Tattoo Gift Cards: Give the Gift of Traditional Ink
Know someone who collects, or someone finally ready for their first piece? Skip the mall. An Electric Street Tattoo gift card lets them pick their own flash off the wall or book something custom with one of our artists.
Cards go out by email in minutes. Or walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, and we’ll help you pick one.
• Any amount from $100 to $2,000
• Delivered by email in minutes, and it works in Apple Wallet
• Holiday card designs, plus our own flash designs (Panther, Rose, Swallow, Dagger & Heart, Eagle, Skull & Snake)
• Good for any tattoo in the shop, walk-in or by appointment
Black Friday weekend
Special holiday deals on gift cards Black Friday weekend (Nov 27 to 30), including a free shop shirt with qualifying cards. Call (954) 666-1138 or stop in for details.
Last-minute? You're covered
Gift cards go out by email, so you can send one Christmas Eve and it still lands on time. No shipping, no lines.
A gift with some history
Giving tattoos is an old tradition. Sailors and soldiers came home wearing a swallow or a rose for someone waiting on them. A gift card puts that choice in their hands, and they get to wear it for life.
Want to come in together when they redeem it? Request a tattoo, or just walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served. Questions? Call (954) 666-1138 or stop by 320 E Oakland Park Blvd.
Stoney St. Clair: Sword Swallower, Sideshow Tattooer, Teacher of the Art
Stoney St. Clair swallowed swords in a circus sideshow, then tattooed old school from 1928 to 1980. His life, his flash, and his tattoo on Ed Hardy.
Our Stoney wall at Electric Street Tattoo: a Stoney St. Clair tribute sheet from Tattoo Flash Collective, next to a framed photo of Stoney in his shop.
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a circus sword swallower who became one of the great characters of American tattooing. He tattooed from a wheelchair, on the road with circuses and carnivals and later in his own shops, for more than 50 years. His Columbus, Ohio, shop called him "the Teacher of the Art."
He isn't as famous as Sailor Jerry. But if you love traditional tattooing, Stoney is worth knowing. His life is the old carnival road that our style came from.
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Stoney was born Leonard L. St. Clair in West Virginia in 1912, in coal country. His grandfather and father worked in the mines.
At four he was struck by rheumatoid arthritis. He never walked again, and his growth was stunted. His father, who earned $2.50 a day, paid to send him to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, where he stayed 24 months. That's where he learned to draw. He used up his stationery drawing circus wagons, one per sheet, and pasted them into a long parade.
Folklorist Alan Govenar, who knew him well, says Stoney could barely open his hands flat. He could still draw and paint, and later tattoo.
From sword swallower to tattooer
The circus was in the family. Stoney had an uncle in the business, and he wanted in.
His break came from a German sword swallower named Gretchen. She was fired from a show in Bluefield, West Virginia, about 30 miles from his home, heard his story and took him under her wing. In his telling, within three days she had a stove poker down his throat. He joined the show as a teenager, making $75 a week with three meals a day and a berth on the circus train.
Then the circus played Norfolk, Virginia. Stoney went into the shop of August "Cap" Coleman, one of the best-known tattooers of the day, and watched a man put an eagle on a sailor's back.
"I knew I could draw a better eagle than that," he said.
He borrowed a sheet of paper and drew one. Coleman asked how he'd learned. Stoney said he just picked it up. He came back every day the show was in town. On the last day, Coleman gave him two old machines and a few sheets of designs. Professor E.J. Miller, across the street, showed him how to cut a stencil with a phonograph needle and gave him black and red.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Stoney practiced on grapefruits. Then he tattooed showmen behind the elephant barn. When the show's tattooer got into a fight with the sideshow boss and was run off, the boss put the kid on the platform: names and hearts, nothing complicated. He said he'd advertise for a new tattooer. He never did.
That was 1928. For the rest of his life, Stoney signed himself "Tattooist of the Old School since 1928."
Life on the road
For about 50 years Stoney tattooed with circuses and carnivals across the country. Between tattoos he ran snake shows. He worked them as an educational exhibit, he said: "no damn geek or wild man crap."
He crossed paths with the big names of the era. He spent two months working in Charlie Wagner's shop on the Bowery in New York to raise money to get to Florida. He carried daggers on his flash that he got from a tattooer called Sailor Catsy, who was killed by his own python at a small zoo below Tampa.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He settled into shops too. He had a shop in Tampa, Florida. He tattooed in New Orleans, where he said a lot of his old material disappeared. His last shop was on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, under a sign reading "Stoney Knows How." He tattooed there until he died in Columbus in 1980.
