tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37400330343911553062024-03-21T06:53:24.883-07:00Henna CaravanAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-49489457699288820142016-03-15T10:57:00.002-07:002016-03-16T10:56:39.048-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUb3mHpkGMMT3hVbvC6TFYV6uoIa6LOYiV40YjG4sGrybYUoRSBdw-IMrJox25l2NCaeC7t6UISVkMwb8Z3zqSimZj8qHExdyfGbKpvhz9qpz9ZX6pRK3rZSlhazHzUdjxJ90U43r_lOD/s1600/beyonce+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUb3mHpkGMMT3hVbvC6TFYV6uoIa6LOYiV40YjG4sGrybYUoRSBdw-IMrJox25l2NCaeC7t6UISVkMwb8Z3zqSimZj8qHExdyfGbKpvhz9qpz9ZX6pRK3rZSlhazHzUdjxJ90U43r_lOD/s640/beyonce+2.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6_AZwjA02j9_M_ZmnA35MSW3vVCvFmc8BdVgoIBPnShuGn64ppB3AW05j60eoArxOS-p0rlDvUJItUV7YZDcx57_YLxZI1znZz3FtWTKoTPHv1ekMJWYGp8H6T0m_eVnCkXfD6asU5Xl/s1600/Beyonce+Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6_AZwjA02j9_M_ZmnA35MSW3vVCvFmc8BdVgoIBPnShuGn64ppB3AW05j60eoArxOS-p0rlDvUJItUV7YZDcx57_YLxZI1znZz3FtWTKoTPHv1ekMJWYGp8H6T0m_eVnCkXfD6asU5Xl/s320/Beyonce+Hands.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Henna Community has been abuzz for a month since Beyoncé debuted her Bollywood-styled self in Coldplay's Hymn for the Weekend video. I spent ages trying to get a good look at the artistry in the video, but we never got a good look at her henna. Well, this week Queen Bey posted her mehndi on Instagram, and we all finally got a good look at the simple mandalas and palm designs featured in the video.<br />
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And what's better, the artist herself shared the inside scoop!<br />
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Sumita Batra has been a blessing to the henna community, helping catapult mehndi into the mainstream back in the mid-90s. She was known for her exquisite bindi work, and only practiced mehndi on the side of her beauty business. When she had the opportunity to work with Madonna and Gwen Stefani, Sumita didn't think much about how her artwork would affect thousands of artists in the world. She was just creating a beautiful look for her client, and we all benefitted from the explosion in popularity in henna because of her enthusiasm.<br />
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When Sumita was brought on to the Beyoncé shoot, she suggested adding natural henna paste and letting the fresh stain show through the shoot. Of course, a Bollywood star isn't complete without her mehndi, so we were thrilled to see the whole package. Sumita directed the styling for the mehndi, and her associate Prabhuti Patel brought the vision to life. After nearly 30 years in the beauty industry and developing carpel tunnel syndrome, Sumita works in collaboration with her team at Ziba Beauty, teaching the next generations of beauty professionals.<br />
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In fact, it was a teaching opportunity that brought Henna Caravan and Ziba Beauty together in the fall of 2014. Carissa McQueen, along with Neeta Sharma, was asked to travel with Sumita Batra to Cambodia, where we taught henna and threading to 40 women. In conjunction with Shinta Mani Foundation and Senhoa, the week long course helped to provide a safe and reliable industry for young women, many of whom came from very challenging backgrounds or were survivors of trafficking.<br />
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This entire experience embodies what we love most about henna. Henna brings women together, provides safe and fulfilling job opportunities from the farmer to the artist, and helps create more beauty in the world.<br />
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Cheers to Beyoncé, Sumita, Prabhuti, and all the women who help bring the world together through a shared love of beautiful henna art.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-44116522463880148622016-02-10T13:08:00.001-08:002016-02-10T13:08:09.562-08:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A couple weeks ago we had the THRILL of working with some of LA's hottest event professionals. Our "bride" met us on a Wednesday evening, where Jessica then spent the next 4 hours hanging out and creating these beautiful full arm and leg floral pieces. They knew they wanted something gorgeous and romantic, but otherwise had no constraints. How fun is that? It's not often an artist gets to do exactly what she wants, so this was especially fun for the HC team.<br />
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The shoot itself took place on Sunday, which meant that the all natural henna had plenty of time to get super dark! Remember, if you want henna for a special event, make your appointment at least 2-3 days beforehand for peak color. That means your Valentine's Henna should be done on Feb 10 for best effect!<br /><br />Keep an eye out for these gorgeous shots on instagram. It was a team effort and everybody had so much fun creating this look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcSaGB-DrJ4372Mta_ABR9irnnRzjK3axMi4rFy_Y8Q6MmKkDgEM8WgFSvKYctWolg_eJgjkPJI5y_6znn8YOE3uOnqY4A9U32dKnvcvlRuNG1wioInCZwePoHodyrL4GW-v94PzJJ36h/s1600/Styled+Shoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcSaGB-DrJ4372Mta_ABR9irnnRzjK3axMi4rFy_Y8Q6MmKkDgEM8WgFSvKYctWolg_eJgjkPJI5y_6znn8YOE3uOnqY4A9U32dKnvcvlRuNG1wioInCZwePoHodyrL4GW-v94PzJJ36h/s640/Styled+Shoot.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Photo by</span><a data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0/=1$entity0/=010" href="https://www.instagram.com/thisischarliet/" style="border: 0px; color: #125688; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@thisischarliet</a><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.2" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />hair by me @</span><a data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0/=1$entity1/=010" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/missrockabillyruby/" style="border: 0px; color: #125688; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">missrockabillyruby</a><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.4" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.c" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">henna by Jessica at </span><a data-reactid=".1.1.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0/=1$entity6/=010" href="https://www.instagram.com/hennacaravan/" style="border: 0px; color: #125688; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">@hennacaravan</a></span></h1>
