So...I finally did it! I have been wanting a tattoo since before I was 18...I always knew what the main concept would be for it.
I am anxiously waiting for the room to get set up...
Sara says I should do a before pic...so I do...of course, I have to take a deep breath to hold in my stomach...and to hold it enough, apparently I need to look to the heavens as well...also, don't worry I assure you this will be the most skin you will ever see of me in this blog...
David Bruehl is the tattooist...He is very talented! Here is David's sketch:
Now the stencil is being applied...so to answer the quiz...the tattoo is going to be placed over my right hip:
I'm checking in the mirror to see what I think...cause it's permanent, you know...
Yeah...Thanks to Sara for your viewing pleasure...You will get to see my initial reaction to the start of the tattoo...my expressions are funny...I had to psych myself up or something...you'll see that I start to go to town on my gum...but I didn't even tear up through any of the session...though there were some areas that were more tough to bear than others...no worries...you'll see some grimacing pics....
When I would turn to the left...I would get to see Sara...It looks like she's in a picture frame...I really appreciate her documenting this for me :)
Here's one of the grimacing pics...I had to focus and go to a quiet place for a few seconds...
the lining is now finished...
Another sensitive area I guess...
Now the color is being added...I really think I was a trooper...
Now it's finished!!!
This is directly afterward...yes it's red and there is blood...
Here it is the next day...See, I'm hardly red at all anymore...
In case you are wondering...yes, the feather is because of my name and Eva was my mom's name. To know more about her story and to understand why I added that element you can click here.
This process was not "just to get a tattoo"...It has a much deeper meaning to me. The overall experience was great...sure there was some discomfort...but I think it was well worth it! I am proud that I did it and I think it looks awesome!!!
Michelle said...
Yeah, I'm glad you didn't make us wait too long to see the pictures.
I love the feather and the special addition of your moms name. It is really beautiful.
November 11, 2008 at 6:54 PM
brainella said...
It is gorgeous. You are a brave soul, and you did really well. I'm so glad you shared your experience with us.
November 11, 2008 at 7:54 PM
Kristin said...
love it. he did a great job.
November 11, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Melodie said...
It's pretty!
BTW, I love your current playlist!
November 11, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Anonymous said...
love it!
November 11, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Us said...
Well, it's just lovely! I like the feather! Perfect! I commented on your tribute to your Mom post. xo
November 11, 2008 at 8:32 PM
He & Me + 3 said...
Wow! You are so brave! It does look nice though:)Very cool!
November 11, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Marchelle said...
i love it! what an awesome way to remember you mom!
and you are a BRAVE girl to put your tummy on here! i won't be doing that any time soon! ;)
November 11, 2008 at 8:50 PM
♥ Becky ♥ said...
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! That is so bitchen!!!!! Way cool and way to honor your Mother!!!
November 11, 2008 at 9:25 PM
Its Me(SARA) Behind the Camera said...
You're Welcome! :) I love the pictures, and it turned out AWESOME! I know my parents will be talking about that for a while, since they already made you show it to a Nurse! LOL
November 11, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Jen Sue Wild said...
Great pix!!
Wow you are a brave girl!!
Being new to your blog I loved that you added a link to the story about the loss of your mother.
It touched me very much..
What an amazeing way to honor her..
Great TAT!!
November 12, 2008 at 12:43 AM
~Trish~ said...
Stopping by from SITS, I LOVE this tattoo! Such a great meaning and it turned out so nice!!!
November 12, 2008 at 6:48 AM
Tracy said...
I love the tattoo!
I went and read this post on your mother, got me crying here this morning ... bless your heart!
Here's a big hug from me to you.
Hugs,
Tracy
November 12, 2008 at 7:05 AM
The Happy Mom said...
Saw your comment on SITS so I had to come and see your new tattoo. Such an awesome way to honor your mother! Very cool! :)
November 12, 2008 at 9:13 AM
Rachel Ann said...
Popping over from SITS!
That is a great tattoo. They are worth the pain...and believe me you'll want another soon!
November 12, 2008 at 9:43 AM
jennykate77 said...
I already told you, but I'll say it again...I think it's gorgeous! So beautiful! Love the documentation...nice job, Sara :)
November 12, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Anonymous said...
I love it! I am so proud for you. You made me cry in your blog. You know the thing I love about you is that you are not afraid to live life to the fullest and you squeeze every bit of meaning and purpose out of the moments. Thanks for inviting me along. You are amazing!
Love ya,
Farah
November 12, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Abounader Photography said...
You are very brave and that feather is really beautiful!
