Birthday Goddess of Love
Henna is a fabulous way to honor a birthday! My dear friend Rebecca, a beautiful goddess, visited my studio to commemorate her birthday. Typically, birthday henna is applied two to three days before the birthday party, ensuring the color is at its peak on the special day.
Rebecca wanted her birthday henna to feature plenty of hearts, reflecting the theme of LOVE for her celebration. I spent about 90 minutes creating this custom design, after which we took some photos outside.
Each year, Rebecca is grateful for the love she receives on her birthday and eagerly anticipates soaking it all in. She created an incredible birthday celebration, a living temple of the Heart. “May this be the future we’re invoking: love as a collective healing force for all life on the planet.”
#empoweringwomen #femaleempowerment #sacredfeminine #goddesshenna #allnaturalhenna #adorn #bodyart #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #hennalove #bouldercolorado
Easter Eggs
It's that time of year again! I recently had the pleasure of creating art with my dear friend and mentor, Willow Arlenea, painting wooden eggs with henna-like designs using a white POSCA paint pen. Soon, these eggs will be in my grandsons hands.
#Eastereggs #paintedeggs #hennastyle #linework #hennaflowers #floralartwork
Mandala and flowers for Baby #3
This design really brought me a new sense of creative energy. After Jessica shared her ideas, I started envisioning and sketching out a design. She loved the mandala and flower work on my pregnancy page and was open to any design I thought would be best.
I do not use stencils to create my art, but I do use a tool to mark off the angles for my mandalas. As I looked at my drawing, I wondered if her belly would be big enough for the design or if I would need to adapt.
When she sat on the henna throne, it became clear it would be perfect. As this is Jessica's third (and likely last) baby, she had more canvas to adorn than first-time moms, which is wonderful!
#nostencil #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #customdesign #mandala #hennaflowers #pregnancyart #boulderhenna #coloradohenna
During the henna adornment part of the session, which lasted over two hours, Baby #3 was quite active. We were amazed by how the baby must have felt, likely experiencing a sense of reduced space. It's still incredible to think that we all begin this way! I really enjoyed capturing these moments afterwards, savoring the art, the connection.
#hennamandala #naturalhenna #hennalove #henna #mandala #babybump #maternityhenna #flowerchild #bodyart #celebratelife
Wishing this mama and her growing family so much love and laughter on their journey!
#naturalhennastain #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #soontobeborn #boulderart #bouldercolorado #bouldermamas #coloradomamas
Octopus inspired
Creating art like this is deeply satisfying! Afterwards, I basked in the beauty of what I was inspired to create.
This henna design incorporated several requested symbols, but the octopus was the main inspiration. It motivated me to sketch and dream for days before this session.
Here’s an in-progress picture of the octopus for those curious about the process and how the color of the henna paste changes as it dries.
#octopus #henna #workinprogress #hennabodyart #inspirepregnancy #mothertobe #expectingmom #babybump #empoweringwomen #hennaflow
It fills my heart with peace, power, and love to create art that honors women's rites of passage. I feel so much love for all the children coming through right now, and for all the parents consciously deciding to create a family and making space for them.
It's always a pleasure to get to know a couple about to become parents for the first time, and to hear their ideas, especially when it comes to designs. Some people feel a strong connection with a particular animal. In this case, the mama-to-be felt a resonance with the octopus, admiring the way it wears its feelings on its skin, its intelligence and intuition, and how fierce they are as mothers.
The horse in the design has a double meaning. First, the baby is being named after the mama’s grandfather, who loved horses. Second, it recognizes the father-to-be’s side of the family, who belong to the Seneca tribe.
If you look closely at the horse, you'll notice a raccoon paw print, representing the father-to-be’s spirit animal.
The couple also requested the inclusion of the sun and moon in the design.
#riteofpassage #adornment #hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #motherblessing
I love the rich, dark stain of natural henna, sometimes called a henna tattoo. Not everyone’s henna gets this dark, but when it happens, I feel elated!
These photos were taken 3 days after the henna application.
This henna will last a week or two, but of course, the pictures last forever.
#naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #coloradohenna #pregnancyphotoshoot
Red Earth Herbal Gathering
This particular work of art I created, with the herb Motherwort at the center, was created for Red Earth: The Mountain West Women's Herbal Gathering. This is a really special annual gathering in Carbondale, Colorado. It is happening August 1-3rd this year. Come join me! I'll be offering henna, sitting in ceremony in the Red Tent, singing in circle, sharing stories around the fire, and dancing in community.
I met Astrid, the founder of Red Earth, many years ago when she modeled for breastfeeding henna. She writes in her newsletter:
“The theme this year for Red Earth 2025 is remembrance and our plant ally is motherwort…. We chose motherwort as our plant ally because of her ability to nourish our heart and wombs. We must remember as women the importance of accessing our deep intuition through our wombs and our mother love through our hearts to envision and create in each moment the world in which we want to create for our children.
We call motherwort into our hearts and wombs with deep breaths, trust, as we surrender into the arms of the Great Mother and remember we are held always in her love.”
#plantwomen #wisewomen #womensherbalgathering #planthealers #herbalism #coloradoherbalist #redtent #wombroom #sacredgateway #marketplace #kidspace #comingofage #ritesofpassage #ceremony #maiden #mother #crone #henna #wellness #redearthherbalgathering #mountainwest #mountainwestwomensherbal
Year of the Snake
It’s the year of the Snake, and earlier in the year I created this henna for myself.
In my Wemoon calendar (@wemoonoffical) I read: in order to evolve, like a snake sheds its skin, we must shed the ways of thinking and existing in the world that can no longer contain us.
#hennaartist #localartist #coloradoartist #creativewomen #boulderhenna #snake #hennasnake
Tree Goddesses
Last year when one of my daughters was visiting, she requested some henna on her forearm.
A woman-tree. I love painting trees, especially ones shaped like women. This is actually a request I’ve received many times throughout my 20 years as a henna artist.
In Willow Arlenea’s book, Seasons of the Goddess, she writes, “Mother Nature, our modern name for the mother goddess, was to our ancestors the life force that created, sustained, and at times destroyed the life within the forest…. In many cultures, the mother goddess was experienced in the form of a single tree. Our ancestors felt the consciousness and life force of these wonderful beings and recognized the power of the goddess dwelling within them.”
#treewoman #hennatree #henna #freehand #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #allnaturalhenna
This is a photo from a #motherblessing from many years ago. Whether it's a mama and her two friends or a gathering of 20, rites of passage are so empowering.
Pregnant mamas often know exactly what they want. In this case, a tree shaped like a woman. I believe the Hebrew writing means “from one generation to the next.”
To learn more about Mother Blessings, see my blog on the Sacred Rite of Passage
#boulderhenna #motherblessing #babyblessing #babyshower #babyshowerideas #ritual #mothersblessing #motherblessingceremony #blessings #bellyblessing #honoringmothers #ceremony #wombyn #divinefeminine #womensupportingwomen #sisterhood #mamablessing #journeytomotherhood #sisterlove #sacred #femaleempowerment #sacredfeminine #mothersceremony #womenscircle #sacredcircle #modernsacredcircle
Paisleys and Lotus Flower
My favorite thing to paint with henna is my unique version of nature.
Sometimes it's really nice to be artistically challenged by mamas asking for several symbols to be incorporated into the design.
Other times, when I am asked for a lotus, which I have done over a hundred times, the challenge comes in creating a design I haven’t done yet.
This beautiful mama-to-be asked for a lotus, and I spent some time before she came looking at ideas and combining them in a new way. I am so pleased with how it came out!
I especially enjoyed listening to her explain what the lotus means to her - it’s the beginning of a new chapter. Motherhood certainly is that!
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #lotus #adornment #uniquehennadesign #mothertobe #modernhenna #boulderart
After I adorned Taylor's pregnant belly, I asked her to put her hand on a pillow so I could adorn that as well. She had requested a moon in addition to lotus, so I incorporated that element in the design on her hand.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we stepped out into my backyard for some photos. I love how radiant women are when they are being honored for this rite of passage. Later she told me that she felt like a goddess. Ah! This is my goal!
#goddesshenna #mothertobe #hennasession #bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #hennablessing #bellyblessing
I love to see how my henna turns out! Taylor returned with her partner for more photos when the henna was peaking in color.
#naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #parenthood
Lion Henna
Lion henna to honor breastfeeding! This mama came in wanting to capture the beauty of the breastfeeding bond with her son. She requested a lion and I put that on her upper arm with it’s hair and blessings rippling out over her chest.
I love this henna from many years ago.
#breastfeeding #celebratemoms #bodyart #adornment #henna #lion #coloradomom #coloradohenna
Blooming Lotus
Winter henna from years ago! I’ve been creating #pregnancyart since 2008, when I first started following my heart’s calling to do this work. The pregnant belly is my favorite canvas, not just for the wonderful amount of space to create something special, but for the deep meaning behind this art: celebrating rites of passage.
#hennabelly #boulderhenna #lotus #hennalotus #journeytomotherhood #riteofpassage #allnaturalhenna #celebratelife
Celebrate the unfolding of new life
Shavonne requested a moon, mandala and lotus flowers as part of her #pregnancyart to welcome her first baby.
I sketched out a design ahead of time and enjoyed flowing with the art. Henna is such a wonderful way to honor the present moment and celebrate the unfolding of new life.
If you’re looking for healing and celebratory henna for your upcoming #mamablessing I’d love to create something special for you. Contact me directly 303-345-1516 or email SKB@SarahKateButterworth.com for a henna session. Complimentary photography is a part of every pregnancy session.
#hennabelly #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #journeytomotherhood #riteofpassage #allnaturalhenna #firsttimemama #celebratelife
Behind this glowing mama-to-be is a father-to-be whose love and support are shining on her. I love to witness this love, strength and steady presence.
The henna plant has a natural dye molecule that is released and absorbed into the skin while the henna paste is resting on the belly for a few hours. After the henna paste is removed, the natural stain gets darker as it oxidizes, getting to its darkest natural stain in 2 or 3 days. These “tattoos” last a week or two, and disappear as the skin naturally exfoliates.
#parenthood #naturalhenna #hennastain #hennaart #henna #bellyhenna #maternitymehndi #soontobeborn
Goddess Birthday Henna
Birthday henna sessions can be just for you! Makaysha spent 2 hours in my henna throne being adorned with designs she had combined to honor her 50th birthday. She felt like a goddess! Afterward, we stepped outside for this photo in my backyard.
#henna #goddess #empoweringwomen #sacredart #hennalove #freehand #womensupportwomen #divinefeminine #birthdayhenna #naturalhenna #boulderhenna
Mother-daughter pregnancy blessings
Mother-daughter pregnancy celebrations are so sweet! This beautiful mama and her artistic daughter came into my studio recently to honor this special pregnancy. I love hearing the stories of how babies are drawn into this world - truly magical!
I adorned the mama with a sunflower and mountains, and the daughter had drawn out her design idea of a tree with roots on her hand. She requested a sun (in honor of this coming baby) on her other hand.
Afterwards we headed into my private backyard for some photos. Beautiful!
Later she said “This is hands down the most wonderful and special thing a pregnant or postpartum mama could do!”
#honoringmothers #bellyart #pregnancyart #pregnancyrituals #freehand #thirdtrimester #motherdaughter #sunflower #bouldercolorado
Henna from 2015
Art from 10 years ago! This sweet mama came to me for all 3 of her pregnancies, this was baby #2. Lotus and moon were requested. Such sweet memories.
#empoweringwomen #hennaflow #modernhenna #boulderart #pregnancyart #coloradohenna #lotus
Full Moon & Blooming Datura
This gorgeous mama came twice in her pregnancy - this last time was just a few days before the birth of her first child. Moon and whale were her requests for the first henna session, and for this second session she asked for the datura flower. This is a night blooming flower and it’s main pollinator is the sphinx moth, which is as big as a hummingbird! She invited me to consider other elements like a moon and bats.
I was inspired - no one had ever asked for moths and bats before. I sketched out a design that included the full moon… and watery elements… and even snuck in a whale’s tail for fun.
I love that the kind of art I do isn’t limited to reality. Why not have a whale tale near a flower being pollinated by a giant moth? I am so happy with how it came out.
