As with any other form of art, tattooing requires skill, creativity, and a lot of practice. If you are a beginner, understanding techniques such as lining and shading may feel overwhelming.

So, let’s start from the very beginning.

From cleaning your workstation to the equipment you’ll need and how to perform common tattooing techniques, we’ll share it all in this 101 guide for beginners.

Principles of Hygiene

Before you grab your tattoo needle and start your work of art, it’s important to make sure your studio is sterile to prevent cross-contamination.

As you are working with the skin, you are likely to come in contact with blood. Taking necessary precautions will help you avoid possible contamination and reduce the risk of infecting yourself and your clients with blood-borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis.

To learn in-depth about the steps you need to take to achieve the necessary level of hygiene in your tattoo studio, you are required to take an online course on cross-contamination and learn how to protect yourself and others.

Tattooing Equipment

Your workstation containing your equipment must be sterile. Many artists opt for a steel tattoo trolley to keep their equipment safe and nearby while they work.

If you’re eager to delve deeper into the art of tattooing, you can also explore comprehensive guidance on setting up a tattoo machine over at FYT Supplies.

The equipment you’ll need as a tattoo artist includes:

·        A tattoo machine

·        Tattoo ink

·        Ink caps

·        Wipe down fluid

·        Vaseline

·        Process cream

·        Distilled water for needle cleaning

·        Paper towels for wiping

·        Protective Gloves

·        A power supply

·        A sealed needle package

·        Tattoo stencils

Now, that you have all you need, let’s discuss the techniques that will help you bring your tattoo designs to life.

Lining

The lining is simply tattooing lines over a sketch you have applied to your client’s skin via stencil. To practice this step and follow along at your own pace, check out YouTube videos that show how to line in detail. For example, this video on drawing a dragon easy can help you practice this step on paper, before moving on to create an actual tattoo piece.

To produce perfect lines, your tattoo machine needs to be angled properly. The secret to achieving an ideal angle is to align the machine with the direction in which you want to make a line. Also, be sure to run the needle against the tube back. This way, you will achieve a consistent pull of ink. Another option is to make an s-motion where the needle runs against the side of the tube.

As a beginner, thick lines are typically the easiest to achieve. Thick lines require larger needles, and you can determine the needle’s thickness by the numerical value (01-14 — 01 being the finest, and 14 being the thickest). However, keep in mind that the thicker the needle, the more difficult it is to insert the ink in the skin.

To make straight lines, employ the three points of contact method when holding your tattoo machine. This means putting the pinkie finger of the hand holding the tattoo machine against the thumb of the stretching arm, then placing your elbow against the massage table (or your ribs) and setting your wrist against the tattoo chair or table.

To make a sharp line, push the needle forward. If you angle the needle to the side, it may become fuzzy.

To produce thin lines, use thinner needles and go over each line once. Hold the machine as you would hold a pen or pencil, and evenly press the needle against the skin slowly, as you press the foot pedal to turn on the machine. Whenever you complete the line, step off of the foot pedal.

As you tattoo, make sure you stretch the skin in the direction of the line and not the opposite way, as doing so may result in wavy lines.

Another factor playing an important role here is speed. Needles can move at the speed of 50-3,000 times per minute. The speed depends on the type of design. Six volts is a recommended voltage for the speed used for lining, while shading should be done at a slightly slower speed.

Many tattoo artists rely on the sound of the tattoo gun to determine and keep an even speed while tattooing. The slower the speed, the deeper the sound.

Shading

Shading is a technique that makes tattoo designs look more realistic. Depending on the effect you wish to achieve, you can use different shading techniques, including packing, whip shading, brush shading, and stipple shading,

Let’s look at each type.

Packing

Packing is mainly used for areas done in solid colors and can be achieved by using a magnum or a 3-round liner. Magnum needles contain 2 rows of needles with space in between and they allow for full-color coverage or a smooth shadow. As opposed to magnums, liner needles are usually grouped in a tight circle. They can be used for bold outlines, as well as details.

