Blooming into the role of Mother
This first time mama looked through my page of Pregnancy Design ideas on my website and told me she loved mandalas, the moon, paisleys. Feathers were also a significant personal symbol to her. On further reflection, she added,
“The lotus flower is also a beautiful way to imagine opening and blooming into this future and the role of motherhood.”
I thought that was such a profound and beautiful sentiment.
I loved exploring all the possible ways to blend these elements into a cohesive design, and I was able to sketch out a design for her before she even arrived. It's moments like these that remind me why I love creating meaningful art to honor motherhood.
#moon #paisley #lotus #feathers #customdesign #freehand #coloradoartist #uniquehennadesign #mothertobe #modernhenna #freestyle #nostencil #hennapro #womensart #motherblessing #babyblessing
What a cheerful gathering to honor a mama's rite of passage into motherhood with her two sisters and her niece. I love bearing witness to such a joyful occasion surrounded by so much love and laughter.
As an artist, it was a pleasure spending two and a half hours with them, adorning the mama-to-be and then her family members with a lovely design that beautifully reflected the henna belly art.
#hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #journeytomotherhood #riteofpassage#firsttimemama #celebratelife #coloradomamas #hennabellyblessing #pregnancyrituals #mamacelebration #babyshowerideas #sisterhood
Natural henna reaches its peak “tattoo” color after 2 to 3 days. Hands are always darker because our skin is thicker on our hands so there’s more ways for henna to be absorbed.
#motherhood #naturalhenna #hennastain #hennaart #henna #bellyhenna #maternitymehndi #soontobeborn #babybumpart #maternityart #maternityhenna
Crossing the Threshold
I am writing to share how honored I feel to witness women as they prepare to cross the threshold into motherhood, many for the very first time. This rite of passage is significant, and it is a privilege to be part of it.
My approach to this work is rooted in deep listening and my skills as an intuitive artist. I am dedicated to crafting unique works of art that truly honor this transformative period in a woman's life. This creative process brings me immense joy and resonates deeply as my true calling.
I am eager to discuss how I can create a meaningful piece of art for you or someone you know to commemorate this special time. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more. Text me at 303-345-1516 or email SKB@SarahKateButterworth.com
I wanted to share some news about an art project I'm passionate about. I'm continuing my work adorning pregnant models for my upcoming book, which is dedicated to celebrating pregnancy, motherhood, and the inherent beauty of growing life.
If you or someone you know might be interested in modeling for this project, you can find more information and details on how to get involved by visiting my website and reading the dedicated page for models. As of this writing, I still have openings for October and November.
Due to the limitations of the social media platform I'm using, I wanted to share a few moments with you directly. I've put together a selection of just 10 images from the past three months that really capture some sweet memories.
These photos include a beautiful gathering of friends blessing a first-time pregnant mama, a heartwarming shot of a mama-to-be with her own mother (the grandmother-to-be), and a tender moment with a soon-to-be big brother kissing his mother's pregnant belly. I've also included some of my favorite works of art from the summer so far.
I hope you enjoy seeing these special glimpses - to see more photos and read about each mama and the many others I have adorned over the past 3 months, simply keep scrolling through my blog :)
#henna #bodyart #hennabelly #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #pregnancy #ArtMama #Natalhenna #BumpHenna #RitualHenna #MarkTheMoments #Threshold #pregnancyrituals #riteofpassage
How women have celebrated for thousands of years
I always ask pregnant mamas what design ideas they are drawn to. Recently a pregnant mama, Pallavi, told me there was a lotus on my Pregnancy Design page she really liked, and I was excited to create a unique version of this just for her.
She also requested her daughter’s name in Hindi language be hidden in the design. This was a really fun artistic challenge!
#hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #journeytomotherhood #riteofpassage #allnaturalhenna #firsttimemama #celebratelife #hindi #lotushenna
This gorgeous mama-to-be came with her mother for her henna session, and they both got henna. I love capturing moments like this, because it’s also a rite of passage for her mother, who is a grandma-to-be. These beautiful women are from India and I loved hearing her mom say the last time she had henna, it was for her daughter’s wedding. Adorning each other with henna is how women have celebrated wonderful occasions for thousands of years.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #adornment #grandmatobe #motherdaughter #maternityhenna #bellyblessing #hennabellyblessing
Hands always stain darker than bellies. It’s because the skin is thicker on our hands and the layers of skin are thicker and can absorb more henna. This lovely pregnant mama’s belly henna probably got even darker, our schedules only allowed us to take these after photos on Day 2 of her henna stain, and henna can take 2 to 4 days to fully darken.
