definitely!!

I'm actually thinking about having one more too, now. In memory of Heath. Have a little idea of what, but not sure where to have it done. .. Tricky.

j. U. d. E.

[j.U.d.E.]

That's the tatoo I would/will get... Very small, in black and red. Not sure where though..



 

j. U. d. E.

[RouxB]

I sent my design to the tattoo artist last week-I'm waiting to hear back on how well it will work on my chocolate yumminess skin. Originally it was going to be just the two hats but now it  has become the entire story of my Brokeback love affair. It will be way larger than I thought it would be be it will be on my back so who cares? Plan A is the mountain (from the postcard) with the full moon (lovers' moon) from the tent scene 1 rising above it. This will be in the back ground. Above it and in the foreground will be Heath's dragonfly (on my right shoulder). Caught on one of the wings and trailing behind it will be the two cowboy hats attached to a string-Heath's wrist tattoo. Somewhere else in all this mess will be a shooting star. It all has big symbolism-and love-for me so I hope it works out. I tried to get an April 4th appt but had to go on a waiting list.
Wish me luck...

[delalluvia]

Good luck Rouxb!!

[yb]

j. U. d. E. - what about at ankle? 

RouxB - good luck with the design and the date of appointment, it will mean so much to do it on that day.

[forsythia12]

i like some tattoos, but i can't get one.  i'm allergic to the PPD, which is a chemical that makes the pigment stay.  i can't dye my hair anymore either, or else i break out in a huge rash.  some people who have this allergy have died from tats in other countries, like mexico, where vendors just approach you on the beach and the vendors never know because by the time the victim dies, he's long gone.  it can take a while to have a reaction.
anyways, i have to use a semi-permanent henna to die my hair, and it has no metals, ammonia, ppd, or anything else that's harmfull.  if i got a tattoo, i'd probably keel over.  apparently the ppd is a sensidine chemical, meaning that if you're exposed to it over a long period of time, you will become allergic.
so, since i'm an artist, i always wanted a tattoo, but obviously not do-able.  if i could, i'd like one on the small of my back....which is actually nicknamed a "tramp-stamp' around here, 'cause, well, most.....women of questionable "nightime professions" have tats on the small of their back........but, i don't care....i'd still get one there if i could .

i am currently designing for a friend.  she likes some of my ideas, so i'm working on one for her. 

[Kelda]

wow - Roux you'll have to show us a pic of the finished article - it sounds amazing - but intricate and therefore sore!!

I also like your new idea for a tat Jude.

Forsythia, interesting about the allergy and yes I've heard the phrase tramp stamp too!!

If I was getting another I'd get a monochrome one again and I think I'd get a musical note.

[MaineWriter]

So here's my update....

The most highly recommended tattoo place here in Portland is Sanctuary Tattoo. My daughter did a job shadow there last year and her friend Eryn's mom is *very* good friends with one of the artists, Jenn. I went online and looked at Jenn's portlfolio and then gave her a call and left a message. That was a few weeks ago.

Finally, tonight, she called me back. I kept meaning to call her and a combination of forgetfulness and "do I really want to go through with this" held me back.

Anyway, we started talking and I explained why I wanted to get a tattoo and Heath and etc. She said, "Oh my God, when Heath Ledger died, I cried for two days." I took this as a good sign of being on the same wavelength.

While we were talking, I emailed her the pictures of the leaf I want. We discussed placement and I ruled out on my hand (like Heath had) because I just think that might be too much for the first time out. Right now, I am pretty much decided on upper right shoulder blade. Jenn said we could size it up a little bit to be in proper proportion for the site, but she also said it is such a pretty and delicate tattoo, she didn't want to make it too big.

She had an opening next Tuesday at 5 pm (most of her appointments are booked out til June) so I am slotted for that. I realized after I got off the phone this is the same DAY (not the number date) that I left for my Euro-Brokies trip last year (and seeing the play in Holland). I flew out of JFK airport on Tuesday evening March 13th, so this is probably a good sign, don't you think? Same day? I pay attention to dates.

Now my dilemma, and this is where I welcome my BBM friends' input: how to do it. First is placement. Do I want the stem up or down, the leaf turned right or left? Then, color. Jenn had several suggestions: 1) exactly the same as it is; 2) more starkly monochromatic (black and white); 3) similar to what is already there, but adding more grey shading; 4) adding some color--maybe brown, for a leaf, or red, for Canada (and maple leaves--they turn red in the fall).

