A Stick and Poker in the UK (btw, we are huge in London), Andreas, has a really cool email address (it ends in .xxx. wtf!? awesome), and mad poking skillz. He sent me his creations done by the SnP kit. A, these are your first home tattoos? WOW! Boss...
Everyone: Please send your Safe SnP tatt pics to me for a discounted 2nd kit!
"Hi,
I purchased one of your tattoo kits a few weeks ago, and I loved it! I have to say, I really appreciate the thought that was put into these kits, especially regarding safety. I finished my first tattoo, and now I'm hooked. I'm ready for the next one! Who knew that tattooing yourself could be so enlightening and fulfilling? I included a picture for you to see. I would love to order a second kit. Would it be possible to have it include a second needle? I found that with some inflammation it became increasingly difficult to keep the lines straight, and wanted to go back over it once [...]
....if you are into that sort of thing. Remember that the whole point of this kit is tattoo in the comfort of your own home...so, you may be able to "use" the pain, if you catch my kinky drift. For the rest of you wimps (only kidding), use this chart as a guide. I KNOW you wanted that armpit ladybug tatt - looks like you're gunna have to earn it, soldier.
We were all young once.
What a thrill it was to get cut up and bloody and then mash our dripping wound with a buddy's to show our undying loyalty, trust and bro-love (yeah, I never did that). A few friends of mine (who shall remain nameless) have a similar bloody pact with their SnP needles and ink. They SHARE. Gasp! Although I think they are real sweet stand-up people, I can only attribute this behavior to ignorance about a little thing called Biology. There also may be confusion about how BBPs spread from one person to another. I am a former HS biology teacher, so let me break it down fo' ya.
Ahhh the precious (read:alpha) tattoo artist. Poor guy. You know the one: he has full sleeves, wears dark denim, a bowler hat and shirts with classic muscle cars. He has some Harley's Man facial hair and a bullied-as-a-kid, 'fuck the world,'white boy pseudo-artist attitude. An ego the size of my garden (i have several beds) that everyone who wants a little ink must endure. He's a 'sensitive' (in a large anchor on the arm kind of way) dude in doc martens. These guys are funny because they thought they were all counter culture when they became a tattoo artists and now they are stuck working for the man and nagging SnP kids like a grandpa who wants you off his lawn. But he kinda wants you on his lawn...what is grandpa's problem!?
This is an pretty well-made short film on a few home tattooers - basically - what they got and why. One girl loves her "San Francisco tattoo." I enjoyed it. Please note that these tattoos were likely done in an unsafe manner, and that SnPTK recommends that you use sterile everything and that you follow precautions in order to minimize the risk of blood borne pathogens (who wants an angry liver for life? Not me!)
THIS VIDEO WILL NOT SHOW UP IN CHROME. YOU GOTTA LAUNCH SAFARI OR FIREFOX TO SEE IT.
This is a helpful list to consider before stick and poke tattooing...
1. Just start poking without sanitizing the area. Maybe you could host some friendly flesh eating bacteria?
2. Use any ink laying around the house (the worst: pen ink and printer ink). Maybe you could just inject some toxic chemicals directly into your bloodstream?
3. Share ink or needle with a friend. Maybe you could be a test subject for the new HIV Vaccine?
4. Be drunk or under the influence of a state altering drug. Maybe you could give yourself a permanent reminder of the night you discovered your affinity for Moscow Mules?
Article by Rach and Nic
Bay Area Girls Rock Camp (BAGRC) is a nonprofit that was formed in 2008 after being inspired by Portland, Oregon’s own Girls Rock and Roll Camp. BAGRC is committed to fostering teamwork, creativity, and confidence in female identified youth through the use of music. BAGRC recently wrapped up its last camp session of 2013, which culminated in a showcase of 16 original songs written and performed by each camp band.
Guiding the campers through the musical week was a group of mentors comprised primarily of volunteers, with several interns and staff members. This venerable group of adults ranged from late teens to mid 60s and encompassed a variety of musical backgrounds from zero experience to decades of musical involvement. In addition to their musical endeavors, many volunteers and staff also were sporting tattoos that ranged from intricate gun [...]
This video does not show up on Chrome browsers. Not sure why....click here for the youtube link.
Yaay. Praxis, dubbed: "a sweet community space and good-stuff shop," is now (drum roll) carrying the Original Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit! This place is real cool for several reasons. Just look at their awesome quilt flag and 'plants for donation,' cart out front. :-D
Jimmy on Yelp says, "Praxis is a wonderful concept--so hard to put into words. Sort of an artist coop, sort of community center, sort of learning-by-doing, DIY workshop place. It's a wonderful place to trade ideas and share your craft with others, and contribute to the community."
I agree.
Pic: Co-owner Aerin (left) with my kit and local seamstress. 3047 24th St, San Francisco, California.