Below is a picture Pallavi sent me when her stain was even darker.
#motherhood #naturalhenna #hennastain #hennaart #henna #bellyhenna #maternitymehndi #soontobeborn #babybumpart #maternityart #maternityhenna
Swirls and musical notes
Maria emailed me for a henna session, expressing how much she wanted to enjoy her last pregnancy. When I asked her about any important symbols she'd like incorporated, she sent me an image featuring a lotus flower, a moon, and a tree. She requested something similar to that, with the addition of swirls and music notes.
I started by sketching several possibilities, and as I worked, I found myself instinctively adding in the element of water. The swirls really began to feel like flowing waves, which added a beautiful dimension to the design. When Maria arrived for her session, I further modified my initial ideas to better fit her belly, and the tree ended up being much larger than I originally envisioned. I absolutely love how it all came out—it was truly a unique and special piece.
#customhenna #swirls #musicnotes #henna #bodyart #hennabelly #hennabump #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #mama #mamahenna #ArtMama
At the end of Maria’s henna session, her partner and two sons arrived, and we were able to include them in some of the photos. It was wonderful to capture those moments of family connection, especially seeing the father's hands on Maria's belly and the older siblings marking these special moments with their mother. Maria clearly has so much love in her heart for her family, and it was a genuine joy to witness and photograph.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #prenatal #bellyblessing #coloradomamas #hennabellyblessing #thirdtrimester #motherson
A spa day, a ritual, an art event, a blessing circle and photo shoot all rolled into one
I received a text from Rosi when she was 33 weeks pregnant. She was hoping to schedule a henna session with me around her 36th week, as some friends were planning a gathering to honor her rite of passage as a first time mama. Despite a rather full summer schedule, I was able to fit in her henna session.
After I asked for design ideas, she complimented my work, saying it was hard to choose because she loved all my designs. She provided helpful direction by sending screenshots of my past work, which clarified her preferences. I was encouraged to hear her appreciation for designs that blend intricate details into a larger image or story. It's rewarding to know what resonates with women.
#36weeks #riteofpassage #summerhenna #boulderart #hennalove #bouldercolorado #hennaflow #modernhenna #freestyle #hennapro #womensart #motherblessing #babyblessing
I love it when pregnant mamas share design ideas with me, it makes creating a custom design so much more fun. Rosi expressed her preference for nature scenes, where the focus is a tree and leaves, and she especially loved the asymmetrical trees where the trunk curls over itself, more stylized as opposed to realistic. She loved the upturned crescent moon shape and stars, as well as the sun.
She also provided a list of animals to potentially include. As soon as I saw "hummingbird" on her list, it sparked a real surge of inspiration. I immediately envisioned it as the central element of the entire design.
I was so inspired that I started sketching some initial ideas right away. When she arrived, I was ready to dive in. It was encouraging when she expressed her excitement for my intuition and artistry, saying that she trusted my hand, heart, and mind to work their magic on the project.
#hummingbird #asymmetrical #hennatree #magic #allnaturalhenna #firsttimemama #celebratelife #pregnantlife #pregnantbelly #uniquehenna #pregnancyhenna #maternityhenna
I had the privilege of capturing a beautiful moment between a pregnant mama and her dear friend, as they held onto the precious belly. It was so wonderful to witness the bond these two women share. This dear friend had flown out specifically to be with her and celebrate this new chapter. Hearing about their long-standing friendship and how much it meant to the new mama was incredibly heartwarming. It was such a sweet reminder of how important it is for women to support each other, especially during significant life changes like becoming a mother. Moments like these highlight the power of strong female friendships and the comfort they provide.
#womensupportingwomen #sisterhood #mamablessing #journeytomotherhood #sisterlove #sacred #babyshowerideas #femaleempowerment
Rosi returned for a follow-up session just three days after her initial henna application, and we had a fantastic photoshoot in my garden.
It's always such a joy for me to see my henna art again when it's at its peak color, and reconnecting with the expectant mothers I adorn is truly special. Each session, and especially these follow-ups, feels like another beautiful opportunity to celebrate new life and witness the beauty of the art as it fully develops.
