You never know where you're going to find a tattoo fan. I'm lying in the chair at the dentist (my new dentist) the other day, about to get one old filling repaired and a new one done when my dentist asks if I knew of any good tattoo artists in town. Turns out he's got two already and knows what he wants to get for number three and number four. I had to confess I've not yet really gotten out there and checked out the local artists as it's not in my budget at this time. Then he told me a great story of how he, his brother and his dad all designed a family crest together and then all went and got it tattooed on their thighs. He was really into the idea that a tattoo should come from deep inside you and have very personal meaning. Then I told him how I was the body art editor at Bellaonline and showed some art, and he laughed... yeah, he was preaching to the choir.....LOL....

One of the coolest things I like about Bellaonline is that after the web site bills are paid, all the profit goes to charity. No kidding. Over at Squidoo there's a new body art community forming, called Ink City, and you can build web pages that earn money, and you can have that money donated to your favorite charity too! How about a page on your personal tattoos that donates to Kiva, loaning money to third-world entrepeneurs? (that's one of our faves here at Bellaonline) Or you might want to promote your tattoo shop, but donate to Room To Read. Or make a page on piercings that supports the ASPCA. There are over 60 charities to chose from and more keep getting added. Ever wanted to make the world a better place through body art? Here's your chance.

Recommended Articles:

Tattoos and Parents
The conflict between young adults and parents over tattoos is fairly common. Resolving these issues often involves recognizing differences just will exist.

Adverse Reactions To Tattooing
Do people ever have a bad reaction to tattooing? Learn about some infrequent adverse responses that happen to some people who get tattooed.

The Tattoos of Britney Spears
Every now and then I meet or hear about someone who is tattooed where I really wonder why they do it.... Britney Spears is one of those people to me.

Hot Links:

• The Tattoos of David Beckham
  If you are a fan, you already know that Becks just got some new ink. I updated the article on his tattoos to include a description of his new full sleeve. If you haven't read about it already, go check it out.
• More Nose Piercing FAQ
  It seems like I can never write enough about nose piercings. Here are more questions about nose piercings, including cysts, piercings at work and nose piercing for allergy sufferers.
• Corsetry, Tight-Lacing and Waist-Training
  Corsetry, also called tight-lacing or waist-training, refers to the practice of wearing a boned garment that laces tightly around the body, thus reducing the waist measurement. Corseting can be done occasionally for fashion purposes or pursued full-time as a form of body art.

Did you know you can upload a picture of your tattoo to Bellaonline and have it rated alongside dozens of other tattoos worn by your fellow Bellaonline members? It's fun and free, and you can check it out right here!

We've also got an online forum all about Body Art that you can visit. It's a great place for discussing the latest developments in body art and getting an answer to any questions you might have.

I enjoy your feedback and welcome your questions, so if you have something to tell me, please send an e-mail or drop by the message boards! Feel free to pass this message along to family and friends who you think might be interested.

Rae
Body Art Editor
http://bodyart.bellaonline.com