Help if possible?

sunset · 09-16-03, 02:36 PM

Does anyone out there have any good side view pics of a chinese praying mantis with it's wings extended? I am putting together a full backpiece tattoo for myself, and I really want to have a mantis in there. I found one in my friends backyard a few months ago, it flew into my hair, and when I untangled it, he sat on my finger with his bright yellow wings with the big dark spot, it was beautiful. I contemplated keeping him, but I released him back into the flower garden. I have not been able to find him again, and my chances of finding another one are very small, as I have not seen one like that in at least 10 years. All we seem to have are the tiny brown ones. I have been searching the net for days, and have found thousands of mantis pics, but not a sideview with extended wings. If anyone knows where I could possibly find one, or if someone has one, I would be sooo appreciative. I would go to the library, but I have been too busy during the daytime, and they close at 5pm. Thanks in advance for any help!!

WHS · 09-16-03, 02:47 PM

I may be able to help you. I design tattoos, and am starting a tattoing apprenticeship now too. Maybe I can draw up something for you. let me look around on the net a bit and see what I can come up with. You can email me offlist if you like at my personal email addy: wyllomoon@yahoo.ca

Lisa

sunset · 09-16-03, 02:51 PM

Cool, where are you apprenticing at? My husband has been tattooing for like 13 years. If you could find a pic that would rock. He would draw it, but we can't remember exactly what it looked like, and I want it to be accurate.

sunset · 09-16-03, 02:56 PM

here is the basic idea of what I am going to do.

There will be some changes, such as I am going to replace the sloth and the monkey with snakes or lizards, I will add more flowers and colors, and the beetle in the lower left corner will be replaced with the mantis. (God willing) The sky will be sunset colors, rather than blue, so there will be greater color contrast. Sorry I don't have a bigger pic uploaded.

WHS · 09-16-03, 03:04 PM

That will be absolutley beautiful. I have a lot of tats myself. I have some books here, and I may be able to check the local library too if I get time. Do I know you by any chance? The woman who bought my ball python females had a husband that was a tattooist as well. Is it you by any chance? My apprenticeship will be at Shatara Tattoo as soon as the owner and I can work out some time. It may take a while though, because I have two little kids here (age 6 and 4) and I only have maybe one full day a week to dedicate to it right now. But i do have my own equiptment already. Do you know Aaron/ He's on the snakes forum too, I designed his green tree python tat. I'd post it cuz I know he wouldn't mind, but I have no idea how to post pics on ssnakess forums....so I'll see what i can find for the Chinese mantid....you never know...I've never seen one before but it sounds beautiful.

Lisa

sunset · 09-16-03, 03:30 PM

No, I rescued my ball python from a moron who would have killed it. I live in AZ. Thanks for taking the time to research for me, and good luck with your apprenticeship. It's not just a job, it's a lifestyle.

WHS · 09-16-03, 03:45 PM

Oh, ok, I figured you were someone else. I'll see what I can find. How much time do you have on this design? I am imagining it won't all be taking place at once...LOL. Well, I'mm PM you if I find anything....ok

Lisa

sunset · 09-16-03, 04:03 PM

We haven't started it yet, I am waiting untill it is too cold to go in the pool, which may still be a month or two off. (is 105* today) It will be done in sittings of appx 4 hours or so a piece, as that is about as much as I am really comfortable sitting through.(I have about 16 hours on my leg)