To successfully perform packing you need to hold the tattoo machine at an angle of 45 degrees and make tiny circular motions.

Whip shading

Whip shading is usually used to create floral sketches. As this style resembles a pencil drawing, it is popular with clients who prefer minimalist tattoos. You can achieve this look by using a 3-round liner and holding the tattoo machine in an almost vertical position. Make a swift movement in the shape of a curve, without using too much pressure.

Brush shading

Brush shading is suitable for portrait tattoos and soft blending. To achieve this type of shading, rock the tattoo machine back and forth, allowing a long taper needle to go in and out of the skin while firmly holding the machine and only moving your wrist.

Stipple shading

Stipple shading is a type of shading used for creating a dotted effect. You can either use whipping motions or use the needle as a brush.

The voltage and the speed of your movements play an important role in how far away dots will be from each other. The more quickly you move, the farther apart the dots will be.

The best needle to choose when stipple shading is a 3-round liner with a long taper. A taper constitutes the length of the needlepoint. Longer tapers (6mm) are used for delicate work on portraits, smooth blends, and shading.

Wrapping up

As a beginner, make sure you study and practice all the different types of lining and shading on paper, fake skin, or pigskin before you move on to human skin. Keep your workspace and equipment clean and sterile to avoid cross-contamination. Stay curious and creative and, of course, enjoy the process!

No matter how knowledgeable you are, travelling as a family is a very different kettle of fish from travelling solo or as a couple. Nothing causes greater anxiety for parents than the idea of a family vacation.

As a parent, you’d have to deal with the stress of the right outfits and clothes, tickets, dentification, and the kids’ temperaments. However, all these fears fly out of the window once you master the intricacies and get the hang of the process. Besides, there are major benefits to travelling with family; you get to engage in deeper and more meaningful conversations and bond through shared experiences in unfamiliar, new places.

While there’s no surefire way to avoid illnesses and other unforeseen circumstances while travelling, you can follow specific pro tips for a comfortable flight and ensure your family stays safe during the vacation. This article will provide further tips for an enjoyable vacation as a family.

These tips will be valuable for planning your next family vacation and help you enjoy a seamless holiday experience.

1. Agree on a Mutual Decision

Whether exploring a new place, relaxing on the beach, or learning a new skill, jointly make unanimous decisions. Agreeing on a mutual decision before making a move will ensure everyone agrees and allow for more seamlessness.

The only way to make a trip memorable for everyone is to allow every family member to experience something they enjoy. Ask every one of your family for ideas and interests. Through these conversations, you’d learn about what other members of your family need on vacation and be able to find destinations that will suit these needs.

Incorporate your kids into the planning of the trip. Ask them if they’d instead relax on the beach or tour an art gallery. They’ll feel included in the trip, enjoy it more, and complain less.

2. Ensure a Family Friendly Accommodation

Regarding accommodations for family vacations, it can be pretty hard to book accommodations that are well-suited for your family. To equally satisfy everyone, booking accommodations offering separate sleeping areas instead of a standard hotel room with two beds is essential.

While you might pay more for this convenience, having a good night’s rest is vital before you start on your vacation destination. For instance, if everyone is holed up in one room, including the kids, you’d be unable to sleep until your kids do. And considering how frantic and excited they might be for the anticipated fun, it might take a long while to get some sleep. Also, if you want to have some me-time with your spouse during the vacation by playing a game or reading a book together, you might book accommodations that would give you and your kids separate rooms.

However, not every hotel offers this service, so you might have to do a little of research. By using hotel booking sites, including Expedia or Hotels, you might get the hotel’s website, research room options, and availability. You can also use Airbnbs; they are more often than hotels and more conducive. Some Airbnbs possess full laundry and kitchens, saving money and time.

3. Make Reservations

While an essential part of the adventure is to arrive without a plan and allow the thrill to guide you, this travel style can be a big problem when kids are already in the picture.

