Hummingbird and ladybug
I adorned Neala for her pregnancy in 2022 and it was so lovely to connect again with her for her 2nd pregnancy this fall. She let me know ahead of time that she wanted a hummingbird to be part of the design, and when she arrived in my studio she found she was interested in a moon design I'd drawn, and also requested a ladybug. Afterwards we stepped outside and photographed her in my backyard in all its glorious autumn colors.
#boulderhenna #prenatalhenna #hennabellyblessing #pregnancyart #coloradohenna #hennabelly #bellyhenna #hummingbird #ladybug #moon
Magnolia flowers
Allie asked for a design with magnolia flowers and left the rest up to me. I had a lot of fun creating this unique composition! While I adorned her, a friend of hers took care of her little boy, who joined us at the end of the session for some photos. What a cutie!
#boulderhenna #prenatalhenna #hennabellyblessing #pregnancyart #coloradohenna #hennabelly #bellyhenna #magnolia
A Rose for her daughter
Jessica came in to honor her 3rd pregnancy with henna and requested several elements - a mandala, mountains, and a rose for her daughter - whose full name includes Rose, a namesake of one of her ancestors. She sat on the Henna Throne and I adorned her for about 2 hours. Afterwards we slipped outside and I took some photographs of her in our backyard.
She returned a couple days later with her whole family for more photos. The natural henna tattoo, also called a henna stain, takes 2 or 3 days to oxidize and get to its darkest color, which varies person to person. I love to see my art in this stage! I got to meet her 2 adorable little boys who were so sweet.
#henna #hennabelly #pregnancyart #boulderhenna #mandala #honoringmothers #natualhennastain #pregnancyphotography
Henna House call
It's really special when I get to adorn a mama for 3 pregnancies. Her two young daughters were bouncing all around me as I created the art to honor this pregnancy. The little one inside - girl or boy? who knows - was quite lively! I really love painting on an active canvas! It's magical to feel the baby inside moving.
This was a housecall, and the mama just sat with her feet up on her sofa while I adorned her. Shortly after I began, several friends and their children arrived to have a party to celebrate her upcoming birth and make guesses about the timing and gender of the newest member of their family. Her home was filled with joyful laughter, cupcakes and children running about.
Afterwards I adorned a few guests with henna, and then photographed the pregnant mama in her backyard near her garden. Such a beautiful summer day!
#hennabelly #bellyhenna #denverhenna #denvermama #coloradohenna #pregnancyhenna #hennabellyblessing #pregnancyart #mandala
Breastfeeding Art
I love celebrating mothers, honoring their rites of passage with art and photography. Many women have come to me to commemorate breastfeeding over the years. It involves 2 sessions, one to receive a henna adornment, one with the baby for nursing photos.
Baby Yetzi
One of my favorite parts of my work as a henna artist that celebrates pregnancy is seeing a mother's most extraordinary creation - her baby. This dear one, Yetzi (Yetzmari), was just 6 weeks old and absolutely precious.
I met Chelsea when I adorned her for her pregnancy, honoring her 5th baby. She loved the idea of capturing the blessing of breastfeeding with art and photos, and told me she'd be in touch after the baby was born. She contacted me after the birth and we scheduled 2 session, one for henna, one for breastfeeding photos. When she arrived for her henna application she showed me a remarkable video of her giving birth to her daughter in her bedroom. I love to hear birth stories, and hers was no exception. I listened in awe as I adorned her with flowers and vines.
A couple days later she returned with her dear baby and the rest of her family as well. While she was getting ready, I had the privilege of holding dear baby Yetzi. There is nothing like holding a newborn angel! I love getting a sweet little baby blessing.
We took photos in the studio and outside. My backyard is pretty private, so it was easy to spend time out there in the pleasantly warm weather. It's a little chaotic with 5 children! I did get some sweet shots.