I have one week to ponder this. She did say that she can certainly offer good advice on size and positioning, but that color is much more personal. That is much more my decision--so.....

I welcome all of your comments and look forward to hearing from you!





L

[Kelda]

The second pic, stem up - like its falling from the tree is mya favourite.

I also wouldn't put any colour in it but thats just MO.

and yes - date nis definitely a good sign I'd say!!!

[mvansand76]

Hey Leslie,

I wouldn't add colour, you can always have that done later if you are not happy with it, but it's hard to take out when you are not happy with the colour, if you know what I mean? That's what they recommended me when I had my dragonfly tattoo. Now I have it only black and I am happy with that.

Uhmm.... let me see, I would say stem to the side... pointing to your shoulder...

 

Mel

[Penthesilea]

Anyway, we started talking and I explained why I wanted to get a tattoo and Heath and etc. She said, "Oh my God, when Heath Ledger died, I cried for two days." I took this as a good sign of being on the same wavelength

Leslie, I think you're in good hands with her and the date you'll get it done adds to this feeling. I really believe this is meant to be. Go for it!

L

I'd say no colors, stem up. Exactly as it is in the right pic.


Still thinking about mine...

[MaineWriter]

I found a red maple leaf on the ground today that looked just like the tattoo - only remarkable because I live in South Florida where there are very few maple trees and the leaves don't usually turn.  It looked just like a fall leaf from up north.

Up here we have "leaf peepers." Maybe you found a "peeping leaf"!

[MaineWriter]

Leslie, I think you're in good hands with her and the date you'll get it done adds to this feeling. I really believe this is meant to be. Go for it!

Thanks!

I'd say no colors, stem up. Exactly as it is in the right pic.

I am pretty much decided on stem up (right pic) but flipping it 180 degrees (sideways).

Hannah is going to help me do some photoshopping after dinner so I can try to see how it would look with color, without, different orientations, etc. I'll post pics.

L

[MaineWriter]

Huh? 

Peeping leaf... a leaf that made the trip from the north to peep at other leaves down south....

Oh never mind, bad joke.

L

[MaineWriter]

So, today was the day...here's the first look. Tell me what you think. I'll post more details tomorrow.

[Brokeback_Dev]

i'm happy for you Leslie!  Do you like it?  It turned out really awesome.  Maybe the artist could touch it up a bit with some shading.  I think Heath's had more of that.   Have you decided not to add color?  Way cool Leslie!  yay

[RouxB]

I'm such a mess! Leslie, it made me cry. I am so happy and proud of you and for you.

I can't wait for mine.

 

[mvansand76]

I'm such a mess! Leslie, it made me cry. I am so happy and proud of you and for you.

I can't wait for mine.

 

Are you getting a tattoo too, Roux? 

[MaineWriter]

i'm happy for you Leslie!  Do you like it?  It turned out really awesome.  Maybe the artist could touch it up a bit with some shading.  I think Heath's had more of that.   Have you decided not to add color?  Way cool Leslie!  yay

I decided to wait on the color. As everyone here said to me, I can always add that later. Jenn (the artist) said if I was at all ambivalent about the color, I should wait. So I did.

As for shading, Jenn thought that Heath's tattoo had probably faded a bit, since it was on his hand and exposed to light. She did my in "classic black" (her term) which is what she thought Heath probably had originally. I can go back and get a touch-up if I want. It's on the house (no charge) to get things fixed for the next six months.

L

[Penthesilea]

It looks awesome Leslie. Congratulations! 
I really love it 

[Kelda]

yay great L!

[southendmd]

I am ink- and pierce-free, but I know a great song I want to share with you:


[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4zRe_wvJw8[/youtube]

Lydia, the Tattooed Lady (sung by Groucho Marx in "At the Circus")
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, say, have you met Lydia?
Lydia The Tattooed Lady.
She has eyes that folks adore so,
and a torso even more so.
Lydia, oh Lydia, that encyclo-pidia.
Oh Lydia The Queen of Tattoo.
On her back is The Battle of Waterloo.
Beside it, The Wreck of the Hesperus too.
And proudly above waves the red, white, and blue.
You can learn a lot from Lydia!

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

When her robe is unfurled she will show you the world,
if you step up and tell her where.
For a dime you can see Kankakee or Paree,
or Washington crossing The Delaware.

