| Art that leaves a mark |
Melanie has been practicing henna for 17 years. | Photo via Blue Lotus Henna
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| Much like the intricate designs she creates, henna artist Melanie Ooi captures your attention right away. Most evident are her decorated hands and Kiwi accent (she originally hails from New Zealand), but upon spending more time in her home parlor, the stories of her life and her knowledge of the art form will leave you in wonder. At Blue Lotus Henna, music and aromatherapy melt the stress away — providing a sanctuary for diverse clientele, from excited brides and expectant mothers to cancer patients. We spent an afternoon with Melanie to learn more about henna and the upcoming screening of her award-winning documentary, “World of Henna,” at Clinton Street Theater on Sunday, Jan. 22. What exactly is henna? Henna is the term for many things: the plant itself, the dye (lawsone) from the plant, and the designs drawn with the paste made from the plant material. How is it made? Henna paste is made by drying and grinding the leaves into a fine powder. It is then mixed with water or lemon juice, certain essential oils and sugar, allowed to sit for several hours to activate the dye, and then transferred to an applicator cone. 
City Editor Cambrie was the day’s canvas for Melanie’s artistry. Photo by @benmcbeephoto How does it work? The application method involves drawing designs on the surface of the skin with the henna paste. The dye soaks into the epidermal layer of the skin as the paste sits on the surface. The longer the paste sits, the better the stain (6-12 hours is ideal). After scraping off the paste and oiling the skin with olive or coconut oil, the dye will oxidize over 72 hours, darkening from light orange into a deep chestnut brown to burgundy shade. The stain will last one-to-three weeks, slowly washing or sloughing off with the skin cells. How does henna vary from culture to culture? Henna is used for the same basic purposes in all its cultures: for blessing, protection (from the evil eye), for celebration, beautification, soothing, and cleansing. What you will notice is the difference in design styles and subtle differences in times of application and on exact placement. The nuances are many and can be learned about in my documentaries. |
| MELANIE'S FILMMAKING + HENNA JOURNEY |
| EVENTS |
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Wednesday, Jan. 18
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
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| EAT |
| Clandestine dining 🍽️ |
On top of delicious food and drinks, you’re sure to walk away with new friends as well. | Photo by @hannah.moorepdx/@portland.secret.dining.society
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| Psst... we’ve got a secret for you. Come a little closer. Have you heard of the Portland Secret Dining Society? Founders Remington Lee and Tara Lynch both draw on extensive culinary experience, paring it down to provide a one-of-a-kind experience where you can expect the unexpected. That’s the name of the game, or should we say the deal of the meal. When you book a seat at the table for one of the quarterly, seasonal events, you receive the date of the dinner and a few small details so you’re not completely in the dark. That’s it. The menu and other juicy information are kept hush-hush (but you can expect six courses and wine pairings). Don’t tell anyone we told you. |
| THE WRAP |
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Today’s issue was written by Ben.
Editor’s pick: Paws whatever you’re doing and give this a sniff. From Thursday Jan. 19 to Sunday, Jan. 22, the Portland Expo Center will host the Rose City Classic Dog Show — the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. More than 2,500 dogs will compete in judging and sports like agility and obedience. There will also be local art, vendors, and 60 meet-the-breed booths for a weekend of family fun.
Don’t worry Baha Men, we found them.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? You’ll be over the moon for these Lunar New Year events.
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Connect with us.
Editorial: Cambrie Juarez, Ben McBee, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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