These tattoos can really be worn anywhere on the body, but I chose to show them on the wrists because I love the idea of this technique replacing (or at least challenging) the traditional wrist corsage. I would love to see those stiff, unimaginative relics laid to rest for good. Tattoo corsages celebrate the tradition of corsages while at the same time revolutionizing it. A tattoo corsage can be a DIY project made for a school dance or event, or it can be an offering at flower shops or studios. You can make it on kinesiology tape with a paper backing, or assemble it directly on the wearer. I imagine people coming into flower shops and getting “tattooed” before an event in the same way as they go to a hairstylist or makeup artist.
STEP 1: Measure the kinesiology tape to the desired length.
STEP 2: Sketch out the shape you’d like for the tattoo before cutting. Giving the pieces curves allows the body contours to show beneath the design. To create mirror-image tattoos as I did, sketch two mirror-image “S” designs on the tape.
STEP 3: Trim all the flowers to the desired length. Heavier or larger materials are typically cut flush so they can attach securely to the base. Cut the scabiosa, snapdragon, larger zinnia, and strawflower flush, but keep a little length on the celosia and hanging amaranthus to make the most of their delicate, cascading quality, and on the dill florets, a few of the smaller zinnias, and the currant tomatoes so they can float over some of the heavier materials.
STEP 4: Add a fine layer of floral adhesive to the entire length of the tattoo. Squeeze out more adhesive—about a quarter-size pool at a time—into a little bowl or scrap of cardboard. As you add materials, dip each one into the glue before adding it to the tattoo base. Starting at one end of the piece, begin adding the daintiest materials, alternating varieties and placing them closely together. Choose from the smallest bits, or deconstruct the materials to create small bits to work with.
STEP 5: Continue adding materials, gradually working up to larger blooms and florets. Alternate type and orientation to create a mosaic of elements that looks beautiful from all angles.
STEP 6: When you reach the middle section, focus on the edges so the tape doesn’t show. The largest blooms can be added here, as it’s the fullest point of the tattoo. Nestle the flowers together, almost like puzzle pieces, for support and coverage and to create an interesting, textured design.
STEP 7: Work your way down the length of the base, selecting smaller and smaller flowers and bits as you go.
STEP 8: Complete the piece by “floating” top layer ingredients and delicate finishing elements.
STEP 9: Before placing the tattoos, cleanse the skin with astringent and allow it to dry.
