Needle Soldering Class

★ The workshop aims at giving a better understanding of the architecture and parameters of different needle types – round liners, round shaders and magnums. I will show and explain all the steps and the logic behind the different configurations and their use. We will look at industry standards as well as some extravagant DIY examples. After lunch we will split up in pairs and practice the techniques. You are also welcome to bring your own ideas and we shall see if we find a way to make them come true. This workshop alone is not enough to enable you to solder your own needles in everyday life, but it will definitely help you make better choices for the needles you buy and use. If you do wish to deepen your knowledge and skill, I also offer individual workshops for that. I would like you to bring needles that you are usually using so we can compare and discuss.

★ Why I love soldering needles: It starts with understanding a needle. Knowing which parameter of a needle has which kind of effect in the skin is empowering. Why is it that an open 5 does the same size of line as a tight 7 but is more difficult to control and heals in a different quality over time? An extension of this is understanding the parameters of the machines and how to tune them to be in harmony with the types of needles I am using. The second reason is of more pragmatic nature: I can solder one needle of a certain type and don’t have to buy a pack which I will not be able to finish before expiration date. I can afford to have many different types of needles and adapt them to the skin of my clients instead of having to adjust my gestures to the skins. The third reason is a philosophical, spiritual one: it is a ritual of devotion to each and every one of the people I tattoo and myself. It takes a long time and it is difficult, it is frustrating. Whenever I sit down to solder I need to gather my energy. I need to breathe steady and feel calm. If I am nervous I fail. And also if I am not nervous I fail. It inspires humility, it reminds me that even if tattooing has become easier with the years I shall not take these achievements for granted.

With Caro Ley

★ A full-day workshop (10:00/20:00)
★ Max. 8 participants (apprentices and self-taught people are welcome to join)
★ 150-400€ sliding scale
★ If you want to attend but cannot afford the minimum, please email me about it.

Please contact Caro via email at [email protected] to ask further questions