Stoney's style and flash
Stoney was proud to be old school, and he could tell you what that meant.
"It's the shading, it's not the color," he said. You can use a minimum of color, but with real good shading it stands out. The old tattoos done with heavy shading, he said, still looked better on people 50 years later.
His walls were a record of American flash:
- Classic street designs: eagles, hearts, roses, daggers, bears, and names. Cover-ups of old girlfriends' names were steady work. "The only safe name to put on you is 'mom'," he said.
- Old designs passed down: some sheets, he said, came from an older tattooer named Grimshaw, and some, like the World War I Red Cross nurse called the "Rose of No Man's Land," went back generations.
- Cartoon characters: Barney Google, Happy Hooligan, the Katzenjammer Kids, and his own cartoon rats.
- Skulls: his skull sheets were shown alongside Bert Grimm's in a New York exhibition drawn from Lyle Tuttle's collection.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
One of his best-known sheets is a little devil with the line "This Little Devil Should Be Transfered to Heaven, He Has Served His Time in Hell."
Stoney's "This Little Devil" sheet, one of his best-known designs. Via Instagram, @stoneystclair_tribute (Stoney St. Clair tribute account).
Stoney's work was folk art in the truest sense. Rich Thomas, curator of the Ohio Tattoo Museum, has worked for years to keep Stoney's memory alive. He puts it this way: the same designs were done over and over in shop after shop, and each tattooer's own take is what made it folk art.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
The museum holds real Stoney sheets, too. Tattooer Durb Morrison donated his 12 sheets of original Stoney flash for its grand opening.
Durb Morrison with the 12 framed sheets of original Stoney St. Clair flash he donated to the Ohio Tattoo Museum. Via Instagram, @durbmorrison.
He worked the old way. He showed the film crew how he dusted powdered charcoal into a scratched stencil, greased the skin and pressed the stencil down to leave a guide line. He also had a code. The sign in his shop said he worked "with intelligence and skill, wishing not to offend anyone, but instead with my love of mankind to do what good I can before I die."
When Stoney tattooed Ed Hardy
The best footage of Stoney is the scene where he tattoos Ed Hardy.
By then Hardy was already a big name. He had trained with Phil Sparrow, studied in Japan through Sailor Jerry's connections and was bringing Japanese style into American tattooing. He came to Columbus while Govenar was filming Stoney Knows How, and he asked Stoney for a souvenir tattoo.
He picked a cartoon rat off Stoney's wall, a "Columbus rat." Hardy said he'd always liked cartoon rats, and that "rat" had been his nickname as a kid at the beach. He wanted something with "a happy feeling to it."
Stoney grumbled that he didn't have a machine working right. Hardy disagreed: "You got a light touch, Stoney." He praised how Stoney blended color in the old-school way and said he'd hardly seen anyone else still doing it. Stoney called it "a souvenir of Stoney's."
The same designs traveled from shop to shop. Earlier in the film, Hardy and Stoney look over his old mermaid flash, and Hardy recognizes it: he'd seen Sailor Jerry's painted version from the early 1940s. Two tattooers from opposite sides of the trade, the carnival road and the art school, talking about the same flash. That's traditional tattooing.
Stoney St. Clair tattoos Ed Hardy, from the documentary Stoney Knows How (Alan Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane, filmed by Les Blank). Via YouTube, docfilm (@ethnoscope).
Stoney Knows How: the book and the film
Stoney's story survives because a college student wandered past his shop one night. Alan Govenar, then studying folklore at Ohio State, saw the signs: "As Ancient as Time, as Modern as Tomorrow" and "Tattooing by the Teacher of the Art since 1928." Stoney chased him off for taking photos without asking, then invited him in when he came back.
Govenar recorded Stoney's life in his own words. The result was the book Stoney Knows How: Life as a Tattoo Artist (University Press of Kentucky, 1981), later expanded as Life as a Sideshow Tattoo Artist by Schiffer with photos and flash. Govenar and Bruce "Pacho" Lane also made a short documentary of the same name, shot by filmmaker Les Blank. It premiered at New York's Film Forum in 1981, and Vincent Canby of The New York Times called Stoney "an ebullient little man with the gift of gab of a circus tout."