Since henna is a natural and temporary art form, capturing it in photographs allows me to create a lasting memento of the beautiful belly art.
Beyond that, these photos are also incredibly valuable to me as an artist. They serve as a personal archive of the unique works of art I've had the privilege to create, and a way to remember the incredible women I've met just before they crossed the threshold into motherhood.
#illustrativehenna #maternityart #bellyart #modernhenna #freestyle #nostencil #hennapro #womensart #hennadesign #customdesign #naturalhenna #hennastain
Testimonial from Rosi:
“I just had the most amazing henna session with SarahKate Butterworth, a deeply intuitive artist and all around gorgeous human.
“I was so inspired and grateful that I want to share! I found out about her from a post in this group [Boulder Collective] from years ago and am hoping to make her work more visible, so others can have this magical experience.
“SarahKate did one of a kind henna art on my belly, my hand, and my friends hand and foot, all based on imagery that was meaningful to us, and then took incredible professional photos of us, all in her beautiful studio and garden. It was like a spa day, a ritual, an art event, a blessing circle and photo shoot all rolled into one.
“I highly highly highly recommend her and her work. What a fantastic way to celebrate this birth and transitional moment.
“If you are looking for a special treat for yourself in a birth or fertility journey, check out SarahKate!”
#intuitiveartist #fertilityjourney #bodyart #sacred #ceremony #henna #blessings #bellyblessing #honoringmothers #pregnancy #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna
Organized Chaos
I was working on a design prompt with "Organized Chaos" as its theme and completely lost myself in the creative process. It was such a pleasure to dive deep into the project and explore all the possibilities. It truly felt like a magical state of flow, where time seemed to disappear and creativity just took over.
The sketch I ended up with features elements coming together and spinning apart, creating a dynamic sense of spiraling both inward and outward. It includes a leaf open to the sun, a shape that resembles a henna paisley. Interestingly, while drawing, I found myself wondering if a particular element was a pea pod or perhaps represented the phases of the moon; it was fascinating to see how many different forms this core concept could take as I developed the sketch.
There's also a bird at the center, which I envisioned as the hub of a turning "wheel of life." I also ended up including a snail in the design, as I was considering all the small creatures that often captivate young children. I hope you find the concept as engaging as I did while creating it.
#organizedchaos #rambling #spiraling #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #customdesign
When Sharon arrived, she decided to add a few beautiful elements to her design: a moon, sun, and stars. I thought these new additions would fit best on her hand, as she held it over her belly. This placement created a lovely visual, making it seem as though the celestial elements were in the sky above the rambling nature scene on her belly.
This particular mama had to drive quite a long way to see me, and she brought a friend with her to the session. I truly love seeing women supporting each other through all their life stages; it's always inspiring to witness such connections. It's a beautiful reminder of the strength and comfort that comes from female friendships and the importance of having a strong support system.
#celestialhenna #womensupportingwomen #sisterhood #mamablessing #motherhood #naturalhenna #hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart
Sharon returned a few days later, when her henna was at its peak color, and brought her family with her. I absolutely loved meeting her adorable little boy. He was full of energy, running circles around the studio and even out in the backyard—it was a joy to witness his playful spirit.
Having spent most of my adult life as a nanny and mom, I truly adore this age group. Their sense of wonder, silliness, and willingness to give kisses always melts my heart.
I particularly love capturing images like the one where the soon-to-be big brother is standing tall to reach up and kiss the belly. There's something incredibly sweet and heartwarming about that interaction. It's truly a special moment to capture, even if the mama has to bend her knees a bit to allow it, given how tiny and cute the little man was. These are the kinds of authentic and tender family moments I always strive to capture.
#heartwarming #babykisses #soontobebigbrother #growingfamily #soontobemomof2 #naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain
Sacred Symbols
I received a wonderful message from Aerin back in February, who expressed deep excitement about adorning her growing belly with my sacred art. She was due to give birth in July, and it's never too early to reach out to me, especially during the summer months when my schedule tends to fill quickly.
