Henna is a temporary art by nature - it is put on skin and wears off within, at the longest, three weeks. So although I consider myself an artist, I have always wondered how to show off my artwork when I can't be physically present, or when I haven't recently worked on clients. I also always felt a bit guilty throwing out "dead" henna paste - paste where the dye has already become inactive. Henna powder is expensive and paste mixing is time consuming. So, how do I solve both problems with one idea? Henna Boxes!
 |
| Triangular floral henna box. |
I have decorated some small wooden boxes with inactive paste, and then used an acrylic sealant to make the design permanent. The result? Beautiful, one-of-a-kind boxes with permanent henna designs!
 |
| Side of triangular box - small Persian vines |
 |
| Another view of the triangular box. |
|
|
I've been experimenting with different sizes and shapes of box, and different types of sealant. So far, a thick acrylic paste sealant in several thin layers followed by a spray type sealant seems to work best. The texture of the paste can still be seen and felt, but the sealant gives it a smooth semi-gloss coating.
 |
| Octagonal henna box with tri-flora design. |
 |
| Side view of both boxes, showing the flowers on the top one. |
|
The boxes I've made so far would be suitable for small jewelry boxes or gift boxes. I'm beginning a series of smaller boxes, about 2"x3"x2" for smaller gift boxes - possibly to hold a pair of earrings, a ring, or a bracelet. In addition, I have also started work on a larger box (8"x 8"x 2.5"). I'll use this first one as a supplies box for events, but if I like the look, and it doesn't take too long to create, I'll make more for sale soon.
