Hand Designs To Try

Need some idea's for mehndi designs? Try some of these techniques and see how you do. This is an Indian mehndi design I've created - try being creative yourself and add to it!

Remember that to add depth to the henna designs try doubling up the outlines of the flowers with extra mehndi layers, I wasn't able to do that here unfortunately!

Mehndi Hand Design - The Net

The 'net' hand for mehndi designs is very popular and looks amazing. Here's the technique on how to do it. Start off with washing your hands and adding some oil to moisturize your hands ie: olive oil, sunflower, or eucalyptus.

Most henna artists like to make an outline of where they would like to create their design. Since this is the net design you should make an outline on your hand like the picture below:

 Start off making vertical lines at a 60 - 65 degree angle from one end to the next.

Then try making the same lines going in the opposite direction. Don't worry if your lines are not perfect, just make sure that your lines are making a diamond shape while crossing with the other lines.

Now on the inside corners of each diamond add a simple dot as close to the lines as possible - below I've spread them apart so you have an idea of what I'm talking about.

Your result should look like this:

Once you get the hang of doing this technique you can add to it how you like. Below is an example of a hijab style using this technique.
 

Good Luck!

Different Uses for Mehndi - Part 2

Mehndi has two main uses nowadays - colour and decoration. Mehndi designs have become so specific that anything decorated in the same technique, no matter what material used, is considered a 'mehndi/henna design'.

As candles are being decorated with actual mehndi being used to make the designs they also use dimensional paints in order to add colours and glitter to the design. Candles, candle holders, picture frames, glass items and other such things are decorated with mehndi designs using glass paints and dimensional paints.

The colour of mehndi is used for dying hair and fabrics.  You can purchase hair care products made with henna to colour your hair a deep red colour. Normally you would find it in an Indian grocery shop but you can also make your own as there are plenty of Youtube videos showing you how. Mehndi keeps your hair soft and resilient naturally which is why it's used by a lot South Asian women.

Different Uses for Mehndi - Part 1

Mehndi is also used for decorating not only the hands and feet but also for hair, home decor items, and even food! Henna designs are the new trend when you want something different in your everyday decoration. 

Candles designed with mehndi have become a huge home decor trend, and not only with the south asian community. Designers sometimes use glitter, rhinestones and what not to add more colour and shine to their design. It's easy to do if you can get the hang of making mehndi designs and a great way to give your home a bit of culture.

How To Make Hijab Cones

Making the cones for your paste is very simple. All you need is either Floraphane or Cellophane sheets which you can find in any gift shop. Cut out a square shape approx 8 inches and roll it into a cone starting from one corner.

Once you have the cone shape tape down the end flap.

Fill the cone with mehndi paste (see my blog on how to make mehndi paste!). Make sure you don't over fill the cone, leave an 2 cm gap from the top of the cone not the corner of the sheet. Once filled you can fold the top flap several times over the cone and then tape that down as well. Tape it well!

 

Snip a tiny corner at the tip of the cone no bigger than the size of a pin if you wish to make intricate designs, and voila you are done!

 Good luck! :)

 

How To Make Mehndi Paste

Everyone has their way of making mehndi and here's mine. First of all you need to start off with buying yourself a henna powder which you can usually find in one of your local Indian/Pakistani grocery shops.  You should always sift the powder before you start making the paste because when you make your cone you don't want bits coming out or twigs stopping your paste from flowing smoothly.

Once you are satisfied that there is nothing in the powder you need to make your liquid to help improve the colour of the mehndi.  You will need:

1. Cloves - 1 tbsp
2. Lemon juice - half or 1 tbsp
3. Instant Coffee - 2 tbsp

Boil the cloves and coffee in about 1 cup of water for about 10-15 minutes and then sift into a cup or container. Add the lemon juice. If you are using a fresh lemon make sure you don't get any pulp or seeds into the mixture. 

Using a normal table spoon just add about 2-4 spoonfuls to about half a cup of mehndi powder until you have a thick smooth paste. Once you are satisfied that there are no lumps in the paste add more liquid until the paste becomes as runny as, lets say, as heavy cream!

More to come stay tuned!

Naqsh-e-Henna

The Pakistani Mehndi Ceremony - Part 2

The ceremony begins where the bride-to-be is dressed up in traditional colours such as green, yellow or orange and usually goes without make-up. She enters the room with her friends or sisters who hold a veil over her head as they lead her onto a stage.  If the groom-to-be is having his mehndi with the bride-to-be then he enters the ceremony the same way with his friends or relatives holding the veil over his head.

The stage is usually decorated with curtains, flowers, fancy chairs for her to sit and a table filled with sweets, bangles, mehndi and candles.  The bride sits on stage as she is given to hold a leaf, a piece of paper or a paper note to hold with mehndi in it. Then one by one the married female relatives come to feed her sweets or put bangles on her or both; wishing her luck, a happy life and their blessings.  If the groom-to-be is joining her then the same is done to him. I don't think anyone actually puts oil in his hair as it's an old tradition!

Normally there will be song and dance and this is a chance for their relatives and friends to tease the bride-to-be and groom-to-be and to hopefully help them relieve any stresses they should have. The mehndi ceremony is symbolic as it is supposed to bring a good life and longevity to the bride.

 

Naqsh-e-Henna