It's such a privilege to create something meaningful for someone during such a special time in their life. She shared that she's particularly drawn to lace patterns, flowers, and abstract sacred symbols. Specifically, she mentioned feeling a strong connection to the lotus flower, which she sees as a symbol of birth and strength. Another important symbol was the hamsa for protection, and the unalome to honor this incredible journey.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #bouldercolorado #sacred #symbols #lotus #hennapaste #blessthemama #hennadesign
I've drawn unalomes many times, but it wasn't until I did some research that I truly understood their deeper meaning. The unalome is an ancient symbol that has been found in both Buddhist and Hindi scriptures and artwork. It has originated from ancient India though it's not exactly known how and when it first came to be. Learning about its origins and the spiritual journey it represents has given me a new appreciation for it.
It turns out the unalome is a really beautiful and profound symbol of strength and perseverance. It's meant to represent the journey of a human being, starting from birth and then spiraling through the various loops, twists, and turns that symbolize life's obstacles and challenges, before finally reaching enlightenment. I also discovered that the direction of the spiral can indicate male or female, which inspired me to incorporate one of each on the belly in my recent work, symbolizing a mother and father uniting to create a child.
When Aerin arrived for her session, I showed her my sketch, and she helped me see what was most important to her. This collaborative process not only makes the final artwork more special for the pregnant mama but also deeply rewarding for me as an artist.
For those interested in booking a henna session, appointments can be made by texting me at 303-345-1516 or by sending an email to SKB@SarahKateButterworth.com
#sacredart #unalome #hamsa #lotus #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #hennablessing #bellyblessing #inspirepregnancy #mothertobe #expectingmom #unalome #customdesign
After Aerin had her henna session with me in late June, FionaRose, the talented photographer, took her out for a beautiful sunset photoshoot. Aerin, who is a first-time mama, was about one month away from her estimated due date at the time, and she was just radiating peace and beauty.
FionaRose did an absolutely incredible job of capturing Aerin's divine essence in the photographs. The images beautifully showcase not only Aerin's spirit but also the vibrant greens of early summer and the blooming flowers.
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with FionaRose from time to time. Her work truly brings a special light to my art and complements it beautifully, and these photographs are a wonderful testament to that.
Fiona’s website:
#hennabelly #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #pregnancyphotoshoot #professionalphotography #bouldercolorado #fionarosephotography #coloradophotographer #maternityphotography #coloradomaternityphotographer #portraitphotography #holisticphotography
Aerin’s testimonial:
“I feel so incredibly fortunate that my pregnant belly was adorned by your beautiful henna work. It was such a special part of this journey, and I had so much fun getting to know you during the session. The photos turned out gorgeous—thank you for capturing them so thoughtfully. It would truly be an honor to be part of one of your books someday. I’d be proud to share your work and tell others about this experience.
“I’m sending along a picture of the snake that slithered onto my hand—such a powerful symbol of rebirth, which feels deeply meaningful during this time of change. Having that energy with me as I am preparing for birth was so fitting. Thank you again for sharing your art and your spirit—it really meant a lot.”
#henna #snake #rebirth #meaningfulart #pregnancyart #naturalhennastain #bodyart #mamahenna #EarthMama #ArtMama
Mother’s Blessing
AJ, a lovely first-time mother, reached out to me, interested in finding a unique way to celebrate and honor this significant moment in her life. Having experienced henna before, she deeply appreciated how meaningful and beautiful it can be. As she neared the arrival of her baby, it felt like the perfect time to mark this new chapter with something creative and sacred. It was a beautiful opportunity to help her commemorate this special journey.
For her, henna holds profound symbolic weight, and she expressed a genuine reverence and respect for the art form and its cultural significance. She specifically shared a desire to take a moment to slow down, reflect, and celebrate all the incredible changes her body is undergoing. I'm also happy to share that she volunteered to be a model for my larger art project, which aims to celebrate pregnancy, motherhood, and the inherent beauty of growing life. It was particularly meaningful to her to be part of something bigger, where her personal experience can contribute to a shared story through art, and I'm very grateful for her participation.
#newchapter #motherhood #bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #adornment #firsttimemama #celebratelife #pregnantlife #pregnantbelly
AJ came prepared with several thoughtful design ideas, each imbued with personal significance.
She shared that her husband is Nigerian, and the symbol of his tribe is a lion, which she felt was important to include as a representation of him. Additionally, AJ was born in the year of the snake, and her baby will also be born in the year of the snake, making that symbol particularly resonant for her.
Furthermore, the birth flower for July, when her baby is due, is the water lily, which felt like a beautiful and symbolic inclusion. Finally, she was drawn to incorporating a heart into the design, symbolizing the deep love she and her husband share for their child.
