Six weeks ago I braved the needle and had this beautiful sun and moon mandala piece tattooed onto my ribs, and down my side. Even though this is my seventh tattoo, I learnt a little bit more about being inked, and I thought I'd share what it was like getting a rib tattoo.
How long did it take: A what seemed like a very long, three hours. Plus another 15 mins for touch ups a few weeks later. My tattooist actually told me this was the hardest tattoo he has ever done - apparently the ribs are a really hard area to tattoo, and because there were a lot of lines in my tattoo that had to be done exactly right, along with me squirming from the pain, it took over double the time it should have.
Meaning???: No deep meaning. I don't think any of my tattoos have deep meanings to be honest, I just like having pretty artwork on my skin. I love moon tattoos anyway, and was originally going to get a little crescent moon on my arm. I was also thinking about getting some sort of mandala design somewhere as I think they look awesome, so I combined the two ideas and the sun moon mandala tattoo was born. It's a lot bigger than I first planned, but any smaller and it wouldn't look as good.
Anyone have any rib or side tattoos? What did you think of the pain?
Wow! that sun is simply beautiful. I have always loved the idea of getting a tattoo but don't know if im decisive enough to get one. thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDelete-The Preppy Student
I have heard that side/rib tattoos are incredibly painful. But this looks so beautiful! At least it was definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteRachel | www.currentlyrachel.com
I'm so glad you did a post on this! It's a gorgeous tattoo. I have plans to get something on my ribs done eventually but it's probably something a lot smaller. I've had my foot and ankle done, and my artist told me it was a similar pain to getting the pics done, but I'm still too chicken right now to have anything done there right now hahaha! Thanks for sharing, I thought I was quite good with tattoo pain too, so now I know what I'm up against >< it's totally worth it tho, as I said your piece looks Awesome :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda Jayne / beauty , style + everything else
Oh wow, this is so so beautiful Alice! Such a beautiful tattoo, just stunning
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I think it was well worth the three hours of pain! It turned out amazing!
ReplyDeleteCOOCOO FOR COCO
I love this tattoo and where it is! I've been a little obsessed with star and moon jewellery/print etc It's such a lovely design!
ReplyDeleteIt's so beautiful! xx
ReplyDeletehttp://www.coleoftheball.com
Wow its amazing!
ReplyDeleteROSALINDIS // http://rosalindis.blogspot.com.es/
wow, it's so beautiful! Really suits you!
ReplyDeletelondonandcoffee.blogspot.com
Beautiful!
ReplyDeletewww.bstylevoyage.blogspot.com
I don't feel like I would suit tattoos but this one looks gorgeous on you.
ReplyDeleteWritten with style | Bloglovin
I'm in love with your tattoo ! It's so pretty !
ReplyDeletexoxo,
http://atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.pt/
It's gorgeous! I'm so sensitive to pain that even though I love tattoos and want one...I'd be hopeless!
ReplyDeletewww.alittletwistof.co.vu
ah it is so gorgeous! wish I had the guts to get one ha ha
ReplyDeleteEilidh from Velvet-Winter
Wow! Such a lovely piece! I totally agree on meanings! I have an owl tattoo on my ankle purely for the fact I like owls..!
ReplyDeleteMary-Ann xx
Angel Flicks
I really like tattoos and I'd like to have some little ones. I think this one's very particular and I adore it, in my opinion it really suits you. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteAgnese ♡
Agnese's Coiffeuse
It looks really beautiful! I'm booked in to get a tattoo in the same area (not quite as big as yours) and I'm panicking a bit as everybody says it's super painful... :S
ReplyDeleteI always heard that your ribs is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo! It looks lovely, Definitely sure it was worth the pain :)
ReplyDeleteamynoos.blogspot.co.uk
WOW it looks amazing! i definitely don't think i could handle the pain, i'm aiming for a few small hand ones!