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And just for some extra giggles, here's some simple heart designs for your valentine's day inspiration!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFQ6glkBLGl-oZytT1B9YKszIJqfnaWY-lmCUjGVJ8qeRVBdbMML7uSrt_to1xwzYyymrWnQZ5wXqdDXiG4CtgGqneSBTw_ezal937Q1A2LWWMgVnL65ZMTYaDNzb4ywTxp6xKf0z0K9s/s1600/Valentines_Henna_Pattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFQ6glkBLGl-oZytT1B9YKszIJqfnaWY-lmCUjGVJ8qeRVBdbMML7uSrt_to1xwzYyymrWnQZ5wXqdDXiG4CtgGqneSBTw_ezal937Q1A2LWWMgVnL65ZMTYaDNzb4ywTxp6xKf0z0K9s/s320/Valentines_Henna_Pattern.png" width="247" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-50638651921154920792016-02-02T13:59:00.001-08:002016-02-02T13:59:38.497-08:00Designs we LOVE to LOVE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Love is in the air... And just like everybody else, February makes us all twitterpated. But you don't need to put little love hearts in your henna designs to make them "romantic". Henna is a beautiful art that evokes romance in its own right. Femininity and sensuality are natural aspects of henna, regardless of what type of design elements you are using.<br />
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Here's just a few of our inspirations this month, from some of our favorite global artists!<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/92CbwiKgHT/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwrNQsu-LEnh_cdkG2lJyqqGQsO5ZDyvG4337GN3_X6z7kzI4Wjo57ORdRszSy4_zMj3xhzmuQjTMTkH5ezhN240mLzyv3eJTlm8OYouP5s4tE1wPe1KwQsrGmHR8_m8gEiDv-KqjGmZj/s400/Anoushka.jpg" title="Anoushka Irukandji" width="400" /></a>This is a design by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anoushka_irukandji/" target="_blank">@anoushka_irukandji</a>, one of our favorite antipodean artists. She creates structured and symmetrical pieces that recreate motifs found in nature as well as recalling ancient bronze metalworks. Her Australian roots show, too, in the patters and fills she uses.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hand.of.fatima/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrSbmfO2mXh1QW6JfxchSngCsWsgMS7tAHP_gUnUDpSlkNIxf8o3sjo6RdvM8uo1V56E_EE782HQrxmdNNRgm6pP9WbaECo19rrQwIayPSH58I-EYTMj22BuYABAs3f9N1AAyoOraYoQp/s400/Fatima.jpg" width="400" /></a>This amazing design is by Fatima Oulad Thami, and you can follow her work at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hand.of.fatima/" target="_blank">@hand.of.fatima</a> She is an incredible Moroccan artist who lives in the Netherlands. She uses glass syringes to make these awesome geometric pieces. And just check out her stain! We love how red this design looks and how sweetly it plays with the hand. </div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fyoklamehndi/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11Y4g4Sb-AEzdkoMsjrYy9MYN55MOQMcRkZTCzhBV2zm9t9665RUruQ5E48CmeTdYRUsqdeP63aybMvft0ZEvZ2Q4tZieONuJAMeMjrztZk8bhqSVvPtBCnbv4ebQTIQ-Vt25Mmp_G0R4/s400/Fyokla+and+Lilu.jpg" width="400" /></a>This collaboration was by Veronica Lilu and Levgeniia Fyokla out in Ukraine! We absolutely love these open and light styles. They are so romantic and simple, and can make your hand look so beautiful. Thanks for the fantastic share! You can find more at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fyoklamehndi/" target="_blank">@fyoklamehndi</a></div>
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Know any artists we should check out? We love seeing the work of henna artists, and seeing women connecting all over the world. Its incredible how henna brings so many people together in celebration and love. Let us know your favorites so they can be our favorites too!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-54789856430177088662016-01-22T17:34:00.001-08:002016-01-22T17:34:58.704-08:00How did the Henna Caravan girls get started, anyway?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kiyEZ2K7NG1CkqwCzo91KGyC0NJqly08_INFI4UagvkfUlgnCT5IZ35Oav29CQfvKFd2qWbFDPi20J4J3sYvdqFt14OZpIeaLaMGiMame7HxpEBnj1nUXFMOtwC6yoP5SvK24xWCZVzk/s1600/Henna+Caravan-3207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kiyEZ2K7NG1CkqwCzo91KGyC0NJqly08_INFI4UagvkfUlgnCT5IZ35Oav29CQfvKFd2qWbFDPi20J4J3sYvdqFt14OZpIeaLaMGiMame7HxpEBnj1nUXFMOtwC6yoP5SvK24xWCZVzk/s320/Henna+Caravan-3207.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica and Carissa, Festival ~2006</td></tr>
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People are always asking us "How did you get started in henna?" My answer: "My sister made me!" It's true, but not many people know how Jessica McQueen first came to henna, and how we started Henna Caravan as a family project.<br />
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I've known Jessica my whole life, after all she is my big sister. When I was born, she couldn't wait to play with my hair, share shoes, and go on tons of adventures. Wouldn't you know I always hated people doing my hair and I have weird tiny feet? So options 1 and 2 were right out. But option 3? We have had many adventures together, and Henna Caravan is just one of them.<br />
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When I began working with Jessica, I was only 12. My mom, Flavia, told me I had to go help. There wasn't even an "or else", I just had to. I was doing the sisterly duty, keeping her company at weekend festivals, whining when I got bored, and basically being a nuisance. She didn't mind, though. She was discovering how to turn her passion and talent into a business. She was making her living as an artist!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4x0iB8vKM7g_1xV_qjgkHSjP15Ym1CzFIVvt9ub4dj52c8egWExBBxmsOQG0ntv9fIcX5ux-4Pui1woCQS12A7YN-5rTgzbPfaAlF__uMqVYw5NLqwInAEGLRyzhAY8q25DzNiXfNb96/s1600/Henna+Caravan-0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4x0iB8vKM7g_1xV_qjgkHSjP15Ym1CzFIVvt9ub4dj52c8egWExBBxmsOQG0ntv9fIcX5ux-4Pui1woCQS12A7YN-5rTgzbPfaAlF__uMqVYw5NLqwInAEGLRyzhAY8q25DzNiXfNb96/s320/Henna+Caravan-0408.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica at Cajun Festival, 2010</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJChYiYc2M9t4oDqytVDQWMDq4G2ahdGsdiDy6pt70uvWyK1Pe9DoxyozrPutw0p3IhT15mRC48BwECnofDSAEToz6qGFS10JNtLRE4cjqzfuc_ZI8YQOR0PiTpoVIaXVMShm6ma_-K41y/s1600/Henna+Caravan-0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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Jessica studied painting at the prestigious California College of Arts in Oakland, Ca. She immersed herself in the vibrant cross-cultural melting pot that is the Bay Area, and through her studies learned about myriad forms of beauty and traditional arts. Henna was one of these arts. At the time, information on henna in the western world was very limited. The internet was shiny and new and slow. The books on henna were nonexistent. The only way to learn was to talk face to face with the people who knew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv032ObZL64JDTf6RJNG26xOxl3VT7vu-3mqse_-TfUMyJEGVn64TYJ1-bUWZ3U7neSruU4t1OlPcomebRqYwQd8iBQAijp8muv-C3Jmmg7CxD-Y3PKxgJw836H7v0jWTf405-yRD7yu_-/s1600/Henna+Caravan-0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv032ObZL64JDTf6RJNG26xOxl3VT7vu-3mqse_-TfUMyJEGVn64TYJ1-bUWZ3U7neSruU4t1OlPcomebRqYwQd8iBQAijp8muv-C3Jmmg7CxD-Y3PKxgJw836H7v0jWTf405-yRD7yu_-/s200/Henna+Caravan-0004.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica McQueen, 1999</td></tr>
