Most middle schoolers probably have other things on their minds besides building houses.
But Luke Thill, a 13-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is unlike any other middle schooler you’ve seen before.
This talented and proactive boy has crafted his very own little house — in his parent’s backyard.
The project cost him roughly $1,500 USD — and now Luke is living his dream in his little cottage.
Come on in and have a look at what it looks like inside.
I think it’s safe to say that Luke is not like many of his 13-year-old peers. In a time of iPads, smartphones, gadgets, and X-Boxes, this young man decided to keep himself busy in a different and more ‘old-fashioned’ way. As he explains on his YouTube channel, his desire to build a small house grew out of feeling bored last summer.
After some thorough research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how he was going to put his plan into action.
The Process
It took him about a year to get the money and materials he needed to build the house. Luke mowed lawns, started a fund-raiser online, and ran errands for anyone who needed help in the neighborhood to make money.
An electrician Luke was friends with helped him install the electricity in exchange for Luke cleaning his garage out, for instance.
Luke used about 75 percent recycled material, many of which were things left over from his grandma’s house. The front door of the house was a gift from an uncle’s friend.
The 89-square-foot house is 10 feet long and 5 1/2 feet wide, with electricity but no plumbing, so no water or bathroom… yet.
“I liked the minimalism,” he told The Des Moines Register. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Luke has made several video clips and posted them online, where he talks about his project as many have grown curious about the little house.
As you can imagine, Luke also received some help from his parents, both financially and with the building itself.
But dad Greg made sure that it would be Luke himself who would pay for most of his project and also build most of it himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg told The Des Moines Register. “It teaches life lessons.”
Teenager’s Dream
The house is in many ways a teenager’s dream, an oasis where you can chill and hang out in. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed.
There’s even a barbecue and flowers at the back.
Luke usually does his homework after school at his new house and some nights during the week he gets to sleep there.
Luke already has aspirations to build another house — one that’s a little bigger for when he starts college. He also hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” he says in one of his videos.
You can really see how proud he is about his project below.
Luke’s story is a great example of what a child can achieve with a clear goal, a strong worth ethic, and support from home.
Tattoo artist shows off freckles she inked on customer who travelled 900 miles for them
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic tattoos, one trend continues to spark curiosity and debate—freckle tattoos. A Brisbane-based tattoo artist, Daisy Lovesick, recently went viral after showcasing a client who traveled a staggering 900 miles just to get her signature freckle tattoos.
While some people spend their lives covering up freckles, others are going to great lengths to get them permanently inked. But what makes freckle tattoos so desirable, and why did this particular case gain so much attention? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cosmetic freckle tattoos, the process behind them, and the internet’s divided reaction to this unique beauty trend.
The Artist Behind the Viral Freckle Tattoo
Daisy Lovesick, a renowned tattoo artist in Brisbane, has built a reputation for creating hyper-realistic freckle tattoos. She specializes in subtle, natural-looking designs that blend seamlessly with the client’s skin, giving the illusion of naturally sun-kissed freckles.
Daisy’s TikTok account, @daisylovesick, is filled with videos showcasing her meticulous freckle tattooing process. Her recent post about a client named Michaela, who traveled 900 miles just for her service, caught the internet’s attention.
In the viral video, Daisy carefully mapped out the freckle placement before inking, ensuring that each dot complemented Michaela’s facial features. To add a personal touch, she even included a tiny heart-shaped freckle.
How the Freckle Tattooing Process Works
For those unfamiliar with the process, freckle tattooing is a form of semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing. Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos are created with a softer, more natural effect. Here’s how the process unfolds:
Video : Doctor Reacts to Freckle Tattoos
Mapping Out the Freckles
Before inking, Daisy strategically placed the freckles, having Michaela approve the design first. “I always map my freckles with my clients sitting up,” she explained. “I have them check in the mirror to confirm they’re happy.”
Adjusting for Facial Expressions
Freckles shift naturally with facial expressions, so Daisy asked Michaela to smile, make faces, and talk while finalizing the placement. This ensures the freckles move naturally when she emotes.
Tattooing the Freckles
Once Michaela approved the design, Daisy began the inking process. Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos fade over time and settle into a more natural, blended appearance after healing.
Immediate Aftermath
Immediately after the procedure, Michaela’s face appeared red and swollen—an expected reaction. Daisy reassured viewers, stating, “A lot of times, freckles look like this immediately after they’re done. Clients know this is how they’ll leave the studio.”
Daisy was thrilled with the outcome, saying, “I am absolutely obsessed with how these freckles turned out. I love the ones across the nose the most.”
The Internet’s Mixed Reaction to Freckle Tattoos
As with any beauty trend, not everyone is on board. The video quickly went viral, attracting both praise and criticism.
Supporters Loved the Look
Many users praised the tattoo artist’s work, admiring how the freckles gave a youthful, sun-kissed appearance. The client herself, Michaela, commented, “ITS MEEE hahaha I am so in love with these! Thank you so, so, so much.”
Critics Were Not Impressed
Others were less enthusiastic, questioning the appeal of freckle tattoos. Some users compared the fresh ink to blackheads, rosacea, or even grease burns.
“Looks like she’s been bobbing for apples in a chip pan.” “It doesn’t look like freckles. It looks like she has rosacea.” “I have natural freckles and they look nothing like this lmao. This poor girl needs her money back.”
While some found the look unappealing, others couldn’t understand why someone would choose to get permanent freckles when others naturally have them and try to cover them up.
Freckle Tattoos: A Growing Beauty Trend
Despite the mixed opinions, freckle tattoos have gained popularity in recent years. Many people love the youthful, carefree aesthetic freckles provide. Here’s why they’re trending:
A Natural, Sun-Kissed Look
Freckles are often associated with a fresh, natural beauty that doesn’t require makeup. For those who weren’t born with them, tattooing offers a long-lasting solution.
Customizable Designs
Artists can tailor the freckles to match a client’s desired aesthetic—light and scattered, bold and clustered, or even incorporating tiny shapes like hearts or stars.
Semi-Permanent and Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional tattoos, freckle tattoos fade over time, usually lasting 1-3 years before needing a touch-up. This makes them a less permanent commitment compared to other facial tattoos.
Video : the real secret to natural, long-lasting henna freckles every time
What to Expect from Freckle Tattoos
If you’re considering getting freckle tattoos, here’s what you should keep in mind:
They Will Fade – Initially, freckles appear darker but fade to a more natural look after a few weeks. Healing Takes Time – The redness and swelling seen in Daisy’s video are temporary. The final results take a few weeks to fully develop. Choose a Skilled Artist – Not all tattoo artists specialize in freckles, so do your research before booking an appointment. They Are Semi-Permanent – Over time, the freckles will fade and may require touch-ups to maintain their appearance.
Would You Get Freckle Tattoos?
The beauty world is constantly evolving, and what’s considered trendy today might not be tomorrow. While some people embrace freckle tattoos as a fun, youthful beauty enhancement, others remain skeptical about their appeal.
What do you think? Would you ever consider getting freckle tattoos, or do you prefer to stick with traditional makeup and natural freckles?
Drop a comment below and share your thoughts! And if you enjoyed this article, stay tuned for more beauty trends and tattoo stories that are making waves on social media.
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