What is your favorite tattoo?

In celebration of National Tattoo Day, I wanted to share my own tattoo story and the stories of two local shop owner/makers. Tattoos are such a personal (and permanent) art form that I always find it interesting to learn about why someone decides to get one (or a few). Read on for the why behind some great tattoos.

Me, all soap geared up.

How many tattoos do you have?
Three total. One on my ankle, one on my abdomen and one on my forearm.

If you have more than one, what is your favorite tattoo?
My favorite tattoo is the newest one on my forearm.

What is the story behind your favorite tattoo? Why did you decided to get it?
About two years ago, I purchased some amazing temporary tattoos from Tattly and one of them was “Makers Gonna Make” from the graphic designer Jude Landry. I was instantly in love. The use of traditional tattoo lettering combined with the phrase really struck me. It became my mantra, a reminder of my strength as an artist and maker (and lover of handmade things), that helped push me to keep growing and moving forward with Etta + Billie. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me use it along with almost every photo of product being made or being wrapped. After wearing the temporary tattoo on multiple occasions, I finally decided to get the real thing.

Any ideas for your next tattoo?
Yes, I’m toying with a few different ideas for images that honor my grandmothers and family.

Nic Wienstein of Homestead Apothecary

I had the very good fortune of connecting with modern community herbalist and advocate, Nic Weinstein, a few years ago when he opened the magical Homestead Apothecary in Oakland, California. His shop has an amazing collection of dried herbs, tinctures, healing objects, books and of course fabulous apothecary products. Nic is a wealth of knowledge about herbal healing and travels all over California giving workshops.

How many tattoos do you have?
I think I technically have 6. Half sleeves on both of my arms. One on each of my forearms plus one on the inside of my right forearm. My back and my chest.

If you have more than one, what is your favorite tattoo?
I think my Never for Money Always for Love tattoos but its a tough call!

What is the story behind your favorite tattoo? Why did you decided to get it?
Strangely enough my tattoo artist finished the lavender piece on my arm and she realized that it took her a lot less time than she anticipated so she asked if I wanted something else. I told her about the Talking Head lyrics that resonated so strongly with me and she loved it and it felt right so I went for it! So I got 3 tattoos in one sitting!

Any ideas for your next tattoo?
Working on a cover up. What can I say? I started young!

Homestead Apothecary
486 49th Street
Oakland, CA 94609
510.541.5225
Open: Monday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm + Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tammy Liu of Redemption

When Tammy reached out to me months ago about joining the stylishly curated makers in her Campbell, California based shop Redemption, I said “Hell Yes!”. Tammy and boyfriend, David, are extremely passionate about finding and sharing well crafted hand made goods with their community. I’m so honored to be a part of the their shop! Read on to find out more about Tammy’s collection of tattoos.

How many tattoos do you have?
7: 2 on back, both wrists, ribs, stomach and thigh.
Tattoo Close Up

If you have more than one, what is your favorite tattoo?
Thigh piece, as it represents my mother.

What is the story behind your fav/only tattoo? Why did you decided to get it?
It incorporates a picture of my mother and a dream catcher that she passed down to me. I got it done just before traveling to Australia for a year as a way to keep her close to me throughout my journey. The tattoo depicts her as a warrior/survivor and commemorates her optimism and positivity in overcoming her strokes.

Any ideas for your next tattoo?
My boyfriend and I are thinking about getting our store logo done!

Redemption
241a E Campbell Ave
Campbell, CA 95008

408.628.4877

*all photographs were provided and posted with permission from the artists.