The Art of Decorating Eggs and How to Decorate Eggs with Becoming Moonlight®

Every spring, our world becomes inundated with eggs. Adults fill colorful plastic eggs with treats and hide them for their children. Stores are packed with candies and chocolates in the shape of eggs. We decorate our homes with images of eggs. And of course, we decorate eggs. These eggs are most often associated with Easter, the holiday that celebrates the return of Jesus from the dead. However, the story of his resurrection does not have any mention of eggs.

How a Christian holiday associated with the return of Jesus from the dead became so synonymous with colorful eggs and rabbits comes from a history of blending between old European pagan traditions and folklore, and the introduction of Christianity to those areas. Oftentimes these traditions are aligned with a celebration of springtime. Egg decorating can be traced back thousands of years, with decorated eggs being found in Egypt. Persian traditions also include painting eggs for Nowruz, the Persian new year, which falls on the vernal equinox. As Christianity came into dominance in certain egg-decorating cultures, specifically those in Slavic Europe, the practice was adopted. Many common motifs and patterns from pre-Christian times remained, while new ones were introduced.

Traditional Ukrainian Pysanky Eggs. Image source

Perhaps the most well-known are the elaborately dyed eggs from Slavic cultures, such as Ukrainian art of pysanky or pysanka, which is a wax-resist method. The technique involves alternating applications of beeswax and dye in such a way that the wax protects the color of the dye underneath it. It is also practiced in Hungary, Lithuania, and Romania. The video below shows a woman in a historic village of Romania practicing her home’s techniques.

The Technique

Traditionally, the beeswax is applied with a tool called a kistka, which is a small funnel attached to the end of a stick. It may also be a pinhead or a wire. The tool is used to draw intricate patterns with wax onto the surface of the egg. The first application of wax protects the white of the shell from the dye. The egg is then dyed first with a light color and dried, after which more wax patterns are applied. This continues with successive darker colors of the artist’s choice, with each color protected by the wax that covers it. When all layers are completed, the wax is gently melted away by warming the egg over a flame or in an oven and then rubbed away with a cloth, revealing beautiful, colorful designs.

Traditional Kistka tools for applying wax. Image source

Eggs are either hollowed of their contents, baked, or hard-boiled. Certain patterns hold symbolic meanings associated with springtime, fertility, farming, and nature. Egg designs will vary from region to region, as individual villages teach the tradition to their younger generations. Those who decorated eggs are most commonly women, and the technique is taught to the daughters. A skilled artist might complete hundreds of eggs each season and sell them to locals and tourists.

Pysanky with Becoming Moonlight®

I decided to give this method of wax-resist a try, using materials from Becoming Moonlight in place of the dyes and techniques that would be traditionally used. Many of the patterns you will see below come from the Spellstone Europe pattern book by Alex Morgan. The patterns in this book are based on traditional patterns related to springtime, the vernal equinox, and fertility. This book and others are available for free download at Hennapage.com. Follow this link to go straight to the E-books.

Spellstone Europe” and other free pattern books are available at HennaPage.com

Because I did not have a traditional tool, I created a few. One was simply a pin pushed into the eraser end of a pencil. I could dip the end of the pin into molten wax, then use it to create small lines and dots on the eggshell. This is called the “drop-pull” method and could spread wax only across short distances until there was no wax left on the pinhead. The lines would begin wide, then taper off. I did not quite get the hang of this specific technique, but I did mimic it using Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste and mics powders, which you can see further down in this article.

I also constructed a tool similar to the traditional kistka by cutting a circle of aluminum from the side of a soda can and rolling it into a pointed funnel, not unlike a tiny mylar cone used for gilding paste or henna. I cut a very small amount from the tip to create a hole through which the melted wax could flow, then attached the cone to a pencil by hammering two small brads through the metal and into the eraser end. The funnel can hold more wax, which flowed through the tip like a fountain pen when touched to the surface of the egg. This tool allowed for longer lines of consistent width.

Constructing kistka from items available at home .

