Lovely, Easy to Wear, Traditional Henna Tattoo Design

Here is a quick henna tattoo design that makes use of many traditional elements... the flower, the paisley, and of course, the little dot.

To draw this pattern, the larger design areas were created, then filled in with traditional components.

This design is for a customer going right back to work in retail. She needed something that would make it easy to use her hand, leave her finger tips free... and still be lovely.

A henna tattoo like this one costs @$30.00. The black paste you see on the skin is not the finished tattoo. The paste will remain on the skin for three to six hours.

A glaze of lemon, sugar and essential oils was applied to help keep the paste on the skin.. and the enhance the finished color.

After the paste falls off, or in some cases after you scrape it off, apply olive oil to the design area. The application of olive oil keeps water out & helps to keep body heat in.

Henna is a heat activated dye and the color will darken over the next 48 hours with proper care. A few things to avoid are: chlorinated water, American beauty creams, (most contain petroleum - and that fades the color of the henna tattoo) and exfoliating the skin.

Sun and heat are fine! Hot weather and sweating open the pores and help the henna to penetrate the skin.   Henna tattoo is available throughout the summer time by Ann George. Appointments work best! although walk-in henna is often available on Saturdays at The Midnight Sun.

Bridal Style Henna Tattoo - Full Back Hand Henna Pattern

Here is a photo of bridal style henna tattoo. This is a full back hand henna pattern that took about half an hour to finish.

The design actually started above the wrist with the floral cuff, then moved down to the back of the hand, and finally to the fingers.

From this angle, it is easy to see the peacock built into the pattern, so the wearer gets to enjoy the lovely bird.

The viewer will notice the floral cuff first, and then the eye will be drawn down the hand to the tip of the fingers.

This pattern was created by drawing a series of shapes that were then outlined and finally filled in with traditional mehndi components to give a full hand tattoo.

The use of negative space is very important when creating free hand henna designs. A bit of space between design elements catches the eye.

In my experience, when I forget to use negative space, my tattoos seem cluttered, visually busy, or it's just plain hard to see what I drew. I hope you find this little note helpful.

For more information about drawing henna tattoo, there are wonderful live videos on this blog. Check the labels to the right of this post to find one you like. Namaste.

Henna Tattoo Design for the Back of the Hand.

Here is a photo of a quick henna pattern for the back of the hand.

While the darkest color is achieved when applying henna tattoo to the palm, most customers find it very difficult to go about daily activities with a henna tattoo on the palm of the hand. As well.. it is easy show off your new design!

Surprisingly, we seldom show our palms to the public. This photo is a picture of henna paste on the skin & NOT black henna. This paste will remain on the skin for several hours and once scraped off, will leave a stain that darkens over the next 48 hours. The better care you take of your henna, the longer the tattoo will last.

For more info on henna tattoo aftercare, please see the FAQ page.

Quick Henna Tattoo - Henna Patterns

This graceful design is a perfect compliment to the jewelry & mala my henna clients was wearing.

The pattern is simple, but elegant.. easy to keep an eye on, and easy to work with throughout the day.

This is a sample of the $15 chef's choice henna tattoo available in Five Points at The Midnight Sun. Henna tattoo will be available through the fall on Saturday afternoons.

Please contact Spirit Vision Henna for more information.

Traditional Henna Pattern for Sonya

Many thanks to Sonya for ordering a traditional henna pattern. This design is one of many from the little henna pattern books imported from India.

Mixing a very fluid paste helps make this kind of fine line henna tattoo possible. I used a henna cone made of florist wrap, not quite mylar... but a shear & flexible cellophane type material. I cut just a bit off the tip of the cone, and the began the pattern at the wrist.

I used the 2009 Jamila henna powder, so it was easy to make a very fine paste. As well, this year's crop is extra wonderful in that it is very gummy all on it's own. The addition of henna tea made with fenugreek seeds also helps to create a cohesive paste that flows smoothly onto the skin.