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And so my big sister started her quest to find out everything about henna. She would talk to shop owners in Little India, who shared their henna powder, much of it sifted for hair use. Pakistani immigrants would clasp her hand and say how she reminded them of their family members who were still back in the old country. North African women would nod and drop a bit of family knowledge - "You use lemon sugar on top, right?".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica McQueen, 1999</td></tr>
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With all these different people, learning about henna was like a treasure hunt. Recipes back then were like Grandma's secret marinara sauce; you never quite got the whole picture. But it was fun to piece all the puzzles together, and Jessica soon became nearly obsessed with henna as an art, a women's craft, and a beauty practice.<br />
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Ask her now and she'll gladly say how ugly and messy her first designs were. I only wish I had a picture to show you all of those very first attempts. We could all smile together and remember our early goes at swirls and humps and fills, all a bit sideways and wibbly, but filled with joy. In my opinion, Jessica always made something beautiful and elegant, right from the very start.<br />
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Henna was just starting to make headway into western consciousness at this time- mid/late 90s. Those early festivals, Jessica would take a book and a chair and sit all day, giving henna to 5 or 10 customers, answering questions for a lot more. Then Madonna and Gwen Stefani and a half dozen other pop stars were sporting hennaed hands and anklets, and suddenly every teenage girl worth her crop top and platform flip flops needed henna!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBOjQIK9J98XSdBlmBDXE2lOMdaEYarNYRVKvzgOIAYqgUf3dDAe7pzM925mztmPGTygc7g8l52QGoJdLKVvb_3wPA7Nyxef1d5Fdjw-Sigu55FNGX3nBam6McaYXClEyp1DPFO4ps3cR/s1600/Henna+Caravan-5100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBOjQIK9J98XSdBlmBDXE2lOMdaEYarNYRVKvzgOIAYqgUf3dDAe7pzM925mztmPGTygc7g8l52QGoJdLKVvb_3wPA7Nyxef1d5Fdjw-Sigu55FNGX3nBam6McaYXClEyp1DPFO4ps3cR/s320/Henna+Caravan-5100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filming "David Tutera" ~ 2011 </td></tr>
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<br />This was where my mom and I came in. The festivals went from slow, to steady, to frenetic. People waited in line for an hour for a little anklet or an arm band. My mom and I would talk to customers. We'd explain to anybody who would listen what henna is. We would show them designs and help put on lemon-sugar sealant. One day, the line was particularly long, so my sister threw me a bottle and said "Get to work sister!"<br />
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And that, more or less, is the story of how Henna Caravan got started. Mom, Jess, and me! There's nothing better than getting to spend every day hanging out with your best friends, sharing art around the world, and playing in glitter. We're very lucky ladies.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-68987284629848969182016-01-08T15:47:00.003-08:002016-01-08T15:47:32.930-08:00Mixing henna during Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past month has been unbearably cold in the Henna Caravan office. We have radiators going all day to keep our toes and noses warm. How cold is it, you ask? We won't tell you. Our midwest and east coast friends will make fun of us for being wimps. Suffice it to say that the adhesive has come home for a sleepover until the warm weather returns.<br />
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You may not know this, but adhesive isn't the only thing here that dislikes the cold. Henna is not a fan either, and mixing paste when the weather gets chilly can be frustrating and confounding if you don't account for the few degree difference.<br />
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<b>Why does heat this matter? </b>Here's a quick visual of what henna molecules do in different temperatures. (totally scientific examples, we swear!)<br />
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When henna is warm, its Joan dancing at the holiday party!<br />
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When henna is cold, it has this face.<br />
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So, what is the best way to mix henna when the birds fly south for the winter? Our advice is pretty simple- keep it cozy.<br />
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<b>You need:</b><br />
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<b>incandescent light source</b><br />
<b>digital thermometer</b><br />
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When its in the 20s and 30s outside, your home temperatures are a little less predictable. You may keep your heat or radiator on low overnight but blast it in the morning and evening. You may like it to be a bit more roasty toasty with the temperature set up near 75, but there's a draft through that old door. Its important that your henna have a steady, warm temperature to sit at.<br />
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<b>Here's a few tricks to help find a nice place for your henna bowl to sit no matter what the weather is doing outside.</b><br />
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<li><i>Stove Light </i>- we make a tower of bowls and canned goods to make sure our henna has a steady temp during chilly nights. </li>
<li><i>Oven Light </i>- a cool oven with the light on will make just enough warmth for your henna to process consistently even if your house is very cold. </li>
<li><i>Gooseneck Lamp </i>- this kind of lamp can be positioned easily, and as long as you have an incandescent bulb it will provide a steady source of heat to keep your henna from becoming too cold.</li>