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, say, have you met Lydia?
Lydia The Tattooed Lady.
When her muscles start relaxin',
up the hill comes Andrew Jackson.
Lydia, oh Lydia, that encyclo-pidia.
Oh Lydia The Queen of them all.
For two bits she will do a mazurka in jazz,
with a view of Niagara that nobody has.
And on a clear day you can see Alcatraz.
You can learn a lot from Lydia!

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Come along and see Buffalo Bill with his lasso.
Just a little classic by Mendel Picasso.
Here is Captain Spaulding exploring the Amazon.
Here's Godiva, but with her pajamas on.

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Here is Grover Whelan unveilin' The Trilon.
Over on the west coast we have Treasure Isle-on.
Here's Nijinsky a-doin' the rhumba.
Here's her social security numba.

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Lydia, oh Lydia, that encyclo-pidia.
Oh Lydia The Champ of them all.
She once swept an Admiral clear off his feet.
The ships on her hips made his heart skip a beat.
And now the old boy's in command of the fleet,
for he went and married Lydia!

I said Lydia...
(He said Lydia...)
They said Lydia...
We said Lydia, la, la!

[delalluvia]

Lydia, the Tattooed Lady (sung by Groucho Marx in "At the Circus")
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, say, have you met Lydia?

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

When her robe is unfurled she will show you the world,
if you step up and tell her where.
For a dime you can see Kankakee or Paree,
or Washington crossing The Delaware.

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Oh Lydia, oh Lydia, say, have you met Lydia?
Lydia The Tattooed Lady.
When her muscles start relaxin',
up the hill comes Andrew Jackson.
Lydia, oh Lydia, that encyclo-pidia.
Oh Lydia The Queen of them all.
For two bits she will do a mazurka in jazz,
with a view of Niagara that nobody has.
And on a clear day you can see Alcatraz.
You can learn a lot from Lydia!

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Come along and see Buffalo Bill with his lasso.
Just a little classic by Mendel Picasso.
Here is Captain Spaulding exploring the Amazon.
Here's Godiva, but with her pajamas on.

La-la-la...la-la-la.
La-la-la...la-la-la.

Here is Grover Whelan unveilin' The Trilon.
Over on the west coast we have Treasure Isle-on.
Here's Nijinsky a-doin' the rhumba.
Here's her social security numba.

La-la-la...la-la-la.

 

Sheer genius.

 

[Penthesilea]

I'll get mine done on Monday. I'm not saying anything about it yet 
But I'll show you when it's done.
Kerstin and I will go together, she's getting her third tat, for me it will be my first. I'm a bit nervous, because it'll be an armband, all the way round my upper right arm. And everybody keeps telling me how much it hurts on the inside of the arm 

[MaineWriter]

I'll get mine done on Monday. I'm not saying anything about it yet 
But I'll show you when it's done.

Oh, exciting! Good luck. I can't wait to see it!

Kerstin and I will go together, she's getting her third tat, for me it will be my first. I'm a bit nervous, because it'll be an armband, all the way round my upper right arm. And everybody keeps telling me how much it hurts on the inside of the arm 

You've had three babies. Trust me, the tattoo is small potatoes compared to that!

L

[Penthesilea]

You've had three babies. Trust me, the tattoo is small potatoes compared to that!

L

And two of them without Epidural 
That's what I keep telling myself. I think I'm only average sensitive to pain. But very vocal about it 

[Kelda]

I'll get mine done on Monday. I'm not saying anything about it yet 
But I'll show you when it's done.
Kerstin and I will go together, she's getting her third tat, for me it will be my first. I'm a bit nervous, because it'll be an armband, all the way round my upper right arm. And everybody keeps telling me how much it hurts on the inside of the arm 

oooh! cmon C tell! tell!!!

[Penthesilea]

oooh! cmon C tell! tell!!!

Damn, I was never good at keeping my trap shut 
Do you know the tribal armbands with a motive in the middle? It will be a purple flower, but instead of a meandering tribal around the arm it will be a variation of Heath's wrist tattoo; same lines but between them a rope as reminiscence to our boys. Looks better than it sounds.

[MaineWriter]

Damn, I was never good at keeping my trap shut 
Do you know the tribal armbands with a motive in the middle? It will be a purple flower, but instead of a meandering tribal around the arm it will be a variation of Heath's wrist tattoo; same lines but between them a rope as reminiscence to our boys. Looks better than it sounds.

Oh, sounds nice. But then I think any Heath tribute tattoos are nice! I can't wait to see the finished product!

[Kelda]

I'm not very good at imagining things but looking forward to seeing it!!!!  Sounds fab!

