D.I.Y. MAMA
INSPIRATION
Shelly Arroyo
D.I.Y. Mama, © Shelly Arroyo
For years I wanted to get a crafty tattoo and D.I.Y. Mama didn’t disappoint. I really didn’t have a vision for it, until I had my baby bluebirds, Max and Mya. In the spring of 2019, I started envisioning this grand tattoo, whose placement would hide three older, small tattoos, on my neck, behind my ear, and my shoulder. They had become faded and were not really representative of the Mama Chickpea I had become. I began sketching up ideas, centering around my favorite hobbies, my passions, and my babies.
D.I.Y. Mama (full), 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
For years I wanted to get a crafty tattoo. I really didn’t have a vision for it, until I had my baby bluebirds, Max and Mya.
D.I.Y. Mama Sketch Baby Bird, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
I had the most amazing experience getting this tattoo. It was over an eight-hour session, all held in my day. My tattoo artist worked solo and was deaf. We learned to communicate via hand signals, when I wasn’t facing him. The “thumb’s up” or down, being the most crucial.
D.I.Y. Mama Sketch Baby Bird 2, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
D.I.Y. Mama Tattoo Rough 1, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
I was thrilled with the outcome of my sketches, worked with his tattoo magic. The colors were so vibrant.
D.I.Y. Mama Tattoo Rough 2, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
D.I.Y. Mama Tattoo Baby Bird 1, 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
D.I.Y. Mama Tattoo (Both Birdies), 2019, © Shelly Arroyo
MEET THE AUTHOR
All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.
Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!
I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!
PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.
XOXO-
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When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.
Join me! A journey is always better with friends. 🩷
MY MISSION
© Copyright Mama Chickpea 2026.