happy saturday. XO.

i got lots of sleep last night & i feel like a new person! 

(these glasses aren't serious... i did wear them out once. but only once... ha!) 

funny story: the other day a girl at "anonymous-coffee-chain-place:D" told Jeremy she liked his glasses. but she was sort of laughing when she said it. it was awesome. she was trying to figure out if they were a joke or serious... and then she said "so, what's with those?". 

too funny. 

actually, i don't know why i'm still so obsessed with big glasses. 

:) 

anyone in Utah go to the chris merritt show last night???

i was so sad not to be there!! i've only seen him play once & it was amazing. 

ok... all i wanna do this weekend is make stuff with paint, thread, fabric and vintage paper. 

3 things that make me smile today: 

this vintage paint by number colorful street art

and this amazing stitched tree made with one of my embroidery patterns (link here)

also, as promised.... tattoo talk. 

(by the way... best quote from a random person of my week: "i love your tattoos, and i never say that." ha!) 

so, this is how it all started..... i designed a few tattoos and then started to get a zillion e-mails asking for designs. i'm overwhelmed, but also SO flattered. so, i've come up with a solution...more below. here's holly's tattoo... 

i love her tattoo so much. she had a dream last night for a new design. she's pretty amazing.... but i just wish she lived in my town :(. 

and here are some shots of my recent tattoos...

and one that i designed for ally.

also here are some tattoos that i did not design, i just think they are insanely beautiful. 

(please note: it is NOT ok to use these people's designs without permission. i am only posting them for their beauty & inspiration.) 

photo cred.

adore this style.

i've always wanted a space kid or a robot. this one is fantastic.

<3 

love lisa's ship.

this sister tattoo is amazing.

this one isn't real, but still lovely.

!!!

kayla's are loooovely. 

and silje's tattoos are the most beautiful ever. 

soo.... i want to make some tattoo designs that people can use. i can't do them for every individual (unfortunately...sad face) but this is what Holly did... she took several of my paintings, designs in to her artist and had them design her tattoo with those pieces. it is %100 ok with me for people to use any of my art as tattoo designs...it's a huge honor. i only ask that you send me photos after it's done because i loveee to see them! so, if you have a design request, post it here in the comments and i'm gonna make a few new designs, words ect, that you can take to your tattoo artist if you please. 

it's an honor... so thank you so much for all of the requests! :)

one more note: i am quite aware that tattoos are not for everyone and this post is only intended for people who find them beautiful. if you have a personal aversion to tattoos in general please do not leave a comment on this post. 

Hope your weekend is wonderful!!! 

Erin & I are adding new ACEO cards to the site all day today. :D 

Loves! Elsie 

 

Comments

[Sarah Fischbach]

hey girl.. i've been following your blog & shop for a while and i keep coming back to read and see your creations.. they are awesome! as are your tattoos. i would love for you to design one for me.. i already have two. my next one is going to be a tree with bare branches and some random leaves on it, with the word "HEALER" underneath. i can't design it myself and i'm having a hard time finding someone who can. i know you'd do an awesome job so if you wanted to draw up a design i would love love love that! i really need to get this tattoo and i would be honored if you'd draw it for me. thanks :)

[erin w.]

Hey Elsie...I just wanted to send a quick note and tell you and Jeremy thanks so much for a lovely evening the other day (and for dinner and coffee)...you guys are the best. You know you are totally awesome when people get tattoos of your designs and artwork. Wish you both the best best best.

[Katy Montgomery]

I have really been inspired by your personal tattoos with the polaroid camera and the thread. I have been trying to imagine a tattoo for myself that represents crafting but it's hard to think of how to represent what I like.......such as scrapbooking, photography, knitting and making crafts from recycled/repurposed objects. But I love looking at other "crafty" tattoos....especially yours. :) --Katy

[Leigh-Ann]

personally, i feel everyone should have a tattoo that says,
"neexxxxxxt"...
could there be sketches for that?
lol, you know i'm kidding.

love seeing all these pictures of you and girl jeans. i know that makes you so happy :)

ttys.