Stoney didn't live to see either one. He died in 1980. Govenar says Stoney had one request: that his obituary call him "an actor on the outdoor stage. Not only a tattoo artist."
Why Stoney matters to traditional tattooing
Stoney connects a lot of the people traditional tattooers still talk about: Cap Coleman in Norfolk, Charlie Wagner on the Bowery, the sideshow tattooers of the circus lots, and, through that afternoon in Columbus, Ed Hardy and the Sailor Jerry line.
Vintage American tattoo flash from the same era, artist unknown. Not Stoney’s work. Smithsonian American Art Museum, public domain (CC0). Source: Smithsonian American Art Museum
He also shows what traditional tattooing is at heart: a trade handed down hand to hand, flash copied and redrawn, and tattoos built to last. Near the end of the film he says he hopes someone will look at the daisies over his grave and say he didn't butcher it up. "He carried it on, and handed down anyway."
Someone did. Columbus tattooer Joey Knuckles owns most of Stoney's surviving flash, and he still tattoos the designs.
Joey Knuckles tattooing one of Stoney's designs. Joey owns most of Stoney's surviving flash. Via Instagram, @joeyknucklestattoo.
Joey tells how he ended up with Stoney's flash, and a lot more, in this interview.
Joey Knuckles on Stoney St. Clair, a 44-minute interview. Via YouTube, Tattoos In Review.
Old school tattoos in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is a traditional American tattoo shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County. Like every traditional shop, we work in the same tradition Stoney carried on, and our walls are full of flash from it. Meet our artists.
Walk-ins are welcome. Pick something off the wall, or request a tattoo.
Stoney St. Clair FAQ
Who was Stoney St. Clair?
Leonard "Stoney" St. Clair (1912–1980) was a West Virginia-born circus sword swallower who started tattooing in 1928 and worked the circus and carnival circuit, then shops including Tampa and Columbus, Ohio.
How did Stoney St. Clair learn to tattoo?
In Norfolk, Virginia, Cap Coleman gave him two old machines and some designs after seeing him draw an eagle. He practiced on grapefruits, then on showmen behind the elephant barn.
Did Stoney St. Clair tattoo Ed Hardy?
Yes. The documentary Stoney Knows How shows Stoney tattooing a cartoon "Columbus rat" on Ed Hardy as a souvenir.
Where can I watch Stoney Knows How?
The film streams on Folkstreams, the Criterion Channel and Vimeo On Demand. The Ed Hardy scene is on YouTube.
Where can I get an old school tattoo near Fort Lauderdale?
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd. Walk in or request a tattoo.
Embroidery Tattoos: The Art of Ink ‘Sewn’ into Skin by CJ Ugarte at Electric Street Tattoo
Patch work Tattoo Lisa Simpson
In the vibrant heart of sunny South Florida there’s a unique art form blossoming on the skin of tattoo enthusiasts, and it’s all thanks to the brilliant work of CJ Ugarte at Electric Street Tattoo. Specializing in Patch Work, or the intricate ‘Embroidery Tattoos’, CJ has been turning heads and adorning bodies with designs that defy expectations.
Embroidery and patch tattoos are CJ Ugarte’s specialty. Request a tattoo with CJ, or walk in daily from 1pm and ask at the counter.
Mans Best Friend Patch Work Tattoo
Embroidery Tattoos: A Modern Twist on an Ancient Craft
Embroidery tattoos are a relatively new phenomenon in the tattoo world, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for their unique aesthetic that mimics the look of actual embroidered patches on the skin. This style is a testament to the versatility and creativity of modern tattoo artists, who continue to push the boundaries of their craft.
Magic Kingdom Disney Tattoo (Mickey and Minnie Mouse)
CJ Ugarte: A Maestro of the Embroidered Illusion
CJ Ugarte has been perfecting his craft since 2008, becoming well-rounded and versatile in many styles. However, it’s his focus on composition and designs made to last that sets him apart. His dedication to perfection is evident in every piece he creates, ensuring that each tattoo is not just a work of art but a lasting tribute to the individuality of his clients.
Florida Marlins Tattoo
GO MARLINS!
The Electric Street Tattoo Experience
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Electric Street Tattoo is a hub of creativity and excellence. The shop boasts a team of award-winning artists and has established itself as a premier destination for those seeking high-quality tattoos2. It’s a place where free consultations meet a safe, creative space, welcoming tattoo collectors and first-timers alike.
