Paste matters!

When I first started mixing my own paste, I looked online for the correct consistency of the henna paste. However, a few batches down the road, I decided to make the paste more liquidy and added some extra lemon juice. Initially, my paste used to have a toothpaste consistency. With this trial, the paste resembled stirred yogurt in its consistency. To give you an idea, the paste was liquid enough to start oozing out of the cone as soon as I cut the tip. Now, this new consistency helped me increase my speed greatly, and I was able to generate a better flow in my designs. 

While on the same topic, for all you die-hard Jamila Henna fans, if you haven't done so yet, buy a 50 gram sample of a stringy henna and try mixing the two powders together. Though my first batches were purely Jamila Henna (and I loved the colour!), I started mixing Jamila with Rajasthani Henna (50/50 mixture). The paste texture is to die for! Now, this may very well be my imagination, but I also think that the addition of the Rajasthani Henna makes the stain more vibrant. Try it out, I fell in love with it the first time and don't want to try anything else any more. Ok, I know I will keep trying new things, but as for making the perfect henna batch every time - stain, texture and consistency - I think I've fixed my paste matters :)

Design from "Naksh"

, originally uploaded by Joy of Henna.

I recently bought "Naksh" by Bhavini Gheravara. Really stunning designs, and has everything that I love about Bhavini! This was done for a bride who wanted very simple designs on the backs of her hands :)

Blogging update

, originally uploaded by Joy of Henna.

My full time job and henna have kept me super busy since the beginning of January! Now that things have started to calm down a bit, and the fact that I discovered the "Blog this" feature on flickr only today, I've decided to start blogging on a regular basis now!

So to start off the blogging revival with some henna, here's a piece that I did today. It's loosely adapted from a design in "Shangar" by Deepika Chauhan.

Joy of Henna @ Toronto Yogathon for Schizophrenia

Toronto Yogathon for Schizophrenia, originally uploaded by Joy of Henna.

I offered henna services at the Yogathon for Schizophrenia in Toronto. The event was organized by the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. I really enjoy doing henna at charity events, as it lets me do something I love while supporting a great cause at the same time!

Henna at a private party

, originally uploaded by Joy of Henna.

A couple of weeks ago, a wonderful lady who was getting together with her close girl friends had me do henna at the party.

The party was held at the Verity Club in Toronto (www.verity.ca). The venue was really beautiful, as were the ladies I met :)

Great time over all, check out my flickr page for more photos!