Some random oldies.

Hey, it's been so cold lately that I've been wearing the several layers at work so I haven't had any room for henna. So while I wait for it to warm up, here's some really old photos of some random things I've done when I first started out. I love doing non-traditional stuff so here it be!

Very cool - I love the back design! That giant squid is awesome too, lol.

It's GRR!! OMG I love Invader Zim, haha. Haven't watched it in years, though.

Well done!

really nice designs!

Awesome. I have some henna in my fridge that I NEED to use. My girls have no school today, maybe I will try some of it.

How do you keep a consistent line? My friend picked it up for the first time and her lines were perfect. Mine just seem to start and stop a lot. Any advice?

One of the problems I hate the most is the lack of consistent line. We can beat the powder until it's dust, but it will still clog up in our cone. Sometimes it's too cold and it's thick, other times ( especially in the Florida heat) it starts to separate and there is sticky eucalyptus juice seeping out. I really have no idea how to get those perfect lace-thin lines. That's what all the stuff I do is big with thick lines and a lot of shading.

New Invader Zim design.

if you get jamila it is really well sifted then to be sure you can put the paste through muslin or pantyhose to make sure no bumps are left. I find if it has been fridged or frozen it can separate so maybe put it back in a bowl and stir it again. I pretty much only use fridged/frozen henna on myself I make it fresh for jobs. You could try a jaquard bottle for easy thin lines.. I LOVE the dinosaurs is it ok if I try some? I've only got tat style dragons for the young boy demographic but I can see dinos being a huge hit!

Take whatever you want. I don't get all uppity about people using stuff I've made. It's a compliment.

Ah! Grrr! Love Invader Zim! You've got it down with the cartoon style of henna! Yeah!
I need to whip up a new batch of henna, but want to learn how to make cones 1st. The little bottles are killin' me!

SamFantastico wrote:One of the problems I hate the most is the lack of consistent line. We can beat the powder until it's dust, but it will still clog up in our cone. Sometimes it's too cold and it's thick, other times ( especially in the Florida heat) it starts to separate and there is sticky eucalyptus juice seeping out. I really have no idea how to get those perfect lace-thin lines. That's what all the stuff I do is big with thick lines and a lot of shading.

I am curious about what kind of powder, how you mix it, ingredients, how long you let it sit for the dye to release, etc. Your paste might just be too thick, or you have too much oil, or or or....sooooo many variables.

I can say how I mix is that I use a mixer. All my ingredients go in a mixing bowl and on goes the mixer. Once that is mixed for several minutes I cover it and leave it for at least 24 hours (like Amy, i am here in WA) next to the heater register/vent.

Once the time has passed/dye has released, I put it back in the mixer and mix for several more minutes and then thin down the paste to the consistency I like. I don't sift the powder, I don't strain the paste. I do use triple sifted (thru muslin they say) powder from Rajasthan, India.

Over the years I have thinned down my paste more and more. A thin paste can easily get those fine lace-like lines you mentioned. Personally I find the thin lines a bit overratted. The only place thin lines will visually look good (with a good stain) is really the palms or soles of feet...and both of those fade the fastest. So when going to other areas of the body, that don't stain as dark as the palm, I prefer a thicker line so that it visually 'pops' in the design. Thin lines are awesome for shading tho...so that's a good one to have anywhere on the body.

sorry....I am rambline....

Not rambling at all. Great info! I want to learn more about henna. We offer it, but only for fun events & never anything as serious as a wedding. My daughter's really into it.

I put my paste in a pair of pantyhose & push it through. This helps get the lumps out.

Just adding more...