Through my research, I learned that it is best to keep the hand holding the tool steady while rotating the egg. I also found that there were two ways the kistka was used: it was either dipped into molten wax, or it was heated over a flame then used to scoop a small amount of solid wax. By keeping the tool warm, the wax would melt and gradually flow through the tip. I found the latter method to be easier to control.

When the kistka is held over a flame, the wax is darkened by soot, making it easy to see as it is applied to the egg.

Ancient Blue®: Crystallized Indigo Vat

Ancient Blue® is a product from Mehandi which can be used to create blue designs on the skin. It is created by turning a fermented indigo vat into a crystalline state. The crystals are added to water and the resulting liquid can be painted onto the skin creating a stain that will last several days. The effect mimics the blue body art known as woading from the Iron Age of Britain. This indigo is the same kind of dye originally used for denim, as well as fabric-dyeing traditions from India to Japan. Ancient Blue® can be found here at Mehandi.com. More information about its use as body art can be found here.

Legs painted with Ancient Blue®. Free pattern book available at Hennapage.com.
Indigo-dyed eggs using wax resist and “false wax resist” methods.

I filled a jar with enough water to fully cover a submerged egg, sprinkled in about a teaspoon of indigo crystals, and let them dissolve for a few minutes. When I dipped the eggs into the dye for a short amount of time, they turned a lovely shade of soft indigo. The eggs became darker with each successive layer. This way, I was able to create monochromatic designs on an egg using a method similar to traditional pysanky, but with one color rather than several. By adding more Ancient Blue® crystals into the vat, I increased the intensity of the dye to achieve darker hues.

An egg after several layers of wax and indigo.
When the wax is melted away, the patterns are revealed.

If you would like to try this method, I would recommend using boiled or baked eggs rather than hollow ones, as the eggs need to submerge completely under the surface of the dye in order to achieve a deep, consistent color. You could also hollow raw eggs after dyeing them.

I also played around with turmeric paste and found I could achieve a pale yellow color on the eggshell. I mixed turmeric powder, water, and a small amount of vinegar into a thick paste and coated the egg, letting it sit for a couple of hours. The result was a pale, bright yellow similar to a highlighter color. I then waxed those areas I wanted to keep yellow, and dyed again with indigo.

An egg first dyed with turmeric, then again with Ancient Blue® Indigo. The design is revealed as the wax is warmed and rubbed away.
Finished egg with Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, powders, and gems.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste and Gilding Powders

A Becoming Moonlight® alternative to wax resist is the gilding paste resist. Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is an adhesive which is applied via a cone, much in the same way traditional henna is done. Unlike traditional henna, the paste contains no dye and sits on the top of the skin. It is sealed with a glitter or mica powder, allowing for a henna-like design in any imaginable color. It is especially nice for “white henna” body art. Because the paste is water-resistant, it is a suitable material for resist dyeing. One can apply a design using gilding paste, seal the paste with mica, then apply Ancient Blue® overtop. When the gilding paste is removed, a white design is left behind where the paste protected the eggshell from the indigo dye. Be sure to peel off the gilding paste immediately after the Ancient Blue® indigo dye has dried, as gilding paste will be very difficult to remove from the egg after it has been left too long. Unlike skin, eggshells are hard and brittle, which can make removal of gilding paste more difficult.

The gilding paste can also be used as a decorative material itself, to mimic the beautiful golden and jeweled designs of Faberge eggs. Simply apply gilding paste designs to a dyed egg, allow the paste to set for about ten minutes, and finish with shimmery mica powder and crystal gems. Note: gilding paste cannot be left unsealed, as it is an adhesive and will be very sticky to the touch even when dry.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Kits contain enough gilding paste, glitter, mica powder, and gems to easily complete several eggs. You could also use it for its original intent, which is to create sparkly designs on the skin which can last for several days. Paste, glitter, mica, and gems can also be purchased individually here.

This egg was dyed solid blue with indigo, then decorated with Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, powder, and glitter.

False Resist with Henna Paste

Another way to achieve a similar result as a wax resist is to dye the entire egg with Ancient Blue® indigo, then apply designs in henna after the dye has dried. I discovered this through experimentation, expecting the henna to deposit additional dye over the deep blue color. Instead, the indigo dye detached from the eggshell where the henna was applied, leaving the original white. This is because Ancient Blue® indigo vat is alkaline, as is the calcium in the eggshell, and henna paste, which is made with lemon juice, is acidic. I confirmed this hypothesis by rubbing an indigo-dyed egg with regular vinegar and saw that the blue dye was removed.

