ah! new and overwhelmed!

I would like to venture into henna..and for some reason it seems way more overwhelming than face painting. The mixing, ordering, designs..where is a good place to start? And does anyone have any experience with the "fake henna" inks that you paint on? are these recommended? These seem a little more fool proof for me...in particular the idea of the henna going bad is what turns me off..it seems like it would be expensive to practice then throw it all away.

I was afraid to try it at first, because it has more permanence than face paint. (albeit temporary) I was worried that I would mess up and the client would be stuck with it until it wore off. Then I started watching youtube tutorials on designs and painting them on my arm, so I would have the feel of how it went on. Next I bought glue cones and started doing freehand glitter tattoos with henna designs. I chose glitter, because it can be removed.
Finally, I bit the bullet and ordered a henna kit from Henna Caravan. I made it according to directions and rolled my own cones and filled them. I froze all but one and then did a design on myself.
And. fell. in. love.
I really enjoy face painting. But I LOVE henna. Trust me. It is fabulous. I can't wait until what I am wearing wears off, so I can do a different one.
I take private appointments in my home, so I don't take it to festivals with me. It needs to stay frozen until you need it, and doesn't take long to thaw.
I've done pregnant bellies, too.
Love, love, love...
Jump in. The water's great. You'll love it!

Thanks for the info! Was there one youtube channel you liked best?

https://www.youtube.com/user/FreeHandMehndi

https://www.youtube.com/user/Tatattacked/videos?view=0&flow=grid

https://www.youtube.com/user/shrutiarjunanand

https://www.youtube.com/user/joyofhenna/videos?flow=grid&view=0

And I have randomly skipped around and found lots of great stuff, just forgotten to subscribe.

Awesome! Thanks! I love your idea with starting out with liquid bling

It wasn't liquid bling, although you could use that. I bought glue cones from Ybody and started with those. They handle just like henna cones, although I found the glue to be much more runny. It was challenging, but an excellent way to learn.
You apply the glue and let it dry until it is clear, then brush glitter over the glue. These stay for 3-10 days. Here's one of mine.

Thats very pretty. Excellent way to start to get the feel of it. I haven't tried it but have always thought it would be fun. I like how the flowers are blocky instead of round, and adding dots makes it pop so much. Very pretty.