Spring/Summer 2011 Henna Design Collection (Part 1)

Some of the henna designs that I've drawn the past few weeks - when there are more time at my disposal.

Here are some of the designs I've done - more to come when I'm back from Cardiff.

This season, I seem to get attracted to squarish petals with spiral cores.

Design 1

Design 2

This is a more common and traditional indian pattern with small fillers in the leaves. However, I usually prefer my designs to have a sense of continuous flow. In this case a blob of design would not be ideal for me, so I choose a string like one.

More patterns

Last week I receive a really unique request to do henna freckles for a really lovely Australian girl. Since the henna paste is placed on the face, I had to change the component of my henna paste mixture so that it does not irritate the facial skin.

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I'm quite busy these days juggling a few responsibilities, so hence, there is less participation this summer.

More pattern updates.

I'm very fond of henna tattoos on the legs. Simple patterns (i.e. combination of flowers and leaves) can leave an amazing outcome.

Summer bridal henna promotion starting from £45!

Simple bridal henna for hands from £45!

Applicable for both hands (back and palms) to about 5cm above the wrist. Simple designs - customized to suit. Affordable and economical, now you can spend more on everything else.

This package does not include transportation costs. Feel free to contact me for more information.

I usually charge £50 for a basic bridal henna.

CS & Bjorn's

CS wanted something sentimental. This calls for Georgia Tech's mascot, Stinger. So I tried to recreate the mascot logo into a tattoo for him.

Bjorn wanted a simple and small design. So we've gotten the simple tribal like design on the arm.

a little henna session

Met up with a friend of mine, An, a few weeks ago and it ended up with lots of hennaing for both her and her room mate.

More floral designs

It's been quite a while since my last update, it's been a busy time. Nevertheless, there is always time for henna.

I'm starting to favour checked flowers. I think it would soon be a trademark design. Absolutely love it.

Doodling as usual.

In the following designs, I'm actually working on connecting designs. I find drawing several curvy lines does help in giving a flow - when you are somehow stuck in between two designs.

The following designs were based on the same core design.

More doodling

Can't help myself when I see excess henna paste lying around. Time for some doodling.

I was trying out flowers with rectangular petals. Fell in love with them when I see them on lovely mehndi designs.

Here we go, more doodling.

Photos from the National Wedding Show 2011 in NEC, Birmingham

Had an amazing time at the National Wedding Show 2011 in Birmingham last two weeks. This time I managed to henna more than 150 visitors over the whole event. Its a step forward for me. I'm so grateful for the visitors who allowed me to do so. Lovely people. Love henna.

Here are some of the photos from the show.

For more photos of this event, click here.

Floral garters

I've been meaning to do garters for a long time. I love them without the hassle of removing and putting it on. So I've gotten my own version which will last a bit.

Core design is inspired by 3 sunflowers.

Doodling in the first quarter of the year

January was the busiest time I ever hand for a while. Racing with time to complete my dissertation. Finally it's done and over with. Phew.

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February came and went. I spent most of my time in my beloved home country. Malaysia. I've visited places I've never been before. There is so much to offer. This trip I've visited Kuching in East Malaysia. The Semenggoh Wildlife Sanctuary - where the forest is preserved for the habitat of orang utans. Amazing creatures.



Another reason for being excited - that is if you are a reptilian fan, Crocodiles! Jong's crocodile farm houses dozens of crocodiles of all shapes and sizes. I've been in love with these creatures all my life, visiting the farm is definitely in my to do list.

What I like about this is that there is an area where crocodiles were kept in an open enclosure - similar to their natural habitat and we (I mean visitors) can walk on the bridge up above and view them in their magnificence. Never the less, this is not for the faint hearted for Mr. Croc may be just right below you!

This guy is just right by the bridge we were walking on.

