Greetings, Body Art Fans!

As we head into the depths of summer, remember to be kind to your tattoos and piercings! If they are brand-new, please keep them out of public pools and hot tubs until they are healed. And the sun is always a no-no for ink if you'd like it to stay crisp and colorful.

New and Recommended Articles:

Skin Art Benefits Memphis Gradeschoolers
After a successful fundraiser last summer, Big Jay's House of Ink is putting their needles to work to benefit a Memphis elementary school. August 4th-6th it's Backpacks for Tatts.

West Coast Tightens Tattoo Rules And Regulations
With Oregon leading the way, tattoo regulations in the states all along the West Coast are being tightened up. Washington has new rules going into effect in the summer of 2010 and California isn't too far behind.

Forearm Tattoos
Having a tattoo on your lower arm, or even covering the entire forearm from elbow to wrist has gotten more popular right along with tattoo in general. If you'd like to be able to see your own ink, having a forearm tattoo might be just the thing.

Hot Links:

• Tongue Piercing Healing and Aftercare
  Healing a tongue piercing takes a bit of patience, some gargling and between a few days and a week of a very liquid diet. Here are some tips for making it easier to heal your pierced tongue.
• The Tattoos of Dwayne (the Rock) Johnson
  Wrestler/actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson isn’t just carrying on the family tradition of professional wrestling. He’s also carrying on with his family and cultural tradition of being tattooed.
• Nose Piercing Healing Issues
  A follow-up to All About Nose Piercings, devoted to information on healing and aftercare. Get advice on jewelry issues, keloids or bumps, changing jewelry and more.
• Tattooed vs Untattooed Poll
  How important is it to you that your partner share your love of tattoos? Stop by the forums and take part in the tattooed vs untattooed poll!

You can upload your tattoo pictures to Bellaonline and then rate your favorites! It's fun and free, and you can upload or vote here.

If you have a body art question, please come on over to the online forum. It's a great place for chatting about body art and getting an answer.

I really love your feedback and welcome your questions, so if you have something to tell me or ask, please send an e-mail or drop by the forum! Please pass this message along to family and friends who you know are interested.

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