It was a rewarding experience to bring these meaningful elements together into a cohesive and heartfelt design.
#hennasymbols #hennadesign #lion #snake #waterlily #heart #maternityart #bellyart #modernhenna #freestyle #nostencil
AJ chose to celebrate this important milestone by including several of her close female friends. They all gathered at my studio, and from the moment they arrived, the space was filled with their joyous laughter, creating such a wonderful atmosphere.
During the session, AJ had the opportunity to speak aloud her intentions and receive the blessings of her dearest friends. It was a beautiful moment of genuine connection to witness.
I invited each of them to hold onto some rose petals, putting their heartfelt blessings into them, and then they showered these petals over AJ, who looked absolutely radiant. Capturing such a glorious and heartfelt moment was a true privilege.
#motherhoodblessing #blessings #ceremony #ritual #community #sisterhood #hennabellyblessing #womensupportingwomen #sisterlove #sacred #babyshowerideas #mothersceremony #riteofpassage #womenscircle #sacredcircle #modernsacredcircle
*Fire*
I wanted to share details about one of the most inspiring design requests I received last spring! This project truly ignited my passion and allowed me to explore uncharted creative territory, resulting in something completely original.
Stacy reached out to me for a henna design and mentioned that fire had been a consistent theme for her throughout her pregnancy. She hoped I could incorporate this element into the design. This immediately sparked my creativity, prompting me to research and explore various ways to represent fire using only one color: natural henna.
As you can see in the attached photos, especially the one showing the progression of the art, henna has a single color, but its shade can vary from lighter to darker depending on the thickness of the application. Additionally, the henna paste naturally darkens as it dries, which adds another interesting dimension to the process. I am incredibly pleased with how the final design turned out!
#fire #hennafire #fireart #bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #adornment #uniquehennadesign #prenatalhenna #boulderhenna #hennabellyblessing
FionaRose, an incredible photographer I had the pleasure of meeting years ago at a Women’s Gathering (Red Earth), came to capture some truly special moments.
Following the henna session, FionaRose took Stacy and her family out for a photoshoot, and the results are breathtaking. I'm especially happy with how she managed to capture not only the intricate beauty of the henna art but also the powerful grace of Stacy as a mother and the wonderful dynamic of her family. Her talent truly shines through in these images.
Fiona’s website:
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #pregnancyphotoshoot #professionalphotography #bouldercolorado #fionarosephotography #coloradophotographer #maternityphotography #coloradomaternityphotographer #portraitphotography #holisticphotography
This is Stacy’s beautiful henna stain on her belly! She had previously told me how much she loves big baby bellies, and she even made a big plaster cast of her pregnant belly during her last pregnancy. Since this pregnancy would be at its fullest during the late spring and early summer, she wanted to get henna to celebrate and show off her beautiful belly. She shared that being pregnant is just about the most magical, amazing, miraculous thing humans can do.
When she returned for this photoshoot in my backyard, she mentioned how much she loved how the warm weather allowed her to have her belly out to admire. She shared that she had so much fun and felt wildly beautiful during the session. It was truly a joy to capture such a special moment for her.
#wildlybeautiful #secondpregnancy #naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #boulderhenna
Wolf Pack
I had such a wonderful session with a beautiful second-time mama, Lynan. She was looking forward to her henna appointment, especially since she shared that she doesn't get a lot of personal time for her own passions and interests, aside from her daughter and family. It was clear how much this session meant to her as a moment for herself.
She has actually loved henna since she was a teenager and recounted a lovely story of her friend returning from India, and them adorning their hands and feet together. It was inspiring to hear about her deep appreciation for the art form.
For her design, her initial ideas were sparked by the lotus, which she saw as a powerful symbol for rebirth and enlightenment, embodying her journey through motherhood and birth. Additionally, she resonated with the symbolism of the wild wolf and the full moon, often affectionately referring to her family as her "wolf pack." It was a privilege to create a design that incorporated such meaningful elements for her.
#wolfpack #lotus #fullmoon #secondpregnancy #motherblessing #illustrativehenna #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #customdesign
Lynan shared online:
“One of my pregnancy dreams came true, a henna blessing by the amazingly talented SarahKate Butterworth. A Boulder legend for mamas and such a magical artist and intuitive creator.
