I love cross curricular teaching and this lesson allows me to work with our 6th grade religion/social studies teacher. While she teaches about Islam, I introduce the kids to the beautiful world of Mehndi! Another art teacher found this lesson through Dick Blick and I adapted it and made it one of my favorite lessons to teach (who am I kidding--I say that about all of my lessons; I can't pick just one favorite!).
I introduce the students to the history and significance of mehndi. Most of the students have no idea what I am talking about when I first use the word "mehndi" but as soon as I start my slideshow and it has a photograph of an adorned hand, I have tons of people go "Oh! I know that! I always called it 'henna' instead!" And then I get into how henna is the medium and mehndi is the art...yadda yadda yadda...BAM! We're creating our own on vinyl gloves!
I have the students create some patterns and radial designs in their sketchbook first, so that they have some ideas to start with. Then I teach them about creating a flow between patterns and designs via color and interaction. Once they have a jumping off point I have them work while wearing the glove as an added challenge. It requires them to be more careful and mindful with their mark making since they are working on a 3D surface. Once they have their glove designed, I have them stuff the hand with a polyester fill and a small (upside down) cup so that the glove can stand. The results are amazing!