A “false resist” created by applying henna paste over an egg dyed with Ancient Blue®.

I found that I could also apply wax designs to an indigo-dyed egg, then rub it with vinegar until only the dye protected by the wax remained. This resulted in a design opposite to a regular wax resist wherein the majority of the egg is white except for where the wax was applied.

Wax was applied over indigo and then the remaining dye was removed with vinegar.

Some excess indigo dye transferred onto the shell during wax removal, coloring the shell a light blue. I didn’t mind this; it looked quite pretty this way. I then began filling in spaces with Pros-Aide liquid® and Becoming Moonlight® mica powder for a stained-glass effect. Like Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, Pros-Aide® liquid is an adhesive that dries tacky and is then coated with a powder or glitter. The liquid can be applied to a brush and it dries flat. Unfortunately, I dropped this egg before I was able to complete it.

Reverse-resist egg with stained glass pattern.

Temptu® Dura Temporary Tattoo Paints and Mehron® Powders

Mehandi also supplies body art products such as paints and powders. Temptu®DuraS paints are acrylic-based and water resistant, making them great for egg-decorating. I decorated one egg entirely with Temptu® Dura body paints in the style of a traditional pysanky wax-resist egg. Because Temptu® leaves a tacky surface when dry, I dusted the egg with baby powder between applications to make it easier to handle and to prevent fingerprints. When the powder had set, I rubbed off the excess with a soft cloth and continued painting. Find Temptu® Dura paints here at Mehandi.com.

Pysanky-style egg decorated entirely with Temptu® Dura Temporary Tattoo Body Paint.

Mehron® metallic powders and precious gems powders are ultra-fine and intensely pigmented. The metallic powders create a gorgeous flat shine and the precious gems powders come in a variety of shimmering colors. They can be mixed with Mehron® mixing liquid and applied with a paintbrush, or dusted over Temptu® paints and Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste. I decorated an egg in the drop-pull style using Mehron® powders. I first painted the entire surface of the egg with Temptu® Dura in white, then buffed it with silver Mehron® powder. I then applied Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste mimicking the drop-pull wax-resist style and dusted the pattern with Mehron® precious gems powders. I then finished it with Becoming Moonlight®gems. Mehron® products can be found here.

Egg in drop-pull style with Mehron® powders.

Final Notes

Before beginning your project, be sure to wash your hands so they are free of oils or dirt which may transfer to the eggshell and cause uneven dye results. It also helps to rub the eggs clean with vinegar. You can plan out your design by drawing on the egg very lightly with a pencil, but do not use the eraser. To remove unwanted pencil marks, rub them with a cotton swab dipped in vinegar.

It is helpful to use rubber bands and circular stencils to guide your pencil marks for straight, symmetrical lines. Ground your wrists on a stable surface when decorating to help prevent mistakes. I found that keeping the egg nestled in a soft cloth, or on a plastic ring (such as one from a milk bottle) was also useful to prevent excess movement.

Be patient and allow each layer of wax, dye, or body art product to dry fully before continuing. You will not want to ruin one side of the egg by continuing onto the other side too hastily. Wash your hands often to keep your egg clean as you handle it.

Wax-resist eggs, especially if they are hollow, can last virtually forever due to the thin wax coating left behind when it is finished. As long as the shell is not cracked, the egg inside should not rot. If the egg is hollow, it will definitely last. Many traditional eggs have lasted for decades, kept within one home or passed down through generations. Be sure to store and move them with extra care, as they will crack if dropped. For extra protection, I preserved all of my eggs by spraying them with a clear gloss sealant that can be found at any craft store.