ReplyDeletedanielle | avec danielle
very pretty :) i dont think I have the courage for it. I cant take too much pain hahah
ReplyDeletePam Scalfi♥
That tattoo is absolutely gorgeous, I adore it! I don't think I'd ever be brave enough to get a permanent tattoo not only because of the pain but for fear I'd come to hate it seeing as I change my mind a lot. x
ReplyDeleteThis is a gorgeous tattoo! I have a small swallow bird tattooed on my side - honestly it took about 15 mins haha - & I thought the needle felt like a burning scratch. But I've already got plans for more small tattoos (unfortunately I don't think larger ones would suit me) so it hasnt put me off to much.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that they dont all need meaning - if you like a tattoo design thats the main thing!
xx
Small&Blonde ♥
It looks soo pretty! Definitely worth the pain ^_- x
ReplyDeleteratherstrangeblog.blogspot.co.uk
Oh wow it's freaking gorgeous! Where did you get it done?? I have my next tattoo planned, just need to save up now! I really want one on my ribs too, but also on my upper arm... maybe a sleeve! :D tattoos are the best, and they deffo don't need to have meaning! I have a Harry Potter tattoo which isn't exactly a meaning, I just like Harry Potter! I have an ornament on my wall that actually looks like your tattoo! It's the same way round, with the moon curved around the sun and it's all glittery, I was considering it as a tattoo as well aha! xo
ReplyDeleteamber love
Love that tattoo!
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Omg your tattoo is wicked. It's so crisp & well done. I've heard that rib tats hurt terribly, so you're a champ in my eyes. :]
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Beautiful tattoo, I love it! I totally agree that tattoos don't necessarily need some deep spiritual meaning.
ReplyDeletesmalltownmakeup.blogspot.co.nz
It looks so pretty! I don't think tattoos need a meaning, as long as you like it then that's a good enough reason in itself!
ReplyDeleteJodie xo // JodieLoue
That is a beautiful tattoo. I can't believe you were under the needle for 3 hours!
ReplyDeletenolongergrey.com
I am the biggest wimp so this would kill me off...but how stunning does this look on you? Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
Oh, your tattoo is gorgeous! I haven't got a tattoo and I'm not sure if I ever will, but I think that they look beautiful ♥
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
Little Moon Dragon
I found my ribs pretty rough too, though my foot was definitely worse! It looks great :)
ReplyDeleteMegan x
London Callings
Okay I'm so obsessed with your rib tattoo, looks amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://arnellavanilla.com/category/home/
I love that you don't have a specific deep meaning for your tattoo.
ReplyDeleteI just got a stag on my arm and everyone keeps asking what it means.
www.kindoflovely.com
It's beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteSamantha Series
It looks amazing!! :D I definitely want a tattoo at some point in my life but i'm very scared of feeling the pain of the needle poking into my skin >.< but it would be worth it once I find the right tattoo. Did you always want to get a rib tattoo or how did you decide that you wanted it there?
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♥
ReplyDeleteYour tattoo is stunning, absolutely gorgeous!!! I have a mandala tattooed on my ribs and the pain was awful. I feel you on that one, it's like he was using knives instead of needles on me! But at the end it's all worth it, when you see the result.
ReplyDeletexx
Jennifer | Pretty as Summer
This looks lovely hun, i can imagine this would have hurt alot would have hated to be you at the time, but now that its done and completed i bet it was all worth it!x
ReplyDeleteJess x
www.momentsofbeautywars.blogspot.co.uk
Wow it looks amazing - you chose a very painful area
ReplyDeleteCANDICE | BEAUTY CANDY LOVES
Wow, it's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGolden chapter ♡
This tattoo is gorgeous! I love rib tattoos but have heard they are the most painful. Eek! xx
ReplyDeleteJessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
<3333 such great post!
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Karolina Gerspucci
Wow!! Amazing tattoo but OUCH! xx
ReplyDeletewww.theyounglondoner.com
It's gorgeous! xx
ReplyDeleteelly from alldeathbydiamonds
Gosh, your tattoo is gorgeous! I heard the rib area is the most painful area, you're so strong! I love it! <3
ReplyDeletexx Bash | Bash Says Hey | bloglovin'
It's gorgeous! Great photos and lovely tattoo.
ReplyDeleteTegan xx - Permanent Procrastination
This is lovely! I love everything about this! Really suits you!
