Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing, Baby

Back in the day, tattoo apprentices would have to practice their new profession in a variety of ways... some would have to use chicken or pig skins (hmmmm... not a good choice for the vegetarian out there like Mandy) or sometimes fruits, like oranges. They could also practice on themselves or perhaps some one who believed in their ultimate talent enough to donate a few inches of skin.

Happily, these days there is a product available for the budding tattoo apprentice that allows them to practice their new craft without resorting to cadavers, fruit or friends who could potentially hate them after being practiced on.

Here is Stacy's new apprentice Mandy, picking up her tattoo machine for the first time and laying down some ink on some fake tattoo skin. It might not be as good as the real thing, but it definately beats the altenatives.

No animals were harmed in the making of this video :) Check it out.

Jim's First Week

After a long week of really getting himself situated and getting used to his new, more rural environment, Jim pulled off this beautiful tattoo last Saturday for Matt A., who had gotten work here at Chrome Gardens before. The piece took just over 7 hours non-stop. By the end of it, both Jim and Matt were smiling like Cheshire cats.

Excellent work, Jim! We're all glad you're here.