To enjoy a family vacation, make logistics and hotel reservations ahead of time to prevent unnecessary frustrations. Scouting the streets for hours searching for a hotel or waiting several hours at a bus or train station with a cranky child in the mix isn’t a pretty situation.

Don’t make assumptions about hotels or apartment rentals. Call ahead to confirm availability and ensure that the said hotel has the requirement well suited for your vacation.

4. Allow for Downtimes

Regardless of how tight the bond between your family might be, everyone has some downtimes once in a while. So you should allow for contingencies like that when planning for a vacation. If there are going to be a lot of activities, carve out a time when everyone can relax and chill.

It’s worth noting that each member of the family’s definition of downtime can differ from one person to the other. However, if you give your family a chance to relax regularly, everyone can be kept calm and happy.

If your family gets overwhelmed and starts to argue with each other even after several periods of downtime, the problem might be overscheduling. So you might need to cut down on the activities on your list for the vacation.

5. Make Use of Local Expertise

When vacationing somewhere new, you can always make more of the trip by asking for the locales who live in the area. From cheaper places to get more things to activities to do in the area, people who live around the area are in a better position to give you more information about the area. This is one of the best ways to ensure that every family member is happy and the vacation is memorable.

Conclusion

Finally, slow down! Life with kids is a different kettle of fish than life as a couple. Things are way different now, so don’t replicate the way you used to travel before kids. Don’t cram too many activities in one day.

Enjoy your adventure when everyone is invigorated and refreshed. Most travel experiences are those where there are proper expectations for the day, with breaks in between. Family travel doesn’t always have to be a hurdle. With these tips and a little planning, you’ll be so glad you traveled with your family.

Metal signs are a great way to add color and style to your garden, porch, or yard. They’re also extremely durable and long-lasting, so they’ll be there for years! They can help you make a statement and provide extra flair if you want to beautify your garden area. These customized metal signs are available in different designs and can easily be customized to fit your beautiful garden. If you’re considering using metal signs in your outdoor space, here are some great reasons you should go for them.

Rustic & Vintage Touch

Metal signs come in various shapes and designs, instantly adding a vintage elegance thanks to their metallic finish. In fact, you can get customized metal signs which can add a rustic touch to your lovely garden. These metal signs can be used indoors and outdoors, making them an ideal choice for all gardens- large or small.

These signs give off an air of old-world charm but with modern design elements. These add flair to your space, like regular plastic signs, without being gaudy. These are perfect if you want something more than just ordinary!

High-Quality Materials & Weather-Proof

Garden signs can be made of different things, but when you think about it, metal is a pretty natural choice for these outdoor signs. A wooden sign may rot soon, and a plastic sign will eventually fade or crumble. Worse, it isn’t very pleasant for the environment in the long run.

On the other hand, metal is durable and sturdy, meaning a metal garden sign will last longer than plastic signs. Metal garden signs are also weatherproof. They won’t fade or crack because they don’t get damaged by changing temperatures and humidity levels. Metal is a great material for these signs because it will last many years without any issues!

Help Organize Your Garden

If you have different plants or sections in your garden, metal signs can help you better organize them for visitors and guests. Metal signs are an excellent option, even for one plant that needs to be labeled as you move it from one place to another.

They are easy to read and understand and come in different shapes and sizes, so you can use them anywhere in the garden. For example, you can use these signs to identify different areas of your garden using specific colors or lettering.

You can also mark directions using these metal signs. This can be helpful if anyone has questions about where a particular plant is located or how many there are.

Can Be Used As Gifts

Not only are metal signs easy to give and receive, but being customizable makes them a perfect gift. It’s very simple to use them as gifts. All you have to do is find the right size, attach it to your choice of backing material, wrap it in paper or twine and stick it on some pretty bows.

If you get a metal sign as a gift, in addition to being thrilled with your new garden accessory, you’ll also be excited by how easy the process was. Since they’re not fragile like glass or delicate like cloth tapestries, metal signs are ideal for shipping. You can easily wrap them up and send them across any distance without worrying about breakage during transit.