<li><i>Next to your electronics or appliances</i> - many people have a cozy spot on top of or near their refrigerator or other appliances that stay on all the time. </li>
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These places all give off a bit of steady heat. That will ensure the molecules in your henna are doing their business, and not just sitting around.<br />
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<b>Places that are NOT good to warm your henna, even though they seem like a good idea the first time your try.</b><br />
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<li>Oven on "warm"- that's about 200 degrees and will cook your henna!</li>
<li>Microwave- don't nuke your henna!</li>
<li>In a double boiler- it will cook your henna!</li>
<li>By a window- the window will by much cooler than any other part of your house, and the temperature will fluctuate more as the sun comes and goes.</li>
<li>Your Car - in the summer your car gets way too hot, in the winter it gets way too cold. brrrr!</li>
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So, snow bunnies, what other challenges can winter weather bring? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-82281783713846703792013-06-05T03:49:00.001-07:002013-06-17T02:24:54.723-07:00Pure henna over salt'n'pepper grey<br />
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Last year when I posted our Henna over Grey tutorial, I completely forgot to include pictures. I was scrolling through some photos and came across these three from a dear friend in Australia. She dyed her hair using only pure henna, and documented the result. If pure henna is too "bright" for you, try adding a bit of indigo, or doing a <a href="http://hennacaravan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/dying-your-gray-hair-naturally.html" target="_blank">2-step process</a> to get darker color. I love this color on her, though, and love the natural highlights her grey streaks create!<br />
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Elizabeth's Before:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVscUfn2zDVs2mogDM786DEdUaVMdYOBzYImSzAgulBV-0w8biUVE3N0ykLNK-irQgtQ5MfHos3EgIphhX1njrbnRmLwwA5-hqXddRe_Es8-s9BmO4A-LjJVGkuHiSUsa5SUabIwXNsCU/s1600/468656_10150802150615898_1154451442_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVscUfn2zDVs2mogDM786DEdUaVMdYOBzYImSzAgulBV-0w8biUVE3N0ykLNK-irQgtQ5MfHos3EgIphhX1njrbnRmLwwA5-hqXddRe_Es8-s9BmO4A-LjJVGkuHiSUsa5SUabIwXNsCU/s400/468656_10150802150615898_1154451442_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Immediately after application:</div>
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And 48 Hours after application!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41hGSexhqUcrsbsWng6gxQUw0JHQY60hH-96H1mmbp23ZGhsU2dPdT-v2443XrAYZb39mTngpcgBEDiE1V64B7lmliS93VioodKlHX8uzWNnMWwf44S42DSyg61j0N01iZE3L1lhz78Dx/s1600/328630_10150802167240898_1193823111_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41hGSexhqUcrsbsWng6gxQUw0JHQY60hH-96H1mmbp23ZGhsU2dPdT-v2443XrAYZb39mTngpcgBEDiE1V64B7lmliS93VioodKlHX8uzWNnMWwf44S42DSyg61j0N01iZE3L1lhz78Dx/s400/328630_10150802167240898_1193823111_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Henna permanently dyes the hair follicle, so after you reach your desired depth of color, you can do easy keep up with your roots! Tone down the reds with amla, mix with cassia for more strawberry hues, or use indigo to get a range of browns and even black.<br />
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To see some of Elizabeth's henna work, visit her facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hennaoasis" target="_blank">Henna Oasis</a>. She is located on the Gold Coast.<br />
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For video tutorials of how to apply henna to hair, visit <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/HennaCaravanTV/videos" target="_blank">HennaCaravanTV </a> or click the links in the side bar.Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-19769082868327534082013-05-03T14:16:00.000-07:002013-06-05T03:52:43.133-07:00Keep up your skills!We all "know" how important it is to practice, but do we really *know*? When you've been doing something as long as the HC team has been doing henna, you can get comfortable and forget that your basics still need constant training. Just like an athlete trains everyday, we as Henna Artists have to train every day to keep our skills up.<br />
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Last fall, we waived goodbye to the youngest McQueen sister as she jetted off to London to start a Master of Arts in Children's Literature. She's been an important team member since Henna Caravan was founded and worked full time in the warehouse from 2010 to 2012. She is infamous among our professional friends for never wanting to wear henna herself, but has a gorgeous style in her work and loves to create new designs. You may have seen her <a href="http://store.hennacaravan.com/patterns/small-books/global-inspirations-1-sudan.html" target="_blank">Sudanese</a> or <a href="http://hennacaravan.com/shop/henna_patterns.html" target="_blank">Art Deco-inspired design books</a>. However, after not touching a cone for over 6 months, she was surprised to find out her muscles just did NOT remember how to do the work!<br />
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Take a look at some of her designs from the last year, and her latest attempts after an extended break from the medium.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Orleans Jazz Fest 2012 ©CMcQueen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vst3vAr9XcQ/UYQ6W9110oI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/9DIaoaV7zHI/s1600/henna_arabesque.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vst3vAr9XcQ/UYQ6W9110oI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/9DIaoaV7zHI/s320/henna_arabesque.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2012 ©CMcQueen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXfdEbRnaM/UYQ6elBqAAI/AAAAAAAAAIg/NPu02yI85E8/s1600/henna_lotus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BCXfdEbRnaM/UYQ6elBqAAI/AAAAAAAAAIg/NPu02yI85E8/s320/henna_lotus.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom Design, ©CMcQueen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAsUUTB6gpQ/UYQ6v3Ia5VI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ZOY7dP0V_Nc/s1600/henna_thistle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAsUUTB6gpQ/UYQ6v3Ia5VI/AAAAAAAAAIw/ZOY7dP0V_Nc/s320/henna_thistle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art Nouveau Thistle Design ©CMcQueen 2012</td></tr>
