Monday, October 10, 2011

Here is a very interesting article on body adornment, including henna, from Exotic India. 

I am happy to say that Bead Here Now has accepted by art. My hand crafted copper earrings will soon to be on sale there. 

These are all copper with semi precious stones, or glass bead, copper and trade bead embellishments.

Namaste.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Henna Patterns - Palm & Back Hand Styles

Here is a photo of henna tattoo designs done at The Midnight Sun. Please be sure to call ahead for your appointment.

In as few a 15 minutes, you too may have an fine henna design drawn to your specifications.

One of the young ladies came with a photo of mehandi ( henna tattoo ) design for the back of the hand, and it was modified to be most flattering to her hand shape.

The pattern you see in the palm of the hand originated in one of the many pattern books on hand. As always, henna designs are customized to fit the wearer, and to ensure both a lovely pattern with paste on the skin as well as a dark finished color when the paste is removed.

Please call at least a day ahead for your appointment. Thank you. Ann George.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Henna on the Palm - A simple pattern gives good color.

Here is a very simple henna tattoo for the palm of the hand. My client reported that she had an excellent out come with this henna tattoo, that the color was quite dark, and that the pattern lasted a good long time.

I have just found out that the batch of henna paste I mixed up for Sunday did not give a deep an rich a stain for her as the paste I used to make this design.

I can only imagine this is because I used a new henna powder.  All other steps I took to make the paste were the same... except the supplier for the henna powder.

So, if any of my clients have not had a deep stain from their henna tattoo in the past two weeks, please give me a call!!

I am very happy to give you a second tattoo at no charge if your first henna did not give good color.  I will make up a nice fresh paste using a henna powder that I know gives excellent results every time.

I will keep shopping for a new henna powder supplier! Wishing every happiness. Ann George

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

I don't see my henna tattoo! There is nothing there!! Don't panic.


It is important to note that henna is a heat activated body art. This means that the longer you leave the henna paste on your skin, and the hotter You get..... the deeper color stain will develop.

Sometimes people get a henna, go to an environment that is 72 degrees, leave the paste on their skin, scrape it off, sleep in an room that is 72 degrees..... and wonder why they don't have dark henna color.

If you have received a henna from me, then the answer is that you did not sweat your henna. Wait... give it some time.. and the color will develop. It may take all of 48 hours for the final finished color to appear. ** Please see updated at page end.

If you have not taken good care of your henna, put it on the upper arm, back, or in some cases, the back of the hand, it may take longer for your color to become rich.

Also note, in a design such as this one, the darkest color will be on the fingers, and then the design will become lighter as it moves up the arm. The lightest color stain will be the cuff portion.

This is because the texture of the skin changes, and this affects the color of the henna tattoo.

Those photos you see of deep red henna stains are usually done on the palm of the hand.This will always be the best place to put your henna tattoo. I understand that most people don't want to do that... but that is where you get your ruby red outcomes.

It is possible to go an extra step, wrap your henna in tissue, and send you home with a plastic glove taped in place to help sweat - or heat up - your design. Just ask.. I am happy to help you have the best possible out come.

However, please remember, that henna is a heat activated herbal paste. If you are sweaty, then that paste stays damp, and thus interacts with your skin for the longest possible time, giving you the deepest darkest color.

I use fresh, home made henna paste. I have new essential oils for the season, fresh 2010 henna from Rajhistan, and a nice lemon sugar glaze. I can't bring must more to the table than that. The rest is up to you.

** However, if you received a henna from me between June 18th and June 26th of this year, and did not get a good out come, please contact me by phone or email. Apparently, the new powder/paste I was using did not give good results. I am happy to redo your henna at no charge if you are one of the few clients that had this experience during this time.

** I had two different tubes of fresh, home made paste - one worked very well, one did not. So if you had henna and got great color this is why. Poor color... my deepest apologies .. I have new paste. **

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Henna Tattoos - How Much Do They Cost?

Here is an update. In general, henna tattoo pricing starts at $15 for a traditional henna tattoo. For children, the price starts at $10... with parents consent of course.

There may be some information on my blog or site that offers henna at $10 as the starting price. This is not correct, although I can't find the post myself.

Thanks much,

Ann George

Monday, June 20, 2011

Lovely Henna Pattern for Hand and Arm from Winnipeg Henna

Here is a very popular henna design that is the creation of the fine artist at winnipeghenna.com.