If you would like a henna tattoo like this one, please feel welcome to stop by The Midnight Sun on Saturday, 9.12.09 sometime after Noon. Simple henna tattoo designs are $15. A full back hand henna like this one can cost $25 to $30. For more information about henna tattoo.. visit the FAQ page on my site.

*Please note: This is a photo of henna paste ON the skin. I do not offer black henna. Once this paste has remained on the skin long enough ( 3 -6 hours) to give a good stain, you scrape the black paste off to reveal the henna color ( light orange to dark reddish brown) which will develop over the next 48 hours.

The quality of your finished henna tattoo depends in part on how well you take care of your design.

Henna Pattern for Back of Hand

Here is a photo of a traditional henna tattoo design taken from a book of patterns I bought about 5 years ago. My client really like the stupa decoration at the wrist, as well as the full hand pattern and intricate design.

This pattern took about 35 minutes to apply. The henna paste I am using this year is a bit wetter than pastes I have used in the past, so the henna flows freely from the cone and takes a bit longer to dry. This slower dry time results in a better finished color, although it does require that you are careful with your tattoo about 15 minutes longer than last year's paste.

Henna Tattoo Design for the Back of the Hand.

This photo is an example of a custom, or "chef's choice" henna tattoo.

As you can see, Margaret is wearing a beautiful ring, which is quite large. As henna tattoo is an adornment, and used to make a woman's hand look even more beautiful, a free hand henna tattoo was created to compliment this turquoise stone.

This tattoo took about 10 minutes to complete. I used Jamila henna powder, which is always shipped fresh & finely sifted, and hand rolled cone to give the fine lines you see in this tattoo.

You might also notice the shading used on the flower at the wrist. Two coats of lemon/sugar glaze were applied to help the paste stick to the skin as long as possible, thus providing a deep, rich color.

This kind of quick tattoo costs $20 to apply. You will receive a consent form and aftercare instructions with every tattoo, every time. The henna paste is made fresh, contains only natural ingredients & gentle essential oils. Many people report that the experience of henna is just as lovely as the tattoo they receive.

Stop by The Midnight Sun on a Saturday for your henna moment. Subscribe to this blog for updates, new images, tips and tricks for beautiful mehandi every time.

Simple Henna Pattern - Design for the Back of the Hand.

Here is a photo of Shannon's henna from the First Friday party.

The pattern was built to accommodate her rings & bracelets, and the busy night ahead. The design was done in little sections as she was busy waiting on shoppers - answering questions & of course selling lots of wonderful beads!!

We are hoping to see you First Friday in July for a bit of body art... or most any Saturday at 1055 Park Street, The MIdnight Sun.

Call (904) 993-7466 for more information about henna tattoo in Jacksonville, Florida. Or visit Spirit Vision Henna.

Full Palm Henna Tattoo

Here is a quick pattern for a full palm henna tattoo with a floral feel.

My customer wanted a traditional henna look without bridal pricing... which is when the use of negative space makes a henna tattoo come alive, seem very full & traditional, without requiring more than 15 minutes or so.

This pattern starts at the wrist & then uses two double paisley patterns to contain the bulk of the design. Henna rings were used on the fingers, with little ring jewels on the tips.

Henna will naturally flake off over time, and of course with movement, so the rings were placed between the finger joints. Placing the henna paste away from the joints of the fingers made this an easy to wear henna pattern for a busy shopping day. The henna tattoo was sprayed several times with a a lemon sugar glaze to help it stay in place.

As it is now henna season, it's best to call ahead to schedule your henna tattoo at The Midnight Sun. Visit Spirit Vision Henna for more information. This month's special is one full palm tattoo, similar to the one you see here, for $25.00. If you want both palms done, then it is best to have a driver.. or to choose a pattern similar to this second pattern.

This client had to drive for the little party that stopped by the shop. As you can see the henna design makes use of "negative space" to enhance the peacock pattern and to leave plenty of room to handle the steering wheel while driving a stick shift car.

