HENNA HISTORYHAND DESIGNING

ORIGINThis artform of using henna is

sometimes referred to as Mehndi, in India.

ORIGINThe henna plant is thought to come from Egypt

over 5000 years ago. Later henna was brought to India as a state gift

from the Egyptians. ◦ Queen Mumtaz who ruled in the 1600's was the first

Indian queen to be decorated with henna. ◦ Today, it is common to find artists practicing their

henna crafts outside the Taj Mahal, which was built to honor Queen Mumtaz.

◦ Traces of henna have been found on mummies from 1200 BC. It is also known that Pharoahs hands and feet were first dipped in henna prior to mummification.

MODERN HISTORYTraditionally, henna and the

Mehndi artform is an important part of wedding ceremonies. ◦Intricate and beautiful designs cover

her hands and feet in a lacy manner. ◦It is common belief that henna brings

good luck.

DECORATING FOLDEROn the back of your folder place

your hand flat with fingers spread apart.

Carefully trace the silhouette of your hand with your pencil◦Keep your pencil perpendicular to

the paper.Clean up any bumps or dents

from the outline afterwards.

DESIGNINGDecide where to start.

◦Begin with a design in the palm and work outwards.

◦Begin with designing on the wrist and work upwards.

◦Begin at the fingertips and work towards the center.

DESIGNS & VALUESDesigns can consist of all the

elements of art:◦Line, color, shape, value, form,

texture, spaceCreate contrast with value

◦Make your design work stand out.

MATERIALSUse pencil, sharpie, markers,

and/or colored pencils.◦Keep values and/or colors intense.

COMPLETEIf you have used all pencil, have

it sprayed with fixative to avoid smudging.

You can fill the negative space around the hand with color or design, but don’t distract from the hand as the point of interest.