More than white walls, “Keep Calm” posters and bookshelves organized by color, I find that tattoos are one of the most divisive design elements in the creative community. Most bloggers and designers I know have them (or design them), but they seem to draw an awful lot of ire when shared online. I know that any time I’ve shared mine, or the process, people on social media “feel sorry” for me and like to inform me that when I’m 90, I’m going to really regret the decision. To which I always say: If I’m lucky enough to live to 90, I’ll have more to think about (and celebrate) than a few stretched-out tattoos.
But all those complaints and concerns haven’t stopped the temporary tattoo trend from all but exploding over the past few years. Companies like Tattly (founded by Tina Roth Eisenberg, who will be in my new book this fall!) have teamed up with some of the most talented indie designers around to create stunning works of art that let you dress up your arms, legs and everything else in between with tiny masterpieces that you can wash off in a few days. I’ll always prefer the real thing, but with summer around the corner and short sleeves about to emerge, I thought it would be fun toΒ share some of the most beautiful floral and plant-based designs (some are scented!) you can find, buy and try. Whether you make the leap from temporary to permanent or not, these are a great way to have fun with vintage and original images outside of the frame. xo, grace
These cactus temporary tattoos are quirky and funky in all the right ways. It's like wearing one of the biggest home design trends on your arm - no watering or plant food required. $8 here on Etsy.
The first tattoo I ever planned was a fern design. It's still on my to-do list (primarily because I can't find the perfect placement - although this wrist spot was my plan), but this $8 temporary version at SmashTat on Etsy is a great way to try it out.
Anna Bond's floral designs are beyond iconic at this point (I still remember when she was starting out - now it's hard to imagine a shop that DOESN'T carry Rifle Paper Co., and with good reason) and her temporary tattoos are some of my favorite. $5 online here. *Look for Anna in my new book this fall, too!
I've always dreamed of a large-scale floral piece for my left arm/shoulder (in black and white, though) and this piece is constantly on my mind. Tattoorary on Etsy has some amazing vintage designs and this beauty is my personal favorite. $12 here on Etsy.
This vintage poppy tattoo is a bold statement and has some seriously rich color. I'm not sure how solid this will stay after a few showers, but I bet it looks amazing for the first few days. $11.02 on Etsy here.
These mini ferns and leaves are a subtler way (although maybe not in this composition) to test out plant tattoos in small sizes and less sprawling designs. $15 here at Etsy.
I’m a huge tattoo fan so I’m totally biased, but I find aged tattoos beautiful. We’re so afraid of aging, I wish we could look at people like trees, the older they are the more beautiful, imperfections become part of the beauty…
Such beautiful temp tattoos! Loved all of them. Seriously considering getting a real kne for a moment…Here in Tokyo we got more cute temp tattoos for kids too. Pls check them out at lilzebra.com Grace :)
I was never a fan of temporary tatoos but these picks are definately making me think again…
Cute! I love these floral designs. Have you tried putting them on so that they overlap over your nail polish? It looks really cool.
Likely By Sea
I’m a huge tattoo fan so I’m totally biased, but I find aged tattoos beautiful. We’re so afraid of aging, I wish we could look at people like trees, the older they are the more beautiful, imperfections become part of the beauty…
Kelsey
I could not agree more. <3
Grace
Such beautiful temp tattoos! Loved all of them. Seriously considering getting a real kne for a moment…Here in Tokyo we got more cute temp tattoos for kids too. Pls check them out at lilzebra.com Grace :)