First Friday • Henna Tattoo at The Midnight Sun

Do you love body decoration.. with no pain and no commitment? Them you might want to stop by The Midnight Sun this Friday, June 3, 2011 from 4 PM until.......

It's First Friday in Five Points. A great time to see all the new shops! See all the new gemstones and jewels at The Midnight Sun.. and adorn your self with henna tattoo.

The ancient body art of henna adapts well to wester culture, if you just are able to make a few momentary adjustments.

Henna paste goes on wet ( as seen in the picture ) and then dries to a wearable pattern that stays on the skin as long as you are able to keep some care not to brush it off too quickly.

The henna paste available this Friday is fresh ( 2010 crop ) Organic Rajhisthani henna, hand blended by Ann George of Spirit Vision Henna tattoo. In the spirit of Art Walks..... small hennas are $10. The more traditional designs start at $15 an each. Visit the FAQ page FMI. See you there.

Henna Peacocks... the joyful diversity of henna tattoo designs

Here is a photo of a henna tattoo for the inner arm. This image is of a henna peacock riding a paisley wave... embellished and spaced to fit the clients arm.

This design runs from above the wrist to a few inches below the elbow. Henna tattoo will give a good stain on this part of the body, but the color will be more brown than red as the skin on the inner arm is more fine.

I used a lovely henna powder from Henna Sooq for this paste. The paste is stringy, wet, and makes very fine lines, as you can see. I sprayed the paste with a bit of lemon sugar to keep it moist and to help it stay on the skin.

One of the lovely things about the peacock design is that is easy to apply to a variety of locations. While the first image is intricate and took about 10 minutes to complete, the next image you will see is one of a tiny peackcock henna on a tiny hand.

I will offer henna tattoo to children who are accompanied by their parents, and who are familiar with their children's allergies. In all the years I have been doing henna, I have not yet had anyone have an adverse reaction.

I take great care in creating a paste that is aromatic, soothing, fresh and easy to apply. This makes it safe for children. My littlest customers only have to be able to sit still for a minute or two to get a lovely little tattoo.

If you are not sure about your little one, I am happy to do a spot test for you prior to applying a true design.

If you would like henna for yourself, or to arrange a small party, please let me know. It is now henna season, and tattoo is available with 24 hours notice at The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.

Or.. just watch for the Henna Tattoo Today signs as you are driving through Five Points. 

Henna Paste On - Henna Paste Off

Here is a photo of henna paste on the skin. The paste is raised, and is to be left on the skin for at least three hours... longer if possible.

Henna is a heat activated body dye that works by penetrating layers of the skin. It is applied to the surface of the skin with a soft plastic cone. It does not hurt.

The tattoo is temporary and lasts at least one week. This henna pattern is inspired by the work of the artist of winnipeghenna.com, applied by Ann George of Spirit Vision Henna at The Midnight Sun in Five Points, Jacksonville, Florida.


This pattern took about 15 minutes to apply. Then the design was sprayed with lemon juice and sugar to help it stay on the skin as long as possible.

This paste is made fresh, to order and this year we have organic Rhajisthani powder to decorate your body.

Many people are still unfamiliar with the process, so in this blog I am including a photo of this same pattern, with the paste off the skin.

If you are able to continue to keep the paste damp with lemon sugar, it will help your henna give a deeper and darker stain.

If you are able to keep your design out of water for 12 hours after the paste is removed, you will get the best color possible. Keeping olive oil on your design once the paste is removed will help keep heat in, and water out.

These are tips for those who really do want to make their unique, beautiful henna tattoo last as long as possible.

Henna tattoo is available by appointment. Please call the Studio at 904-993-7466 to schedule your appointment, or to book a henna party, or hire our artists for your event.

We are able to offer small parties in the lovely studio at the back of the The Midnight Sun.

Please visit the FAQ page for more information on the art of henna tattoo.

