4.13.2012

La Vie En Rose Tattoo (part 1)

I finally got the tattoo I've always wanted (well, I've had the idea for about 5 years)!!!  I wasn't exactly sure about what I was getting myself into.  I luckily couldn't remember the pain that is involved, but I was extremely nervous to say the least!  I made myself sick the whole day.  Zac even told me at one point if it makes you that sick why are you doing it?!?!  I told him he should have seen me the day we had our first date, haha and look where that turned out. :)  I was more excited than anything.


Tattoo shop


I had hoped I could get it done earlier so I wouldn't have to wait any longer, but to my horror we (Zac + I) had to wait another agonizing 30 minutes because he was doing another tattoo.  Haha.  I'm overdramatic aren't I?


Here we go!!! :)Fun stuff, haha


I made Zac hold my hand for most of it :)  He was also in charge of the picture taking.  Such a sweetie :*


Another one from yesterday :) #holdinghands


When he first started I thought OUCH, this hurts worse than I remembered!!! I have to sit here for an hour and a half of this?  Some parts were worse than others, but it gets easier the longer you sit.  I wished he had the time to knock it all out, but we just did all of the outlining + the lettering.  I get to go back in 2 weeks to finish it.  I can't wait to see it all finished.  I'm already in love with it.


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I found the phrase in this book when I was in college.  It is translated as "Life in Rosy Hues" or "Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses"; the literal meaning is "Life in Pink".  I love the color pink + most of my paintings all have that color in them.  I had skin cancer in 2005 + ever since then I've tried to live my life like I may not have a tomorrow (to a certain degree).  It may sound morbid, but it's not to me.  I need a constant reminder to lighten up + enjoy life (that's one of the many reasons I fell in love with Zac, because he has such a positive outlook on things).  I also wanted the tattoo to represent life + death.   


Lines done :) yay!


Most of the imagery came from Audrey Kawasaki's paintings, with the exception of the flower.  The flower (Scabiosa) came from this book + was in my wedding bouquet.  I'm so happy with how David (we became friends while getting our BFAs at the U of M together) at Underground Art put it all together!!!


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I'll do another post when it's all finished :)


*I can mark 24. Get another tattoo (the one I've always wanted) off my 28 before 29 list.



14 comments:

  1. I LOVE your tattoo. I am actually getting one in the same area soon and like you I can't remember the pain involved. It has been 10 years since my last one. You seem like you handled it really well, I hope I can do the same. I can't wait to see it complete:)

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  2. Awe, thank you! :)  You can do it!  At first I was unsure, but it gets easier.  Some parts are bad, but some parts you can barely feel.  Its really sore afterwards, but gets better in a few days.  Ive been wearing only dresses for the past week.  Good luck!  I cant wait to see yours.  I got back next Friday!!! :)  ♥Lindsay

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  3. Lindsay, it looks BEAUTIFUL!!
    You've seen pictures of me and know that I am VERY covered in tattoos- I still get extremely nervous and scared before each one- even after all this time. I guess it's normal? ;)
    And YAY for Audrey Kawasaki! Did you know that I have a a full sleeve of Audrey's work?

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  4. Thank you so much! :)  Thats good to know.  Im curious to see how I will be next Friday when I finish it, haha.  Since its been so close I think my nerves wont be so bad, but well see.  Yes!  I knew you had Audrey tattoos.  Shes great!  ♥ Lindsay

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  5. You're so brave and it looks so good! I really love your story and can't wait to see it finished!

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  6. Your tattoo is BEAUTIFUL! Seriously stunning. I love everything it represnts too. Just beautiful.
    I am loving your blog! I love meeting new Typepad bloggers too :) new follower!
    xoxo

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  7. Thank you so much! :)  Im so happy I found your blog today.  Me too. ♥Linz

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  8. Beautiful tattoo! La Vie En Rose by Louis Armstrong is my all-time favorite song. I found you through Natasha at Paper Crowns. So glad to have discovered your blog!
    Warmly,
    Elizabeth

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  9. It is such a great tattoo! I can't wait to see it all finished :)

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  10. Thanks Elizabeth! :) I love the Madeleine Peyroux version. I'm glad you found me! I will check out your blog too. ♥Lindsay

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  11. Thanks so much :) Me too! This FRIDAY!!! ♥Lindsay

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  12. Ohw wow! I always wanted the line -La vie en rose- as a tattoo and now by searching online I found yours! I love the lettertype they used...and it is so pretty! I want the same line on the outside of my arm :) thanks for the inspiration! Yours is amazing! And lovely blog by the way :) xoxo Davina

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  13. Thank you :) so sweet! The font is Porcelain I think.

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