Embroidered Military Patch Tattoo
Why Choose Embroidery Tattoos?
Embroidery tattoos stand out for their textured, three-dimensional appearance that looks as if threads have been sewn directly onto the skin. It’s a style that combines the ancient art of embroidery with the modern art of tattooing, creating a fusion that’s both classic and contemporary3.
Scout trooper Patch Tattoo
The Process: Crafting an Embroidery Tattoo
The key to a successful embroidery tattoo lies in the artist’s understanding of light and shadow, as well as their ability to layer colors to create the desired three-dimensional effect. CJ Ugarte excels in this, using small strokes in various colors to achieve the look of embroidered patches, while keeping the design itself elegantly simple3.
Miami Hurricanes Embroidered Patch Tattoo
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Talent
CJ Ugarte’s embroidery tattoos are more than just a trend; they’re a celebration of artistry and tradition, woven together on the canvas of the skin. At Electric Street Tattoo, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, a commitment to excellence, and the chance to wear a masterpiece crafted by a true specialist in the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned tattoo collector or considering your first piece, CJ Ugarte and Electric Street Tattoo invite you to experience the beauty of embroidery tattoos, where every stitch tells a story.
Want a patch that looks sewn on? That’s CJ Ugarte’s work. Request a tattoo with him, or walk in daily from 1pm and ask at the counter. Gift cards work for his tattoos too.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
Pizza patch tattoo
Betty Boop patch tattoo
Boba Fett patch tattoo
Celebrating the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup Win with Unique Panther Tattoos at Electric Street Tattoo
Florida Panthers Stanley Cup tattoos by CJ Ugarte: embroidery-style patch tattoos celebrating the 2024 Cup win, at Electric Street Tattoo.
At Electric Street Tattoo, we pride ourselves on being a traditional tattoo shop in Oakland Park, and this year, we’re thrilled to celebrate the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup championship win in a special way. Our talented artists have been creating some incredible Panthers tattoos, and one artist, in particular, has been making waves with his unique style. Meet CJ Ugarte, the mastermind behind our stunning embroidery-style panther patch tattoos.
Panthers and the Cup
Embroidery style tattoos, also known as patch tattoos, are a fascinating and unique niche in the tattoo world. These tattoos are designed to look like embroidered patches, giving the illusion that they are stitched onto the skin rather than inked. This style combines the traditional art of embroidery with modern tattoo techniques, creating a three-dimensional effect that makes the designs “pop” off the skin.
2024 Stanley Cup Champions
What Makes Embroidery Tattoos Unique:
Three-Dimensional Effect: Unlike most tattoos that appear flat, embroidery tattoos use shading and color layering to create a realistic, textured look. This makes them stand out as if they were actual patches sewn onto the skin.
Florida and the Cup
Detailed Designs: The designs often mimic classic embroidered patches, including elements like loose threads and intricate stitching patterns. This requires a high level of skill and attention to detail from the tattoo artist.
Panthers shield patch
Combining Old and New: This style bridges the gap between ancient embroidery techniques and contemporary tattoo art, making it appealing to both traditionalists and modern tattoo enthusiasts.
Hockey sticks and palms
Get a Panthers patch tattoo from CJ
Finding a talented artist who can execute embroidery tattoos well can be challenging. This style demands a deep understanding of light, shadow, and color layering to achieve the desired three-dimensional effect.
Panthers patch
Artists like CJ, who are known for their exceptional work in this niche, are highly sought after. Their ability to create lifelike, detailed embroidery tattoos sets them apart in the tattoo community. If you’re looking for an artist who can deliver high-quality embroidery tattoos, CJ Ugarte has been tattooing since 2008. See his work and request a tattoo (mention CJ). Read more about embroidery tattoos.
Traditional Tattoo Parlors vs. Private Studios: Which Is Right for You?
Classic walk-in tattoo parlor or appointment-only private studio? How they differ on flash, walk-ins, vibe and specialties, from a traditional shop.
The front door at Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd
In recent years, the world of tattooing has witnessed a remarkable evolution. While traditional tattoo parlors have been the backbone of the industry for generations, trendy private studios have started to pop up everywhere, offering a fresh take on the art of ink. But what sets a traditional tattoo parlor apart from these contemporary counterparts? Let's dive into the world of ink and explore what makes a traditional tattoo parlor unique.