Traditional Henna Patterns & Tips for a Great Tattoo

Happy Henna Season to every one! Featured today is a photo of a traditional style henna tattoo by Ann George for the back of the hand. Henna works best on the palms, back of the hands and on the feet.

It does not work as well on the stomach, the back, nor the chest. If you want a temporary tattoo for that part of your body, you are better off buying a decal tattoo. There are lots of nice new Indian design decals for lades  for sale at The Midnight Sun (they are on the counter.)

Also, if you want henna in these places, please be sure to dress in clothing that will not disturb the henna, and be prepared to adjust your day so that the henna may remain on your skin for at least three hours.

For gentlemen, the henna takes best on the inner wrist. I am able to do henna on your upper arms, but please be sure to shave several days ahead of time. It is unlikely that henna will give good color on the chest.

The price of a henna tattoo starts at $15 and fees increase from that point. For example, the tattoo in the photo cost $30.00.  I use only the finest, freshest henna powder mixing the paste myself each week to ensure you get the best color possible.

I have just purchased some organic rajasthani henna, long known for giving deep red color on the palms and look forward to trying that out this weekend. I will offer henna tattoo at the Midnight Sun Friday and Saturday if all goes well and weather permits. 


Please call for more information, or to schedule an appointment. 904-993-7466. (*Please note this is a photo of henna paste on the skin. If you are new to henna, I strongly encourage you to visit my FAQ page. Answers to most commonly asked questions are there.


Namaste.

It's Henna Time Again! Spirit Vision Henna is back at The Midnight Sun

Do you love henna tattoo? Have you been waiting all winter long for the weather to break? Well, the wait is over.

I am happy to say I just made up a very lovely paste, letting it rest in the sun so that the dye would happily release from the mix of henna powder, henna tea & lemon juice.

Essential oils and some tamarind were added, the paste rested another day in balmy sunshine, and I now have a cone of henna to give deep stains on the hands and feet.

For those new to henna, it is a heat-activated body dye, and thus we wait for the warmer weather. The longer you leave your henna paste on the skin, and the warmer the weather, the darker your finished color will be.

I use quality henna powder from reliable suppliers, and the finest essential oils... but you must come prepared as well. Please do not come for henna wearing lotion or sun screen as this will prevent the dye from staining your skin a deep color.

I am hoping you will leave the paste on your skin for at least three hours, so if you want henna on your feet... wear the tiniest flip flops possible. ( Some want to brave 5 Points bare foot, but I don't think this is the best idea. )

Henna tattoo designs start at $15 and go up from there. I bring a good selection of pattern books, and you are welcome to look through the many images posted on this blog, or on my henna site.

I have been doing henna tattoo for over ten years now, all henna is free hand, and I am happy to create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. It is best to call ahead for henna if you want a tattoo during the week. I am not always available on short notice, so best to plan ahead.

I will be offering henna tattoo at The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 this Saturday, most probably between 1 and 4 PM. Please call 904-993-7466 for more information if need be. 

Tribal Henna Patterns for Men

Here is an example of a freehand tribal style henna tattoo. Bold tribal henna is a good choice for men who want the experience of henna tattoo.

This design, while seeming very geometric, also has components found in traditional African patterns.

Henna always gives the darkest color on the palms of the hands. This is because of the nature of the skin on the palm - very porous - and fleshy.

The porous nature of the skin enables the paste to penetrate deeply. Also, as we sweat from the palm, the henna paste may stay moist on the skin longer, which helps get a better finished color.

If you would like henna tattoo in the Greater Jacksonville Florida area, please call Spirit Vision Henna.

Tribal Henna Patterns for Men

Here is an example of a free hand / free spirit henna tattoo for a man.  Yes, men can get henna tattoo as well!

The same rules apply, you get the best color on the back of the hand,   and inner wrist... places where men feel most comfortable placing their henna tattoo.

It is possible to do henna on the upper arm, to do tribal bands and Kanji tattoos there, however, the finished color will not be as dark and generally will not last as long as henna tattoo put on the hands.