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One year later, and after a full 7 months of NO henna at all:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITTtb5T_oz4/UYQjJ2StDFI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6gD_afio1FU/s1600/IMG_4936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITTtb5T_oz4/UYQjJ2StDFI/AAAAAAAAAHo/6gD_afio1FU/s320/IMG_4936.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandala, April 2013 ©CMcQueen<br />
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Lines and balance are off and Carissa struggled to do even this small simple design. We forgive her, though, as she has dedicated the fall and winter to her education and fabulous life in London, England.</div>
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We know a lot of you like to take the winter slow, and may not be ready for the henna season. So, here's a little 4 day bootcamp for all of you getting back into the swing of things this May!</div>
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Day 1) Basic Shapes<br />
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Dots, s-swirls, small leaves/sprouts, spirals and basic M-shaped petals. Do 50 of each of the basic 5 shapes by themselves. Then do 10 one-minute designs that combine two elements.</div>
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Day 2)</div>
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Start with doing 10 each of the basic 5 shapes. Then do 10 one-minute designs that combine 2 elements. Finally, do 10 three-minute designs that use 3-5 of the basic shapes.<br />
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Day 3)<br />
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Start again with 10 each of the basic 5 shapes as warm up. Do 5 one-minute designs using 3 elements. Now that you're warmed up, it is time to go over the larger foundational shapes.<br />
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Paisley, Mandala, Hearts, 5-Petal Flower and basic Arabesque. Practice one page of each of these 5 foundational elements.<br />
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Day 4)<br />
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Warm up with your 5 basic shapes. Then start with your foundational elements (Paisley, etc) and spend 5 minutes with each reviewing their shape ad formation. Last, choose 3 elements and create 3 less-than-five-minute designs with them.<br />
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This should take less than an hour each day, and will jumpstart your muscle memory and your creativity. By limiting your shapes and elements, you'll become a more resourceful artist. By working on the VERY basics, you'll remind your muscles how to work with the medium and you will gain speed and confidence. Pick up these exercises anytime you think you're getting rusty, or just want a little direction in your henna journey.<br />
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Henna weather is here, so let's get the season started off right!<br />
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UPDATE: After we posted this, we thought "Why not create a tutorial for you all to download?" Well, here it is. Scroll down to <a href="http://hennacaravan.com/how/how.html" target="_blank">Boot Camp Basics for your free PDF</a> and get your henna on!<br />
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Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-73722354376529266262012-07-02T11:32:00.000-07:002012-07-02T11:32:06.075-07:00Dying your gray hair naturally<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While we found henna as a body art first, and learned about the hair applications later, we find that hair applications are becoming more popular and personally interesting as well. Our family has a history of going gray early. Really early. As in, I'm 26 and I'm surprised I don't have any yet (fingers crossed!). I don't remember a time when my mom wasn't dying her hair. But over the years, that kind of chemical interaction can really harm you. You can become sensitized to the dye which leads to skin reactions, rashes, tenderness and worse. Many hairstylists have to give up coloring because they can't work with the chemical dyes any longer.<br />
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Thankfully, Henna is a fantastic hair dye. It has been used since ancient times, in conjunction with other natural dyes like indigo and amla, to dye hair a range of colors. And it has a very very low allergic reaction rate- about .01% of the population may experience a mild reaction- think itchy wool gloves. This is in contrast to PPD sensitization which can cause severe contact dermatitis, chemical burns, and internal organ damage. When given the coice between PPD chemical hair dyes and good old fashioned natural henna, henna is the way to go.<br />
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At Henna Caravan, we get a lot of questions about dying hair different shades and especially covering gray hair. Grays are notoriously tricky to cover, and tend to fade very quickly. With henna, indigo, cassia, and amla, however, you can customize your dye to accentuate your natural coloring and cover those stubborn gray hairs! If you want to keep your hair light, stick with cassia. If you want to darken it up, get the other three dyes involved. A double application of henna is the best way to permanently, naturally, and safely cover your grays. Here's our favorite recipe for a deep burgundy hairstyle (assuming your roots are the only grays visible):<br />
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Application 1:<br />
4 ounces of natural henna paste (about 20-30 grams of powder, mix 1 day in advance)<br />
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Application 2:<br />
4 ounces natural henna paste (20-30 g) (mix 1 day in advance)<br />
4 ounces natural Indigo paste (20-30 g) (mix immediately before use)<br />
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Step 1!<br />
Mix about 50 grams of henna powder with lemon juice the day before you plan on dying your hair. The activation time for lawsone (henna) can be quite long and you will achieve better results if you let your paste rest for at least 12 hours before use. Divide this paste in half (2 oz for Application 1, 2 oz for Application 2)<br />
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Apply to roots:<br />