November 12, 2008 at 10:12 AM
www.AForestFrolic.typepad.com said...
Beautiful tattoo in remembrance of your mother. Nice that you had a friend there to document it. Okay, I'm drying my eyes now...but my nose is running, ha.
November 12, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Katie said...
Stopped in from SITS. You're so brave. I LOVE tattoos, but I can't think of something I want on my body forever...that's awesome you thought of something with such meaning!! Congrats!
November 12, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Briya said...
THAT is a really beautiful tattoo.
November 12, 2008 at 6:40 PM
Jennifer said...
TOTALLY AWESOME tattoo!! I love it and I think it's supercool your name is Feather!
I really want to get a tattoo--but I'm waiting until I think of the *perfect* idea.
I'm going to read the post about your mom now.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!!
November 12, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Anonymous said...
Ouch! But gorgeous tat
November 12, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Anonymous said...
Found you through SITS. I love your tattoo. The story about your mother was very touching. ((HUGS))
November 12, 2008 at 8:31 PM
feather k said...
Thanks to you all!!! I appreciate everyone's comments regarding my mom and my tattoo...Your encouraging & thoughtful words do mean a lot!
November 12, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Anonymous said...
WOW! I LOVE the tattoo! It is beautiful! I'm proud of you! The story is beautiful and touching. I am glad you did it! I love you!
~Jen
November 13, 2008 at 6:49 AM
Lo said...
gorgeous!!! i've always liked feathers. :) i love it. and the placement is great. it's kind of a sensitive spot tho!! i have stars that go up my whole right side- from hip to where my bra is- and i laughed thru the whole thing. but i'm kind of a weirdo like that- i LIKE the feeling of tattoos. hehe.
great job!
November 13, 2008 at 12:35 PM
The Rantings of a Drama Queen's Mum said...
It came out awesome. I love that you added your Mom's name.
November 14, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Anonymous said...
Feather,
It is beautiful, and the meaning behind it is the most beautiful part.
Susan H.
November 18, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Megan said...
What an awesome tattoo! Going to read the meaning behind it now...
March 9, 2009 at 1:09 AM
Eve said...
That looked like a painful process, but I love how it came out!
March 9, 2009 at 1:28 AM
cat said...
Once again, you are very brave. Beautiful tatoo!
March 9, 2009 at 2:00 AM
AP Mommy said...
Wow the color is amazing!
March 9, 2009 at 2:22 AM
Island Girl said...
It looks great! I could never do it though - terrible fear of needles...eeekkk!
Congrats on your SITS day!!
March 9, 2009 at 7:26 AM
Melissa Papaj Photography said...
Wow! That is so special and I love the design! It makes me cherish my children because you never know how long you can hold them. :)
March 9, 2009 at 7:41 AM
Maridith said...
Hi Feather- wow you are a brave lady getting a tattoo. I have often thought about getting one although I can't think of a design as symbolic as yours. It makes since a Feather for your name and in memory of your mom. My name is Maridith (boring), plus I am a big chicken when it comes to pain. Thanks for sharing your story!
March 9, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Kati said...
Yea! How excting! Your featured!!!
March 9, 2009 at 8:08 AM
Shanda said...
I lost my mother when I was 20. You were a trooper!!
Congrats on being featured!!
March 9, 2009 at 8:34 AM
Jennifer said...
That is beautiful. What a way to honor her. I love tattoos. I have 12! I have my next one planned. A tribute to my brother who passed 5 years ago at 29 y/o.
March 9, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Stacy Uncorked said...
What a beautiful tattoo! And I love how meaningful it really is...thanks for sharing the story of your mom, too. ((HUGZ!!))
Happy SITS Day! :)
March 9, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Heather said...
So when are you getting another one? You know you picked one of the most painful places on your body for your first tattoo? You're hardcore!
March 9, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Anonymous said...
beautiful tat!
March 9, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Anonymous said...
here from SITS
awwwwwww it's beautiful!!
March 9, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Unknown said...
Stoppin' by from SITS - you are one tough cookie! What a beautiful tattoo!
March 9, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Days of Whine & Noses said...
Love the tat and the meaning behind it.
I just got my 5th tattoo last July when I was visiting home in Chicago. My cousin has his own shop downtown Chicago which is doing very well, I might say! He's fantastic. The latest one is a tribal tat with yellow/orange roses and 2 hearts with both of my daughters names on the scroll wrapped around it.
My 1st one was on my stomach area like yours, and it was the most sensitive area! (ying-yang symbol with a starburst around it...this is all in black ink except for the skin color showing through half the symbol)
March 9, 2009 at 9:17 PM