This design is based in part on traditional North African designs.. and we just went from there. Shapes the client like were added.. and so you see, a powerful tribal style design.

Several layers of lemon sugar were applied. Perhaps I will be able to post a photo of the finished color, which appears about 48 hours after the paste is removed. At present, a new mix of henna paste is basking in the morning sun.

Henna tattoo will be offered in the ambient comfort of The Midnight Sun, 1055 Park  Street, Jacksonville, Florida after  2PM this Saturday. Call now to reserve your seat!

Lovely, Easy to Wear, Traditional Henna Tattoo Design

Here is a quick henna tattoo design that makes use of many traditional elements... the flower, the paisley, and of course, the little dot.

To draw this pattern, the larger design areas were created, then filled in with traditional components.

This design is for a customer going right back to work in retail. She needed something that would make it easy to use her hand, leave her finger tips free... and still be lovely.

A henna tattoo like this one costs @$30.00. The black paste you see on the skin is not the finished tattoo. The paste will remain on the skin for three to six hours.

A glaze of lemon, sugar and essential oils was applied to help keep the paste on the skin.. and the enhance the finished color.

After the paste falls off, or in some cases after you scrape it off, apply olive oil to the design area. The application of olive oil keeps water out & helps to keep body heat in.

Henna is a heat activated dye and the color will darken over the next 48 hours with proper care. A few things to avoid are: chlorinated water, American beauty creams, (most contain petroleum - and that fades the color of the henna tattoo) and exfoliating the skin.

Sun and heat are fine! Hot weather and sweating open the pores and help the henna to penetrate the skin.   Henna tattoo is available throughout the summer time by Ann George. Appointments work best! although walk-in henna is often available on Saturdays at The Midnight Sun.

Henna Tattoo at The Midnight Sun • Saturday April 17, 2010

Stop by the shop Noon thirty-ish this Saturday for henna tattoo by Ann George.

Pictured in this blog is a photo of an African tribal style henna which shows henna paste on the back of the hand, and paste and finished color on the inner wrist... notice the inner wrist tattoo is outlined again with henna paste.

Henna can last one week or more, depending on where you put the tattoo, how long you leave the paste on the skin, and other factors.

The Sankofa pattern on the wrist had faded a bit, so we outlined the original design with fresh henna paste to give a two-toned effect.

Once the henna paste is scraped off the skin, the bird will have a darker outline and an inner color.

Please know that all henna pastes are different. At the Midnight Sun you will get an informed consent to sign before you have your henna tattoo. This will tell you all the ingredients in the paste ( made fresh by Ann George! ), as well as how to take care of your body art.

An Spirit Vision, we do not use black henna, and make every effort to ensure that you have a traditional henna experience. Of course there are other artists in town, so please remember that each will have their own paste, pattern sets and aftercare instructions.

Bridal Henna Palms - Two Artists at work

The artists of Spirit Vision Henna are practicing Bridal Henna for the 2010 season.

This photo shows the work of two artists working together to create a wedding henna.

Each has a slightly different style, but you can see that the patterns are complimentary, and accomplished in 45 minutes for both hands.

We will continue to work to improve so that we may provide intricate full bridal tattoo in a timely manner.

Please contact Ann George at 904•993•7466 for more information about henna tattoo for wedding parties, and other events.

Working with Henna - Aftercare Tips

As you can see, a good henna paste will stay on the skin even while working! This henna paste has been sprayed once with a lemon sugar glaze... but more importantly, the client knows that the longer she leaves the paste undisturbed on her skin, the darker the finished color will be.

As the weather turns cooler, we are coming to the end of every Saturday henna tattoo at The Midnight Sun. Please call the studio - (904) 993-7466 - to see if henna will be offered on a Saturday, or to get more information about scheduling a henna party. Hiring a henna tattoo artist for your party, event, or fundraising effort assures your guests of a unique, relaxing and artistic evening.

Namaste!

Henna Tattoo Design for the Back of the Hand.

Here is a photo of a quick henna pattern for the back of the hand.