See more of my breastfeeding art throughout the years:
https://www.sarahkatebutterworth.com/blog-1-1/breastfeeding-art
#boulderhenna #coloradoart #breastfeedingart #nursinghenna #henna #breastfeedingportrait #motherhoodart #naturalhennastain #bouldercolorado
Deer henna design
It's magical how things all come together sometimes! The morning before I adorned Leela, I saw a mama and baby deer out in our backyard. I spent quite a bit of time admiring them and attempting to photograph them without scaring them away. They often take refuge here because there aren't any dogs nearby.
Then I signed on to Facebook and saw Monet's post about the henna design that I created for her in 2016 that included a family of deer. She wrote "The night before Lucy was born we saw a baby deer prancing through a field by our house. I had four deer drawn on my belly as deer symbolize gentleness and intuition, as well as fertility. The lotus flower has long symbolized rebirth and divinity."
That afternoon Leela arrived for her henna pampering session and told me she wanted a buck to be the focus of her design. She revealed this magnificent story of how she had seen a buck just outside her window at the very beginning of her pregnancy. She went on to tell more of the story of the conception and the deep meaning behind seeing the deer. It was magical to hear! This is a big part of why I love adorning pregnant mamas - they often have incredible stories about how the child came to them, in symbols, in dreams, in the form of animals.
Leela returned a few days later for more photos with her family and we had a lot of fun! Her daughter clearly enjoyed throwing rose petals.
This wasn't the first time I met Leela, I actually adorned her for her first pregnancy! Dandelion was featured in that design.
#pregnantgoddess #motherdaughter #deer #pregnancyart #motherdaughter #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #bellyhenna #motherblessing
Dancing through pregnancy
Deb grew up in India, where henna is a significant part of every occasion. She expressed a desire to celebrate her pregnancy and enjoy the cooling effect of henna during the hot Colorado summer. Lowering the body temperature is one of henna's medicinal qualities, in addition to being soothing to the nerves.
She practices the Indian classical dance form - Bharatnatyam - and asked for a dancer to be incorporated in her design. I loved learning about this Indian dance, it's such an incredible expression of grace and joy. Tree of life, hamsa and paisley were other design requests.
I had a few ideas ready when she arrived and sat in the Henna Throne. The henna application took about 1 1/2 hours and then we stepped outside and snapped some beautiful photos. Deb brought a wonderful selection of her own blouses, which really inspired me.
A few days later Deb returned with her 3 year old daughter, and we took more photographs. So many sweet moments of joy! What a pleasure to capture these in photographs. I had to laugh at the end when her daughter said she didn't want to leave - it's something that little people often say at the end of a visit to my Art Studio: The Green Cauldron. It warms my heart that I've created such a safe place for women and children.
#babybumpart #coloradohenna #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #hennabelly #motherdaughter #Bharatnatyam #Treeoflife #hamsa #paisley
Celtic Tree of Life Henna Design
This pregnant mama's lineage includes a family member with the same last name in a town in Ireland, and this design acknowledges her Celtic roots.
Megan was just days away from her due date when she came into the studio with her mom. She had asked for a Celtic-ish tree with woodland creatures, and I showed her a sketch I'd created for her. She smiled and changed out of her dress into some silky goddess wear, and sat in my henna throne. I began adorning her, marking off the celtic knots in the roots and branches of the tree. An owl, fox and rabbit made their way into the design. The process of slowly adorning her belly, her hand and her mother's hand took about 2 hours.
She was so happy when she stood up and looked in the mirror in my studio! I love to see how much joy my art brings women. Empowering women with body art is why I'm here! Megan and her mom stepped out into my backyard for some photos. I really appreciate it when the grandmother-to-be can be present and involved in the henna blessing. These moments are the highlights we remember, the rituals that bring us together.
Megan and her mom had just been at her mother blessing, a ritual with a group of women important to her, and part of that blessing included red thread. A ball of red yarn is often passed around these blessings, showing how we are all woven together, creating a web of support for the new mama. The yarn is cut and each person keeps it on her wrist until the new mama gives birth. It's such a beautiful tradition that I love to see.