A few days later Stephanie texted me a few photos of her newborn son, so absolutely adorable! I love being part of women’s journey into motherhood.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #datura #bats #fullmoon #adornment #uniquehennadesign #mothertobe
Baby Iris
I loved hearing about how parents decide their children’s names. Such a mysterious journey, full of surprises. And then, she hears it, and knows: Iris.
Hearing special requests for #pregnancyart is very inspiring for me. This mama also requested I incorporate moon, mandala, and celtic knots.
If you look closely at this belly you will see Aileen’s permanent tattoos - just above the moon and inside the iris.
This henna took a couple hours to create and then we stepped out into my backyard for some photos in the snow.
#hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #journeytomotherhood #riteofpassage #allnaturalhenna #firsttimemama #celebratelife
Snow was gently falling when Aileen returned for more photos when her henna was peaking in color. After changing into a beautiful outfit from my silky wardrobe, we stepped outside in my backyard for these shots.
I really enjoy seeing how henna stains (tattoos) the skin - this henna tattoo will last a week or two.
#naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain
Mama Bear
I feel like a mama bear just coming out of her burrow after a long hibernation. I've been spending this winter season being very creative and reflecting on my art from the past several months. I'm very excited to share what I've been up to!
Mid-winter is the time that the sun warms the ground enough that mama bears come out of their hibernation. Every other winter they give birth to cubs during the darkest time of the year - reminding us that these dark times can be ripe with fertility. Now they emerge and search out the first foods of late winter. Apparently, Bear Garlic is one that comes up this time of year and is a digestive aid for bears. Bears care for their cubs for 18 months and during their fertile years, they give birth every other winter.
I have adorned a few women's pregnant bellies with bears, and this morning I looked back through my files to find this mama from 2018... her sweet bear cub must be turning 7 this year. I feel so grateful for all the women I've had the chance to get to know over the 20+ years of my henna art. It's been such a blessing in my life to honor women in this way.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #babybumplove #pregnantbelly #freestyle #nostencil #hennapro #womensart #coloradomamas
Start Fresh, 2025
It’s a new year, let’s start fresh!
My name is SarahKate Butterworth and I am an artist that is passionate about empowering women with #bodyart and photography.
- I specialize in pregnancy henna and have hundreds of designs to scroll through on my website on my page for pregnancy:
- I have been adorning pregnant models to create #pregnancyart with #henna and #photography since 2008
- I am seeking pregnant models due in 2025 to be adorned with henna and photographed, check out my page on modeling to see if it’s a fit for you
- The henna I use to adorn women is a recipe I’ve been using for years. I combine henna powder, essential oil (lavendar or eucalyptis) , black tea and sugar.
- I also adorn women for many other reasons, marking birthdays and new chapters, honoring life stages that are fleeting, like breastfeeding henna.
- I will never reach out to you in DM or ask for money
- I prefer direct contact if you would like to schedule a henna session in my home studio in Boulder, Colorado (or schedule a house call). Simply text or email:
303-345-1516
- I am an artist at heart and enjoy many forms of creative expression: journaling, drawing, collaging, dancing, singing, making music and much more.
Take screenshots of my art and let them inspire you! The more art #honoringmothers the better!
#hennaartist #localartist #coloradoartist #meetthemaker #creativewomen #artsymama
Winter Break
I love taking a break in the winter to be somewhere warm and allow new art inspiration to flow through me. These often take the form of ink drawings/doodles in my journal or sketches with pencil.
This art style is a unique blend of the many styles I’ve seen and explored over the course of my life including #linedrawing, #zentangle and #hennastyle.
While I do love the process of creating art this way, to me, the highest form of my art is to turn these drawings and sketches into henna designs that honor pregnancy.
#hennaartist #localartist #coloradoartist #meetthemaker #creativewomen #artsymama
Ocean creatures
When Stephanie wrote and said she was most attracted to moon and whale designs, I felt a wave of excitement. I had recently sketched a moon and whale idea and was thrilled for the opportunity to put it on a belly.
There’s something so special about celebrating a woman’s pregnancy, creating a sacred space together for the art with intentions. I never tire of it.
As the design unfolded and the details came through, I found myself enjoying adding the extra creatures: there’s a seahorse, jellyfish and crab in this design.
This was one of my last henna sessions before my winter break, and by the time we finished the sun had already set. All the photos are from inside my studio.