If you have another style of henna tattoo in mind, no worries. There are lots of pattern books to look through, however the special pricing is for "Chef's Choice" henna. This means that your artist will create a custom design based on your preference for tribal, floral, Arabic or Indian styles.

Arm Jewelry - a henna tattoo pattern for the inner arm

Here is a henna tattoo pattern for the inner arm. It is a free hand design which took about ten minutes from start to finish. The pattern flows with the muscle structure of the client, as well ... the energy flow of this particular goddess who was just open to what ever art seemed right for the day.

One of the blessings of doing henna in Five Points is that more & more clients are choosing henna as living art - thus art for art's sake, or as a means of self-expression. Sometimes just as a treat, a bit of pampering that takes one on the evolutionary journey of Mehandi, or henna tattoo.

If you have never had henna before, then you see in this photo what appears to be a black tattoo. What you are really seeing is a photo of henna paste still on the skin. Under the paste, the henna mixture is interacting with the skin. Henna is a heat activated body dye that penetrates the skin.

The hotter the skin is, the more the pores open, and the deeper the final color. Also, in warm weather, we may sweat a bit, and this helps to keep the paste moist on the skin. When the paste is moist, it can easily stain the skin. This is why lemon sugar is applied after the paste is a bit dry... to keep it moist & active. Also, the sugar in the glaze helps keep the henna from falling off the skin.

At present, henna tattoo is offer only on Saturdays on a walk-in basis at 1055 Park Street, The Midnight Sun, in Five Points, Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida. Please feel welcome to call (904) 993-7466 for more information.

Quick Henna Jewel for Everyday Wear

Here is a lovely example of a traditional henna pattern that works well for everyday wear in Western culture. The pattern is from the "Sangeet" pattern book.

This quick henna took about 10 minutes from start to finish, and fit perfectly on the wrist. It is a "tiny" tattoo, but a lovely example of the traditional art.

I am using a "wetter" paste this year, which means that the henna flows very quickly from the cone and is easier to work with. The wetter paste does take a bit longer to dry on the skin, so you may need to wait a bit longer for the henna to dry.

However, this extended drying time helps you get darker color in your finished henna tattoo. Stop by the Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida on Saturdays to get your henna art. Remember if you want to have henna on the lower back or belly, wear hip huggers & a crop top.

For tattoo on the feet, wear the tiniest sandals possible! More skin = more color.

Full Palm Henna Tattoo - First of the Season

Jamila henna makes such a fine, smooth paste that it only takes a few moments to create a lovely complex design like the one in this photo.

I am always happy to start the season with customers who really want the full henna experience, the intricate pattern, cooling paste, relaxing atmosphere and ambient music.

I enjoyed meeting a new friend - a charming Pisces man - who ordered this pattern. (yes - men get henna!).
I thank Phillip so much for sharing time & space with me. As henna season is off to a very good start, you might want to call to schedule your appointment on Saturday.

For more information, just click the title of this post.

Practicing Peacock Arm Tattoo

Inspired by the henna video showing work by the artists of Nepal, I decided to practice to improve both speed & style.

Here is a photo of late night henna practice where the work focused on creating an armlet tattoo. I feel very good about peacock faces in general.. and I am sure the eyes are improving.

I also feel better about my use of negative space, and am remembering to double line major design areas so that they really stand out.

Also, bolding or filling some areas also sees to help bring a design to life.

Of course the greatest difficulty I find when henna-ing myself is working upside down!

And then there is not smudging as I go! This is when the use of lemon sugar glaze & a blow dryer is priceless.

I can work out the pattern, spray, dry, and continue without having to be overly careful.

I will be able to put up finished color photos of this tattoo.. so ..

Stay tuned?


Namaste

Fine Art Photo? Can you find the henna tattoo?

I am so happy to have been able to do this full hand henna pattern.

An "original" free hand design, the use of negative space makes a lovely pattern.