Oh, exciting! Good luck. I can't wait to see it!

You've had three babies. Trust me, the tattoo is small potatoes compared to that!

L

I was watching an episode of the amazing race today and this team of two sisters are doing a tax which involves crushing 15 trunks of asugar cane for the juice through this wringer thing and they're having a bit of tourble and one says to the opther cmon dig in - its like pushing our babies out - we can do it!

And the other one says (or should I say wails) I had a C Section remember!?!

 

[MaineWriter]

I was watching an episode of the amazing race today and this team of two sisters are doing a tax which involves crushing 15 trunks of asugar cane for the juice through this wringer thing and they're having a bit of tourble and one says to the opther cmon dig in - its like pushing our babies out - we can do it!

And the other one says (or should I say wails) I had a C Section remember!?!

 

Hahahahaha! I had one of each (c-section the second time). It still hurts, but in a different way. The first one, I pushed for 2 h and 21 min...trust me, a tattoo is small potatoes! LOL

L

[Penthesilea]

You're probably waiting for feedback - *sigh*

I haven't get it done today  .
We were there and the tatto artist told me my motive won't work. He said you can't do straight lines around the arm without anything that interrups them. He said they would never get really straight. I said it does not have to look like the lines were drawn with a ruler, but he said no.
Long story short, I can have my motive, but not around the arm, only as a stand-alone motive on the outside of the arm. Fine by me. It's not so important how far it goes around the arm; it's more important to me to get the motive I decided for.

But on Mondays they have only reduced opening hours because he is alone on Mondays. The studio was crammed with eight people waiting (he actually sent people away) and he didn't have the time to sit down and draw a proper tattoo flash from my layout/sketch. 

But I do have a fix appointment for tomorrow afternoon. He will have done the drawing till then.

Kerstin's tattoo was smaller and she had drawn it herself (a few scattered stars on the inside of the wrist, small ones only). So he did hers today.

I'm a bit frustrated. But if everything works out tomorrow like it want it to, it will be worth the additional waiting day.

[MaineWriter]

I am sure you are disappointed, Chrissi. But...you want it to be right. It is better to wait 24 hours! In the big scheme of things, 24 hours is not that long.

L

[mvansand76]

You're probably waiting for feedback - *sigh*

I haven't get it done today  .
We were there and the tatto artist told me my motive won't work. He said you can't do straight lines around the arm without anything that interrups them. He said they would never get really straight. I said it does not have to look like the lines were drawn with a ruler, but he said no.
Long story short, I can have my motive, but not around the arm, only as a stand-alone motive on the outside of the arm. Fine by me. It's not so important how far it goes around the arm; it's more important to me to get the motive I decided for.

But on Mondays they have only reduced opening hours because he is alone on Mondays. The studio was crammed with eight people waiting (he actually sent people away) and he didn't have the time to sit down and draw a proper tattoo flash from my layout/sketch. 

But I do have a fix appointment for tomorrow afternoon. He will have done the drawing till then.

Kerstin's tattoo was smaller and she had drawn it herself (a few scattered stars on the inside of the wrist, small ones only). So he did hers today.

I'm a bit frustrated. But if everything works out tomorrow like it want it to, it will be worth the additional waiting day.

Oh I can understand your disappointment, Chrissi, but I bet you will have it done tomorrow and be really happy that he thought this through with you!

Can't wait to see your tattoo! Good luck tomorrow!

[Kelda]

aww shame Chrissi - but yay for tomorrow!!!

[Penthesilea]

I am sure you are disappointed, Chrissi. But...you want it to be right. It is better to wait 24 hours! In the big scheme of things, 24 hours is not that long.

L

Oh I can understand your disappointment, Chrissi, but I bet you will have it done tomorrow and be really happy that he thought this through with you!

Can't wait to see your tattoo! Good luck tomorrow!

aww shame Chrissi - but yay for tomorrow!!!

Thanks for your words. I know you are right. Of course it's better to have a tattoo artist who clearly says what's possible and what not beforehand and tries to find a good solution together with the client, instead of delivering bad work.

And waiting for one more day is not too bad either. Luckily Kerstin was able to find someone to look after her kids two days in a row, *phew*. It's not easy to find sitters for five kids (mine are at their grandma's for three days, so it's a good opportunity).

I'll report back tomorrow.

