Step by Step Mehndi

Hi Everyone. So far in this tutorial series, we have studies some basic shapes, then joining those shapes, filling them and finally some simple Mehndi designs that you can draw on your hand. In this post, I will show you a step by step progression of Mehndi drawing. This will give you some idea as to how a Mehndi design is laid out. This is a comparatively simple design that uses only a few basic shapes, but will look like a full fledged Mehndi, that you can use for any occasion.

Step 1

Start with a simple shape like a leaf attached to a flower, somewhere around your wrist, as shown in the picture

Step 2

Extend the design towards the center of your palm by adding any shape you feel like. I have added a semi-flower and another leaf.

Step 3

Add some more shapes and fill your palm.

Step 4

Extend the design to your index finger. Notice how I have connected the shapes so that they appear continuous.

Step 5

Similarly draw some shapes on other fingers. You may replicate the exact same design for all fingers, or use a different design for each. I have used a different design for every finger.

Step 6

Now the basic structure of the Mehndi is complete, and although it looks nice in itself, it appears a bit empty. To add fullness to this design, we need to fill these shapes. You can use any of the filling styles we have discussed earlier, in any combination that you think will look good. Once the shapes have been filled in, the Mehndi looks more complete. I have only used three basic shapes and few filling techniques for this design.


Notice how I have filled the semi-flower in the lower portion of the hand. This is called Shading and this would be the topic of my next post.