What makes a traditional tattoo parlor different
A Rich Heritage: Traditional tattoo parlors are steeped in history. They carry the legacy of classic American tattooing, which dates back to the early 20th century. These parlors pay homage to legendary artists like Sailor Jerry, who pioneered the iconic style.
Aesthetic Nostalgia: Stepping into a traditional tattoo parlor is like stepping back in time. The décor often features vintage-inspired elements, classic flash art on the walls, and a timeless ambiance that honors the art's heritage.
Iconic Designs: Traditional tattoo parlors are known for their portfolio of iconic designs. From anchors and swallows to roses and nautical symbols, these classic images resonate with clients who appreciate the artistry of simplicity.
Bold and Time-Tested Techniques: Traditional tattoo artists are masters of bold lines and solid black outlines. Many traditional tattooers still love coil machines, though good rotary machines are used in every kind of shop today. What makes it traditional is the bold line and solid color, not the machine. These techniques ensure that your tattoo maintains its clarity and readability for years to come.
Sense of Community: Traditional tattoo parlors often foster a sense of community. Clients and artists share a passion for the history and craftsmanship of traditional tattooing. It's a place where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts.
What private studios offer
Modern Minimalism: Trendy private studios embrace modern minimalism. These spaces often have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to clients looking for a contemporary atmosphere.
Artistic Versatility: Private studios are known for their versatility. They may offer a wide range of tattoo styles, from realism to abstract art, catering to clients seeking unique and personalized designs.
Customization: In private studios, customization is key. Artists work closely with clients to create tattoos that reflect their individuality. This level of personalization can lead to one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
Privacy and Comfort: Private studios offer a more intimate experience. Clients can enjoy privacy and one-on-one attention, which can be especially appealing for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed setting.
How to choose
The choice between a traditional tattoo parlor and a trendy private studio ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Traditional parlors celebrate a rich heritage, iconic designs, and a sense of community, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic tattooing. On the other hand, private studios offer artistic versatility, customization, and a modern aesthetic, appealing to clients seeking unique and personalized ink.
Whichever path you choose, the world of tattooing is vast and diverse, with something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to the timeless traditions of a traditional tattoo parlor or the artistic possibilities of a private studio, the ink you wear should be a reflection of your individuality and style.
What you get at a classic shop
Walk-ins and flash. Pick a design off the wall and get it today, or work out a custom idea with whoever is free.
A crew, not one artist. Several tattooers with different specialties under one roof, so you can match the artist to the tattoo.
No frills. You walk in, get tattooed and walk out with something that lasts.
Community. The buzz of machines, flash on every wall, and people swapping stories while they wait.
Private studios are usually appointment-only. They trade that energy for privacy, a quieter room, and one artist’s full attention. Both can make great tattoos, so pick the experience you want.
Visit a traditional parlor in Fort Lauderdale
Electric Street Tattoo is an artist-owned American Traditional shop at 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, serving Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Broward County since 2015. Walk-ins welcome, or request a tattoo. (954) 666-1138. See how walk-ins work and meet our artists.
Classic American Eagle Tattoos
Sure I can get into all the details about why Eagle Tattoos are so cool and so much fun for us as tattoo artists, but I’m not
Screaming Chest Eagle
Instead I’m going to take this opportunity to showcase some of these beautiful freedom birds tattooed at our shop.
We tattoo these at the shop. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo.
Dueling Eagle and Snake
Eagles are amongst the most patriotic of tattoo ideas.
They are wildly popular and symbolic in American culture.
Freedom and independence are two traits associated with the eagle.
Photorealistic Eagle screams of Americana
You’ll commonly see the eagle with flags or other nationalistic symbols or in full fledged combat with other animals. The eagle and snake duel is a popular scene in many traditional tattoo studios.
Combative Chest Eagle
Historically a masculine tattoo the eagle is now embraced as a symbol of strength and enduring character by both men and women alike.
Traditional Eagle and Banner
Certainly worthy of any tattoo collectors consideration the eagle is in the top ten most popular tattoo flash designs by traditional tattoo artists across the globe.
‘Whipshaded’ Eagle
Stomach Eagle
Eagle flash is on our walls, from a forearm piece to a full chest eagle. Walk in daily from 1pm, first come, first served, or request a tattoo so we can plan the size. Gift cards are ready if you’d rather give one.
Electric Street Tattoo, 320 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park. Serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. 1,100+ Google reviews. (954) 666-1138.