Conclusion

Metal signs are a great way to add fun and personality to your garden. They’re also functional as you can use them as markers for plants or simply beautify different areas of your yard. So if you’re looking for an alternative to wood or plastic garden markers—and want something more sophisticated than plain old rocks—look no further than metal signs!

With the weather taking a cooler turn and the days being shorter than ever, it’s no surprise that people are looking for new bars to grab a drink after work or on the weekend.

While you have your local watering holes for a quick glass of wine or a beer, sometimes you’re seeking out a trendier bar with more ambience. Perhaps you want to get dressed up – or maybe you’re just after a killer cocktail, but whatever the reason, the bartenders at the following places know how to make a mean drink.

Cosy cocktail spots in London

Ever After, Shoreditch

Find this East London gem in Hoxton Square – a small cocktail bar and kitchen serving up bespoke drinks and small plates to share.

Enjoy an espresso martini three ways – with vodka, bourbon or tequila (and all will have you questioning the original being so popular, trust me) – and snack on sharing dishes such as a melt-in-your-mouth ox cheeky, oyster mushroom and pepper skewer or courgette and feta-filled ravioli. Don’t miss the homemade chocolate mousse, that’s served to you in big dollops from a bowl.

everafterbar.com

Bow Bar, Paddington

Never has a hotel bar generated so much buzz as this one but the Hilton London Metropole’s Bow Bar is quite the spot to grab a drink.

Each cocktail has been carefully crafted by the creative mixologists behind the bar, to bring you the likes of the Charlie Chaplin (Beefeater 24 gin, homemade tamarind beer and freshly squeezed lime) and the Blinker, which will have even whiskey sceptics turn their heads.

londonmetpresents.com

Haugen, Stratford

I’d say nestled in Stratford but Haugen’s building is pretty impossible to miss as you walk yourself through and past the Westfield shopping centre. While the restaurant itself certainly has plenty to offer (cheese fondue, anyone?), the rooftop is wear things get really cute and cosy.

Nibble on bretzels (hot, buttered, soft versions of the traditional snack) and nocarella olives as you sip your Haugen Breeze or Sky High Spritz. Blankets are included.

haugen-restaurant.com

Shutters, Canary Wharf

We all need a local bar to head to for post-work drinks and if you work in the city and are looking for something that’s a little more spruced up, check out Shutters.

With an extensive wine list, boasting everything from Chablis to Whispering Angel, there’s also a decent set of cocktails to work your way through. The Mango No.5 and Secret Gin Garden are not to be missed, nor are the crab nachos – go get ’em.

shutterscanarywharf.com

Coupette, Bethnal Green

One of the world’s best bars (2019), Coupette in Bethnal Green is both authentic and completely unassuming. With its unpretentious nature having no effect on the quality of its cocktails, this bar is definitely worth a stop.

With each page of its menu focusing on a different cocktail chapter, the drinks range from ‘chocolate and red wine’ to ‘sour little sweetie’ – all fun, eclectic and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Snacks are on hand too – as well as cheese and charcuterie plates, they’ve got confit duck leg, fried chicken and croque monsieur sandwiches.

coupette.co.uk

Doña, Stoke Newington

Enjoy magical Mezcal cocktails, all the way from Mexico, at this hidden gem in Stoke Newington. From the sharp and sassy Sabrina drink, with pink peppercorns and lime, to the fresh and fizzy Paloma – there’s a long list to work your way through at Doña.

And if you get hungry? Tigre Tacos is just upstairs, serving the best fish and vegetarian tacos and tostadas. Baja fish and grilled prawns have our vote…

bardonalondon.com

Here at House of Coco we love a road trip and whilst we’ve clocked up some serious mileage in pretty much every car brand known to man, we have recently been exploring life in an electric vehicle. It’s fair to say it comes with it’s challenges but the pros far outweigh the cons.

