Henna Sourcebook: Over 1,000 traditional designs and modern interpretations for body decorating - Softcover

Mary Packard has written over 250 books for children and adults. She began her love affair with books at a young age, and today she writes books that she herself would enjoy reading. For her, writing is a fun way to explore new subjects, such as the mystical world of tarot. She is the author of The Golden Tarot (Race Point Publishing, 2013).

Eleanor Kwei (Lower Hudson Valley, NY) is a graphic designer and illustrator specializing in pen and ink. Her work appears in over 30 published books for children and adults. Raised by diplomat parents Kwei has lived on four continents. In Henna Sourcebook, she combines her background of extensive travel with her artistic passion, pursuing her long-time interest in researching the world's cultures through their art. Mary Packard (Northport, N.Y.) has written over 250 books for children and adults. Her earliest memories include sitting beside her grandmother who regaled her with exploits of gods and goddesses, tales that had been passed down to her when she was a child living in Greece. As an adult Packard continues to find creative inspiration in the stories and customs of other cultures - from the dreams of the Ojibway and the tales of great Pueblo storytellers to the imaginative expression of all those who practice the timeless tradition of henna art around the world.

Rooted in the belief that those whose skin is adorned with henna are blessed with good fortune, henna is often associated with rights of passage—coming of age, marriage, and childbirth. Holiday and festivals are times when women and girls decorate their hands and feet, and henna patterns are sometimes unique to these occasions. In some cultures, a bridegroom may be decorated the night before a wedding as well.

While henna traditions are still widely used in India, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, they are now gaining popularity throughout the Western world as well. Henna Sourcebook includes designs and motifs from many different cultures, with background information provided about the meaning and symbolism behind their use