[MsMercury]

As far as piercings, only my ears, three times. About 15 years ago I thought about piercing my nose. Just a tiny little hoop. However, that is about the time I started working in optical and they won't allow piercings or tats showing. So I never did get the piercing. I have 3 tattoos though. My first one I got when I was around 31.  It's on my right leg on the side of my calf and it's the chinese symbols for rock n' roll. Music is something very dear to me and I'm definitely a rocker girl!
I have the chinese symbol for courage on the back of my neck. It has to do with some stuff I went through years ago that nearly killed me but I managed to live through it. Long story behind it but that's the jist.
 My third tat is a dragon that is on the left side of my back. On the back of the shoulder. I love dragons and have always wanted a dragon tattoo but didn't want anything ornate or big. This dragon is the exact same one that Angelina Jolie has on her arm. When I saw her's years ago I knew that was the one. It's all black and it's small and simple. My bf and I both got the dragon the same day. I surprised him for his birthday two years ago. I'm ready for another tat but I'm not sure what yet.

[CellarDweller]

Leslie, your tat looks great!


Chrissi, you are right about the artist.  He/she will know what looks best and how to best lay it out.

Looking forward to pics of yours, too!

[MaineWriter]

Leslie, your tat looks great!

Thanks, Chuck!

One week today! It is itching a little bit but not too much. I can keep my hands away from scratching it...

L

[Kelda]

Some pics please Ms Mercury!

And Chrissi - *why are we waiting!!*

[belbbmfan]

Some pics please Ms Mercury!

And Chrissi - *why are we waiting!!*

Yeah, come on Chrissi, tell us all about it! 

[Penthesilea]

Ok, ok, here I am   


It's done! 

It almost didn't hurt. I was very surprised how little it hurt. Very, very small potatoes indeed.

I'm very pleased with the result, although she made a mistake. Instead of a small circle below the lowest line, she made a dot. But tell you what, I don't care. I think it's good as it is.


Here it is:



And that's how it looks on my arm:




The three straight lines are similar to Heath's wrist tattoo. I put the two top lines a bit more apart than Heath's were, because they get a little broader with the years and Heath's would have blended into each other (I HATE the "would have"  ).
The rope I put between the lines stands for our cowboys 

The flower - I just liked it, no special meaning behind it.

[MaineWriter]

Oh Chrissi, it looks great. I like the lines and the rope, I like the dot and I like the flower! Yahoo! Good job!

Any reaction from the family?

Now...good aftercare. No soaking in water, keep out of sun, and moisturize!

L

[Penthesilea]

Oh Chrissi, it looks great. I like the lines and the rope, I like the dot and I like the flower! Yahoo! Good job!

Any reaction from the family?

Now...good aftercare. No soaking in water, keep out of sun, and moisturize!

L

Thanks Leslie 

Family ... the kids haven't seen yet (and don't know anything) because they're at their grandma's. I think the girls won't like it, because they strongly opposed to the mere thought of me getting a tattoo. But that's ok, sometimes they also do things I don't like  . My little son will love it because of the flower and its color.

Jens likes it. He thinks it looks good (although he'll never understand the idea of getting tattoed). But he's fine with me getting one. But he didn't ask why I chose this motive or whether there is any meaning behind it. But knowing my husband, he probably figured it out. He knows much more than he lets out.
BTW, in the end I did tell him beforehand. Told ya, I was never any good at keeping my trap shut 

I'm sure my mother-in-law won't like it and my father-in-law will inwardly shake his head and think "she's nineteen, she can do what she wants" - but he won't say anything.

[Kelda]

looks great!!!

 

[mvansand76]

It looks amazing, Chrissi! Welcome to the club! 

[Penthesilea]

looks great!!!

 

It looks amazing, Chrissi! Welcome to the club! 

Why thank ya kindly Kelda and Mel 


It really wasn't a big deal. I wanted one for so many years, but never went through with it. In hindsight, I think it was because I had not yet found the right motive. I always had thought of an abstract tribal, without any meaning. Now I have a tat that has a meaning to me and this is much better.
I've thought about it for some weeks and last week I had the idea how to connect the different elements I wanted symbolized. Suddenly it was just right.

[CellarDweller]

Oh Chrissi!  I love it!

[belbbmfan]

It looks wonderful Chrissi. Congratulations. The flower is fantastic and very well done, i like th colour. And the rope, well, that's very fitting. Great design! 

[Penthesilea]

Thank you Chuck and Fabienne 

The foil  (saran wrap) makes me crazy. It rustles with every movement, and because it's so near to my right ear, I hear it very good. 
I'm counting the days till I can leave it off (Sunday!).