If you have Becoming Moonlight® body art products at home or are interested in putting a new spin on your egg-decorating this Easter, feel free to try any or all of these techniques! None of the Becoming Moonlight® body art products are toxic, nor will they permeate through the shell, but I do not recommend eating your decorated eggs. These products are not graded for food safety. Keep your eggs for seasonal display for years to come. They will be sure to stand out in your home and celebrations. Comment below with your egg creations, or if you have any questions about the products and methods

Mehandi Employees’ Favorite Products

 

One of the great things about working for Mehandi is that we, as employees, really do love the products. We use them at home every day. Nearly all of us use Ancient Sunrise® Henna for Hair products to dye and/or condition our hair. We use Ancient Sunrise® hair care and body care products in our daily routines. Many of us use Becoming Moonlight® body art products. Several Mehandi employees are licensed cosmetologists and/or body artists who use the products professionally. We also love to recommend products to our friends and family, and sometimes to complete strangers. Anyone who has used Ancient Sunrise® Henna for Hair long enough knows how common it is to be stopped in public by people admiring their hair. We’ll even keep business cards on hand for this very reason.

I had been using Ancient Sunrise® Henna for Hair for several years before I began working for the company. My enthusiasm for the products was one of the reasons I decided to apply. When I was a Customer Service representative, I loved that could recommend products I genuinely believed in. I never felt like I was pressured to “get a sale” or to talk up a product that I didn’t feel was great. It was more like I was getting paid to teach people about an awesome part of my own life. Now, I continue to do so through the blogs.

I asked my coworkers to list their favorite products from Mehandi.com and to explain why they love them. This article features our responses. It was interesting to see how our top picks differed depending on our own hair, skin, and professional needs.

 Click on the names of the products to find them at Mehandi.com. We hope you fall in love with them, too!

 

 

Rebecca

Writer for AncientSunrise.Blog and BecomingMoonlight.Blog

Body Artist

 

 

Ancient Sunrise® Zizyphus and Juniper Shampoo Bar. This has been my go-to shampoo bar for a couple of years. It cleanses well and leaves my hair clean and conditioned without feeling too heavy. I love that one bar lasts for several months.

Ancient Sunrise® Amla Powder. I use it as a face mask about once a week. It helps to fight my acne, and exfoliate away dry skin. My skin looks more awake and feels smooth after I use an amla mask.

(To learn how to use amla as a skin treatment, click here)

Ancient Sunrise® Rainwash Mineral Treatment. It never fails to perk my hair up. I use it before henna treatments and whenever my hair feels a little unmanageable and dull. It makes my hair soft again.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste. It is easy to use, creates beautifully fine lines for intricate designs, and I love that I can use a variety of colors and finishes over it for a wide range of looks.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Powder in Bridal Gold. The color is just gorgeous. It's one of my favorites to use when doing body art, and it compliments a variety of skin tones beautifully. Also works well as a subtle highlighting powder or eyeshadow. All of the gilding powders are extremely fine, so they are easy to use and a little goes a long way.

 

 

 

Liz

Customer Service Representative

Shipping Department

 

Ancient Sunrise® Rainwash Mineral Treatment. Makes my hair soft and more manageable.

Ancient Sunrise® Vetiver Shaving Soap. I love shaving my legs with the shaving soap. My legs are smooth and moisturized. I like that they have no artificial fragrance in them.

Ancient Sunrise® Amla Shampoo Bar. It removes the oils on my hair leaving it looking great. ​​ I don't need to use as much conditioner now. You can also use it as an exfoliating body bar.

Ancient Sunrise® Mango Seed Butter. I use this year product year round, it keeps my feet and hands from cracking. The butter absorbs quickly into the skin, without feeling greasy. I like that the scent is not overpowering.

Ancient Sunrise® Nettle, Comfrey, and Peppermint Shampoo Bar. My boyfriend Pete, loves this shampoo bar! This is the only dandruff shampoo that works for him.

 

 

Maria

Licensed Cosmetologist

Customer Service Supervisor

Ancient Sunrise Educator

Social Media Coordinator

 

 

Ancient Sunrise® Rainwash Mineral Treatment is gentle enough for my kid with sensitive skin to use. It makes a great alternative to a clarifying shampoo!

Ancient Sunrise® Rajasthani Twilight Henna and Ancient Sunrise® Zekhara Indigo are so easy to use and great for the hair. I've never seen hair look so good after being colored! The fact that fading doesn't occur is a huge bonus!

