Application & Care Instructions for Temporary Tattoo Sketchbook Instructions

Temporary Tattoo Sketchbook Instructions

Before You Start

✨ Create your own temporary tattoo to help calm anxious thoughts and express your creativity. ✨

Important: Please read all instructions before starting.

Inside your sketchbook:

  • The first 12 sheets are your tattoo paper (where you'll draw and colour your design).
  • The last 12 sheets are adhesive sheets (these turn your artwork into a temporary tattoo).

Step 1: Draw Your Design

Draw directly onto the tattoo paper.

Best tools for drawing:

  • Pencil
  • Sketch pens
  • Fine-tip markers

Helpful tips:

  • Place the tattoo sheet on a hard, flat surface while drawing.
  • Avoid drawing on soft surfaces, as dents can affect how the tattoo applies.
  • Use a kneaded (putty) eraser if you need to erase pencil lines.
  • Avoid regular erasers, as they can damage the paper.
  • If you're nervous about drawing freehand, sketch your design on another sheet of paper or a tablet first, then trace it onto the tattoo paper.

Step 2: Colour Your Design

Colour directly onto the tattoo paper.

Recommended colouring materials:

✅ Coloured pencils (pencil crayons)

✅ Acrylic paint markers

✅ Face paint markers

✅ Watercolours

Do NOT use:

❌ Permanent markers

❌ Alcohol-based markers

These can affect the tattoo adhesive and shorten the life of your tattoo.

Colouring tips:

  • Use a hard, flat surface underneath your paper.
  • Press lightly for softer colours and harder for darker colours.
  • If using watercolours, apply several layers and allow each layer to dry.

Step 3: Add the Adhesive Sheet

  1. Carefully remove your completed tattoo page and one adhesive sheet from the sketchbook.
  2. Peel up a small corner of the adhesive sheet backing.
  3. Line up the adhesive sheet with the coloured side of your artwork.
  4. Stick down the exposed corner first.
  5. Slowly peel away the backing while smoothing the adhesive sheet onto your artwork using a credit card or ruler.
  6. Firmly rub over the entire design with the card or ruler to ensure the adhesive transfers properly.

You should now have a clear plastic layer covering your artwork.

  1. Cut around your design as closely as possible without damaging it.

This helps your tattoo last longer and reduces lint buildup around the edges.

Step 4: Apply Your Tattoo

Before applying:

  • Start with clean, dry skin.
  • Avoid lotions, oils, or moisturizers.
  • Do not apply over hairy areas. Trim or shave first if needed.
  • For best results, apply after showering so the tattoo has time to fully set.

Application steps:

  1. Remove the clear plastic layer.
    • If the adhesive starts lifting, press it back down and rub firmly again with your card or ruler.
  2. Place the tattoo face-down on a flat area of skin.
    • Best areas: forearm, upper arm, calf, shoulder.
    • Avoid joints, creases, and areas with lots of movement.
  3. Press a wet paper towel firmly against the back of the tattoo.
  4. Hold until the paper backing slides off easily.
  5. Let the tattoo dry completely.
  6. Apply a pea-sized amount of sunscreen over the tattoo and edges.
    • This helps remove shine and improves the appearance.
  7. Try to avoid large movements for about 20 minutes while the tattoo sets.

If an edge starts lifting:

Simply press it down with a damp cloth or wet paper towel.

Tattoo Care

To help your tattoo last longer:

✅ Avoid lotions and oils near the tattoo

✅ Wear clothing that doesn't shed lint when possible

✅ Be careful with moisturizing soaps and body washes

✅ Gently wash with soap and water if the edges get dirty

The tattoo is waterproof and can last up to 5 days with proper care.

Removing Your Tattoo

  1. Apply body oil or lotion to the tattoo.
  2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Reapply and wait another 10–15 minutes.
  4. Once the tattoo becomes sticky, gently rub it away with a cloth and more oil.

Tip: Body oil usually works faster than lotion, but either can be used.