Photo by Audrey Anderson
A boy displays his new bird design
By Audrey Anderson
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The DTL held an All-Ages Henna event with designs created by talented artist Mandy Roberge of Wicked Good Henna. Roberge offered free henna stain designs to all who attended.
Henna is a natural dye made from the henna plant. The plant is ground into a powder and mixed with a liquid to form a paste. Roberge applied the paste directly to participants’ skin from a squeeze tube, drawing freehand. She worked quickly and accurately to create beautiful, intricate artwork. Both children and adults were excited and happy to show off their new designs.
A sign that Roberge placed on a table displayed instructions for caring for new henna design applications. The paste must be left on the skin for 3+ hours. After that time has passed, it should be scratched off. No water should be used on the design for 48 hours. During that time, hands can be washed with hand sanitizer. When the paste is removed, a stain appears on the skin. The stain is orange at first, and then it oxidizes to a reddish-brown. Henna stain designs last for a few weeks and then naturally go away as a result of natural skin exfoliation.
On a table, Roberge displayed her mystically decorated travel case, with her logo on the outside and her supplies on the inside. Near the case, there were stacks of cards with pictures of several designs to choose from. Attendees could also find a picture online for their designs.
See www.wickedgoodhenna.com for more information about Roberge and the services she offers. In addition to creating henna designs for parties, libraries, corporate events, and festivals, Roberge offers craft programs. She also offers Glitter Girls parties and events, featuring glitter tattoos, unicorn hair, eye jewels, and face bling.
