Hands-on Henna

June 15, 2003 12:59 AM

The Reverend Bunny's Secret Henna Diary. Sssh! Don't tell anyone, but this is a fascinating site featuring tips and tricks, and a nice gallery of images annotated by background information, image sources, history, and interesting anecdotes.

You can also find free patterns here, both traditional and non-traditional.
posted by taz (7 comments total)

Site author Catherine Cartwright Jones' web of henna also includes the Henna Page and the excellent mehandi.com, with articles and even more gallery images (including the interesting and beautiful
"ghostbusters" pattern), plus macro-henna, a scientific approach to henna ingredients.
posted by taz at 1:00 AM on June 15, 2003

Sweet post, taz. I've got a friend who does a little mehandi(sp?) in town during the summer months, she'll love to see it.
posted by Joeforking at 4:04 AM on June 15, 2003

Hah! that Bunny doesn't have fur! Behold your false prophet! reverend indeed...
posted by Pink Fuzzy Bunny at 7:41 AM on June 15, 2003

taz, what a fabulous post! Thanks so much! I have been fascinated with mehndi since I saw the delightful film Monsoon Wedding. I loved the film, I would be eager to hear if some Indian perspectives. (This post reminded me that I had meant to buy the soundtrack, too!) There was a great segment in the film about a mehndi party, so post-film I wanted to learn more and did a bit of Googling. I had some bookmarks tucked away as a possible future post -but I found none of these, you have unearthed the creme de la creme here!

In addition to all the luscious traditional patterns, I was interested to see some native American patterns, and particularly enjoyed the San Ildefonso, based on traditional art from a pueblo I visited in New Mexico.

Well here are a few of the links I unearthed.
Mehndi, from a site that also has a beautiful set of pages on the sari.

Another page on mehndi at the Teej Festival pages of the Raj Tourism site.

This travelogue features a page on traditional Pakistani weddings that I found of interest - the bride is spectacular.
posted by madamjujujive at 7:43 AM on June 15, 2003

For centuries, Morroccan women have enhanced their beauty by drawing upon the resources available. Now, Avon is calling on all Casablanca complexions.
posted by matteo at 11:20 AM on June 15, 2003

love those breast patterns ;)
posted by reality at 8:03 AM on June 16, 2003

I have a batch at home, ready to be applied (to my feet) tonight. I'll definitely use some of these patterns. Thanks, taz!
posted by MrMoonPie at 10:25 AM on June 16, 2003