But everything is healing fine, it doesn't itch (yet?).

[MaineWriter]

Thank you Chuck and Fabienne 

The foil  (saran wrap) makes me crazy. It rustles with every movement, and because it's so near to my right ear, I hear it very good. 
I'm counting the days till I can leave it off (Sunday!).

But everything is healing fine, it doesn't itch (yet?).

They told you to leave the saran wrap on til Sunday? That's different from everything I read that said 6 to 24 hours. I took saran wrap bandage off after 12 hours (overnight).

Mine didn't itch that much, just a little bit on day 6 & 7.

L

[mvansand76]

Mine didn't have a wrap at all, but maybe that was because it was small? I don't know, mine didn't itch that much either, only after two weeks!

[Penthesilea]

Leaving the saran wrap for 4 or 5 days is the regular thing to do here. I've read it several times on different tattoo sites on the internet and it's also what my tattoo artist told me.

You leave the first wrap over night, then you take it off and wash the tattoo every morning and evening, then put some ointment (strange word, I looked it up, never heard before) on it and wrap it again.
I've been told that the saran wrap keeps the tattoo from developing an eschar.

Makes sense to mee. Additionally, the ink bled the first 1.5 days. Would have soiled all clothes without the wrap. But maybe this is because of the not-so-thin, solid black line I have. I think the other lines from the tattoo didn't bleed (much).

[RouxB]

Chrissi-it's beautiful, I really like it. I had my consultation for my tat today. My appointment is April 4th and I am planning a second one sometime in December to commenorate my 3 year anniversary of being a Brokie.

 

[Penthesilea]

Chrissi-it's beautiful, I really like it. I had my consultation for my tat today. My appointment is April 4th and I am planning a second one sometime in December to commenorate my 3 year anniversary of being a Brokie.

 

Thank you RouX  .
You finally succeeded in getting an appointment on April, 4th? That's great 
You're already thinking of December? That's what I call thinking ahead. I have my two yesrs anniversary today  .

[Kelda]

Mine didn't have a wrap at all, but maybe that was because it was small? I don't know, mine didn't itch that much either, only after two weeks!

yeah i didnt have a wrap either but again mine was my small....

[BlissC]

Well, I guess I'd better add mine to the list!

Got my very first one today! It's something I've been promising myself I was going to do since I turned 30, though I didn't know what back then, but circumstances and stuff have always meant that it's never been a priority, but in the spirit of "seize the day" I decided I'd better get on and do it, so yesterday I went to book me an appointment, and they managed to fit me in today (lucky I wasn't working today because it was the only gap they'd got for the next couple of weeks).

I loved Heath's leaf tattoo from when I first saw it, and knew that was the one for me! So here it is, my very own "Heath leaf" 

[southendmd]

Congratulations, Bliss, it's beautiful!

I love your "seize the day" attitude.

[Kelda]

Good on you Bliss! Leslie if this is not a reason to trade in those airmiles ti come to Brussels in August to compare tats I don't know what is!!!

[BlissC]

 

...and I'm already planning another one for possibly later in the year. 

[Artiste]

Too many persons have tatoos galore, as some bodies you can NOT see them anymore !!

[MaineWriter]

Good on you Bliss! Leslie if this is not a reason to trade in those airmiles ti come to Brussels in August to compare tats I don't know what is!!!

It is beautiful, Bliss! Congratulations...

Kelda, unfortunately, I am out of FF miles :-(

L

[j.U.d.E.]

Cool stuff Bliss! Cool stuff!

I haven't forgotten my plans for a tatoo. But I'm planning to have it done 10 years to the day (if possible) I had my first tatoo done. That would be the very end of July. It should be ready and still sore  at the August Brussels meeting... 

Way to go Bliss! Excellent!

j. U. d. E.

[BlissC]

Well a little update on mine. It's two weeks now since I had mine done. It's healed great and I'm really pleased with it. My parents weren't too impressed when they got back from holiday, but my mum said as long as I wasn't planning on getting any more....and sighed when she saw the look on my face! LOL. My dad still hasn't said a word about it, which generally means he's not impressed....but hey, I don't care! I think at 35 I'm old enough to decide what I want to do.

I'm undecided on whether to have the shading touched up a bit...Gary said the shading would fade a bit, and it has a little on the veins on the leaf. Mostly I'm thinking it's just fine as it is, but then sometimes I think maybe the veins could perhaps do with a little touching up, but I'm not sure. What do you think?

