Practicing Henna Tattoo Designs on a Model

Video Transcript

"Hi, we're back and we're actually here with a model this time, because we're actually going to do something on skin this time. This is Nilee, and Nilee, why don't you tell a little bit about your jewelry, because it's authentic, isn't it? Nilee: Yeah, when you asked me to be a model for the henna, I was very excited because this is part of my heritage. This jewelry was passed down to me by me mother Alisa Sinai, Who was a Yemenite Jew living in Israel. And this was her jewelry. She was a well known singer as well, so I am fortunate enough to have this as heirlooms for our family. Paula: And Yemen is a country where henna is also used. Nilee: Yes, it is. It's used in Yemen. Paula: So this is great; it's going to go with the style of the henna. And we're going to practice that flower that we just made. So I'm going to start in the middle and make a circle and then make the little 'M's around it. And then we're going to make the larger petals. Being careful to keep it round and smooth.... Nilee: That's beautiful! Paula: Thank you! And now we're going to use the shading technique. Nilee: They use henna in wedding ceremonies too. Paula: Yes they do. And traditionally on the handto decorate it. And this will just add a little bit of shading. Nilee: I've particitpated in a couple. Paula: Did you? Nilee: Yes, it was very interesting. The women would pass around a bowl of henna as ritual, from woman to woman. And then we would decorate the bride. It's really fascinating Paula: That's wonderful! Nilee: A huge headress... Paula: did the headress have henna on it? Nilee: A little bit on the face, but the headress was jeweled. Kind of like this...do you know what this is called? Paula: No, filigree? Nilee: Yes. Paula: Kind of a wire filigree. And you know, you could even actually replicate that same design in henna, which would be really neat. Nilee: Oh, yes. Paula: So we're going to now do the little points on the edge of the petals. And then make a little stem. And then do the little commas. Nilee: You have a very steady hand. "