Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting [Paperback]

Loretta Roome (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1998

Mehndi, the ancient art of painting on the skin with henna, beautifies the body, rejuvenates the spirit, and celebrates the joys of creativity and self-expression. More than just a temporary tattoo, mehndi offers us a way to participate in a centuries-old tradition still practiced in India, Africa, and the Middle East.

In this stunning and authoritative book, Loretta Roome traces the origins and meanings of traditional designs, demonstrates how to create them on the skin, and reveals the recipes, tools, and techniques needed to paint designs that range from simple to complex. The result of years of research and the author's experience as one of the nation's foremost mehndi artists, Roome's book offers practical information, creative inspiration, and many suggestions for enhancing the playful, intimate, sensual, erotic, and spiritual aspects of the ancient and amazing art of mehndi.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Loretta Roome is the founder of The Mehndi Project, which has received international attention for its efforts to help popularize the art of henna painting around the world. She has painted celebrities, schoolchildren, grandmothers, and businessmen alike. Based in New York City, she divides her time between writing, performing music, and continuing her research and practice of the art of mehndi.

Product Details

• Paperback: 162 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312187432
• ISBN-13: 978-0312187439
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Music
  • #52 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore
  • #91 in Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Textile & Costume

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book for henna art..., September 13, 2000

By 

Clay Bacon - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting (Paperback)

I read several books about henna when I got started practicing the art, and the absolute best I've found is Loretta Roome's.

No other books describes all aspects of the art of mehndi better; the book details the spiritual side of the art, as well as its meaning, its practice throughout the ages, today's sublime twists on the art, and how to get started with your own creative skin art practices. Roome incorporates all her own artwork and henna prints into the book which are absolutely beautiful and are enough cause to buy the book simply on the talent and artistic endeavor displayed alone.

This book also lists several companies to contact for a henna supply. Color Trends (now Earthhues) is one I have contacted for my supply of henna. They give the best quality of henna powder I've found.

If you've discovered a growing interest for henna since hearing about it fashion magazines or from seeing Madonna's video for her song "Frozen," this is the book to begin your research into this mystic and creative art force.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Extensive History and How-to, January 2, 2002

By 

Melissa Schick (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book immensely. I most liked the depth with which she explains symbolism in mehndi and the history of its application in Egypt, Morroco, UAE, and Pakistan, as well as India and several other countries. If you are looking for a design book, this is not for you. Of course one of the points she stresses is that using a design book is not nearly as rewarding as building on traditional designs and your own unique personality to create a design as original as your fingerprint. She does include several beautiful photographs, but the collection is by no means nearly as extensive as many in other books on this site. I agree with one of the previous reviewers that it is a bit new agy, but at least it recognizes the importance of the spiritual aspect of mehndi, which is forgotten by many American fans of this artform who ignorantly refer to it as simply a cool, trendy way to do temporary tattoos. The recipes and application instructions are excellent. The section tying mehndi to eroticism contains some very interesting information that i have seen overlooked in other books. The resource guide in the back is EXCELLENT and invaluable for anyone for whom the supplies to do mehndi are not readily available. Most of all I enjoyed how this book informs you of the religious signifigance of mehndi without compelling you to adhere to the traditional designs; rather it encourages you to make the art your own and explore your own culture and creativity.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book that is both practical and spiritual, February 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting (Paperback)

What a pleasure this book is. I knew nothing about the art of mehndi except vague associations with National Geographic and some celebrities. How much more there is to this timeless art form, practised by women all over the world, including Roome, the author. Whether you enjoy looking at the gorgeous pictures and drawings, or learning about the history and rituals behind the henna tattoes, this book has something for everyone. It was so inspiring, I wanted to run out and find the nearest mehndi artist so I could try it!