While the darkest color is achieved when applying henna tattoo to the palm, most customers find it very difficult to go about daily activities with a henna tattoo on the palm of the hand. As well.. it is easy show off your new design!

Surprisingly, we seldom show our palms to the public. This photo is a picture of henna paste on the skin & NOT black henna. This paste will remain on the skin for several hours and once scraped off, will leave a stain that darkens over the next 48 hours. The better care you take of your henna, the longer the tattoo will last.

For more info on henna tattoo aftercare, please see the FAQ page.

Henna Tattoo Today - Enjoy Body Art in Air Conditioned Comfort!

Stop by the shop! Great music.. wonderful people.. and of course, fresh henna paste for your henna tattoo.

Lots of pattern books!

Henna from Noonish 'til 5PM.

Designs start at $15 and go up from there.

FMI see the FAQ

Henna Tattoo in Jacksonville, Florida - Henna this Saturday afternoon

Here is another henna pattern for the back of the hand. This design was easy to do using jamila henna powder, which makes a fine, smooth henna paste with very little fuss... no extra sifting or grinding involved at all.

This pattern was modified a bit to show off a lovely ring, and as always to flatter and to fit the young woman's hand. Applying henna to the back of the hand is often an excellent choice for a busy day of shopping, as one can keep an eye on the pattern quite easily.

Of course, henna always gives the darkest color on the palm of the hand. People are often surprised to hear this, however, henna is a heat activated body dye, and the palm of the hand is often one of the warmest parts of the body. As well, we have more pores in the palm, making it that much easier for the henna to penetrate the skin. If one is careful, and applies a light coat of olive oil before getting the finished henna tattoo in water, the design will last much longer.

If you would like to see more henna patters, or to purchase a little book of traditional henna designs - $4.50 a booklet with FREE shipping by mail in the USA, please visit my site.

Simple Henna Tattoo for the Feet

When coming for a henna tattoo on the foot, please be sure to wear sandals that leave enough room to fit the kind of tattoo you want.

This photo is a good example of a sandal that leaves enough room to place a small henna tattoo that flatters the foot as well as the toes.

Luckily, the little peacock design also is flattering to the golden sandal my client chose to wear. When getting a tattoo on the foot, it is important to leave the sandal on, so that I am sure not to draw your design too close to the shoe.. that way the henna will not rub off with wear.

If you want a tattoo that covers more of the top of the foot, then a little slide on shoe, or mule might be a better choice. This henna tattoo cost $15 dollars and took about 15 minutes from start to dry time. Stop by The Midnight Sun this Saturday between 11:00 Am & 5:00 PM for your henna tattoo. We will be leaving early this Saturday!

Full Palm Henna Tattoo - paste on & paste off

This is a photo on an original henna tattoo design for the full palm. The pattern started and the wrist and was worked down onto the palm and finally the fingers.

This henna tattoo was done with a fairly wet paste, so there was plenty of time for the henna to be absorbed into the skin. This wet paste yielded a good finished color as you will see below.


Here is a photo of the henna tattoo with the paste off the skin. As you can see (click the photo for a larger view) the henna stains different parts of the hand different shades of red to reddish brown.
This henna paste has only been off the skin for 24 hours, so it will take another 24 hours for the final color to show up.

Many people want to know how long a henna tattoo will last. Spirit Vision Henna uses fine, natural ingredients with no chemical additives. The paste is made to give the darkest color possible, but aftercare is really important to getting a long lasting stain.

If you will leave the paste on the skin (first photo) for at least 6 hours, and if you will keep olive oil on the design (apply at least twice a day) and you are able to stay out of water for at least 12 hours after the paste is off the skin, then you will get the best color.

The FAQ page will address many common questions about henna tattoo. Of course, you are also welcome to call or email for more information.

Henna for Summer Sandals!

Stop by this Saturday, relax and enjoy the cool, air conditioned ambience of The Midnight Sun after a day of shopping for just a touch of henna tattoo! This photo shows how a bit of mehandi can really create a dramatic look when properly applied.