Then of course there's the issue of what I'm having for my next one (now I've finally gone and done it I want more!  ). Next year I want to have a small logo of the charity we've just started on my forum to coincide with our annual meet-up, and a little pink ribbon too to raise money for the local hospital's breast care service (my mum and her friend who both met when they were having treatment for breast cancer do a lot of fundraising for them), but I'd like to get something 'Brokeback' done as well. Not sure what yet...

Anyhow, here's the leaf two weeks on...

[belbbmfan]

I have to say it looks even better in real life than in the picture. Your tattoo artiste obviously knew what he was doing because it looks so natural, like a leaf fell down on your arm. It's very well done.

[BlissC]

Your tattoo artiste obviously knew what he was doing because it looks so natural, like a leaf fell down on your arm. It's very well done.

I was really impressed with him - the amount of time he took carefully re-positioning the tracing to get it right from all the different angles. I'll definitely be going back there for my next one (when I decide what I'm going to have)

[CellarDweller]

I was debating getting a 4th tattoo, this time on my shoulder, of a bear pawprint, but I backed out of it.  Not sure I want to label myself that way.

I was thinking that when I reach my weight loss goal, I may get one on my back, of a runner breaking the finish line ribbon.


something like this.......

[MsMercury]

I know what you mean, Chuck. I'm ready for a 4th one too but i'm not really sure what I want.

[CellarDweller]

ya know, I have heard that tattoos can be addictive.  I never wanted one, and now, I'm thinking about my 4th.

 

[delalluvia]

Anybody use or know about that UV or blacklight tattoo ink? 

Any risks involved?

I think it would be cool to have a tattoo no one can see except under black light.

[Kelda]

A vague friend had it done - so its certainly not a myth but dont know anything about it really.

[Kerry]

I don't have any tattoos or piercings myself but I am very attracted to men with tattoos. Not piercings, though. Personally speaking, piercings do nothing for me at all.

[Kelda]

Chrissi-it's beautiful, I really like it. I had my consultation for my tat today. My appointment is April 4th and I am planning a second one sometime in December to commenorate my 3 year anniversary of being a Brokie.

 

Royux - you never did come back and post the pic of your tat. Did you get it done?

[Kelda]

Well I asked my very tattooed friend.

You know any people who have lots - ask their advice! And then go see the them.

[MaineWriter]

I have never had a tattoo, never wanted one, and my husband was vehemently opposed, but now that he is no longer my husband, I have been thinking about it.  I have wanted a tattoo as a tribute to Heath, well, since January.  I even have it planned out in my mind and just need to sketch it.  Anyone know how to find a good tattoo artist?

I think the vast majority of artists and studios have web pages. Google some studios in your area, look at the web pages, look at the types and styles of the tattoos in the various artists portfolios. As you think about your design, look at the styles and imagine who could render that well. A real geometric artist probably isn't going to do well with/enjoy hearts, flowers, and fairies.

On the other hand, I think for a lot of us newbies, our designs are pretty simple and any artist with a modicum of talent and experience will probably be able to do it justice.

For me, my daughter had done a day-long observation at a studio, so that gave me a starting point. I did look at the various artists who work there and went with the "fairies" artist, for two reasons: 1) she was a woman and 2) I thought her love of flowers would translate well to my little leaf. And it did.

L

[Kelda]

bumping for Berit who got a tattoo today!

[RouxB]

Royux - you never did come back and post the pic of your tat. Did you get it done?

Yes, I got it. I think the pic is posted somewhere in HHH

[Monika]

a few pics from this Sat in Stockholm. This was my first tattoo and I definately had some anxiety going in to it, but I found the whole experience very intense and emotional. Sonja and Berit were also there. It was very special.

[Monika]

With permission I´m posting a few pics of Berit too

[Monika]

And here is the finished result



(Berit - I don´t got a good one of your finished tattoo!)

[Berit]

That doesn't matter, the leaf is the same!! I'm so happy for it!

[Sophia]

I am very impressed that you guys did it!  


the resultat is very lovely, I like it a lot.

[Sophia]

what a about the pain?
who did go first? How long did it take?

[Kelda]

great photos! So matching tat but in different places?

[Monika]

Ouch...

[Kelda]

Not a great tat.. a shame considering the obvious meaning to the tat.

[Berit]

We went together, Monika got her first. I have mine on the upper part of the arm, Monikas is below the elbow. Mine did hurt some, the skin is thinner where I put it but it was not a big deal. I'm so happy for it and to do it with Monika and Sonja was spot on!! I keep singing "I feel pretty, oh so pretty...", I really feel that way!

