Learn Henna (Mehndi) Patterns! 🖐️✨

Mehndi is the beautiful art of decorating hands and feet with henna. Let's practice making beautiful patterns!

What is Henna? 🌿

Henna (Mehndi) is:

• ●A natural dye made from leaves
• ●Used to decorate hands and feet
• ●A tradition for celebrations like Eid and weddings
• ●Temporary - lasts about 2 weeks!

Basic Shapes to Practice ✏️

Before real henna, practice with markers on paper!

1. Dots and Circles ⚫

• ●Draw rows of dots
• ●Connect them with lines
• ●Make circles around dots
• ●Practice makes perfect!

2. Swirls and Curves 🌀

• ●Start from a dot
• ●Curl outward like a snail shell
• ●Add smaller swirls
• ●Connect them with lines

3. Flowers 🌸

• ●Draw a dot in the center
• ●Add 5-6 petals around it
• ●Make petals pointed or round
• ●Add details inside petals

4. Leaves 🍃

• ●Draw pointed ovals
• ●Add a line down the middle
• ●Make veins on the sides
• ●Add to vines and flowers

5. Paisley (Mango Shape) 🥭

• ●Draw a teardrop shape
• ●Fill with patterns inside
• ●Add swirls and dots
• ●Very traditional design!

Hand Design Practice 🖐️

The Palm Pattern:

1. ●Trace your hand on paper
2. ●Draw a big flower in the center of your palm
3. ●Add vines going to each finger
4. ●Draw smaller flowers on fingertips
5. ●Fill empty spaces with dots and swirls

The Back of Hand Pattern:

1. ●Draw a central medallion
2. ●Add lines going to fingers
3. ●Connect with leaf patterns
4. ●Fill with detailed dots

Pattern Ideas for Beginners 🌟

Pattern 1: The Bracelet

• ●Draw a thick band around your wrist
• ●Fill with repeating patterns
• ●Add dots on the edges

Pattern 2: The Finger Art

• ●Simple dots going up each finger
• ●Small flowers on fingertips
• ●Lines connecting the dots

Pattern 3: The Simple Sun

• ●Draw a circle in your palm
• ●Add rays coming out
• ●Decorate with dots

Tips for Success! 💡

• ●Start with big shapes, add details later
• ●Use brown or orange markers for practice
• ●Look at pictures for inspiration
• ●Be patient - henna art takes practice!
• ●Practice the same pattern 10 times!

Fun Fact! 🎉

In Pakistan, there's a special event before weddings called "Mehndi Night" where the bride gets beautiful henna applied while everyone sings and dances!