In the palms of my hands

Recently, I went to visit the lovely Sheetal for my Mehndi trial!

I have to say I had virtually no idea of what I was to expect. But Sheetal was a sweetheart and helped me understand how everything works. I brought her the photo of the design I thought I wanted, which she did a beautiful job with - and she offered to do a more traditional bridal design on my other hand.

Sheetal is a masterful artist that Miss Jasmine referred my way - and I'm so glad she did! Sheetal hand-drew the designs, piping henna from a small tube which really resembled chocolate icing on a cake. She was so sweet and talented - I'm really glad to have found her!

Isn't Sheetal adorable?

See how dark it is at first? Its really like having thin icing lines all over! The henna smelled like chai, too - so my senses were all confused :)

I'm done! Now it just takes about 30 minutes to dry - like a facial mask :)

Please ignore my tired, no makeup look. I forgot we'd be taking photo evidence!

After we got home, I crackled away the top coat of dried henna to reveal a pretty, orange-y design. Sheetal said the henna she used on me was about 4 days old and that fresher henna would leave darker lines. Here's the finished product!

The drawing on the left is traditional - you can see drums, a peacock and various other instruments. On the right is my simpler lotus pattern...sorry its so blurry. I like elements of both, and I think for the wedding it might be cool to blend the two styles - contemporary and traditional, in the palm of my hands :)

This morning I got up, washed my face and hands, and found them even darker than last night when those photos were taken! I'd say the color is a dark terra cotta, which suits my pale skin quite nicely.

What's really cool about it is that you'd never notice unless I turn my hands up, or wave, or something. Its unobtrusive, and such a pretty surprise inside my hands. I have to say I even succumbed to a moments contemplation that this would make a cool permanent tattoo, but for now.... its a fun, 2-week accessory. Even Hunter likes it more than he expected.

I highly recommend Sheetal to any SoCal brides considering Mehndi for their wedding, Indian or otherwise. Her prices are super reasonable, and she's incredibly sweet and gentle. Feel free to email me for her contact information.

I really love it on me, but I'm not sure I feel it for the wedding. I think it might be the one accessory its smart to omit... so I don't have too much going on.

What do you think? Would you do it?