Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Henna Cone - Easy to use - Fine Lines - No hand cramps.


I was browsing to see see what sorts of henna kits are available for sale now (and of course to see where my page was in the engines) and I notice alot of kits offer the jaquard squeeze bottle, and some offer different tips.

I still use the plastic cone for henna, and the the cellophane cone for gilding. I make my own cones these days using 1 mil. plastic & a heat sealer. This way I can make the cone as wide or narrow as I prefer... and I know the seal will last. This method does create a seamed edge, but when filled with henna, twisted shut & sealed with a rubber band, I just turn the cone so that the seamed edge faces away from my client. The closeup photo below shows this.

I like it that I can roll the rubber band down the cone as I run low on henna. This helps me keep an even pressure on the paste, draw faster, cleaner lines and best of all... no hand cramps!

An extra advantage is that if I make too many cones, or just have a bit of great paste left over, I can wrap the henna cone in plastic wrap, tuck it into a freezer bag, freeze it, and then have henna for that "Oh I just need a quick design" moment that seems to happen in the summer.

Currently I offer two cones in each of my Artists Henna Kits. The cones are washable and reusable. I cut a very littel bit off the tip of one cone for finest lines, and cut more off the second cone to have the broad tip for tribal patterns & bold henna tattoo.

If you would like to see more photos of a henna artist at work.. visit this slide show from a Saturday at the Midnight Sun.

Sun Tattoo

Sun tattoo is very popular and common that it is hard to find a distinctively unique sun design. There are many reasons why so many people choose sun symbol for tattooing. It is various according to the person’s culture, beliefs, and personal preferences.

The most common reason why the sun tattoo is still very popular in the first place is that the sun symbolizes vitality and the cycle of life. The sun shine is shine representing that life is short. Therefore, it is suggested be lived to the fullest. The rising of the sun means a new day is about to begin. The worries of yesterday should be a thing of the past. This then serves as a reminder to enjoy the sun while it is shining.


In the ancient times, a sun tattoo could also have deeper spiritual connotations. A sun tattoo represents divine power and the bearer usually holds a position of authority within their religious circle. The sun would rise again after a night of darkness symbolizes the sun’s ability to give life. This sun tattoo also symbolizes immortality, and reincarnation.

In the Asian culture, there is Yin-Yang philosophy, the good and evil symbolism, and the symbol for balance. There is sun tattoo combined with moon tattoo. This combination is believed to be a union of the male and female power, sexually and spiritually speaking. It also fit for the philosophy of yin-yang.

Sun could also be considered as a symbol of light and goodness. It is pureness of the soul, or at least an attempt to emulate the concept of goodness. Therefore, some people especially the intellectuals or those who fancy themselves as one, the sun tattoo have the meaning of learning and knowledge for an ignorant mind, just as the sun would bring light to darkness.

Sun Tattoo
Sun Tattoo
Sun Tattoo
Sun Tattoo

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian tattoos and body art have a history of thousands of years and experience a renewed popularity since the 90s, together with other tribal tattoo styles. Aloha!


There’s more to Hawaii than flowers and leis, after all – the Hawaiian islands are part of a larger chain, the Polynesian Islands, which include other island cultures such as the Maori and the Samoan, tribal communities with a rich tattoo tradition.

Tribal Hawaiian arm tattoo
All of these cultures were famous for their tattoo art. Modern tribal tattoos are based on the traditional tattoo art of the Polynesian islands, and Hawaiian arm tattoos represent both the popular culture of Hawaii and the older tribal traditions.

In a sense, it’s natural that Hawaiian tattoos are so popular right now. Other Hawaiian designs and styles – like Hawaiian shirts – have had their day and currently have a strong retro appeal. Hawaiian arm tattoos are also a manifestation of the resurgence of ‘Tiki’ culture, so popular in the 1950s and 60s.

Hawaiian Tribal Tattoos
Tattooing was an important aspect of the Hawaiian culture, just like anywhere on the Polynesian islands. The Hawaiians even have tattoo gods and each time a member of the community gets a tattoo, prayers had to be done in the temple.

Hawaiian tribal tattoo art, known as Kakau, has been practiced for thousands of years and for a variety of purposes:
* Personal identification: unlike other Polynesian tattoo styles, Hawaiian tattoos are used for personal identification (instead of ceremonial purposes).
* Talisman: tattoos were believed to offer protection.
* As a symbol of mourning for a loved one.
* Adornment

Kukui Nuts, Used in Hawaiian Tattoo Ink

The Hawaiian tribal tattoos were mostly black, the tattoo ink was made of a mixture of kukui nuts and sugarcane juice.