A few days later Megan returned to the studio for more photos. Many flowers were blooming, including gorgeous orange poppies.
A week from her due date
Harley was just a week away from her due date when she came to my studio. She chose this design from my sketches for the lotus, but when she saw the turtle, she exclaimed "Oh, I love turtles!" I loved hearing her excitement of the natural world. She also wanted to incorporate a moon into the design and I found another sketch with moons and combined them for her unique belly art. She saw the mushrooms in the design and said she loved those, so they were added in as well.
I love creating asymmetrical designs. I feel this freedom from certain limits, and embrace different limits. For example, I only paint in 1 color. There appear to be variations in color, but it's just a lighter, thinner layer of henna.
There is a unique form of artistic peace that I feel when a design feels complete. I pause then, and take pictures of the art and the woman wearing it. She feels a certain peace as well as she rests in the henna throne. Afterwards, when women stand up and look in the mirror, I witness wonder, excitement and gratitude.
After the henna session, which took a couple hours, we went into my backyard for some photos. I really love the beauty of spring, all the bright new shades of green and the blooming purple flowers. I'm grateful for this peaceful sanctuary to photograph in.
Harley was able to meet again for more photos before her baby came. I absolutely LOVE how dark this stain got on her belly! Henna is such a wonderful plant and it's the natural dye molecule that creates this gorgeous "tattoo" on the skin. Henna tattoos last only a week or two, so it's best to photograph them before they fade away.
In these moments before the birth of the first child, I witness women embracing Motherhood, and the journey it entails. I encourage women to look out into the beautiful world we live in and imagine showing it to their child. There are so many beautiful, safe places in nature to explore with children.
#mamatobe #maternityhenna #glowingmama #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #babybelly #hennabelly #bellyhenna #boulderhennaartist #prenatalhenna #pregnancyphotos
#hennapro #babybumpart #mamajourney #hennamoon #denvermamas #hennaart #hennabump #pregnancyart #hennatattoo #hennastain #celebratewithhenna
Henna from 2013
I recently came across these images from 2013, and fell in love with the art we created to celebrate this mama's pregnancy all over again. The henna design included swirls and flowers blooming to honor this mama's 4th baby. I love the way henna looks on darker skin, just so beautiful.
I have been doing henna art since 2003, and the pregnant belly remains my absolute favorite canvas.
#bellyhenna #boulderhenna #maternityshoot #blackfamily #beautifulbelly #hennablessing #pregnantbelly #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #originalart
Baby number 5
Chelsea wasn't sure what kind of henna design would be best to celebrate her pregnancy. I showed her a few of my sketches that I've been wanting to try out, and she was interested in this one with paisleys. After changing into some colorful, silky goddess wear, she sat in my Henna Throne for her adornment. The design was complete after 2 1/2 hours, and then I began taking a lot of photos! It's fun to play with wearing different colors. Chelsea looked so beautiful!
She returned with her family for more photos when the henna was peaking in color. What a delightful family, with 4 children ranging from 16 months old to 12 years old. I enjoyed seeing them all together, it's clear there's so much love in this family. Baby number 5 will be welcomed soon!
#hennadesign #hennapaisley #hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnantbelly #babynumber5 #prenatal #pregnantbeauty #bellyhenna #pregnancyart #bouldercolorado
Hannunvaakuna
Jenni let me know ahead of time about her design requests and I was excited to begin sketching. She's originally from Finland, and wanted the looped square symbol "Hannunvaakuna" (believed to ward off bad luck in the old days) as well as snowflakes. I really enjoyed creating this snowy landscape on her pregnant belly.
She brought her daughters as well and after the henna design was complete, I dressed them both up for some photos with them. It's so sweet to include children in pregnancy photos! They were fascinated by the body art their mama was wearing.