Use Henna Caravan aftercare balm or A&D ointment to create a barrier around your hairline. Put on gloves to make sure you don't stain your fingers while applying the henna. Use half of your pure henna mixture (about 2 ounces). You can apply henna to your roots using a small ziploc bag or Henna Caravan <a href="http://hennacaravan.com/shop/applicator.html">storage bag</a>. Try to thoroughly cover every inch of gray. Leave on 1-2 hours then shampoo out. Quickly towel or blow dry your hair and get ready for step 2!<br />
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Step 2!<br />
Mixing your Indigo powder:<br />
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Mix 20-30 grams of indigo powder with water or room temperature chamomile tea. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 cup to reach your desired consistency. Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes. At this point, there should be a shiny blue sheen on the top of the paste. Add your remaining henna paste to this indigo mixture and stir thoroughly. VERY thoroughly. Once the pastes are completely incorporated you are ready to apply your dye to your full head of hair.<br />
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Check out the hair application videos to the right to see the super simple beehive method of application. Put on a showercap and let the dye soak in. Leave the paste on 35 minutes under a salon heater, or 1.5 - 2 hours at home. Rinse thoroughly. Then rinse again. Then rinse again. Natural dyes may be a bit tricky to rinse out, but the results are fantastic! Avoid shampooing your hair for about 48 hours. You can use a light conditioner to help with tangles.<br />
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Naturally dyed hair is healthier than chemically treated hair and you will notice more shine, less breakage, and all around happier scalp with a natural hair dye regimin. Natural dyes like pure henna and indigo are safe to use during pregnancy, and are perfectly fine to use over chemically treated hair. Old-fashioned henna dyes (in the 60s and 70s) may have had additional chemicals that interacted poorly with PPD dyes, but pure natural henna has none of these. As always, do a strand test first to test for color and suitability. Natural dyes may take a bit of extra time, but they are definitely worth it in the end!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-11177961489363756352012-04-18T22:14:00.000-07:002012-04-18T22:14:06.067-07:00The Great Henna Swap!With all the stress of impending festival season (for us, it starts this weekend!), grad nights, after prom lock ins, and the general hubbub of spring, its easy to forget what brings us back to the office every day. The hours grow longer, the paste slings faster, and we hardly have a moment to stop and breathe. This April isn't any different. But a funny thing is happening over the next few weeks that we have termed "The Great Henna Swap".<br />
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"What is this amazing event?" you may ask! "How do I become a part of it?" Well, its pretty easy since it has happened completely by accident! Check it out.<br />
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Wendy is in Ohio to visit Catherine for a project. Flavia is on her way to Hawaii for vacation, and is making a local delivery while out there. Joey is coming out to California to help Henna Caravan while we're down a man (then 2!). Carissa is flying out to New Orleans to meet with Wendy to henna the heck out of Jazz Fest. Then, to top it all off, Chris is coming to California to lend a hand at Strawberry.<br />
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And thus! The Great Henna Swap is born. Join us! <br />
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Maybe one of your henna friends needs help at an upcoming festival or just a baby sitter for the weekend of their sister's wedding. Whatever it is, we are part of such an amazingly tight knit community, there are dozens of people able and willing to help. You don't have to fly cross country to lend a hand. Have a mini get together with artists in your area. Find an event that you'd normally be overwhelmed by and make a go of it with your new found team. Set up a Google+ party and video chat over tea, showing off your latest henna crafts!<br />
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The point is, its easy to let the frustrations of the busy season mount until all you can think about is "Why oh why do I even bother with henna?" Then you see something like this- friends jetsetting around to help friends- and you remember that the community makes it worth it. YOU make it worth it. At the end of the day that is what matters most. Working together for mutual success, because we're all a team, all one big crazy henna family. <br />
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The Great Henna Swap may not be all that exciting, but it is pretty cool. Or at least, that's what we think.<br />
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Cheers!<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-30096402476193947652012-03-04T18:32:00.003-08:002012-03-04T23:38:55.758-08:00My Fair Wedding- Henna Caravan Appearance!There are literally hundreds of ways to incorporate special personal touches into your wedding. When Jessica got married, we created an homage to car culture by fashioning the bouttonnière into the Ford V8 engine logo. Former Henna Caravan artist Stacey was married last month and we hand-glittered her shoes with her favorite color aqua- a particularly fun project since her main job as HC staff was choosing, ordering, and handling all our glitter needs! Another friend paid homage to his Irish ancestry by incorporating his family motto "Non Sibi" ("Not for Himself") into his vows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Lqa8LXQai-yMxhhEt7UhOGF-Aii3PcGHH__Ahldyvu-qpFCYKlq4ZWkImf7_MXWzkh5VoNudIVSKeXq7cs2fxWrTJnJc9fsF9-pNfsS2Oy7XYWrdrWdpcFmKXgf9SMXKdCGFHrZ4URy/s1600/IMG_2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4Lqa8LXQai-yMxhhEt7UhOGF-Aii3PcGHH__Ahldyvu-qpFCYKlq4ZWkImf7_MXWzkh5VoNudIVSKeXq7cs2fxWrTJnJc9fsF9-pNfsS2Oy7XYWrdrWdpcFmKXgf9SMXKdCGFHrZ4URy/s320/IMG_2513.jpg" width="320" /></a>Honoring your family traditions is one of the best ways to give personal color to your wedding and make it extra meaningful. Henna is one of those traditions that can really make your wedding stand out. Cultures across North Africa, the Middle East, and throughout the Indian subcontinent use henna to celebrate auspicious occasions. These traditions are beautiful and meaningful, but aren't always suited to the aesthetics of a modern American Wedding. Don't be afraid to think of new ways to add henna to your wedding as an homage to your family history, without being overwhelmed by it.<br />