I love the use of negative space in this design. Know that this is a photo of the paste on the skin..... when the paste comes off, the henna will be a deeper richer color on the fingers and become lighter as it moves up the hand and arm.

This is one of the interesting aspects of henna, and one that make your efforts at aftercare most important. The longer you leave the paste on your skin, and the hotter the environment you are in.... the deeper the stain will be.

As well, if you choose to keep your arm and hand warm after you scrape the henna off, apply olive oil to the finished design, you will help the henna develop to its darkest possible stain.

Some clients will wear a stock to bed the first night to help heat up the design.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Henna Tattoo for the Back of the Hand - Quick & Easy

Here is an impromptu henna tattoo pattern for the back of the hand.

You can see that simple design elements were repeated to create this mehandi.

I used 2010 Organic Rajhisthani Henna powder from the Henna Sooq! A very nice powder indeed.

This paste is made with that fresh henna - pulverized a bit with mortar and pestle to ensure freshest and finest of color, and blended with fragrant and relaxing essential oils as well as my henna tea blend.

The stones you see are all for sale at The Midnight Sun at 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.

Please call me directly to schedule your henna appointment. Design books are on hand, or browse the large portfolio of images on this blog or the galleries on my henna site.

Please know, henna does not take well on the back of the neck, nor on the chest or the side. It is usually difficult for most people to get good color on the lower back, but if you are willing to make the investment in aftercare, you can get good results.

This is a temporary body art that will last at least one week. Only freshly made paste is used... and there are no dangerous chemicals in my henna. I hope to see you soon. Namaste, Spirit Vision Henna. 

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Henna Tattoo Friday 6/10 at The Midnight Sun

Experience the true beauty of henna. Have a lovely design on the palm of your hand.

The deepest, reddest, darkest stains are possible on the palm. Henna is more magical, as it is seldom that people see our palms.. so henna is a little surprise!

Of course you may choose to have henna on the foot, wrist or ankle..... and Westerners want henna all sorts of other places as well.

Visit the FAQ page on my site for up to date info on how to get the best henna tattoo.

This season I am using organic Rajhisthani henna, the 2010 crop with some lovely new essential oils to give you both a relaxing body art experience...... and great color.

(Nope.. no needles are used..... it doesn't hurt, and the design can last one week or longer.)

Spirit Vision Henna artists will be at the Sun from Noon til 4 PM. Designs start at $15. Call 993-7455 FMI.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Traditional Henna Pattern - Longer Glove Style

This is a photo of a traditional henna pattern. This is the art form of henna tattoo. You may choose a smaller version, a pattern for the palm, inner arm, foot or ankle if you prefer.

I do not do "joke" tattoos, tattoos to "trick" a friend, loved one or parent. If you want to trick someone into thinking you have ink, the go to a gift shop, or stop by The Midnight Sun and purchase a decal.

The application of henna paste ( which is a carefully crafted herbal dye made of powdered henna leaves, essential oils, herbs and spices ) requires time and attention by the artist.

It is easiest to apply to someone who is comfortable sitting still for a period of time. This henna was sprayed with a lemon sugar glaze, and will be well cared for the the customer who purchased the art.

The purpose of henna - the color of love - is to beautify. If you want to buy a cone of henna paste and drawn names on each other..... that may be the best way to get your quick fix, silly henna urge out of the way.  Namaste! 

Monday, June 06, 2011

Henna Tattoo - the "glove style" for the back of the hand

Here is a photo of a freehand henna tattoo that was inspired by the latest video posted to the blog.

I really enjoyed the teaching I received from the video, and tried to use elements of that design along with favorite elements from traditional henna tattoo.

One goal is always to create a pattern that flatters the hand... and on First Friday, to create a design that is easy to wear for the evening.

You will notice that I avoided doing a lot of complex henna tattoo on the knuckles. This will make it easier to get good color on the fingers as the design will not flake off as easily.

New to henna tattoo? Please be sure to read the FAQ page on my site. It helps you have the best henna outcome.

Namaste.

Thursday, June 02, 2011

First Friday • Henna Tattoo at The Midnight Sun

Do you love body decoration.. with no pain and no commitment? Them you might want to stop by The Midnight Sun this Friday, June 3, 2011 from 4 PM until.......

It's First Friday in Five Points. A great time to see all the new shops! See all the new gemstones and jewels at The Midnight Sun.. and adorn your self with henna tattoo.

