|
Henna is a PLANT that is both wild and cultivated across many North and East African countries, Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen), Israel, Iran, India (especially Rajastan) and Pakistan. Moroccan henna is noted for its rich, deep sienna color.
When the henna leaf has been harvested, ground, powdered and soaked in a MORDANT, it releases the dye. The dye has been used for thousands of years to dye human and animal hair, leather, fabric, fingers, feet and other body parts.
DEPENDING on the henna, skin, time & aftercare the range of colors can be: ÌÌ ÌÌ ÌÌ ÌÌ ÌÌ
Hands and feet stain the darkest because there are more layers of dead skin for the henna to soak into. Other areas, such as necks, faces and bellies, have thinner , fewer layers of skin and so do not stain as well. Natural henna DOES NOT PENETRATE LIVING TISSUE and thus does not enter the bloodstream. Unlike fake "Black Henna" tattoos (see below) allergies to natural henna are so rare, they ar virtually non-existent. All responsible henna artists will disclose their ingredients!
Henna has an unusual COOLING property that is noticeable on application. It has been used as a POULTICE to reduce fever, to nourish the skin and hair and as an astringent on the feet for minor scrapes, insect bites or stickers. Children in India are sometimes given a ball of henna to hold on hot nights to aid sleep.
Henna is also a SUN BLOCK. In ancient times, Egyptian sailors used henna on their faces, backs and hands to ward off sunburn and to soothe rope burns.
Henna can be applied with a stick, jacquard bottle, brush, cone or syringe. We have found that the most intricate work demands exacting tools, and we use the same cones and tips used by professional cake decorators. THERE ARE NO NEEDLES INVOLVED! There is no scarring and no 'after effects.' Henna feels cool and refreshing when applied to the skin. The worst part of henna tradition is sitting still! Henna application is a labor-intensive and meditative craft. It is best to plan a session when you have time to relax. The longer you can keep the henna on before it flakes off and leaves a stain, the deeper the color will be.
Some gREAT excuses for a henna party are: Ì Birthdays Ì Friendship Celebrations Ì Bar or Bat Mitzvahs Ì Weddings or Engagements Ì Baby Blessings Ì Reunions Ì Life Transitions/Personal Empowerment Ì Dance, Performance Art Ì Eids, Diwalis Ì Portfolios Shoots Ì Graduations Ì Summer or Winter Vacations Ì GalPal Parties Ì Office Parties Ì Store Promotions Ì Victory Party Ì Your Pet's Birthday (;0) -- in short, anytime is the right time to relax and have a Gilded LIlies artist come to your home or event and provide our henna magic!
WE DO NOT USE "BLACK HENNA". Don't get us started! " Black henna" is not even real henna - it contains a family of CHEMICAL ADDITIVES including PPD (paraphenylenediamine) and is potentially harmful, including burning, itching, permanent scarring and even kidney and respiratory damage. Black henna promoters are either inexperienced and ignorant of the harm, or they are unethical scam artists catering to naive customers wanting something that looks like a "real tattoo." NATURAL HENNA WILL NEVER CAUSE SCARRING OR LONG TERM NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS. THE MORE YOU LEARN ABOUT THE BEAUTY OF TRADITIONAL HENNA, THE LESS YOU WILL WANT A FAKE TATTOO!
Tantalizing clues to the use of henna painting stretch 7,000 years or more back into the Paleolithic age. Stamps have been found at Çatal Hüyük in Turkey that may have been used for henna rituals.
Within the last 1000 years, henna art reached the pinnacle of sophistication in Persia (Iran) and India developed the elaborate floral patterns we love today over the last 200 years. In the modern world from India to Morocco henna is used for many holidays but especially for joyous events such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies. It is not exclusive to any religious belief or nationality! Usually the hands and feet are painted, but occasionally thighs, bellies and legs. Some cultures have a tradition of full body henna for weddings. The designs vary from place to place and often protective meanings are included in the patterns. In some cultures the henna artist is viewed as a confidante, shaman or seer who channels or chooses patterns especially suited to her clients' needs. Occasionally it is used for religious ceremonies including exorcisms. |
|||
|
Our Artists are chosen for their skill and commitment to henna traditions; OUR pr-rEPS MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
Kree Arvanitas (Owner/Proprietor)
ARTISTS: Kree Arvanitas, Angela Lopes, Najib Nazouari and Maya Vajra REPS: Heather Rastovac, Crystal Gallegos, Emenke, Lindsey Noble, Emma Arvanitas and Logan Bristarr. and other friends from the henna community.
GILDED LILIES HENNA DESIGNS Our henna artists are familiar with many styles of design and will customize to please you. We are knowledgeable in Persian, Indian, North African and Gulf, as well as other historical designs from the South Pacific, various Native American, Aboriginal and Modern Tribal. We can work with you on choosing something unique and meaningful for you -- or we can trance out and surprise you! Either way, you will have a design that is totally unique to you--we never use stencils! Please note we do NOT work out of a studio, you must make an appointment. We work the traditional way -- on-site in your home, work, park, hotel or banquet facility!
We perform our henna magic in the privacy of your home. We provide the right ingredients for your individual henna session, whether decorative or ritual. Our reasonable rates per artist for the Seattle Metro area are: $50/hr home visit for one person $60/hr home visit for two persons $75/hr home visit for three or more (Parties have a 2 hour minimum) Outside Seattle city limits we will add a negotiable fee for travel & gas.
PREPARATIONS FOR HENNA When you have made your appointment there are a couple of things to consider. First, wash the skin area where you want to receive the design with soap or a non-oily cleanser. Do not use any kind of lotion or oil, as that can block henna absorption. The longer you can relax with the henna paste on your skin, the better the dye will take. Once the henna flakes off, it will expose a light orange stain. Within about 12 hours the stain will 'set' and will become noticeably darker.
We guarantee a wonderfully pleasant and pampering experience! Henna makes an ideal gift for weddings or baby showers, Eids, commitment ceremonies, Bat Mitzvahs, birthdays and other life-affirming celebrations.
FOR INFO ON APPOINTMENTS, GIFT CERTIFICATES OR CLASSES CONTACT US BY EMAIL OR PHONE!
|