The Mehron “Paradise” 30-Color Pallet allows my creativity to be limitless! I can take it with me anywhere and use it for the simplest design or use it for something complex. This is a must have for anyone who has an artistic bone in their body.

Becoming Moonlight Glitters are rad. I love these because I can get a variety of shades of shine to suit my mood. My current fave is Garnet.

 

I honestly could go on and on with my favorite products we carry. ​​ I love all the things!

 

 

 

Alex

Shop Supervisor for The Empire of Magical Thought

Body Artist

 

Ancient Sunrise® Zizyphus Spina Christi Powder. It makes my hair more manageable and reduces the amount of random flyaway hairs, it's easy to use and in general just makes my hair look better.

(To learn more about Zizyphus, click here.)

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Powder as eyeshadow. The range of colors is amazing and I never fail to get compliments on my eye makeup when I use them.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste. It is great for extremely detailed work, it can be applied pretty much anywhere (given common sense) the mica and glitter colors are amazing, and I like that there is the choice between mica and glitter to suit the kind of design you are going for.

(To learn about how to use Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste, read this article and visit www.becomingmoonlight.com)

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Feel free to comment below to let us know your favorite Mehandi products! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Customer Service at www.Mehandi.com.

Becoming Moonlight® Gilding for Body Artists: How to Expand your Business by Offering “White Henna” and “Glitter Henna”

 

 

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Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, used in combination with Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders and glitters, is a beautiful and versatile alternative to traditional henna. “White henna,” and “glitter henna” are becoming increasingly popular. These designs look especially stunning when the wearer is out in the sun, where the designs catch the light. They contrast beautifully with tanned skin. Spring and summer are great times for offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste designs. Becoming Moonlight® is available exclusively at www.mehandi.com.

If you would like to learn more about the product itself, read “White Henna” and Becoming Moonlight® Gilding Paste, and see the product here.

If you are a body artist interested in offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, here are a few tips to ensure success with this new medium.

 

Play with the materials before you begin to use them on customers.

If you are familiar with using traditional henna paste in a cone, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste has a very similar feel. It was developed specifically with body artists in mind. That being said, it is always a good idea to practice with new materials before using them on clients. Most of the artists I've talked to who were not happy with the product did not take enough time to play around with it before offering it to customers. Don’t assume that it will work just like henna. It is similar, but has its own personality. Check this blog, as well as www.becomingmoonlight.com for tips, tutorials, videos, and patterns. If you are completely new to this product, check out the Introduction to ‘White Henna.’

 

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Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste feels a little different from regular henna, and there are some things that one can do that the other cannot. Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste does well with fine lines, but large, solid shapes do not work as well. Like with traditional henna, the tip of the cone may clog from time to time due to product drying there. Keep alcohol swaps on hand to keep the tip clear and the paste flowing easily. Unlike traditional henna, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste works best if the tip of the cone is gently touching the skin rather than floating above it.

After practicing with the gilding paste you may find that you develop a style that is different from the one you use when applying traditional henna. I’ve found that gilding is great for soft, lace-like styles, and floral themes.

 Remember that the design must be sealed. The paste itself is only the first step. It is an adhesive, not a body paint. Once the paste has become firm to the touch, the surface will be tacky. Finish the design with Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders, body art quality glitters, and gems. This second step is not optional. Even if you want to keep the design white, you must apply a white powder over top of it.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste can be used alongside other body art media. It looks great as a highlight on traditional henna stains and works well with Temptu paint and Pros-Aide liquid. The wonderful thing about Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is that it remains opaque and raised, and can be set with any color powder or glitter. Don’t limit yourself to white; try metallics, bright colors, and rainbow effects!

 

 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste and gilding powders, used in conjunction with Temptu white body paint, create a unique lace effect. Body artist: Rebecca Chou. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic montage by Alex Morgan.

 

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Wear it on yourself to advertise.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding is very eye-catching. It looks like henna, but it’s sparkly and colorful. I have had numerous people stop me and even take pictures of my body art when I wear it out and about. It is a gorgeous, modern twist on traditional henna body art, and that’s why it is becoming so popular.