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Traditional Indian mehndi for Brides will cover much of a Bride's visible hands and feet. Oftentimes the henna will extend from the fingertips to the biceps in intricate lace-like designs. This type of mehndi will take many hours to apply, and during that time the bride must stay inactive. There is much symbolism associated with Mehndi, as well. The red color of the stain is auspicious and brings good luck. In some areas, brides are not to do any house work while their henna designs are still visible. Other cultures believe the longer a stain lasts the more your new inlaws and mother in law with love you! Certain symbols like peacocks represent love and fetility, and sun-motifs represent rebirth and your new life as a married woman.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can add glitter to your henna stain for glitz and glam!<br />
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If you intend on wearing a white Western style wedding dress, but want to involve henna in your wedding, we suggest very simple designs with your favorite wedding motifs. This March, Henna Caravan was featured on David Tutera's My Fair Wedding to help create a wonderful Asian Fusion wedding for Bride Lauren. Check out this clip to see Carissa in action, and be sure to watch My Fair Wedding to see what other surprises are in store!<br />
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<a href="http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/videos/my-fair-wedding-bollywood-asian-flare">http://www.wetv.com/my-fair-wedding/videos/my-fair-wedding-bollywood-asian-flare</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL58JKAHTbNPRhRgc4MiFfsgKktOygMqx3ReNHqX1mTEOnlZhge3VXi0nQ7fG4cXkfGW5YrXKefftXrXtRHWkj-OpJzjsKj2ZlvmewEVJhycQX8Fcw1-TmwUNbfzog-B-lAL0ZbBAmBTqy/s1600/mfwCarrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL58JKAHTbNPRhRgc4MiFfsgKktOygMqx3ReNHqX1mTEOnlZhge3VXi0nQ7fG4cXkfGW5YrXKefftXrXtRHWkj-OpJzjsKj2ZlvmewEVJhycQX8Fcw1-TmwUNbfzog-B-lAL0ZbBAmBTqy/s320/mfwCarrie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Carissa applying glitter adhesive to a Bridesmaid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica working on a Bridesmaid</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing touches for the bridal party!</td></tr>
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<br />Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com0Camarillo, CA 93012, USA34.2295937 -118.976151934.1245682 -119.1340804 34.334619200000006 -118.81822340000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-22688553007330492732012-02-09T10:48:00.000-08:002012-02-09T10:48:32.354-08:00Painting Val's Belly<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV_VtWsWrGAJCBNVzQCjIMnzUmEZ9lqOgARBIrupq0yJTaDynrACy5gtFyWKB7S_cyf5NNlGatd6fw1nvljV9MbMUf4NZpa1tHWQQcRUHjoTvJ6RRhEwUHmp2RofYZRI0E1CEXd5YmrwT/s1600/6324764426_c044cd6e02_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV_VtWsWrGAJCBNVzQCjIMnzUmEZ9lqOgARBIrupq0yJTaDynrACy5gtFyWKB7S_cyf5NNlGatd6fw1nvljV9MbMUf4NZpa1tHWQQcRUHjoTvJ6RRhEwUHmp2RofYZRI0E1CEXd5YmrwT/s320/6324764426_c044cd6e02_b.jpg" width="212" /></a>When I heard Valerie was pregnant I was so excited. She would just be showing by the conference, and I knew I'd have a gorgeous little belly to use for the Pregnancy Henna class and demonstration. She was the perfect model. We did a small asymmetrical floral pattern (on right), with plans to meet up again in a few months when she was rounder.<br />
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Well, the months flew by and Val got rounder and rounder, and we still hadn't met up for henna part 2 yet! Late last Monday I got a text from my sister. "Do Val's Belly!" We jumped into high gear, set up the appointment for Friday, delayed it until Sunday, then actually did it on Monday while Carrie was seeing Eddie Izzard. Yes, I was jealous, but I got to hang out with Mike, Val, and their blue pup Merc, so it all evens out. <br />
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Every time I do a belly, I'm always amazed at how active the baby becomes, and Val was no exception. Wriggling and rolling, kicking and dancing, those babies move! It can become uncomfortable for the expecting mothers, and is certainly a challenge for any artist to work on such a dynamic surface, but it also makes for lots of giggling and laughing while spending an evening among friends.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2tgnFUBBp6FTy9W2HWCbrLYAasmW8UWOnnW1FcJfd_s541waCPR8mRoH8G1VuNWDtaxkhDDY035JZY2qchrfA3sbtiQ06ZG-LdBMlPK3OUOmLCl5AEGcjYozoWMZ-VSXR4BSmpQ9ab-h/s1600/Val5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2tgnFUBBp6FTy9W2HWCbrLYAasmW8UWOnnW1FcJfd_s541waCPR8mRoH8G1VuNWDtaxkhDDY035JZY2qchrfA3sbtiQ06ZG-LdBMlPK3OUOmLCl5AEGcjYozoWMZ-VSXR4BSmpQ9ab-h/s400/Val5.jpg" width="266" /></a>The design we settled on is a Turkish inspired design from my research on the Iznik tiles of the Ottoman Empire. We used stylized chrysanthemums and peacock feathers to create a symmetrical, yet organic, design. While mandalas always seem the obvious choice, centered on the belly button, I prefer to work higher up on the tummy so the new Mom can enjoy her belly henna without twisting about in the mirror. With this in mind, I tend to go back to arabesque shapes as my starting point. Their elegant curves and natural elements complement the roundness of a pregnant belly, without being limited by it. Arabesques are so romantic and have a wonderful feeling of growth and life as their tendrils curve around. And while I enjoy working with each mother to find her own personal style and meaning for her henna, it was fun to have Val choose exactly what I felt like doing!<br />
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I wrapped Mama Val up with fabric tape, feeling like I was in a sparring match with the Karate Kid in her belly, hugged Papa Mike, and gave some cuddles to puppy Merc. Val had strict instructions to stay cozy, stay dry, and stay pregnant (!) until we could meet up for pictures. Thankfully, she followed my instructions to a T and we were able to meet up again for a little photo-shoot and painting extravaganza!<br />
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For the photoshoot, I painted Val's belly with Henna Caravan Mica powders and Liquid Lacquer. These are washable with soap and water and are very gentle for momma and baby, while adding a wonderful bit of color and subtle shimmer. Just mix a bit of the lacquer with a bit of mica in a palette (or mica lid) and gently brush on with a good set of brushes- make up or watercolor brushes work best. It only takes a minute to dry, and looks amazing when complete. We went full-color for Val, but one or two colors could also be used to add just a bit of pizazz to your henna for special events.<br />
