Not sure what to do with your Christmas money? Get a new tattoo!!!
Of course here is the usual list of things to consider before you get inked.

1. Tattoos are permanent so make sure this is something you won’t regret and something you’ll be happy to age with. I always say pick something timeless and meaningful.

2. Make sure the studio is clean!!! Look for the licensing make sure they use clean needles. It’s not fun being sick for the rest of your life.

3. Placement is key. Will it affect your career, family or friends? Can you hide it if you need to? It’s great if you’re sporting something to be shown to the world, but remember its forever. I personally hate when people say it’ll get all saggy later, I mean all my skin will be saggy later and I don’t even want to look at normal skin like that so I highly doubt it matters if its colored or not. I do think having vulgarties on my arms or chest can disqualify from getting a great paying job so Keep it classy. bottomline- “fuck me” across my chest is not a good idea.

4. Names. You’re name or a family name fine. Lovers name…not a good idea. for obvious reasons.

5. healing time. Avoid sunlight and don’t scratch or pick!!!

6. don’t forget to tip your artist!

Hope you’ve gotten all your holiday shopping done!

Here’s another awesome gift Idea for the last minute shopper

How cool are these bottles?! Limited edition [MUST HAVE!] designer bottles. Even if you don’t like tequila you can fill it with anything or just keep it as art. Although I must say the tequila was pretty good.

• Ladies will love this book which features 40 stories about tattoos and the women who wear them. Not to mention there’s plenty of links to great tattoo books if this one doesn’t cut it for you.

• As trendy and cliche as it is, there’s always ED HARDY who has tons of vintage inspired clothing and accessories available for all. Clothing is pretty pricey, but their belt buckles are pretty damn nice. I’ll pass on those 200.00 laptop skins though.

• For something more in my price range [see marked down chuck taylors] , check out Sailor Jerry. They’re currently running a holiday sale where purchases of $50.oo or more get you free shipping. every little bit helps right? Great gifts like a flask for father, candle for mom, and cool ashtrays for your roommates. Just make sure you order by Dec. 16th to guarantee a Christmas delivery!

• Never underestimate the power of a gift card/gift certificate! Tattoos can be pretty pricey so it’s always helpful to relieve some of the cost! If you know exactly what they’re looking for you can always opp to pay for the whole thing!

Don’t forget, you can always submit pictures!

As many of us scramble around to find the perfect gift for family and friends what better way to get that shopping done than by buying online! We’ve gathered some cool sites that are perfect for the tattoo enthusiast in all of us. Advantage point: Tattoos were big this year so even if you’re not rocking that ink, you’ll be sure to find your inner Rock Star with these paintings.

For the Wine lovers out there, pick up a bottle with specially designed prints, also from the same site:

The Traditions collection. Here you can choose your label as well as wine. In fact, they also offer private labeling! A fun unique gift for both the artist and the enthusiast!

A fun stocking stuffer awaits those who lack the courage for some real ink. Check out tattoo sleeves.

www.toofastonline.com rocks the tattooed inspired t-shirts FOR KIDS! Gift your siblings, nieces and nephews with these awesome shirts and they’ll be sure to be the coolest kid in class.

stick around for more cool items from my wishlist…I mean holiday gift ideas.

Caleb Shinobi

We love Caleb’s insanely colorful style and eclectic collection of tattoos.

Tattoo count: 27

and here’s what he had to say about them-

“for me, it wasn’t about getting one design and getting a whole sleeve of it or two, each one i did at different times and different places meant something special at the time, with friends and experiences, like a stamp in my passport or a postcard from my travels around the world when i was a flight attendant, or when i got done with boot camp, or when i graduated paramedic school for the marines or just things i really loved at the time and forever will remember those moments with friends i had that could never be the same again.”

Caleb also boasts surface piercings in his arms.

for more info and pictures you can find Caleb at

http://www.myspace.com/calebsworld

Nov. 24th

HOOLIGAN’S INK undertook a 24 hour campaign to help out foster children from AUSTIN’S HOUSE. In 24 hours they tattooed about 60 clients who showed up to support the cause, abused and negelected children. By charging $60 for a single tattoo and $50 if you showed up with a canned food Clients were able to give back to the children as well as get some great art.

“All facets of the community come together for this great cause,” said Conrad Buedel of Austin’s House. “We absolutely have to have donations to keep the doors open.”

With the holidays in full gear, many causes are often looking for donations. What made the Austin’s House so special was the meaning it had to shop owner [and artist] Sean Dawley.

“We care about kids,” Dawley said. “My childhood was pretty rough, like everyone who works here. We didn’t have anybody sticking up for us. These kids don’t have anyone sticking up for them.”

If you’re interested in helping out with donations here are the following causes

HOOLIGAN’S INK: Hooligan’s Ink is at 1501 Fairview Drive, Suite 20, in Carson City. Call 883-7337 for information.
AUSTIN’S HOUSE: Austin’s House is located in north Douglas County. For more information or to donate, call 267-6711 or click on www.austinshouse.org.
CARSON VALLEY FOOD CLOSET: 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville. Call 782-3711 for information

Help make someones holiday special this year!