Although having your hands dyed and decorated for Eid is a Muslim tradition all around the world, truth be told I have only had it done once and it wasn't even for Eid. On a trip to Malaysia last year with my husband (not the most recent trip that I've yet to upload pics of) I came across an Indian woman sitting at a small table in the middle of the street in busy Chinatown, her small son by her side. She had a folder in front of her, open to images of elaborate dark brown scribbles that drew me in. I flicked through them and found the one I wanted but when I sat down she told me that particular design would make my hands look wider than they already are (seriously... if I was a guy they'd be perfect for boxing) and instead drew out on my skin her own design.
It became sort of awkward when a small crowd starting gathering around to see the artist at work. I don't like being a focal point around people I don't know so in my head I was mentally asking them to all bugger off but in reality if I was a passerby I probably would've stopped and stared at the art in progress too.
I was amazed at how quick she was. Bonus point for the henna being the exact same colour as my nails. Minus points for the low quality henna only lasting two days on my skin. I was expecting it to last at least a week (if not more).
Most of the pics were taken back in my hotel room against a beautiful piece of art by a local Malaysian artist that hung in our room. I was waiting the required time for it to finish drying, hence the 3D effect of the henna. Speaking of art - I bought a gorgeous floral piece over the weekend from a local Perth artist (Muslim too!) that I'll show in the next blog post, along with a few other goodies I've picked up recently.
In the street getting it done...
The dried henna design the next day at breakfast. You might have seen this pic before form last year if you follow me on Instagram.
What do you think of the design? Have you ever had henna done before?
P.S: I'm trying to organise a last minute henna party for my friends before Eid so if you know of a henna artist in Perth please let me know!