Ever seen a crocodile smile at you? I bet all of you have not. I have never thought that one could but this put my skeptical thoughts to rest. It looks as if it IS smiling. I was alone at the area at that time. It was an eerie feeling as I recall local stories of how Mr Croc tricked Mr Buffalo to help him and in return, it bit Mr Buffalo's leg, refused to let go and smile. Along came the mousedeer with sheer cunning and wits to save the day. Sum it up. It was creepy as the pupils of the eye seem to focus on one spot. Probably I look like food?

Now you have seen the smilling crocodile, let's move on the core of the post.
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Henna!
I generally haven't done much hennaing in the first two months as you know. I enjoy doing hennaing and of course one day I would definitely love to be proficient at this. But never the less, this is a chance for me to put my progress into words. I believe in the saying that practice makes perfect.

Gillter is an interesting medium for body art decorating but it does not last. It's excellent for enhancing a design or probably for chldren events. They'll love it.

The day before working on the wedding show, I decided to give myself a little warm up before drawing on dozens of people. The simple floral strip is the easiest to draw due to the flexible and repeatitive design.

Another warm up with designs which I've taken off a book. Similar structure but definitely different motifs.

I tried to do a little traditional bridal henna practise but I was in a little hurry and was anxious to finish the design. The end was a little to simple to match the design feature but oh well, I've learnt my lesson. Some designs just don't match.

This is a more arabic approach where designs are bold and striking.

Mehndi: Art of Henna Body Painting by Carine Fabius (A review)

According to Earth Henna, this is the first published book on mehndi in the U.S written by author Carine Fabius, creator of Earth Henna body painting kits. The book comes with dozens of practice exercises and sample illustrations containing

• Step-by-step instructions on how to apply your mehndi designs
• Dozebs of practice exercise and sample illustrations
• Tips from professional mehndi artists
• History of the art form and a discussion of the traditional uses of the henna plant
• 140 beautiful photographs and illustrations
• and more!

Published by Three Rivers Press, New York.
ISBN: 0-609-80319-0

Personally I think this is a lovely book for those who are new to the art of henna or mehndi or would like to have a more in depth understanding of the subject. It is quite wordy illustrating the history and culture of the art of mehndi from different regions across the world. I think it's a good idea for henna artists to at least have a look at the book as you would be able to provide a more in depth overview to your prospective clients - instil their confidence. It also provides simple instruction how to prepare your own henna paste recipe and cones to drawing simple designs and the artist's thought process. There is a good number of designs to try on from simple to those complicated ones including step by step instructions how how to draw; starting from the base of the design to elaborate side decorations. There is also a short overview on different types of design from different roots and culture. However if you are into more designing aspect, this may not be up to your interest. Please be noted that this book does not concentrate on only designs. If you are looking for a book as design references, please do not choose this book!

I hope this review is helpful to those who are interested in the book.

I currently have one extra copy in my possession and I am currently putting it up FOR SALE. The book is BRAND NEW. If you are interested, you can contact me directly by email or visit my Ebay at ebay My World : Aquamarine*13. It is up for bidding from a low price of 99p!

Number of copies available : 1 (Sold)

If you have any questions, please feel free to email or drop me a comment.

Orchidaceae

My version of orchids. Will work on more designs involving them. This is just testing 1-2-3. ;p

A little quote

We will open the book. The pages are blank.

We are going to put the words on them ourselves.

The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Welcome 2011!

One year gone and pass. A new start, a new beginning, that's what we always believe. lol.

Since it's the first day of the year, to make it as successful as the last, or even better. It's always advisable to perform the act itself on the very first day. I'm just being superstitious.
So to get the henna flowing, Here's a few picture for the record.

Repetitive patterns


Petals in the wind.

I doubt these henna will stain though. It's been kept for maybe 2 weeks plus? Probably even more.
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So here, I would like to wish all the blog readers a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Well, start listing down your new year resolutions and 2011, HERE WE COME!
Thank you everyone who stops by and spend a few minutes of their precious time reading this blog.

Love,

Shirley XOXO