#Hannunvaakuna #Finland #snowflakes #henna #motherdaughter #pregnancyart #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyrituals #uniquehenna #freehand #bellyhenna #hennabelly
Baby Blue Spruce
When I asked Molly if she had any design ideas, she said "I like anything floral, arboreal and mountainous. Hopefully a combination of all three. Being a Colorado native I’d love to incorporate the mountains. My favorite native flowers include sunflowers, poppies, and columbines. And I love conifers, especially Blue Spruce." These were suggestions I can run with! My Muse was full of ideas and I sketched out several concepts. I loved thinking about columbines and gave myself one on my palm in anticipation. (see earlier post).
Molly arrived and picked out a color she loved (buttery yellow) and I pointed out a few ideas for skirts and she was drawn to a particular one with greens and oranges. She sat on the henna throne, and I adjusted it so her feet were elevated and she was reclining comfortably. After 2 hours and 20 minutes the design was complete and I began taking photos.
#hennapregnantbelly #pregnancyhenna #hennabelly #maternityhenna #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #coloradohenna #babybellyart #hennabellyblessing
Henna takes 2 or 3 days to reach its darkest color and that's when I offer women to return for more photos if that's possible. I love the chance to see my art work again and witness the magical ability of henna to stain the skin. The henna "tattoo" lasts a week or two.
Molly returned with her sweet little boy (3 years old). My studio is equipped with some tiny toys, including a small chair and table for the little people that visit. After playing with the soft plush forest creatures, he wandered over to his mama being photographed and I invited him to join us for some of the photos. What a cutie!
A few days later I finished the photos and sent them to Molly, who said: "Oh SarahKate, these photos are absolutely beautiful!!! Thank you so much for allowing me to take part in this amazing expression. Your work is stunning and I look forward to sharing these pictures with friends and family. Please let me know when your next book is published as I’d love to buy a copy! And thank you for allowing my son to come along for the photos, those two with him are my absolute favorite and make me quite emotional looking at them. They are something I will cherish all my life."
I have self-published 6 books on pregnancy, 1 book focused on women (Sacred Feminine Body Art), and 13 issues of a magazine - Artfull Mother. These projects involved over 1,000 pregnant women! One day in the future I plan to publish a book on pregnancy, one that I hope will reach and inspire millions of women to honor each other in this special way.
#prenatalhenna #naturalhenna #hennastain #hennalove #wildflowers #bluespruce #creativepregnancyphotos #maternityphotoshoot #hennabellydesign #hennatattoo #pregnancybooks #coloradoauthor
Happy Spring!
I'm celebrating the turn of the wheel of the year with flowers blooming, in my life and on my palm. I am grateful for all the beauty in my life.
People ask me if I do other kinds of art besides henna - and the answer is yes! I dabble in a few artistic expressions, and one that I look forward to every year is painting wooden eggs with my dear friend Willow. She paints the eggs a solid color, and then I decorate them with a white paint pen (POSCA pen). It's so fun! Eggs are a powerful spring symbol of renewal... and also of the womb and all the possibilities within.
Lion’s head henna
One thing I love about my work is all the inspiration I receive from the women that come and see me. I ask if they have any ideas for the design when they make the appointment. I love it when I'm given direction - it sets my Muse running with ideas.
Ella, a first time mama, told me she wanted a lion head for her henna design. Compelling! I've created several designs including lions in the past and I was excited to create a new, fresh design. She had mentioned an ocean theme as well, so incorporated a hibiscus flower on one side and a crashing wave on the other side. It took 2 hours to adorn this pregnant belly - here she is in the henna throne right after adornment. She is glowing!
We stepped outside into my backyard and found some natural sunlight and green in the pine trees to photograph with. It was winter in Colorado, but not too cold to be out for a few minutes.
Afterwards her husband came into the studio and I photographed them together. What a sweet couple! The photos took about a half hour.
She returned to my studio 4 days later for more photos. How dark the henna will be is always a mystery. It was beautiful to behold!