The ancient body art of henna adapts well to wester culture, if you just are able to make a few momentary adjustments.

Henna paste goes on wet ( as seen in the picture ) and then dries to a wearable pattern that stays on the skin as long as you are able to keep some care not to brush it off too quickly.

The henna paste available this Friday is fresh ( 2010 crop ) Organic Rajhisthani henna, hand blended by Ann George of Spirit Vision Henna tattoo. In the spirit of Art Walks..... small hennas are $10. The more traditional designs start at $15 an each. Visit the FAQ page FMI. See you there.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Henna Peacocks... the joyful diversity of henna tattoo designs

Here is a photo of a henna tattoo for the inner arm. This image is of a henna peacock riding a paisley wave... embellished and spaced to fit the clients arm.

This design runs from above the wrist to a few inches below the elbow. Henna tattoo will give a good stain on this part of the body, but the color will be more brown than red as the skin on the inner arm is more fine.

I used a lovely henna powder from Henna Sooq for this paste. The paste is stringy, wet, and makes very fine lines, as you can see. I sprayed the paste with a bit of lemon sugar to keep it moist and to help it stay on the skin.

One of the lovely things about the peacock design is that is easy to apply to a variety of locations. While the first image is intricate and took about 10 minutes to complete, the next image you will see is one of a tiny peackcock henna on a tiny hand.

I will offer henna tattoo to children who are accompanied by their parents, and who are familiar with their children's allergies. In all the years I have been doing henna, I have not yet had anyone have an adverse reaction.

I take great care in creating a paste that is aromatic, soothing, fresh and easy to apply. This makes it safe for children. My littlest customers only have to be able to sit still for a minute or two to get a lovely little tattoo.

If you are not sure about your little one, I am happy to do a spot test for you prior to applying a true design.

If you would like henna for yourself, or to arrange a small party, please let me know. It is now henna season, and tattoo is available with 24 hours notice at The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.

Or.. just watch for the Henna Tattoo Today signs as you are driving through Five Points. 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Henna Paste On - Henna Paste Off

Here is a photo of henna paste on the skin. The paste is raised, and is to be left on the skin for at least three hours... longer if possible.

Henna is a heat activated body dye that works by penetrating layers of the skin. It is applied to the surface of the skin with a soft plastic cone. It does not hurt.

The tattoo is temporary and lasts at least one week. This henna pattern is inspired by the work of the artist of winnipeghenna.com, applied by Ann George of Spirit Vision Henna at The Midnight Sun in Five Points, Jacksonville, Florida.


This pattern took about 15 minutes to apply. Then the design was sprayed with lemon juice and sugar to help it stay on the skin as long as possible.

This paste is made fresh, to order and this year we have organic Rhajisthani powder to decorate your body.

Many people are still unfamiliar with the process, so in this blog I am including a photo of this same pattern, with the paste off the skin.

If you are able to continue to keep the paste damp with lemon sugar, it will help your henna give a deeper and darker stain.

If you are able to keep your design out of water for 12 hours after the paste is removed, you will get the best color possible. Keeping olive oil on your design once the paste is removed will help keep heat in, and water out.

These are tips for those who really do want to make their unique, beautiful henna tattoo last as long as possible.

Henna tattoo is available by appointment. Please call the Studio at 904-993-7466 to schedule your appointment, or to book a henna party, or hire our artists for your event.

We are able to offer small parties in the lovely studio at the back of the The Midnight Sun.

Please visit the FAQ page for more information on the art of henna tattoo.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Henna: Appointments & Walk Ins Friday 5/20 at The Midnight Sun

Try it! You'll Like It. The ancient body art of henna tattoo can be quickly and easily applied for everyday wear.

You don't have to wait for a wedding to enjoy this beautiful body art. Here is a $15 design on the back of the hand. Easy to wear, flattering to the hand, and offering a lovely dark stain once the paste is gone.

New to Henna...... no worries. I have a FAQ page to answer almost every henna question you may have, pattern books AnD and informed consent that will help you have the best possible experience.

So.... come see me this Friday, 5/20 at The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32205. I will be there from Noon 'til 5:30 PM. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

How To Do an Indian Bridal Henna - How to draw a traditional Indian mehn...



Here is a lovely video of the best of henna tattoo. It is "real" and lovely. Offered by appointment at The Midnight Sun.

Monday, May 16, 2011

So you want a henna tattoo??

