Henna Temporary Tattoos

Materials Needed:

Henna: a good source for pre-made henna paste in ready-to-use cones is http://hennaking.com/henna.htm. You can also save money and lengthen the program by making your own paste from henna powder, also available here.

Sheets of patterns and designs

Lemon juice in a small bowl

Small watercolor paint brushes (or cotton swabs)

Moist rags or paper towels

Rubber bands or safety pins

Paper covering the tables

Markers

Music from India or Middle East

Cost:

Purchasing the henna and a lemon will be the only costs for this program; depend on your craft cabinet for the rest. Prices for henna from HennaKing.com listed in January 2007 are listed below:

        â—¦ Jamila Henna Powder – 100grams $7.49

        â—¦ Dulhan Mirchi Pre-made cones – 3 cones (about 30 tattoos each) $13.95

        â—¦ Singh Brand Pre-made cones – 5 cones (about 30 tattoos each) $19.95

Description:

1.  Start the program by talking about traditional uses of henna, also called Mehndi.

2.  Explain how henna becomes a temporary tattoo. The paste begins to stain the skin the moment it is applied. For successful tattoos, leave paste on for at least one hour. When it begins to dry, damp it with lemon juice. This allows the paste to stain your skin further. Traditionally, the paste is worn overnight to create nice dark designs that last longer. Expect the tattoo to last for about 3-4 weeks.

3.  Play traditional music in the background. Have participants get in groups of 2-4 (depending on how many tubes of henna you have). While one person is using the paste or applying it to another, the other people in the group can watch, eat snacks, or practice their designs on the paper-covered tables.

4.  Warn teens to be careful. It often happens that a completed tattoo will get smudged. Rubber bands and safety pins will help keep clothing away from the area.

5.  Take pictures and let them show off their creations! Leftover henna cones make great door prizes.

Additional Resources:

    â—¦ www.hennapage.com is full of information and patterns

Comments:

The further away from your heart that the tattoo is placed, the longer it will stay.

-Sam and Grace Thomas, Pueblo, CO

Has anyone tried making their own paste?

-Michael, Pueblo, CO