Sealing Henna Candles, the EASY way

When I was younger my mother was an avid rubber stamper. She showed me this method and... low and behold, it works beautifully on henna'd candles. 

Supplies:

Candle, decorated with Henna. Make sure the henna is completely dry. 

Wax paper. you want a piece long enough to wrap completely around your candle to create a tuft of paper in back that you can hold on to. 

Heat Gun

Method:

After your henna has completely dried take a long sheet of wax paper and wrap it arround your candle with the extra in the back. You want enough wax paper to create a handle to hold your candle by.

Take the heat gun and heat the candle to met the wax. Tighten the grip on the wax paper to put pressure on the henna, pulling it into the surface of the candle. Use the heat gun like a hair dryer to slowly melt the wax evenly. 

Once your wax is glossy carefully peel back the wax paper. The henna should now be protected under a layer wax. If it is not completely encased re-wrap the wax paper and repeat the heating process. 

A few notes:

Henna with oils and sugar may burn, please heat them carefully.

This method is best for candles with lighter colors of wax, but any candle will work.

You can also use this method to seal beautiful henna designs on paper to candles. 

Explore, play, have fun and make something wonderful today!

~kaci~

www.kchenna.com

 Want to see it in real time? Check out this little video :)

Artists are the Innovators

I see so many new Henna artists posting questions on the henna forums about how to do this craft and what is the right way.

I believe fully that true artists are innovators, not afraid to try something even if the outcome could ruin the piece they tied to create. The fun is not only making something wonderful, it's the journey of experimenting and forging new paths while creating.

Do not be afraid to make a mistake. Do not be afraid to play and have fun!

Several years ago I was asked to write a henna craft book for one of the popular henna publishers. I worked on that book for two years. Relentlessly reading forums and asking questions. Experimenting with recipes, techniques, sealing methods, and surfaces.

As I researched and wrote I noticed several things. I started to dislike crafts, it was no longer fun like it was. People were very angry at my answers to their questions, even though I had done my homework on the subject.

In the end I told the publisher I could not do the book. After all the work I had put into it I realized that a craft book, while cool, would halt my learning process. I decided instead to start this blog so I could write what I had learned and could continue to update as I learned more.

Writing a book would have been for ego. It would not have helped make creators just replicators. ( Not that I have anything against replicators.)

Do not be afraid to push the limits. Do not be afraid to try somethings and invent something new.

Be an artist, be an innovator, be unique. Don't be afraid to fail! Some of the greatest innovations were made from mistakes. Don't be afraid to be a little silly and to have fun!

( One of my favorite henna pieces was done by a dear friend. She henna'd a piece of cheese. Yes, an actual piece of cheese ( Kraft single if I remember correctly.) )

Please never forget that henna is about feeling good, creating beauty, making other people feel good.

with happy thoughts go create something wonderful...

~kaci~

Failed experiment, Henna on Crab-apples. 

Raina's Resist Paste

Raina Lehto from  Zhashki Henna was kind enough to share her recipe for a kickin resist past for Henna!

Raina, I love you, thank you so much for sharing this with us!

Ingrediants:

Flour. I used whole wheat, Raina used bakers, expiriment and see what works.

Lemon juice

Elmers Glue. Raina uses white glue, I used gel glue, both worked.

Method:

Mix some flour and lemon juice into a container until you get a mashed potato consistancy. Add glue until you get a texture you can work with. ( careful to make sure you mix out all the clumps of flour.)

Pour mixure into a cone or jac bottle.

To use:

Apply your design to skin using the resist paste.

Allow to paste to dry completly.

Smear an even coat of Henna over the design area. You do not want too much or too little henna. I applied a glob and smeared and skimmed it over with a spatula. Like doing drywall
, but on skin.

Allow the henna to dry completly, 4-8 hours is best but since the Henna is thick you can do less time and get good results.

Scrape off the henna and resist.

Follow usual aftercare

Tahdah, you have a kickin resist design.

I warn you, this method is really addictive and fun to play with!

Don't forget to head over to Raina's site and show her some love.

http://www.zhashkihenna.com/

:)