Henna season has started again in Jacksonville, Florida. Why? Because it is now warm enough to easily make a good henna paste, and warm enough for you to get good color from the application of a henna design. Henna is a heat activated body stain.

See the photo at the left? This is a picture of henna paste ON the skin. Your finished design will not look like this, it will be a shade of red, reddish brown, brown, or perhaps even light orange depending on how well you prepare for your appointment, and how well you care for your tattoo.

Henna gives the best color on the feet and hands. You may also get good color on the lower arms and lower legs. These are the traditional places for henna.

If you want to have a "joke" tattoo, henna will not fool anyone. It does not come in colors, it will not look like an ink tattoo. Henna, or mehandi, is it's own very lovely, very real body art form.

Please think twice before getting henna on the upper back or lower back. While it seems like a good idea, the results are often disappointing. I have published articles on the blog about lower back tattoo.. so please visit those for more information.

Henna is available by appointment between Noon and 5 PM  Monday through Saturday. Please call ahead to schedule. I do not offer henna tattoo on rainy days. It is too easy for the henna to be washed off when you leave the shop. Henna needs to stay on your skin at least three hours to get a good result.

So... the young lady who had the henna in this picture went barefoot for the rest of the day. If you want henna on your feet, please wear the smallest shoes possible. Thong sandals are often the best choice.

Well...... thanks so much for reading my blog. If you click the link you will get to the FAQ page on my site full of tips for good color. 

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Traditional Henna Patterns & Tips for a Great Tattoo

Happy Henna Season to every one! Featured today is a photo of a traditional style henna tattoo by Ann George for the back of the hand. Henna works best on the palms, back of the hands and on the feet.

It does not work as well on the stomach, the back, nor the chest. If you want a temporary tattoo for that part of your body, you are better off buying a decal tattoo. There are lots of nice new Indian design decals for lades  for sale at The Midnight Sun (they are on the counter.)

Also, if you want henna in these places, please be sure to dress in clothing that will not disturb the henna, and be prepared to adjust your day so that the henna may remain on your skin for at least three hours.

For gentlemen, the henna takes best on the inner wrist. I am able to do henna on your upper arms, but please be sure to shave several days ahead of time. It is unlikely that henna will give good color on the chest.

The price of a henna tattoo starts at $15 and fees increase from that point. For example, the tattoo in the photo cost $30.00.  I use only the finest, freshest henna powder mixing the paste myself each week to ensure you get the best color possible.

I have just purchased some organic rajasthani henna, long known for giving deep red color on the palms and look forward to trying that out this weekend. I will offer henna tattoo at the Midnight Sun Friday and Saturday if all goes well and weather permits. 


Please call for more information, or to schedule an appointment. 904-993-7466. (*Please note this is a photo of henna paste on the skin. If you are new to henna, I strongly encourage you to visit my FAQ page. Answers to most commonly asked questions are there.


Namaste.

Friday, April 15, 2011

It's Henna Time Again! Spirit Vision Henna is back at The Midnight Sun

Do you love henna tattoo? Have you been waiting all winter long for the weather to break? Well, the wait is over.

I am happy to say I just made up a very lovely paste, letting it rest in the sun so that the dye would happily release from the mix of henna powder, henna tea & lemon juice.

Essential oils and some tamarind were added, the paste rested another day in balmy sunshine, and I now have a cone of henna to give deep stains on the hands and feet.

For those new to henna, it is a heat-activated body dye, and thus we wait for the warmer weather. The longer you leave your henna paste on the skin, and the warmer the weather, the darker your finished color will be.

I use quality henna powder from reliable suppliers, and the finest essential oils... but you must come prepared as well. Please do not come for henna wearing lotion or sun screen as this will prevent the dye from staining your skin a deep color.

I am hoping you will leave the paste on your skin for at least three hours, so if you want henna on your feet... wear the tiniest flip flops possible. ( Some want to brave 5 Points bare foot, but I don't think this is the best idea. )

Henna tattoo designs start at $15 and go up from there. I bring a good selection of pattern books, and you are welcome to look through the many images posted on this blog, or on my henna site.

I have been doing henna tattoo for over ten years now, all henna is free hand, and I am happy to create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. It is best to call ahead for henna if you want a tattoo during the week. I am not always available on short notice, so best to plan ahead.

I will be offering henna tattoo at The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 this Saturday, most probably between 1 and 4 PM. Please call 904-993-7466 for more information if need be.