Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting

by Loretta Roome

Mehndi, the ancient art of painting on the skin with henna, beautifies the body, rejuvenates the spirit, and celebrates the joys of creativity and self-expression. More than just a temporary tattoo, mehndi offers us a way to participate in a centuries-old tradition still practiced in India, Africa, and the Middle East.

In this stunning and authoritative book, Loretta Roome traces the origins and meanings of traditional designs, demonstrates how to create them on the skin, and reveals the recipes, tools, and techniques needed to paint designs that range from simple to complex. The result of years of research and the author's experience as one of the nation's foremost mehndi artists, Roome's book offers practical information, creative inspiration, and many suggestions for enhancing the playful, intimate, sensual, erotic, and spiritual aspects of the ancient and amazing art of mehndi.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

162 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jamila Danhassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The role henna places in different cultures in the world, it's origins, importance, various designs and what they symbolise, practical tips on acquiring and applying it and beautiful pictures to accompany all these. An exquisite read.

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly about a lot more than just applying henna to the skin... that is only the "skin-deep" of it. It actually explores the history, the plant, obtaining & collecting the necessary elements, designs, their meanings, and beyond all of that it really touches upon a very intimate and spiritual investigation of this art. I was very surprised at what a valuable source of information this book was. Beyond Henna tattooing- if you have interest in the cultures that practice this artform (which range from India all the way African West coast) you may find useful information to help better understand their belief systems (especially regarding marriage and romance) and artwork.
Well worth reading!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henna painting fascinates me. I absolutely love the art and beauty of it. If you are not familiar with it, or if you also love it, pick up this book and learn about the history of and how to of henna painting. The book has beautiful pictures of henna-painted hands, feet, and more. It walks you through the process of how to buy and make the henna paint, and how to apply. Lots of ideas for designs.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A more credible book on the subject than nearly all the others I read. Still, it's for a popular audience and so it gets a bit hippy dippy spiritual in places, and so I find it hard to trust at times. The mehndi in it is remarkably beautiful. I just wish the publishers could have afforded to make all the pictures color pictures.

[Giovanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful images, great tips on henna painting and the art of Mehndi. Discusses it's history as well as traditional purpose. Clear instructions on what you'll need in order to do it successfully. I've used this book many times as I've done Mehndi on myself and others. I highly recommend to anyone interested in the craft, whether for personal or professional reasons.

[Danine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the better Mehndi books. The pics are georgeous. There is how to and history. It can be spirital at times but the reader can take or leave it. One of my favs.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting book on the ritual origins, art, history and patterns of Mehndi (henna painting).

[Sarah]

Beautiful photos that I refer to for design inspiration... haven't really read the text, so I can't speak to that.

[Princess Pottymouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great step-by-step on how to make henna and paint the designs!