my first tat was with india ink from a print shop. i used a needle with thread wrappped arouind it to set the depth. pretty crude, but turned out o.k. they’re covered up now though.

I’m confused by what you mean. You dipped a thread in ink and basically stitched yourself? Or you just made stabs with the thread and ink wrapped around the entire needle?

I’ve thought about doing the stitch thing, though, that would be extremely painful. I’m cool with brands and scars and different things, and I think I would be up for it, but I wouldn’t be able to do it myself. As for the other option, that sounds like a good idea, but I don’t know how I would make the thread stick to the needle very well.

Part of the point of wanting to do something different is the desire to NOT use tattoo ink, so if I can avoid traditional methods, then I will. That was why I inquired about the ash thing, I have heard about it being used, but I wasn’t sure.

Thanks for your replies guys, they’re much appreciated.