​Do you want to learn how to tattoo? Maybe you have tried it on a friend a long time ago or you bought a tattoo kit and are hoping to break into it one day.

​It can be daunting to start on yourself and be stuck with your first pokes, mistakes and all. So let's learn the basics together on leather - risk free!

​In this class, we’ll go over a little history of hand-poked tattoos, as well as dive into some of my favorite references. Then, I’ll demo some tried-and-true techniques that I’ve learned on my journey as a hand-poke artist. After the demo, everyone will have time to practice on second skin before designing their wallets! Feel free to create your own design, bring in some inspo or even use some of my flash tattoos that I’ll be bringing along to class. After the design sesh, we’ll get to poking, using all the techniques we learned in class. You’ll even have the option of adding a few finishing touches like grommets and rivets to your wallet.

​All leather wallets are hand-made at the Kiki and Bouba Craftlab studio! They’ll be totally one of a kind, made out of genuine leather.

​I’m someone who learned to tattoo by trading with other artists and sharing techniques. Tattooing is a learning journey, so leave perfectionism at the door and just have fun with it!

​In this class I’ll share with you:

• ​Sanitation basics

• ​Handpoke (aka stick & poke, machine free) techniques

• ​How to design a tattoo

​About the Instructor: Sam Maurer currently lives and works in Queens, NY. She graduated from the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in character animation. Her illustration work has been published in the New York Times and The New Yorker while her films have screened at animation festivals in the US and EU. She was an artist in residence at Ox-Bow (2025) and Popps Packing (2021).

​Materials Provided:

• ​5RL Needle (Pack of 5)

• ​Ink

• ​List of stuff for home

• ​Pre-made leather

​Students should bring: Just yourself! If you like to draw, bring simple designs you’d like to tattoo. I will also be providing flash sheets to choose from.

​What You’ll Leave With:

• ​Skills to continue your own stick and poke journey

• ​One hand-made leather card wallet with your own tattooed designs

​About Kiki and Bouba Craft Lab: Kiki and Bouba is an experimental craft lab run out of our private studio in East Williamsburg. Artists ourselves, we spend our days tinkering so we can bring you exciting, new crafts you won't find anywhere else. Our classes are intentionally very small so you'll have your instructor's attention throughout the class. Questions are welcome at every step.

​What to Expect at Our Workshops: This is not a paint-and-sip. We specialize in 2–4 hour workshops that teach you the fundamentals of skills that have taken us years to hone. Classes are skill-intensive and hands-on, with a small seat capacity so everyone gets the attention they need. Come ready to embrace the learning curve. The skills and satisfaction you walk away with are always worth it.

​Refund Policy: Kiki & Bouba Craft Lab is a small, artist-run studio led by just the two of us, Adrianna and Zolzaya. Every ticket directly supports the materials, space, fees, and care that go into each workshop. Because of this, all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable, so we encourage you to book thoughtfully. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to pass your spot along to a friend. Just email us at kikiandboubacraftlab@gmail.com so we can update the registration.

​Photography & Video Notice: We take photos and videos at our workshops for promotional use. By purchasing a ticket, you consent to being recorded and potentially featured in future marketing materials. If you prefer to not be included, please let us know in writing prior to your class. Thank you so much!

​Please Note: Participants will receive a liability waiver by email before the class begins, required to be completed prior to class. Please arrive on time to maximize your making time.