Henna Lovers, and Mehndi Mamas!

[lilylove]

I remember there was a tribe, but it seems to be closed now. So I thought I would start a new one :D

I've been playing with henna lately. I have a lot to learn, but I'm really having fun!

Here's a couple pics here (http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/lilylove_2006/Henna/?action=view&current=hennamandala.jpg) and here (http://s110.photobucket.com/albums/n116/lilylove_2006/Henna/?action=view&current=PICT0335.jpg)

I have a few questions too :shy

[Pumpkincat]

those are very lovely! I have played with it a bit as well. I have no pictures tho

[rainbowmoon]

There used to be a big HUGE mehndi mamas thread but I can't find it! So I'm starting a new one!

I am just a newbie (only done it once or twice before years ago..) What supplies are essential? Kits you recommend? I am going to shop for supplies soon! I would also love to chat about designs, mehndi experiences,etc. here! TIA!

[rainbowmoon]

:bump:

Bumping!

I would also like to know if it's possible to use the mehndi ink in a way that would be washable. (For the sake of practicing designs as a beginner)

[lunamegn]

Hi! I've been doing henna off and on for around 9 years.

My "kit" is one or two jacquard .05mm tips, henna powder, cotton pads, sometimes sugar and lemon. Lately I've been using baby wipes to wipe off the skin before I apply the paste and then a little eucalyptus oil.

I've been working more on my recipe for making the paste.

It's really fun, I love apply henna to people and just chatting people up. I do have little photo books with pictures and designs and I have people go through and pic one they like and I use that as a starting point for a design and go from there. Each one is different and unique. I love it! It's like a meditative experience for me.

Here's a few of my designs.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MauDQQbjLWA/SqNRrP83MWI/AAAAAAAABFY/7zTfUoCYXXw/s512/745.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_MauDQQbjLWA/SqNXRJi-uXI/AAAAAAAABSE/3pJJm_aaxVg/s640/henna%20015.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_MauDQQbjLWA/SqNXDTQq9KI/AAAAAAAABRY/P8CdvXCwRko/s640/henna%20002.JPG

[lilylove]

Yay!!

I've been playing with henna for a couple years and just started doing it for profit at a small farmer's market, and through private appointments.
Here's my flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/40060574@N08/?saved=1)

Essential items would be good quality henna powder, (most henna found in stores is poor quality, old or possibly contain unsafe additives.) quality essential oils, water or lemon juice, and sugar.

A good place to order a kit from, is hennamuse.com (as a bonus she is a WAHM!)
A great place to read and learn is at HennaTribe.com.

You can practice by drawing designs with pencil, or using the paste on paper, but there really is no substitute for just practicing on skin. You can wipe off the paste as soon as you are done to minimize the stain and put a balm or lotion on first to keep the dye molecules from penetrating to much.
Good luck, it's a really fun medium!

[almadianna]

I found two mehndi mamas threads and merged them so you are all together. :)

[Kidzaplenty]

:lurk

[ewe+lamb]

Ooooh I love henna - I make up my paste with henna that my dh's family brings back from North Africa for me, roll my own cones - I can't do it the maroccan way with the blunted off syringe, I mix the henna with a little water, lemon juice, syrup or honey - whatever is there and a drop or two of lavendar essential oil I find it makes lovely stringy henna paste and I manage some really long lines with it, we did lots this summer but haven't got pictures - which I must start doing. I love the site www.tapdancinglizard.com - she is wonderful with great advice and free download books. I did try making up a juice for getting a really dark tint to the henna, it was black tea tea bags, fenugrec and cloves and then left it to blend nicely for around 12 hours the colour was indeed very dark but didn't last too long as I had expected it to. Anyone else made up a juice for colouring?

[lilylove]

I've read of others using infusions and a variety of juices including a liquid made steeping dried limes and cloves. I have had excellent results with lemon juice, sugar, molasses, a good amount of high terp oils (like cajput) and of course really high quality henna.
I like cones too :)