Alex has always wanted a stick and poke tattoo. Last night she got it - her constellation of Cancer (inspired by her birthday necklace) behind the ear. She commented, "I never would want a tattoo gun behind my ear!"
Indeed, it is a sensitive spot. SnP's are much more gentle and have that personal done-by-a-roommate quality. This was done from the comfort of her own home/bed. It took about 4 minutes. Looks fierce, Alex.
Have you ever seen the angel named Mykki Blanco? She might be in disguise in her track pants. At a recent (amazingballs) concert in SF, I felt the presence of this angel. I even touched her salty sweaty skin! My bold friend Hannah (below) gave the angel a kit. I was too shy. While rapping, Mykki picked it out of her entranced, swaying, offering hand and put it gently on an amp. A few days later, Ms. Blanco tweeted this picture:
When tattooing, two things are must haves: something to soothe your pissed-off skin during the poking (alcohol is not soothing, people), and something to encourage healing after your kitten-with-devil-horns sleeve is finished (apple blossom scented lotion is a no-no here, people). These are Witch-hazel Extract and Aquaphor Healing Ointment. These both prevent pain and infection. SEE UPDATE:
{UPDATE/Side note: The newest edition of my kits now include a Witch-hazel wipe and a HUSTLE BUTTER. Armed with these two very popularly-used-in-tattoo-parlors wound care products, you can now poke and wipe with soothing native medicinal plant wipes and follow up your tattoo immediately with healing ointment. No trips to the store! Soothe Safely.}
I am not a professional tattoo artist (yet), merely a Stick and Poke Safety Advocate (Harm REDUX!). I found some info that might help some of you out there regarding tattooing, inks & skin behavior. I got this information from the Spirit Galley Tattoo (located in Connecticut, USA) Web Page. I think this tattoo artist knows what they are talking about.
{NOTE: I JUST interviewed a local professional stick and poker and got some more helpful hints and tips - see that interview here.}
"How is the tattoo applied, and how do people react to tattoo ink over time?Getting a tattoo is permanent, and has some serious implications that you may want to be aware of. While most of the [...]
Stick and Poke went to a party in Oakland. It was a diy tattoo extravaganza.
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HAPPY PRIDE! Sincerely, Stick and Poke Tattoo Kit ;-)
This Tumbler Page gives you some cool ideas and empowers those who stick and poke. Please poke safely!
My cool new Ad Campaign! I heart my friends (and aren't they hot?).....the tumbler site is here too: https://stickandpokekit.tumblr.com/
This is from the Food and Drug Administration (USA) page about tattoo ink - copied on July 25th, 2013.
I highlighted some of the more fun facts and my [snarky comments]...
As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks.
Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush.
While state and local [...]
