Henna

[water-childe.livejournal.com]

So, I've already posted this once in my journal.
Who here would be interested in playing with Henna? It's something I've recently learned more about, and I figure Baitcon would be a good venue for group henna painting. I'd like to get an aprox. headcount. I'll be bringing some regardless but if there is a large interest I will need to ask for folks to help with contributions of money or supplies. By supplies I mean quality henna powder (my fave is Jamila, most Indian groceries carry it), gloves (cotton, latex, or non-latex), saran wrap, lemon juice, tea tree oil, fine point paint brushes, needle tip squeeze bottles (often called jac bottles), icing bags, or mylar gift wrap. This page has more info on ways of appling henna, and just about everything else you'd want to know on the subject. I will be shopping for henna and extra supplies this Wed. Please respond BEFORE NOON, this Wed. July 27.

Comments

[vvalkyri.livejournal.com]

I'd be up for it. I may have some extra [old] henna, and a bottle thingie, and some gloves and saran.

[larksdream]

I'd be interested. :)

[(Anonymous)]

Great! I'd be slightly concerned about the henna you currently have though. Believe it or not, henna actually goes bad. Or, at least, if it's too old you may not get the best color, regardless as to how long you leave it on your skin. If it's powdered henna in a box, check to see if it has an expiration date. Generally powdered henna will stay good for a year or two, as long as it's not been exposed to excessive heat or moisture. Once you open a box of henna, any remainder will be better off in a zip lock bag in your fridge or freezer. Henna that comes pre-mixed in tube will stay good 8 to 12 months tops.

[tikvah.livejournal.com]

I'm always willing to be a canvas if you need someone on whom to practice. :-)

[water-childe.livejournal.com]

Cool. Watch this space, as I'll update people on what supplies we may need.
If you've never used henna before you may wish to check out this link . It's a good primer on all things henna related. In particular it has some really good info on the chemistry of henna, why and how it stains, and what things can be added to it to adjust the color. I'm also going to make sure no one brings 'black henna'. Black henna does not occur naturaly and has a high concentration of a chemical in it called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD for short. It's a transdermal toxin and potential carcinogen. Common in most over the counter black hair dye, it should never ever be used directly on skin, as it can cause blisters, scars, and other related health problems. DON'T BUY IT.
There are ways to make a henna stain go very dark or nearly black, but safely, and without any PPD. One way is with the addition of indigo. It's something I'd like to try someday, but I will not be attempting that at Baitcon. (http://www.hennapage.com) ()

[water-childe.livejournal.com]

I'm sure that someone, will be more then willing to paint you. :)

[dmk.livejournal.com]

Color me henna-curious :^)

If I do anything, though, it's likely to be small.

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

That sounds like fun to me. :) trowa_barton might be interested as well.

[maedbh7.livejournal.com]

*Love* henna! I wanted to bring some myself, but wasn't sufficiently motivated to do so. Can I play with some of yours? -H...

[keith-m043.livejournal.com]

I thought henna had to be done up a day or so before you use it for full potency. I have henna equipment and 4-5 books of patterns

[water-childe.livejournal.com]

Actually, yes. This is part of the reason I'm trying to get a head count.
I hadn't had a chance to update, but I'd like pre-mix several batches Friday morning, so they will be full strength for Saturday.
Equipment and patterns are welcome.

[larksdream]

I've read up on it, but never got around to trying it. Very much looking forward to it!

[keith-m043.livejournal.com]

OK add me. I intend to just do a little palm stuff and help other people out.

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

Hey, why not. Do me! (I'd do me, but I'm not that much for artistic abilities.)