#lion #parentstobe #bellyblessing #maternityhenna #bouldercolorado #boulderhenna #henna #pregnancyphotoshoot #hennabelly
Books are Open
Hello friends! In case you missed it, my new studio in central Boulder is now open for henna sessions. Come sit in the henna throne to be adorned with your intentions, your visions. Currently my books are open. If you have a spring or summer Mother Blessing book ahead of time - let me know the date - because this is one of my busiest times of year.
I've been doing a lot of sketches as I get requests from pregnant mamas that inspire me. It's really opening up something special in me. Something I've always wanted to do but never quite had the time or space to create. Now I do!
Recently I had a woman request a lion head for her prenatal henna design and I had such a fabulous time sketching ideas. Working in pencil is actually new for me and I love how I can erase and retry lines. Here I am putting the final touches on the lion - wow! I love how it came out.
Birds in a Tree
Miranda arrived for her appointment at 11am and we began with picking colors to dress up in and she was drawn to purple. I showed her some ideas I'd sketched out - she had requested birds in a tree - and she liked different parts of all of them. Also, can you add in a sunflower? Yes!
She sat in my special henna throne and I adorned her until the art felt complete, about 1pm. I photographed her for about a half hour, changing colors halfway through. I love how colors shift the energy and bring certain things out. It's a beautiful process to witness and capture as the photographer.
I'm so grateful to be creating my favorite kind of art again! It makes me so happy to honor motherhood, especially for women coming into it for the first time. This rite of passage is so important to acknowledge and feels so meaningful to do so.
#thirdtimester #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancy #mamatobe #boulderhennaartist #hennapro #mamajourney
Sometimes the henna stain is very light on the belly, even if the mama follows all the aftercare. Hands always stain well because the skin is thicker there - the further away we are from the hands, the less predictable the henna stain will be. Some people’s skin simply does not take henna very well, and my experience is that I can’t tell who that will be. Their skin seems the same to me, but for whatever reason the henna doesn’t stain it very well. For this reason, I can’t guarantee how dark the henna will get.
Henna for multiple pregnancies
Here's some henna from many years ago... In 2014 I adorned this mama for her first pregnancy every month for 6 months in a sweet butterfly progression!
She returned in 2018 for her 2nd pregnancy. It's so sweet to celebrate multiple pregnancies with mamas.
#naturalhenna #maternityshoot #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #pregnantbelly #hennabelly #hennabutterfly #henna #sarahkatebutterworth
Year of the Dragon Pregnancy Henna
When Nicola came in she was really open about design ideas, telling me that she really loved all of the art she'd seen on my website. I prefer to get some kind of starting point with pregnancy art, because this is the adornment that will hold her intentions for her pregnancy, for her baby. After some discussion, it was revealed that she loved that this was the Year of the Dragon: a particularly lucky year to have a baby. Also, flowers.
I am so excited to be painting henna dragons again! It was 12 years ago that I got my first request for Year of the Dragon henna and since then I've been aware of what animal each year is. The Dragon is divine and powerful, and children born this year are said to be blessed with intelligence, confidence and ambition.
Nicola sat in my new Art Studio in central Boulder for 2 hours while I adorned her belly and hand. She felt the peaceful energy of the sanctuary for women I've been co-creating for months with the help of several wonderful people in my life. I feel a deep satisfaction from celebrating pregnancy with ritual and art, and I'm so grateful to be doing this again, in a new space.
For a henna session, do not message me on social media, please contact me directly through text 303-345-1516 or email SKB@SarahKateButterworth.com
#boulderhenna #prenatalhenna #yearofthedragon #dragonhenna #hennabelllyblessing #pregnancyart #sarahkatebutterworth #coloradohenna
A couple days later, when the henna was peaking in color, we took more photos in my studio. I love the color of a natural henna stain. This mama is glowing with joy!
#glowingmama #coloradohenna #boulderhenna #prenatalhenna #motherblessing #dragon #bellyhenna #maternityshoot
