I do know. And this
is about my experience with getting a tattoo, something I’ve wanted to do about
fifty years now. This was on my bucket
list with a few other things that I’m not sure I’ll get to, but we’ll see as
time goes on.
Now, getting a tattoo isn’t an awful experience for those of
you who think it might be. This wasn’t
ever a fear for me, although I’m not that fond of needles. My issue was obtaining approval, which
wouldn’t have been needed if I’d done this year’s ago. None of that is important now.
The finished tattoo. I love it!
When hubby gave me the gift certificate I couldn’t believe
my eyes! I was ready to get out of the
house and do it that day. Perhaps I
thought this opportunity would vanish if I didn’t act as soon as possible. So I did go to the place and introduce myself
and told them what I wanted. They set
the appointment for the next day. I was
so excited.
My neighbor went with me because she wanted to see it done
and didn’t have anything else to do that day.
I had to lie on a massage type table on my stomach after the guy showed
me the design he’d drawn up and we decided on colors. He uses the color wheel so everything matches
in complimentary hues. Then of course
placement as to where on my shoulder I wanted it was discussed. My neighbor gave her input too, which I was
thankful for. After all, this was so
important to me and was finally happening after all these years.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. First (after my approval) they make a copy of
the design on paper that actually transfers the artwork to your skin. The paper is then peeled off and the image is
there, as if it’s drawn on paper. I
guess this is similar to putting decals on a T-shirt.
This is the decal the artist will follow
Now this whole procedure took three hours to do from start to finish. I almost fell asleep on the table, no kidding. It felt like he was drawing on my skin as he inked in the design. It took a long time to do the black. The color was done with four-needles-in-one. That part just felt like scratching as if you had an itch and you scratched it. None of it hurt. These needles are very tiny.
Ben working on my tattoo
Drawing the outline came first
Wrapped in saran wrap
A lot of black ink washes off on the first washing. That’s the excess ink along with plasma that comes to the surface. He said that was normal and it would take two-four weeks to completely heal.
As I’m writing this, I’m at the end of week two and it’s
still peeling because a tattoo is similar to sunburn. By the time you read this I’ll be at the end
of week three.
Anyway, so much for my tattoo story. I love it and have had it three weeks now and
am following instructions that Ben gave me.
I have to wash it four times a day with anti-bacterial soap, air dry and
then apply a thin layer of aquafor for four weeks. Black ink did get on my pillow case the first
week because of the aquafor and probably more excess plasma, but it washed
right out and it’s not doing that anymore.
It’s more in the itchy stage now.
If anyone out there decides to get a tattoo, don’t scratch
it so you won’t ruin it and do your homework so you go to a reputable place.
Looks really pretty! Very nice design and I like all the coloring on it :) Glad you had it done! I wanted a small tattoo at times in a place like a shoulder or by my ankle but hubby doesn't like tattoos so I decided to honor his thoughts about it and not get one done. If he passes before me and I'm still "young" enough, then I might consider it then :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Betty,
DeleteThat's exactly what I thought I'd have to do because hubby doesn't like them either but finally relented after forty years. I thought I might be the oldest lady in the tattoo parlor later.
Sunni
I used to want a tattoo on my wrist, years ago, but never did. However, my younger daughter has several, which we wouldn't let her get til after she was 18. It's body art to the new generation, not so much a rite of passage for guys as it used to be for the male sector. It looks very nice on your shoulder, as if it alighted there for a moment.
ReplyDeleteDG,
DeleteI love it and have wanted this butterfly since I was a teenager. The guy did an amazing job with the shadow.
Thanks you. Sunni
That is the cutest! It pretty much is painless. I was surprised by that when I got a dragonfly tattooed on my arm. :)
ReplyDeleteChrys,
DeleteIt's way more painless than I thought. I can see why people have them all over.
Thanks for reading.
Sunni
Glad you found a place that takes sterility seriously. I've heard some places aren't regulated, so they reuse needles and such. But it sounds like that place didn't.
ReplyDeleteNice butterfly.
Liz,
DeleteThey have a health certification on the wall and are inspected all the time, the guy told me. The place has a very good reputation.
Thanks.
Sunni
Wow! Beautiful tattoo. The artist really did a great job. It looks 3D! I'm glad you checked that off your 'Bucket List'. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteVashti,
DeleteThe artist did an amazing job! I just love it! 3'D is what I wanted. I've recommended him to several people since, so if they all follow up he should be real busy.
I'd love to get another one, but will mull that over a while. This butterfly was on my bucket list and not several tattoos. LOL
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Sunni