Can you find the henna in this photo?

I really like the mehandi against this fabric. I am sure there is another foto coming soon.. but as I have yet to see it, I share this image with you in hopes that you will find is as much fun as I do.

Wishing you warm nights.

Namaste,

Ann George

Henna Tattoo How To Video from Nepal

Henna Pattern - Peacock Tattoo with Flowers

Here is a photo of a full palm henna tattoo. This design was done using the "draw the outlines first" method which has really improved my finished designs.

Visit the henna videos category on this site to see one of the best "how to" videos online. I started the pattern at the wrist, drew the outlines for the peacock & the bracelet at the wrist, then moved to draw the outlines for the encircled flower pattern at the base of the hand. I went back to fill in the details of the peacock & bracelet before moving to fill the hand. After finishing that portion of the pattern I drew outlines for the flower pattern that runs up the pinky & ring finger, then the little paisley and the flower at the base of the thumb.

After filling in all those areas, it was time to finish off the fingers. I used bold strokes to finish, hoping that the use of negative space would create the little glove effect as well as enhance the complexity of the palm pattern. If you like this pattern, you may enjoy a visit to the Henna Patterns page on my site. There are lots of little booklets from India on sale.. filled with inspiring images.

I intent to be back to work at the MIdnight Sun this weekend. Perhaps I will see you there?

Henna Today at the Midnight Sun - Rain or Shine Henna Party

I will be at the Midnight Sun today between 1:15 and 5:15 PM, rain or shine, to do some henna tattoo.

Pictured here is a quick little pattern that took about 6 minutes to complete, is easy to wear, and just in case in rains today, easy to keep dry.

Of course, tattoos on the feet & ankles are very popular, but not the best choice for a rainy day.

I will bring lots of pattern books to choose from, but this is a "chef's choice" design created to fit the wearer.

If you have a tattoo pattern you want, please bring it along. See you soon?

Tribal Henna Tattoo for the Hand

Here is a tribal henna tattoo for the back of the hand. This design uses components common in many North African patterns.

In keeping with the "less is more" philosophy of life, I tried to accent the natural beauty of my clients hand using a pattern that drew the eye, but did not over whelm. Also, if you notice, the henna pattern avoids the joints of the fingers, and is "out of the way" so that a busy day can easily be accomplished.

If you do choose to get henna on the back of the hand, and want to get the darkest stain possible, then please try to leave the paste in place until you to to bed that night.

That evening, after you remove the dried paste with olive oil, sleeping in a glove (plastic or otherwise) will help heat up the henna to give a dark result.

Henna Fish - Tattoo for Festival Days

This little fish is a "chef's choice" pattern for the back of the hand. It took just a few minutes to create a henna pattern based on the koi.. or fancy goldfish concept.

Once the outline was drawn for the eyes & head, the rest of the fish just flowed along. You will notice the pattern is filled in with traditional henna components, the line, spot, curved and straight lines.

I hope you enjoy it. If you would like one, just stop by the Midnight Sun in Five Points, Riverside, Jacksonville, Florida.

Namaste!

Henna Tattoo - A simple pattern shines with gilding.

Here is a photo of a freehand henna tattoo with just a bit of gilding added to make Saturday a bit more glamorous. If you click the photo, you will be able to see a larger image of the turquoise & green glitter gel added to highlight the henna tattoo.

Gilding paste is made with cosmetic glitters, or cosmetic powders and a stiff hair gel as the carrier for the color. Sometimes fine glitter is hard to come by, but if you have a mortar & pestle, it only takes a few moments to grind economy glitter into a shimmering powder.

I apply the gilding using a clear henna cone. (Cellophane cones hold up very well & enable clients to see just what color they will get.) I have learned to wait until the henna has dried and at least one glaze of lemon sugar has been applied.

For more photos of gilded henna tattoo, visit the Henna Jewels gallery on my site. There are other photos of gilded henna tattoo in this blog.. check the labels to the right of this post for the complete list.