What baby wore wednesday

Today has been a tough day. I'm trying to write a post about it but I'm stuck for words. Maybe once I've had some sleep I'll be able to find what I want to say.

IQ has managed to dirty two outfits today. This gorgeous bodysuit is what she ended the day wearing. Hubby bought this from a tattoo convention back in May. I love it as it suits us two as tattoo fans very well.

My Polynesian Tattoo

I'd like to share my polynesian sleeve with you all. It's been finished since November but I've only recently taken pictures of it in its completed state. I had it designed and completed by Mike at Spike at the Art in Plymouth. It took five two hour sittings to complete.
The worst bits were my inner arm, by my armpit and the inside of my elbow. Not necessary the crack of my inner elbow but the sensitive bits above and below it.
It has lots of meaning and it took me a good six months of research to decide on the different elements and their positions.
I have to give pretty much all of the design credit to Mike though, as without him, it would be nothing like it is today.

It's a book thing

After finally telling people about my book idea things have started moving really fast. It's scaring me a bit!
I've got working on the ideas and doing some research. I've posted a few bits on Facebook, asking people random questions about tattoo. The response has been very warming and overwhelming. Although many people don't know why I'm asking the questions, they all seem more than happy to participate. I thank them all for it. It has reassured me that there are lots of people out there who are happy to help, even if they don't know me very well or the reasons behind the questions.

The main questions I have been asking are "what was your first tattoo, where did you get it done and what was your reasons for getting it", "what questions would you ask a tattooist before getting a tattoo" etc etc. The responses have been funny, cringe worthy and informative.

A few examples:

"My first tattoo is of a phoenix on my back, I got it as a reminder that no matter how bad things get you can always bounce back because good things happen too"

"My first tattoo was of a flaming skull with V8 engine on its head. I got it done on the back of my left shoulder when I was 17 two days after coming back from a life altering trip to South Africa"

"Is this going to hurt?"

"Do you have a steady hand?" 

Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far, it really means a lot. If anyone on here wants to add anything, please do :) 

Things are also moving a lot faster than I expected. My boss spotted the research on Facebook and asked if it was work related (as it was posted when I was supposed to be in work) I freaked out because I thought she was angry but I told her the truth. She got very excited about it and told me that the company I work for could really help me out. So she asked me to write a brief about the project and send it to my colleague (who sits opposite me). This morning, he knew nothing about this book even though I've been working with him since February. Now he knows exactly what I want to achieve and how the company is going to help me achieve it.

My boss also said that she "knows some people" and that the likely hood of her getting this book published was very high... all she asks for in return is for some mention of the company somewhere! So, thank you Harri and Fundamental Amp for providing me with an amazing place to work, support on projects outside of work and encouragement that I could actually achieve something out of this. You're all amazing :) 

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Exciting times! *does a little dance* 

Last night - Sewing and tattooing

Last night was very fun indeed. Andi was downstairs tattooing himself and I was upstairs sewing. I've got my creative mojo back! Whoop whoop!

He did a really beautiful rose on his thigh, just above the knee. He did the outline at some point last week but decided at 9.30pm last night he was going to colour it in. It's not completely finished but looks amazing.

I created a new skirt for myself last night. I bought some yellow Dr Martens Mary Janes a little while ago and I very rarely wear/buy/make anything yellow, so I was a bit bummed that I didn't have anything that matched.

Usually my outfits are carefully co-ordinated, shoes, top and jewellery usually all match. But I have nothing that matches my beautiful Mary Janes. So I thought I'd make something.

Now, I'm not usually very good at just whacking something together from scratch. I like to carefully plan, create a pattern and then sew. But last night I just reached for the scissors and started cutting! I made the skirt using a light brown/yellowy corduroy and a black stretchy t-shirting material.


The aim was to have a very twirly, ruffly pixie style skirt with asymmetric hems in two layers, the corduroy on top and the black material underneath but a little longer, so it pokes out.


I'm so pleased with myself because it turned out EXACTLY how I wanted it too, even a bit better. I've still got a little bit of sewing to go, I am going to embroider around the bottom of the corduroy with yellow and green stitching. Tonight, I'm going to finish it off. Once it's complete, I'll post some pictures and a little tutorial on how I did it. (I hate posting pics of unfinished work!)


So... how is everyone doing, anyone else had their creative juices flowing this week? x

The darling husband and his darling tattoo machine

I have to say... watching the hubby sit and tattoo a grapefruit has to be one of the most entertaining things I've ever seen!


The fruit is perfectly poised on his knee, being held with a firm but tender hand as he impales it with colourful ink.


Probably going to be the most beautiful grapefruit I've ever eaten :P