Realism Blackwork
Alfietats
Tattoos by Alfie Wedlake at The Iron Works, Stony Stratford.
- Every design drawn for you
- A reply within 24 hours
- Registered with Milton Keynes City Council
Recent work
See allHow it works
Send your idea
Fill in the booking form, with reference photos if you have them.
Get a quote
I reply within 24 hours with a price and dates.
Lock in your date
Pay your deposit. It comes off the price on the day.
Get tattooed
Fill in the consent form I send you, and bring photo ID.
What clients say
See all on GoogleAbout
I'm Alfie Wedlake. I tattoo realism and blackwork at The Iron Works in Stony Stratford, and every design is drawn for the person wearing it.
The Iron Works, 63 Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1EQ. Weekday evenings 4–7pm and weekends, by appointment. Palm-size pieces are weekday evenings only. Registered for tattooing with Milton Keynes City Council.
Work
Realism, blackwork and more, fresh from the chair. Tap any piece to see it full size.
More on Instagram: @alfietats
New photos are on the way. See the latest on @alfietats.
Book a tattooPrices
Realism and blackwork, priced by the time it takes. Send me your idea and I'll give you a quote before you pay anything.
Price guide
Pick a size for a rough price, worked out from the rates above.
A rough guide, not a quote. Simpler designs sit at the lower end and detailed realism at the top. You'll get an exact price with your design, before you pay anything.
Good to know
- Your deposit comes off the price on the day. How deposits work
- Bigger pieces, like sleeves and back pieces, are done over a few sessions.
- Got an idea I'd love to do? I take on a few portfolio pieces at up to 25% off. Ask in your booking request.
Book a tattoo
Four quick steps. I'll reply within 24 hours with a quote and dates. See the price guide
Your answers save on this phone as you go, so you can pop out to find photos and come back.
Your answers from last time are back.
Request sent
Thanks. I'll reply within 24 hours with a quote and dates.
What happens next
- I'll reply within 24 hours with a quote and dates.
- Once we've agreed, you pay your deposit. Don't pay before then.
- Two days before, I'll send you the consent form.
- Come in, bring photo ID, and we get started.
Preview only: nothing was sent. Once the site is live on Netlify, requests go straight to your Forms inbox.
Deposits
A deposit secures your date and comes off the price on the day. Only pay once I've confirmed your design and date.
Pay your deposit
Pay the one I've told you, and put your name as the payment reference.
The rules
- Your deposit is non-refundable.
- It comes off the price of your tattoo on the day.
- You can move your appointment once, with at least 48 hours' notice, and keep your deposit.
- Moving it a second time, cancelling, or not turning up means you lose your deposit.
- You must be 18 or over, and bring photo ID.
After you've paid
I'll confirm your booking on WhatsApp. Two days before, I'll send your consent form to fill in.
Aftercare
Look after it for the next few weeks and it'll heal sharp. If anything worries you, message me.
The wrap
Clear film (second skin)
Leave it on for as long as I told you, usually 3 to 5 days. Some ink and fluid collecting underneath is normal.
If it leaks or starts lifting, take it off early. Peel it back slowly in a warm shower, stretching it along the skin rather than pulling it up.
Cling film
Take it off after 2 to 4 hours, then wash it as below.
Washing, for the first two weeks
- Wash your hands first.
- Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap, using your fingers, not a cloth or sponge.
- Pat it dry with clean kitchen roll. Don't rub it, and don't use a bath towel.
- Let it air dry for 10 minutes, then rub in a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo balm.
- Do this 2 to 3 times a day. Less is more: it should look slightly shiny, never greasy.
What's normal
- Days 1 to 3: tender and a bit red around the edges, with some weeping of clear fluid and ink.
- Days 4 to 14: flaking, peeling and itching. Don't pick or scratch it; a thin layer of balm takes the edge off.
- Weeks 2 to 4: it can look cloudy or dull while the skin settles. This clears.
- Weeks 4 to 6: fully settled. Send me a photo of it healed.
Avoid for 2 to 4 weeks
- Soaking it: baths, swimming pools, the sea, saunas and hot tubs. Showers are fine.
- Sun and sunbeds. Once it's healed, use SPF 50 on it to keep it sharp for years.
- Picking, scratching or peeling off flakes.
- Tight or rough clothing rubbing on it, and gym kit or equipment that touches it.
- Dirty bedding. Put clean sheets on the first night, and keep pets off it.
When to get help
Redness or swelling that spreads or gets worse after day 3, heat, yellow or green pus, a bad smell, or feeling feverish or unwell can mean an infection.
If you notice any of these, contact your GP or call NHS 111, and let me know.
Touch-ups
Send me a photo at 4 to 6 weeks. If any part needs touching up, we'll book it in.
Happy with it?
A quick Google review really helps other people find me.
Questions
The things people ask most. Anything else, message me on Instagram.
How much will my tattoo cost?
It depends on the size, detail and placement. Palm-size pieces are a fixed £140, and custom work is priced by the time it takes. Send me your idea and I'll give you a quote before you pay anything.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes, once we've agreed your design and date. It secures your slot, comes off the price on the day, and isn't refundable.
Can I move or cancel my appointment?
You can move it once, with at least 48 hours' notice, and keep your deposit. Moving it a second time, cancelling or not turning up means you lose it. If you're unwell, tell me as soon as you can.
How old do I need to be?
18 or over, with no exceptions. It's the law in the UK, even with a parent's permission. Bring photo ID: a passport, driving licence or PASS card.
Does it hurt?
A bit. Most people say it feels like a hot scratch. Ribs, feet, elbows and the spine are the most sensitive spots; outer arms and thighs are easier. We can take breaks whenever you need.
How should I get ready?
Get a good night's sleep, eat a proper meal before you come, and don't drink alcohol the day before. Bring your photo ID, a drink and a snack, and wear loose clothes that make the area easy to get to.
When and where are you?
The Iron Works, 63 Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1EQ. I tattoo on weekday evenings, 4pm to 7pm, and at weekends, by appointment. Palm-size pieces are weekday evenings only.
Can you cover up an old tattoo?
Often, yes. It depends on how big and dark the old one is. Send me a clear photo of it in daylight with your booking request and I'll tell you honestly what's possible.
Do you do touch-ups?
Send me a photo once it's healed, after 4 to 6 weeks. If any part needs touching up, we'll book it in.
Do you do flash?
No. Every tattoo is drawn for you, from your idea.
How do I look after it?
Keep it clean, use a thin layer of balm, and keep it out of baths, pools and the sun for a few weeks. The full guide is on the aftercare page.
Tattoo consent
Fill this in before your appointment. It takes about three minutes, and everything you tell me stays confidential.
Alfie Wedlake, @alfietats. The Iron Works, 63 Wolverton Road, Stony Stratford MK11 1EQ. Registered for tattooing with Milton Keynes City Council.
Consent form sent
Thanks. See you at your appointment, and bring your photo ID.
Preview only: nothing was sent. Once the site is live on Netlify, consent forms go straight to your Forms inbox.