While you’re working the fairs and festivals, and any other time you like, wear gilding paste on your arms or legs, and keep your business cards on hand. Be sure you feel comfortable answering questions about the product, like how it works and how long it lasts.

 

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Gilding looks absolutely stunning on darker skin tones. Body Artist: Wendy Rover. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic Montage by Alex Morgan. Words by Gwyneddh Jones

 

 

Make sure the customer understands the difference between Becoming Moonlight® gilding and traditional henna.

Traditional henna is applied to the skin and left on for several hours to allow the paste to stain the skin. The resulting design comes from the lawsone molecules that have migrated into the skin’s outer layers. With Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, the paste itself is the design. It does not stain the skin. When the paste is removed, the design is gone. However, the paste is flexible and water resistant, allowing it to last for up to a week with proper care. Make sure your customer knows exactly what they are getting before you start.

One of the great things about using Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is that once you have set the design with powders and/or glitters, it is done. Customers don’t have to worry about wrapping their body art or moving carefully to avoid smudging. It is great for people who can’t have a stain on their skin for work or school. They can simply peel it off or rub it away with baby oil. This works well for kids whose parents don’t want something that will stain their child’s skin. I used to bring my body art supplies into the after-school program where I worked, and it was a huge hit. However, younger kids will have a tendency to pick at their designs within minutes of getting them done.

 

 

Remember to ask customers whether they are sensitive to adhesives.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is developed from a medical adhesive. It is non-toxic, skin-safe, and is latex-free. That being said, those who are sensitive to adhesives, such as those on bandages or medical tape, may want to avoid using Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste. Ask your customer if they are sensitive to adhesives before starting.

 

 

Know that Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste does not comply with wudu for Muslim clients.

People of Islamic faith practice ablution, or ritual cleansing. They may do this several times a day, usually prior to prayer. This requires that the water freely and fully reaches the skin on the hands, feet, and face. While traditional henna is acceptable, as it is a stain, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste covers the surface of the skin and is water-resistant. Be sure that your client understands this. You may want to suggest that they have their design placed on their upper arms, above the elbow, or on their legs, above the ankle. Luckily, these areas of the body work better for Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste, anyway. Read the next section to find out why.

Know that religious practices differ, and that some may follow wudu more strictly or loosely. Remember to be respectful in the way you discuss this, and allow the client to make the final decision for themselves.

Additionally, ask if it is okay to use alcohol to clean the area prior to applying the design. Skin needs to be clean, dry, and free of oils in order for the gilding paste to adhere well. If you believe you will have clients who cannot have alcohol on their skin, keep other alternatives such as soap and water available.

 

 

Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste works best on flat areas where there is little joint movement and stretching.

The best areas to use Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste are often the opposites of the ones where you would use henna. Sure, it looks gorgeous on the hands, but all that bending and stretching will cause the design to come off more quickly. Make sure your customer is aware of this when deciding on placement. Hand designs are good for one-day events, like weddings or parties.

Becoming Moonlight® works beautifully on the chest, torso, back, and upper arms and legs. Use this to your advantage to create new and interesting designs for body parts you might not usually work with. You can find tons of inspiration on The Henna Page, and BecomingMoonlight.com.

 

 

 

Use Becoming Moonlight® body art products to make a beautiful belly design. Body artist: Alexander Limbach. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic Montage by Alex Morgan.

 

 

It is also important to be aware that the paste is more difficult to apply and remove from hairy skin. Hair will interrupt the flow of the paste, causing uneven lines. Because the paste is an adhesive, removing it from hair skin can be painful, and pull out hairs. Have client shave their arms or legs prior to a private appointment. At a festival or fair setting, politely suggest a different placement, such as on the inner arm, the upper arm or the upper back.

 

The image on the left shows areas where henna stains well. The image on the right shows areas where gilding works best.

 

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Figure out how you will manage the flow of clients if you are working a stand.

If you are offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding at a stand or booth, you will need to figure out the best way to keep your clients moving through smoothly. Decide whether you want to offer both traditional henna and Becoming Moonlight® gilding, or only the latter.

