Painted Lady

I have been deciding whether or not to write a blog post about my own tattoos for a little while now. They are something that strangers ask me about a LOT and are a big part of my life, look and personality. Some of them have meaning and some of them I got simply because I like the way they look. Well, I like the way all of them look - but you know what I mean!

Take my first tattoo. I didn't so much dip my toe in as much as throw both legs in as I got two stocking seams topped with bows (of course) etched on the backs of my legs. While my peers were getting minuscule stars tattooed on easy-to-conceal parts of their bodies in an experiment to see if they liked getting tattooed and/or cheese off their parents a little bit, I knew that my first tattoo would need to be something I really wanted, and wouldn't regret later. I adore retro fashion, 1950s pin-up culture and burlesque style so stocking seams were the perfect choice for me.

It hurt like a mothereffer, but that was to be expected. I'd never been tattooed before and was having my Achilles heel and backs of my knees tattooed! I was pleased as punch with the end result (still am...) and even though it hurt, it was worth it. Plus - my seams are always straight now! I know some people who say they enjoy the feeling of getting tattooed, 14 tattoos later I don't think I can say I am one of those people but it certainly did hurt a bit less as time went on and it's is definitely bearable now. Since then, I've enjoyed decorating my body with lots of bright and feminine pieces, such as sweets, animals, a Russian nesting doll, lipstick and an antique perfume bottle. I know that there will be many more to come which is always exciting to think about!

Tattoos are certainly not for everyone, and even though I have a fair amount (I wouldn't describe myself as heavily tattooed...yet. But I'm on my way there) of them, I always give each idea plenty of thought (normally at least 6 months) before booking the next appointment. I've never got a tattoo on a whim (I might one day but for now research and planning is my motto!) despite what people might think. I am no authority on tattoos, but sometimes people do ask me for advice and I always say to people to think about what they want to get. Simple advice but oh-so-true.

I was inspired to write this post and particularly explain my first tattoo (seeing as it gets the most comments) after being introduced to Things & Ink magazine a few months ago. Things & Ink is a magazine that celebrates women and tattoo culture and if it was possible to have a crush on a wad of paper, Things and Ink would be my new sweetheart. In a world full of tattoo publications that seem to be mainly aimed at males, it was wonderful to come across this little gem. It's smart, beautifully written and printed on high quality paper. And did I mention the flawless photoshoots?

Another thing I love about this magazine is that it is the first time in ages that I've read a magazine and felt like I could relate the content. Some of the contributors (whether writers, tattoo artists or clients) are even people that I recognised and admired before reading their articles in Things & Ink. As well as content about tattoos and getting tattooed, Things & Ink also feature beauty, homewares, music and art. For me, it's a brilliant balance and it's rare to find a magazine that ticks so many boxes. Each issue so far has had a theme  - my favourite has been issue 3, The Love Issue. This issue celebrates love, in all shapes and forms, and the tattoos that can be created from love. A real joy to read!

Things & Ink is published every quarter and costs £10. A tenner for a magazine that delivers so much high quality content really isn't asking that much nowadays - a copy of Vogue will set you back four bucks now and that's published each month! I would recommend picking up a copy, it's refreshing to see tattoos depicted as beautiful and feminine and unique - everything I see them as myself.

Have you read Things & Ink? Do you have any tattoos yourself? Who is your magazine sweetheart?

Thanks for reading!