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Thanks, Val, for being a beautiful model, and Mike for letting us invade your home with sparkles! We know what a risk that can be.<br />
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For more information, visit www.HennaCaravan.com or call 1 800 89 HENNA<br />
Thanks to David Brand Photography for the stellar shots.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06224598764141438377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-51021721640808740412012-02-07T11:40:00.000-08:002012-02-07T11:40:30.797-08:00FestivalsHenna Caravan has been working at festivals since we started business. Our first festival was a small arts show. Jessica took a chair, some patterns, and a canopy, and just tried to see what she could do. Last summer, Henna Caravan was at two major events, with 3 private appointments to top it off in one weekend. Santa Barbara Summer Solstice and the Camarillo Greek Festival took half our team, while a hen night, sweet 16, and destination wedding took the rest. This means 2 canopies, 2 full set ups, 2 bins of decorations, 2 full festival crews, and 2 opportunities to hang out with our wonderfully loyal customers. And everybody running around with cones of fresh henna, slinging this way or that. While the Santa Barbara crew had lines 30 people long almost all day, the usually smaller Greek festival was busier than its ever been! Customers came up to us all day long, requesting their "annual" henna. They come back every year to get Henna Caravan designs, and we are so enormously grateful for this. Jessica and I were in Mexico for a private event and we are just so thankful we could leave our team and know everything would be OK. And now, its got me thinking, in the 15 years since that first tiny festival, how is it that we got to this point?<br />
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The answer is as simple as they come. Hard Work. We've had over a decade of hard work, trial and error, great days, bad days, big mistakes and big ideas. In the end, we seem to have ended up somewhere successful, and with something that works. Committing to festivals requires a lot of financial output up front. You have to get your canopy, your books, your booth set up AND you have to pay several hundred dollars in booth fees months before the event, without knowing whether or not you'll make any money when the big weekend finally rolls around. Sometimes, its a complete bust. Sometimes, you have to call in extra hands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2P_6HC-sOGtuWai3bZzUbKN3-togwsXSzmUDy3jIu0a0WnuwZqsSt6Z-3cTwsyvPniFnvRd1zlFMKu-zRF0b5j_olsigBonmgiNBxIt_X1qMYaBp6Z9lzLY7kNWuAVdTWDEBraoJbVkp/s1600/boothfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2P_6HC-sOGtuWai3bZzUbKN3-togwsXSzmUDy3jIu0a0WnuwZqsSt6Z-3cTwsyvPniFnvRd1zlFMKu-zRF0b5j_olsigBonmgiNBxIt_X1qMYaBp6Z9lzLY7kNWuAVdTWDEBraoJbVkp/s320/boothfront.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
This week we've turned in our first set of applications for Spring Festivals. If you're a henna artist looking to branch out into the festival world, I suggest you start looking now. Find festivals with high attendance numbers (police estimates, if available) and a good demographic breakdown. Kids aren't drawn to henna the same way women are- from high school through to great grannies! Why not try some first-year events that look interesting to you? They may not be as financially successful this year, but as they grow, you'll grow with them, and your henna will become a feature of the event itself. People will be looking for YOU every year at that little fest. Always ask if they allow multiple vendors, and try to secure an exclusive agreement. Henna can be a hard sell in new communities and more than one vendor means nobody goes home happy.</div>
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We are so excited for new opportunities this year. From festivals, to private events, corporate promotion, restaurant openings and some extra special events in March, I'm sure we'll have lots to share and talk about!</div>
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Enjoy your Henna Journey!Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-57335929444157998112010-06-20T13:11:00.000-07:002010-06-20T13:13:20.067-07:00Father's DayWe're very thankful for having a father who has encouraged our creative pursuits. He's allowed us to take over his house with everything as we grew up. First, it was fingerpaints. Then watercolors and paintbrushes. Now, we play with henna and our exciting business. Thanks, dad, for being the best dad a girl could ask for!<div><br /></div><div>With lots of love!</div><div>Jessica and Carissa</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Carissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11072231046934213131noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-18257349986971335242008-05-31T10:07:00.000-07:002008-06-01T16:46:07.994-07:00same sex marriage, gay marriage, hennawe are pleased to be able to offer henna for same sex marriage, or gay marriage.<div>We have a talented staff and love to be involved in traditional henna , along with meaningful rites of passage.</div><div>We can accommodate any size group from one to 1,000 with our talented henna artists.</div><div>With friends and family helping to celebrate a union, henna is the perfect way to compliment your special day.</div><div><a href="http://www.hennacaravan.com/">Henna Caravan - Henna Artists for your event and Supplies</a></div>Henna Caravanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271497677669563143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3740033034391155306.post-39672868266852424042008-05-27T09:46:00.000-07:002008-06-01T16:46:59.491-07:00HennaHenna Caravan workshop is an immersion workshop for henna enthusiasts from beginner to master artist.<div> For the henna classes we will provide: henna, meals, classes and workshops, craft classes, craft supplies, and 3 days of fun in Southern California.</div><div>see here for more info.<a href="http://www.hennacaravan.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=571">Henna Caravan Forums / Henna Caravan R&R and elephant bar</a></div>Henna Caravanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271497677669563143noreply@blogger.com0