So we were impressed to hear that, today, SIXT car rental has announced that Tesla cars are the latest to join their SIXT+ subscription fleet, adding to the wide selection of premium cars on offer. To mark the occasion, those subscribing to a Tesla for three months or more have the option to purchase a brand new ‘Tesla Tour’ package.

The limited-edition package includes three mystery journeys – one per month – taking the driver on a scenic tour to discover a surprise UK destination, filled with picturesque routes, adventurous activities and most importantly, electric charging points along the way.

The addition of electric vehicles comes on the back of the announcement of SIXT’s new sustainability programme to further accelerate CO2 reduction and demand for smart e-mobility. The electrification of the fleet forms just one component of the programme, which aims to inspire even more customers to experience sustainable mobility.

According to SIXT data across a range of their corporate companies, of those who are in the market to purchase a new car 40-50% will hire a rental car with the intention to test drive before buying. Meanwhile, one of the biggest barriers to buying an electric vehicle is whether they will last a long journey. Bringing the two together, SIXT has developed the ‘Tesla Tour’ package to allow customers to experience a Tesla without the commitment of buying, test the battery (safe in the knowledge they won’t be stranded) and have some fun along the way.

When purchasing the ‘Tesla Tour’ package, customers will start out by selecting the dates they would like to go on their adventures. Fast forward to the day of departure, customers will receive a packing checklist, including anything from goggles and a beach towel to hiking boots, as well as a list of postcodes to put into the car’s GPS. The postcodes will be made up of electric charging points, activities, and the final destination – a beautiful hotel for an overnight stay while their Tesla recharges.

From hikes in the Lake District to paddle boarding in Surrey, the activities will give drivers the chance to enjoy some of the country’s most stunning scenery and Instagram-worthy activities, all while their car battery is charging.

Tim Vetters, Managing Director of SIXT UK commented:

“Adding Tesla cars to our SIXT+ offering is a really exciting step, and we know our customers will think so too. But we love to go the extra mile and give our customers something to make the experience that much more special – and we think our Tesla Tour packages do just that. Subscribe to SIXT+ and choose a Tesla and get the chance to see the country and embark on adventures you may not have otherwise – what a brilliant way to make the most of your rental car!”

The Tesla fleet is available now for subscription via SIXT+. The SIXT+ subscription model allows for full flexibility, without long-term commitment or other contractual obligations. Customers pay a monthly fixed price and fuel costs without any additional charges, and can cancel at any time.

The ‘Tesla Tour’ package costs £800 and is available to customers subscribing to a Tesla for three or more months. The package includes three unique ‘Tesla Tours’ – each including one night hotel stay, route plan, and three activities along the way.

Top 10 activities for you to recharge.. while your car recharges:

1. Lake Windermere, Lake District National Park, Windermere, LA23 1LJ – The Lake District is known for having one of the best wild swimming spots in the country. Put your swimming skills to the test while your car charges nearby.
2. Mr Mulligans, Unit 5A The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, GL50 4FA – If you’re naturally competitive, Mr Mulligans in Cheltenham features a mini golf course, shuffleboard and electro darts all under one roof. Ready, set go!
3. Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP – This live music and entertainment venue is just the place to waste away a few hours thanks to its packed schedule of performers while your car charges.
4. Folly Dolly Falls – A hike to this picturesque waterfall in Yorkshire is just the thing to make you forget the time. Conveniently park and charge at the nearby Huntsman Inn before setting off. Make sure you know where you’re going, the falls are a hidden gem.
5. Logiclock Escape Rooms, 6 Trinity Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AN – There’s nothing like an escape room to get your blood pumping. With three different rooms to choose from, escape through your chosen adventure while your car charges a short distance away.
6. Black Mountain Adventure, Three Cocks, Brecon, LD3 0SD – With ‘adventure’ in its name, this activity centre is sure to deliver a thrilling few hours of fun, whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding and white-water rafting.
7. Rainbow Rocket Climbing Centre, 49 Clifton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7ED – Looking to get in a workout? This rock-climbing centre in Cambridge will have you working up a sweat in no time.
8. Fistral Beach Surf School, Fistral, Newquay TR7 1HY – If you’ve always wanted to tick ‘learn to surf’ off your bucket list, now is the time. While your car is charging, you’ll be learning a new skill.
9. Sea Life Manchester, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester, M17 8AS – Another one for the bucket list, depending on how brave you are! Kill some time and try the ‘Swim with Shark’s’ experience, something you’ll never forget.
10. Rage Room Glasgow, Hype Leisure, 72 Hydepark Street, Glasgow, G3 8BW – Smash it…literally at this Rage Room in Glasgow and return to your car feeling destressed and ready to take on your next adventure.