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xx
love everything! great photos :D
ReplyDeleteVisit my blog? xx Miss Beatrix (http://missbeatrix.blogspot.com)
That's a beautiful tattoo. You are very brave!
ReplyDelete-VH
www.vogueandheels.com
I agree, don't think all tattoos need to have a deep meaning. Looks lovely xx
ReplyDeleteErin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
I love this..I like how you're upfront with us saying that there isn't a meaning behind it; I personally don't think a meaning behind tattoos are necessary. If it looks beautiful, you should get it!!! I love sun/moon pictures, so I especially LOVEEE this tattoo. It's so beautiful and brave of you to get it on your ribs!! Phew! *fans self because 3 hours of rib tattoo pain sounds intense*
ReplyDeletexoxoxox, Naomi | http://bunnyandfawn.blogspot.com
Its gorgeous Alice, and I have to say I have never seen a tattoo like it! My friends with tattoo's down their ribs said its a pretty painful place to get a tattoo, fair play to you!
ReplyDeleteMeme xx
New post:
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I love the tattoo! I'm too much of a scared cat to get a tattoo on my ribs, I've heard it's one of the most painful spots on the body!
ReplyDeleteI have one on my forearm and it didn't hurt too much, I would like to get another one soon... but they're so expensive!
Once again, it looks great!
www.thethingislemons.wordpress.com
Wow, this is beautiful! I don't have any tattoos, although I love them on other people. They wouldn't suit me, plus I would definitely pass out from the pain! You must be very brave. x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
It looks so beautiful, I really wanna get the eye of horus on my neck but is like £300. :/
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This looks awesome, I have a back tattoo and have been wanting a side one for ages, the pain sounds scary though!
ReplyDeleteLucy x
www.yellowicing.co.uk
That tattoo is seriously, seriously cool but I think I'd pass out from the pain xoxo :)
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Love it! It looks great
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Very nice, love the pics :)
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Looks great!
ReplyDeleteTheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Beautiful tattoo! I am so tempted to get another one of a lotus flower but I am such a wimp when it comes to pain. I don't think I could get one on my ribs if it is as painful as you say! x
ReplyDeleteMapped Out | Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle
Pretty amazing!
ReplyDeleteAlso really love your blog and photos <3
girlinboots.blogspot.com
I've got both sides of my ribs tattooed and they were definitely not my favourites to get done!
ReplyDeletePersonally though, I think my feet ones were the worst. The one on my right foot actually goes onto the sole of the foot and it was so painful I accidentally kicked my tattooist in the face... xo
LJLV | UK Personal Style
What a stunning tattoo!!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is such a stunning tattoo! Looks so beautiful and I love that it's on your ribs and it looks so amazing. x x x
ReplyDeleteBeyond The Velvet | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog
It looks gorgeous your so brave! xxo
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Lovely! Have a nice friday sweetie!
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Gorgeous tattoo!! I don't have a side tattoo, but I also thought I was pretty good with tattoo pain until I got one on the back of my neck, pretty close to my hair line, and trust me this was way more painful than my others! It felt like someone was trying to drill into my brain lol. All the pain is worth it in the end though when you love the result.
ReplyDeleteEmma x
www.slimmingscalesandsparkles.blogspot.com
That is such a beautiful tattoo! I'm a bit of a coward when it comes to pain, but I have been thinking about getting a tattoo in the future!
ReplyDeleteMay x • The Mayden • Bloglovin'
Hi lovely, this a beautiful tattoo!! so unique!
ReplyDeleteGlamoury Armory Blog
This is such a beautiful tattoo! I really want a moon and sun tattoo, no meaning either just because I think they're stunning. My friend had a tattoo on her rib and said it hurt a lot, it's weird how different places have different pain - the back of my neck didn't hurt at all but my wrist killed!
ReplyDeleteIndia | Touchscreens & Beautyqueens
This is gorgeous! I have both the outside and inside of my elbows tattooed and I can tell you that was an experience and a half! x
ReplyDeletemoon-shine.blogspot.co.uk
I love this, I really like moon tattoos. Don't have any yet though. Am a bit scared it'll hurt too much!
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