This client wore a lovely golden sandal to The Midnight Sun, and had only a few moments to spend getting henna. Her pattern took no more than 10 minutes from start to finish.. including the lemon sugar glaze I use to ensure that your henna tattoo stays in place.

Most henna tattoos start at $15 and go up from there. Spirit Vision Henna uses fresh henna paste, carefully prepared to be safe for all ages, and of course to give a deep, lasting stain. For more information on when, where and how to get a good henna outcome, please visit the FAQ page.

Henna Tattoo at Bead Here Now - First Friday in Five Points

Spirit Vision Henna is offering a special on palm patterns for the First Friday party at Bead Here Now. Take the plunge, and put henna where henna loves to be, on the palm of the hand.

Henna gives the deepest, darkest, finished color on the palm of the hand. Why? Because henna is a heat activated body dye that works by penetrating the skin.
The palm is fleshy, has lots of tiny pores to absorb the henna stain, and palms are usually warm.

The First Friday Special is a custom henna pattern - a "Chef's Choice" - to give you the full palm henna experience using bold strokes, lots of negative space, and the elements you prefer. If you are feeling floral, tribal, traditional or even whimsical, henna artist Ann George will design a pattern just for you, $25 for a simple full palm henna.

Here is a photo of the great red color you can get from good paste and a quick design on the palm. Stop by Bead Here Now after 6:00 PM to get your special.

Henna Tattoo - Back & Shoulder Henna Pattern

The goddess of henna muses came by for a back piece yesterday. In the spirit of all great patrons of artists everywhere, Miss Nancy gave me a general description of what she wanted in general and the complete freedom to henna as I pleased.

We talked about styles & energy.. paisley and peacocks, and the wonderful ideas of someday doing full body henna. I hope to create a unique design/ pattern/ moment of art in the near future.

However, as we were in a shop window, we opted for a henna pattern for her upper back. The first photos is of her henna design seen from the back. I was very happy to be able to use negative space in this design, as well as the "drops" effect to enhance the natural beauty of her neck & shoulders.

The pattern began on her right shoulder, moving across the upper back and then down the left arm. At some point, we thought to try for the half sleeve tattoo effect that is so popular for ink...
but this pattern flowed so well, and "dripped" into a graceful modern tribal sort of style that she likes & wears so well, that we opted to let the henna end as you see it here.

If you are interested in this type of henna tattoo, it is critical that you wear an outfit that will accommodate the paste. For those new to henna, please visit the FAQ page of my site for answers to most of the frequently asked questions.

It can take anywhere from ten minutes to apply a simple henna tattoo, and up to 45 minutes for a more complex henna pattern. If you are in a hurry, please add about five or six minutes of drying time to your schedule, as it is best to sit and allow the paste to dry a bit on the skin before you return to shopping at The Midnight Sun.

Henna paste is applied to the skin to stain the skin... and the longer the henna stays on the skin, the longer the natural vegetable dye can interact with the skin, creating a darker stain when the final color is revealed. Therefore, wearing clothing that will allow the paste to rest undisturbed on the skin is necessary for an successful finished pattern.

Now that it is indeed henna season, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment for a complex henna design!

Bridal Henna - Free Hand Design

One of the great joys of the web is that it enables me to see the great skills of other mehndi artists.

This photo is inspired by the work of the fine artist at Hasina Mehnd. AFter seeing one of her more recent henna designs, I knew I had to work a bit harder to be able to offer my customers the best of traditional henna.

I was lucky to have a willing volunteer, and about an hour of to do this design. The design went along rather quickly until I got to the middle of the palm of the hand. This is traditional henna, and I hope to be able to offer more photos, more often.

If you would like to have a henna like this, it is best to make an appointment. This kind of henna takes a plenty of paste, space & free time.

I hope you will be inspired to enjoy this lovely body art.

Ann George
Spirit Vision Henna Tattoo