[Sophia]

Ouch...

it makes you wonder how the person really feels inside.

I am also so happy to say, I don´t feel that kind of bitterness.

[Sophia]

We went together, Monika got her first. I have mine on the upper part of the arm, Monikas is below the elbow. Mine did hurt some, the skin is thinner where I put it but it was not a big deal. I'm so happy for it and to do it with Monika and Sonja was spot on!! I keep singing "I feel pretty, oh so pretty...", I really feel that way!

Did it hurt so much that you had to say ahh? Were you nervous while you waited?

I am so happy for you that you feel satisfied and pretty. because its a very beautiful tattoo and it defines you in a very lovely way.  

[Sason]

I've never seen someone getting a tat before.

So even if I didn't get one myself, it was a first for me too.

And I feel very honoured to be there with Berit and Monika,
and to share this special moment with them.

[Berit]

And here is the finished result



(Berit - I don´t got a good one of your finished tattoo!)

Today my - and Monikas - tattoo became one week old! I'm so happy to have my beatiful leaf on my arm an in my mind I'm planning for the next one!

[Monika]

Today my - and Monikas - tattoo became one week old! I'm so happy to have my beatiful leaf on my arm an in my mind I'm planning for the next one!

  (((Berit))
I´m also feeling open to the idea of another one. It´s somewhat addictive

Is your tattoo healing properly?

[Berit]

   (((Berit))
I´m also feeling open to the idea of another one. It´s somewhat addictive

Is your tattoo healing properly?

Yes, it is healing fine. I'm so pleased with is. I've started to think about a bracelet now....

[Sason]

Happy one week birthday, tatoos!   


(I'm sure my soothing songs have something to do with the successful healing....   )

[Penthesilea]

Yes, it is healing fine. I'm so pleased with is. I've started to think about a bracelet now....

I'm thinking about my next tat since I got my first one (April 2008). A bracelet has been on my mind for a while. But some day I might want to apply for a job again ... so I'm hesitant about a bracelet.

And happy first week anniversary for you two .

[Penthesilea]

what a about the pain?
who did go first? How long did it take?

I was surprised how fast it was.
About the pain: depends on what part of your body gets tattooed. But in general, I think people imagine more pain that it is in reality. My tat is on the outside of the upper arm and it almost didn't hurt at all. Only a little bit really.
Greanted, it's one of the less painful areas, but measured by this experience, it can't be too bad in more sensitive areas.

[Penthesilea]

Thought this might be the right place, and my Brokie friends the right audience, to get some FB about my tattoo ideas.

Here's some pics of bracelets I like:













The last one is my favorite so far. I like the simplicity of it. The general idea is to get something like twine, but instead of flowers added, I would rather add five leaves. The five leaves would stand for the five members of my family (but of course the association to Five Leaves didn't escape me).

[Penthesilea]

Another idea is a regular tatto, instead of a bracelet. Could be done either on the inside of my wrist upwards (like in the pic). Or a bit higher, but still below the ellbow, and on the outside of my forearm. Or starting on the inside and winding to the outside.

Here's one I like:



What I don't like in this one are the black endings , whatever they're supposed to be. But I like the lines combined with the dots.

[Penthesilea]

One last idea I'm mulling about (for more than two years now ).

At the Roundup 2008, I bought this pin for my handbag:




This, on the inside of my right wrist. I'm aware that it would not be possible to tattoo all the details, they're too tiny. But a pair of boots, standing like this and with embellishment.


You feedback is welcome!

[Monika]

Another idea is a regular tatto, instead of a bracelet. Could be done either on the inside of my wrist upwards (like in the pic). Or a bit higher, but still below the ellbow, and on the outside of my forearm. Or starting on the inside and winding to the outside.

Here's one I like:



What I don't like in this one are the black endings , whatever they're supposed to be. But I like the lines combined with the dots.

I really like the dots very much too in this tattoo. Makes it more interesting.
Thanks for sharing your ideas Chrissie

[Monika]

The last one is my favorite so far. I like the simplicity of it. The general idea is to get something like twine, but instead of flowers added, I would rather add five leaves. The five leaves would stand for the five members of my family (but of course the association to Five Leaves didn't escape me).

that´s my favorite too. I like the simplicity and the fact that it almost look like a regular bracelet. That´s one thing I like about Heath´s wrist tattoo; from afar it looks like a bracelet. It works almost like an illusion.