Sandra Howard: "Why I've gone for a tattoo at 73".

At the age of 73, novelist and wife to former Tory Minister Michael Howard, Sandra Howard  has chosen to get a tattoo. Sandra chose a two-inch butterfly on her left collar bone. She chose a butterfly because she thought it was a nice sort of light and happy thing and she chose her collar bone because she wanted somewhere prominent to test people's reactions to it. She says it's deliciously naughty- though her Tory grandee husband's not so sure. Her husband, Michael Howard, is not as open-minded about body art as she is. Sandra's butterfly is only temporary and will only last for a month at the most but it's purpose is to help her decide whether to go for something permanent.

Daily Mail Article

"I concede that, on the surface at least, I don't seem the 'type' to have a tattoo. But although they were previously considered rather low-rent, indelible inkings are experiencing resurgence- particularly among my generation. Lots of sophisticated older people are having them done."

"I'm 73 and when you pass a certain point you do feel inclined suddenly to do all the things you've always wanted but allowed some stricture or another to hold you back."

What do you think? Are you ever to old to get a tattoo?

Jurassic Coast Tattoo Convention

Today I visited the Allendale Centre in Wimborne for the second Jurassic Coast Tattoo Convention. Its' the largest Uk Christmas convention and the first one was so popular they decided to return. There was a huge buzz as hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts gathered under one roof. The event was set up by Kerry and Carl Collinson from Urban Image in Kinson.

More than 50 award- winning tattoo artists from all around the country came together including artists from Black Sheep Tattooists in Westborne, Just Add Ink in Poole and Urban Image.

Tattoo artists battled it out in different competitions over the weekend including best tribal design, best realism, best dot work and keeping to the theme of 'jurassic coast' the best dinosaur dress up. There was something for everyone including a festive fair which sold everything from a sparkly bauble to a real life cat skull. The family friendly event cost £7.50 for a day ticket or £15 for the weekend with children under 10 getting free entry.

The turn out was great and everywhere I looked throughout the day someone was getting inked. The buzz of the needles was non stop with every tattoo different to the next. It was a really welcoming and fun environment with many happy customers.

Video to follow.

VIDEO: 92-year-old woman gets tattoo in memory of her husband

Winifred Turner is believed to be the oldest lady in the UK to be tattooed. At the grand old age of 92 the West Moors resident got inked in memory of her husband Jim.

SLIDESHOW: White Flame Tattoo Studio

White Flame Tattoo Studio is a unique tattoo and body piercing studio in Winton, Bournemouth which offers a wide range of tattoo designs. 

It offers an inviting and relaxing environment to make your whole experience of getting a tattoo enjoyable and I definitely felt the friendliness of the studio when I went today to take some photos.They have a great team with tattoo artists Karl Stevens and Kerry Lavulo and I was lucky enough to meet Kerry today and watch her tattoo one of her clients.

Created with flickr slideshow.

Massive thanks to White Flame Tattoo Studio