Behind the Art: My Creative Process
Mehndi is a language I speak through my designs. From initial pencil sketches to the final deep stain, this collection captures the journey of how I bring your stories to life on your skin.
Me with a happy client, showing off her completed bridal portrait mehndi. Seeing this smile is the best part of my job.
A happy client peeking through her hands, adorned with a dense and beautiful lotus 'jaal' design.
My work on display at a mehndi event. I love being part of festive celebrations and sharing my art.
A smiling client showing off her chic and modern mandala designs.
A client displaying her beautiful back-of-hand design against a festive backdrop.
A simple and elegant party mehndi design, perfect for guests who want to join in the celebration.
A client showing off her intricate 'palki' or palanquin design, a popular choice for bridal mehndi.
My creative process often starts with a sketch. Here is a henna drawing of a couple on my notepad.
Sketching out a Karwa Chauth design with henna on paper helps me perfect the details before applying it to the skin.
A video of my henna sketch, showing how I draw inspiration from traditional art and jewelry.
About The Art & The Artist
Before I put a cone to your skin, I always sketch your ideas on paper first. Whether it's a portrait or a complex scene, seeing the design on my notepad helps us finalize the placement and density together. It is the best way to ensure the final result on your hands is exactly what you imagined, especially for custom figurative work.
My approach to mehndi isn't just about applying paste; it is about creating a story that lasts. Based in Mira Road, I focus on the intricate details that make a design yours—from traditional Rajasthani jaal patterns to modern portraiture.
My Process
Every project starts with a conversation and a sketch. When clients come to me for figurative or portrait mehndi, we spend time discussing the elements they want included—like a specific couple's pose, a family memory, or festival-specific motifs. Sketching these on paper allows me to balance the design perfectly for your hand size before we commit to the henna.
The Materials
Color is just as important as the design. I use 100% natural, chemical-free henna that I prepare myself. I insist on using my own homemade cones, mixed with eucalyptus oil, to ensure you get that deep, rich maroon stain that lasts. I do not use store-bought, chemical-heavy cones because the health of your skin and the quality of the stain are my top priorities.
Teaching & Community
Beyond individual appointments, I run offline mehndi classes in Mira Road East. It is a four-month course where I pass on these same techniques, from teaching students how to make their own perfect henna paste to guiding them through the geometry of bridal design. Whether you are looking for a unique custom design for your big day or want to learn the art yourself, my door is always open.
Shilpa Vora
I am Shilpa Vora, and for me, mehndi is an emotion that connects us to our roots. I find my happiness in creating intricate designs, especially portraits and figurative art that capture your special moments.
Find the henna style you need
Search our gallery for specific styles or service details.
More from Occasional & Festive Mehndi by Shilpa Vora