Question:
I would be very interested in knowing the process for this type of production
when I recently saw a temporary tattoo done in Henna. Has
anyone heard of this type of tatoo and the process for application? What
elements does it require? Is it a special type of henna? Does it
require a mordant and etc? Also how long does it last and is it
subject to quick fading in the sun? Would you respond directly to e-mail
as my time to search the news groups is extremely limited by my working
schedule at the moment.
Answer:
- Actually, anyone with info on this might do well posting here... There
are others of us interested in this as well.
Brings up another question i had, though. I have called a couple of
Tattoo studios looking for someone who will do a custom temporary tattoo,
not just one of those dumb lick'n'stick things... I want some sort of
celtic or tribal design but i haven't decided what yet. When i was in
Europe a couple of summers ago i saw a couple of shops which would take
your custom designs and paint them on, said they would last a couple of
weeks, to kind of try things on for size and see if you liked it, etc.
Shops i contact here have all told me things like, "we don't waste our
time with things like that." Or, "it's a waste of time and money, we
don't do it.." I am willing to pay full price. It's going to be a
simple black-only design if i get one anyway, i'd be willing to pay what
a real tattoo would cost, to get a temp one first.
Maybe the artists think i'm just being a big wimp. Maybe i am. But i'd
pay someone to paint on a custom temporary tattoo, but when i call
studios i get sniffed at. Is this something that American tattoo shops
just don't do? I saw it all over Europe. Studios here seem to think
that since i'm asking for a temporary i want it for free (not true) or
they act like i'm offending them by even *suggesting* i'd like a
temporary first of a tattoo i eventually plan to get... What's up with
that
- I just got a henna tatto at a convention, two days ago. This is my
review of the work, as well as the info that was given to me by the
artist that did it. I'm not in any way associated with these people, so
I can't answer any questions about them, but I will include all the info
that I have. (They have a web site, but it won't be active for another
couple of weeks. http://www.center2000.com/safa
First: my experience
I want to get a tat. I'm not sure of size/location, though, so when I
saw the vender's both doing henna tattoos, I thought it would be a
perfect test run. I had a copy of the tat I want to get, with me (I was
hoping to talk to a tattoo artist that I knew would be there that
weekend). I should it to Katya, one of the artists working the both,
and she said "no problem". (The vender was "Allah's Sacred Earth" and
they have two locations in California. They also do mail order.)
She rubbed my skin with an oil, who's name she couldn't pronounce (she's
Russian). She said it was to open my pores, to help my skin absorb the
henna. (While I don't know what it was, it smelled like a diluted
eucalyptus oil). I wanted the henna tat on my upper right breast. I
lay down on a table, to make it easier on her back, and give her a more
stable surface to work on
She free-hand drew the henna tat on me, and did a great job. One of my
husbands also got a henna tat on his arm, from Katya. She took his
vague verbal description and turned it into a lovely work of art. I
can't say enough about Katya. While everyone that worked Allah's booth
that day, seemed to be turning out great art, I *loved* the art that
Katya did.
After she drew the design on me (with something that looked like a
frosting tip), the henna had to air dry. After about 1/2 an hour she
touched up any broken lines (henna shrinks a bit when it dries). After
a few minutes she dabbed the whole design with a mixture of lemon juice
and sugar. This mixture seals the henna, allowing it to stay wet near
your skin, which allows it to stain your skin darker.
You have to stay out of the sun, for about 2-4 hours after getting it
done. You have to leave the paste on for at least 2-4 hours, or
overnight if possible. (The longer you leave it on, the darker it
gets). When about 1/2 the henna paste has flaked off, you can brush the
rest off.
It appears a fairly light brownish red, at first. It gradually darkens
over the next two days, and will last anywhere from 1 week to 1 month.
(Allah's has a week guarantee. If it comes off before then, you can go
back to the shop and get a free redo.)
The henna paste is a special blend for skin work. Allah's sells the
cone paste (a tube and applicator) both mail order and in the shops
(info about mail order will be at the end of this post).
I'm *really* glad I gave my tattoo a "henna test drive". It gives my
husbands a chance to see what it will look like, before it's done. It
gave my co-wife a chance to get used to the design her husband was going
to get. It helped me decide on location. (Not the upper breast.. the
design stretches too much now, and will probably only get worse as I
lose my fight to gravity over the years
Even just as it's own kind of artwork, and not a real tattoo stand in,
it is lovely... I got many compliments on it, and the shade goes great
with my skin Oh.. and if you have allergies? (I do...lots of them)
they have never had anyone have a bad reaction to henna. While I seem
to be allergic to just about everything, henna isn't one of them
Allah's Sacred Earth
2041 University Ave
Berkeley Ca
(510) 649-7978
or
7661 1/2 Melrose, Suite 1
Los Angeles, Ca
(213) 782-9069
Safa Henna Cone Paste is $6,5.00 a cone (tube) plus $4.00 for shipping and
handling. They also carry books of designs and videos.