 The paste needs to set for about 5-10 minutes before you are able to seal it with powder or glitter. If it is particularly humid out, the paste will take longer to dry. This means there will be customers waiting around between the first step and the second. If the event is slow, you can simply hang out and chat. If there is a line, you may want to have a partner seal the designs after you have done them, and have a space where customers can wait off to the side. Make sure that the customers don’t run off after the first step, thinking it is done. This will happen. Maintain a clear system for cycling customers through your stand in a timely manner.

 

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Decide on pricing.

By weight, Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste is pricier than homemade BAQ henna paste. In addition, you will need to have a few gilding powders, glitters, and perhaps gems. (If you offer body art as a business, contact Customer Service about getting a 25% body artist discount on Becoming Moonlight® body art products.)

You may want to charge more to make up for the cost of materials, and because it is something unique and different in comparison to traditional henna. On the other hand, many customers are unfamiliar with gilding and are deterred by its shorter duration. Pricing will depend on region and client demographics, as well as your personal business sense. Advertising is important. Make sure you have several lovely images of your gilding work where they can easily be seen, to draw in customers.

 

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Start by offering a few simple patterns and a limited color selection.

Part of maintaining a seamless flow is not overwhelming yourself and the customers with too many options. Have a pattern book ready with around a dozen designs which you can complete in ten minutes or less. Offer a few powders or glitter colors to choose from. It works well to offer white, gold, and silver, as those will be the most popular. Decide if you want to offer gems as well, and whether you will charge extra for it.

If you are doing a private appointment, have more options available and consult with your client beforehand to decide on a color palette. Remember that glitters and powders can look different in the jar than when on the skin. Doing a test run of the design, or creating color swatches can be helpful. ​​ 

 

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Becoming Moonlight® gilding powders are cosmetic-grade mica powders. They come in a wide variety of colors. ​​ Find the whole selection here.

 

 

Make sure your customers know about proper aftercare.

Your customers will want to be careful when washing and drying the area where you have placed the design. The product is water resistant, but will be a little softer and prone to peeling when the skin is wet. They will want to avoid harsh rubbing, and only use gentle patting motions when washing and drying. They will also want to avoid using oils, lotions, and alcohol-based hand-sanitizers on the area.

The design may peel more quickly for those who sweat and move a lot when sleeping. I find that dusting the design with more gilding powder, or a talc-free body powder before bedtime helps keep it dry and intact. If you do a large design for a special event, you may want to consider leaving them with a small sample of the powder you used, which they can reapply to keep the design fresh.

 

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This design stayed impressively long for being on my foot. I dusted it with more powder every night to protect it while I slept. This is about five days after application. You can see where some areas are peeling. On another part of the body, the design would stay even cleaner.

 

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When applying gilding for special events, it is best to do it close to the time of the event.

Becoming Moonlight® gilding lasts for up to a week with proper aftercare, but it will always look its best when it is fresh. After a few days, the surface can become slightly tacky, and pick up bits of dirt and lint, dulling the colors. Some parts of the design may lift, and begin to peel. You can avoid this wear-and-tear, and prolong the beauty of the design by dusting it with powder or glitter daily.

If someone has hired you to apply Becoming Moonlight® gilding paste for a wedding, party, or another special event, it is best if they are able to have the appointment the same day as the event. This will ensure that the body art looks its best, and gives it less time to dull or peel. Make sure you feel comfortable doing large designs, know roughly how long it will take you to complete it, and allow time for mishaps.

 

 

Create a stunning collar piece to match an outfit for a special day. Use gems and ribbon to make the piece stand out even more. Body Artist: Alexander Limbach. Photography by Roy Jones. Graphic montage by Alex Morgan.

 

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Final Notes

Becoming Moonlight® gilding is a wonderful addition to any body artist’s repertoire. As white and metallic henna-style body art gains popularity, it benefits you to be able to offer it. It is especially good for weddings and proms, and it is in high demand during the summer months. Make sure you are familiar with the product, and have a plan set for how you will offer it in your own business. Offering Becoming Moonlight® gilding will set you apart from other body artists and is sure to bring repeat customers.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment below or contact customer service at www.mehandi.com.