[Emily]

I'd never get a tattoo BUT I LOVE to look at them!

It's another level of art, in my opinion. ;o)

[tamy.]

i want a tatto of a photograph camera... do you want design this? *-*

[Sarah M]

I Love tattoos and just have one small one on my foot...but I want to get another--I LOVE your camera & threads--SOO cool and they seem to fit you perfectly (haha, just from what I "know" of you by reading yoru blog religiously!)! :)
Love teh post
My 'request' would be something to do with a treasure map/fairy tale/story book themes (like the peter pan stuff you make--SO awesome)
Sarah M

[Jen Seidel]

Wow, an open invite to tattoo your art upon our bodies w/no problems?!?! That is totally sweet! I never even thought of using my hobby as a tatoo. I have been raking my brain for years figuring out what I wanted to do...thank you for this post. Inspiration here I come... I love the words, create. Here are some more that I would want: dream, imagine, art, vision, inspire, live, love...thanks again!
PS My personal request: I have my son, his name is Austin and I suck at writing pretty (like the create up top in the picture)...that would be a huge honor if you could draft "Austin" for me...don't have to if you're busy with others....

[julie]

oooh also, i second sarah m's suggestion on the treasure map/peter pan theme..

[Anne]

If I ever got a tatoo it would be something like these. They are so beautiful, yet I may not have the guts... if I did, it would most certainly be in a place the rest of the world never got to see! Just there to make ME happy, you know... ;)

[madison]

these are all so beautiful. maybe since so many people are requesting your handwriting writing out the whole alphabet would be a good idea?

[melanie jennifer]

Have always loved your art! I've been wanting to get a third tattoo but have been puzzled as what I want. Secretly I have wanted to get a house; my maiden name is House and I want to pay tribute to who I am. But can not think of a cool/neat house design that didn't look stupid.

[Lauren]

those are the most amazing tattoos ever...

[JenCoen]

wow... really cool ideas (love kim's idea with the pink ribbon for breast cancer)... my one and only tattoo would be a small sun on my wrist (I have yet to find a "sun" design that I like). It's for my daddy... when I was born, he sang to me 'You Are My Sunshine'... the nickname stuck. :-)

[rumor]

alis grave nil -- nothing is heavy to those who have wings

alis volat propris -- she flies with her own wings

sic itur ad astra -- thus you shall go to the stars

Smuovere mare e monti -- To move heaven and earth.

or just... ad astra.

it means to the stars. love it. :)

[JenCoen]

oh, p.s. i meant to ask (and don't even know if this is the place to ask) but in your opinion... is Salvation Mountain a place to take kids (ages 8,9, and 10)? Thx!! :-)

[Melody]

I wish I had the guts to get a tattoo. I'm completely fasinated by them. I could get lost looking at those sewing tattoos. Oi...I saw a super cute one with yarn and knitting needles a few weeks ago. The artistry and color brought them to life in a way that just makes me happy.

Maybe I need to invest in a good sharpie tattoo artist for a few weeks just to see if I really want one.

Ok so I obviously want one....but no courage yet. Maybe someday.

[cindy barriga]

I am being truthful when I say that I am planning on getting a tattoo. The only problem is that I want a cupcake design but have not found one that I would like to get inked on me. It would be the greatest treat to have a design from you. I absolutely love all of your drawings. And yes all of the tats are beautiful. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

I would love for you to design a great sewing machine in your style for a tattoo, along with matching thread spools. I plan to do them on my shoulder and down my arm. I would also be interested to see your owl tattoo designs. I have words in three places on my arm & would like to have a sleeve of my interests, so i'm totally serious about using your designs, as I love your style. The other design I'm interested in is a swallow tail bird in flight in your style. Thanks so much!!!

[Kim]

The huge beautiful sewing machine is A-mazing. I am looking to expand one I don't REALLY love on my ankle..not ever sure how to embellish. Love your inspiration.