Please visit https://www.sixt.co.uk/plus/ for more information on SIXT’s subscription service.

A city like London is great for many reasons – not least because it offers a plethora of fantastic spots to dine out With so many top restaurants in the capital, one is never stuck for ideas of where to go out to eat.

However, there is most certainly such a thing as too much choice – even if you narrorw things down to your favourite cuisines, London boasts a variety of Japanese restaurants or good places to grab brunch on the weekend.

If you’re someone who is struggling to choose where they next grab a bite to eat, why not scroll through our carefully curated selection below, to help plan your next meal. Follow your stomach (and our words of wisdom), people…

Top restaurants to book in London

Papa L’s Kitchen, Piccadilly

Originally designed to be a pop-up, Papa L’s Kitchen is putting African cuisine on the map, with founder Lawrence Gomez boasting head chef of The Ivy Covent Garden and working at Sexy Fish as some of his accolades.

Launching a new winter menu for the season, it’s the best time to visit. A pioneer of modern African cuisine, signature dishes include spiced plantain and red mullet stew.

If you eat fish and you don’t order the grilled King tiger prawns, I have no words, nope, nothing sees me make sense of that choice, sorry. Papa’s lamb chobs, in a delightfully sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, are also a triumph.

papalskitchen.com

Hām, West Hampstead

It’s not too often that a British menu catches the eye but Hām offers it up with a modern twist.

Still keeping things simple, standout dishes include ricotta dumplings with cavolo nero and pecorino sardo, as well as the beetroot with goats curd. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant’s suppliers include Lake District Famers, for meat, and Henderson for seafood.

Designed to be a cosy neighbourhood go-to, the restaurant’s passion for good food and wine makes it sure to be a staple among the residents and visitors of West Hampstead.

hamwesthampstead.com

Obicà, multiple locations

Mozzarella fans, pay attention because this is the forté of this restaurant that first opened in Rome in 2004.

From a mozzarella tasting menu (featuring classic, smoked, ricotta and burrata) to dishes incorporating the blessed cheese, there’s plenty for guests to choose from as they dine at one of London’s three restaurants.

Our top picks would have to include the fried mozzarella bits (because who can say no to fried cheese?), as well as the squid ink pasta with prawns and the beef tagliata.

obica.com

JOAN, Shoreditch

This all-day modern Mediterranean restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal or drinks in East London.

Drawing inspiration from Niko Kontogiannatos’ (ex-head chef of Caravan Fitzrovia) native Greece, while putting an electric spin on the food, expect dishes such as braised octopus with skordalia in a chilli lime dressing and roasted aubergine with rose harissa and rocket.

For mains, indulge in the slow cooked lamb shank and creamy mash potato or opt for the sea bass with roasted courgette and pumpkin. Dessert can come in the form of the peanut butter and coconut mousse – or an espresso martini.

joanshoreditch.co.uk

Nine Lives, Bermondsey

Tacos are not just for Tuesday, and some of the best in the city can be found at Nine Lives bar.

The team at Tigre Tacos are working tirelessly in the truck to provide the likes of octopus tostadas and prawn tacos.The baja fish is very tasty and there are a selection of vegetarian options too – all with the same spicy kick.

Wash it all down with a spicy margarita or one of the other excellent cocktails made by the bartenders at Nine Lives.

ninelivesbar.com