Getting a tattoo in a tribal community was not a very pleasant occasion, modern tattoo equipment was not part of tribal life. Instead they used sharp and pointy parts of animals, like bird beaks and claws, that were connected to a branch and hit with a mallet.

The Hawaiian tattoo designs are larger compared to other Polynesian designs, and bolder as well. Typical Hawaiian tattoo designs include:
* Lizards: the Hawaiians had a great respect and fear for lizards.
* Sea turtle tattoos
* Dolphins
* Tropical flowers
* Arrows

Typical spots for tribal Hawaiian tattoos:
* Male: the legs, arms, face and torso
* Female: the hands, wrist and tongue

In the beginning of the 19th century, when European settlers arrived in Hawaii, the art of the Hawaiian tattoo slowly vanished until its renaissance in the 20th century.

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian Tattoos

Hawaiian Tattoos

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Tribal Tattoo Ideas

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I hope This Picture Can be Your Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Tattoo Ideas

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I hope This Picture Can be Your Tribal Tattoo Ideas

Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoo designs are probably one of the most popular forms of tattoos in the world. These are generally known as designs traditionally used in the Pacific Islands and Africa.

tribal tattoo

Cultures who employs this tattoo style did not get them because they looked cool. They got them because they believed there was a certain power attached to the tattoo. Some tribes use elaborate tattoo designs as a way to signify a boy becoming a man and outcast those who are not willing to take part in this tattooing tradition. Other use them as protection in battle or as a signal of great warriors.

Tribal tattoos are recognizable by their dramatic use of aggressive dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes spread throughout the skin. Tribal tats are most often done in simple black and skin tones but in the western world they are often infused with color to enhance the overall look. Whereas other tattoo styles attempt to represent a specific object, tribal tattoos seem far more concerned with the feel and meaning rather than what it specifically looks like.

Typical examples of modern tribal tattoo designs are arm or leg bands that seem to have become the most popular tattoo design over the last 5-10 years. These designs are typically only black but many artists have been using subtle shading or even inclusion of a less abstract design such as butterflies or dragons within a tribal design.

source: http://www.tattoopictureshop.com/tattoo-designs/tribal-tattoo.html

Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoo designs are probably one of the most popular forms of tattoos in the world. These are generally known as designs traditionally used in the Pacific Islands and Africa.

tribal tattoo

Cultures who employs this tattoo style did not get them because they looked cool. They got them because they believed there was a certain power attached to the tattoo. Some tribes use elaborate tattoo designs as a way to signify a boy becoming a man and outcast those who are not willing to take part in this tattooing tradition. Other use them as protection in battle or as a signal of great warriors.

Tribal tattoos are recognizable by their dramatic use of aggressive dark lines in jagged symmetrical shapes spread throughout the skin. Tribal tats are most often done in simple black and skin tones but in the western world they are often infused with color to enhance the overall look. Whereas other tattoo styles attempt to represent a specific object, tribal tattoos seem far more concerned with the feel and meaning rather than what it specifically looks like.

Typical examples of modern tribal tattoo designs are arm or leg bands that seem to have become the most popular tattoo design over the last 5-10 years. These designs are typically only black but many artists have been using subtle shading or even inclusion of a less abstract design such as butterflies or dragons within a tribal design.

source: http://www.tattoopictureshop.com/tattoo-designs/tribal-tattoo.html

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Some New Henna Pattern Books

Here is a lovely new widget from Amazon.com! It's a self starting slide show of books you might enjoy. If you place your mouse over an image.. you get more information. Click to buy. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Tribal hummingbird tattoo

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Tribal hummingbird tattoo

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Flowers Draping Neck Tattoo

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Flowers Draping Neck Tattoo

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Frog eyes dragon tattoo

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Frog eyes dragon tattoo

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Lotus Tattoo

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Lotus Tattoo

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Koifish Tattoo Tribal Act

Koifish Tattoo Tribal Act

Tribal Flowers Behind Ear Tattoo

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Tribal Flowers Behind Ear Tattoo

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Tribal Tattoo Chest Piece Complete

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Tribal Tattoo Chest Piece Complete

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