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