“So grateful for the gift of this adornment and the opportunity to receive at such a precious time a blessing for our little one & family.
“Note: All elementals are present and we didn’t plan it, they just showed up! Mountain= Earth, Sun Mandala= Fire, Lotus= Water, Forest Wind = Air”
#earthfirewaterair #boulderlegend #magicalartist #intuitivecreator #blessing #adornment #bellyblessing #honoringmothers #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #hennablessing
Lynan returned to my art studio with her family a few days after our session, when her henna was at its peak in color. It was wonderful to see how vibrant and beautiful it looked.
Fiona Rose was there to photograph Lynan and her family in the studio, and then they traveled to a special location in Boulder. The photos she captured of this adorable family were absolutely divine.
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #pregnancyphotoshoot #professionalphotography #bouldercolorado #boulderhenna #fionarosephotography #coloradophotographer #maternityphotography #coloradomaternityphotographer #portraitphotography #holisticphotography
Vastness of Motherhood
It was a pleasure connecting with Jenna while I was adorning her with henna. We had a really great conversation, and I was struck by how much we share in our work supporting mothers. As you know, I deeply appreciate the journey of motherhood, and it turns out Jenna is a doula, so she shares that same passion. It's truly incredible how a woman's body transforms to grow a human, and like her, I am in awe of this natural process.
I also really appreciated her perspective on how using henna to adorn this beauty elevates it to another level. It's always inspiring to meet mothers who support other mothers and have a profound appreciation for this transformative time. It was a very fulfilling experience for us both!
#bellyblessing #honoringmothers #ceremony #wombyn #divinefeminine #womensupportingwomen #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #customdesign #Natalhenna #MarkTheMoments
Before our session, this beautiful mama shared some imagery with me that I found enchanting. She's been envisioning the sky throughout her pregnancy, which for her represents the vastness of motherhood and also how small her little family is within this greater world. She also mentioned that the hummingbird is her spirit animal, which inspired me to make it a central element in her design. She really connected with my designs that incorporate flowers, herbs, trees, moon cycles, and the cycles of nature, which made our collaboration even more exciting.
The idea of the cycles of nature really resonated with me, and I had a fantastic time sketching out how to incorporate that into the design. I ended up creating the seasons using trees, a burrowing creature for winter, and including herbs like mint and lavender, along with various flowers to represent growth and change. It was a truly fulfilling creative process.
#illustrativehenna #hummingbird #motherhood #cyclesofnature #mooncycles #pregnancy #birth #beauty #henna #pregnancyhenna #pregnancyart #hennaart #coloradohenna
Jenna returned to my studio a few days after her henna appointment, and we took some photos in my backyard. It's always fascinating to see how dark the henna stain gets on different individuals, as the color truly does vary from person to person. I absolutely love seeing my art come to life on a mama's belly and getting the chance to connect with them one last time before they give birth.
#hennabelly #prenatalhenna #adorn #hennaart #hennatattoo #bodyart #hennaflowers #naturalhenna #naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain
The Green Cauldron
The Green Cauldron, my art studio, was absolutely buzzing with positive energy. Women often tell me how beautiful and cozy it feels, and this session was no exception. It’s designed to be a place of ease and relaxation, complete with comfortable seating, a private bathroom, and a selection of teas and other beverages to enjoy. Pregnant mamas especially love choosing from my extensive collection of silky fabrics to wear while they recline in the "henna throne" – they truly feel like queens! As you know, henna adornment can take between 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours, so comfort is key.
Fiona Rose, an amazing photographer I have the pleasure of collaborating with from time to time, joined us and captured some incredible shots of me working on Michelle's unique henna design. I love the images that she took!
The 2 photos below of just the #bellyart were taken by me.
#artistatwork #hennaartist #coloradoartist #meetthemaker #creativewomen #artsymama #bodyart #hennaart #honoringmothers #fionarosephotography
Michelle's henna application took about two hours, and then Fiona Rose captured some beautiful photos of her in our yard. These were taken in early May, and we were lucky enough to have some gorgeous purple and blue flowers blooming, which added a lovely touch to the backdrop.
Afterward, they headed to a beautiful location here in Boulder, where Fiona Rose continued the session, photographing both Michelle and her partner. I'm so pleased with how these photos came out—the mountains, the mama, the magic, it all just came together perfectly!
#bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #pregnancyphotoshoot #professionalphotography #bouldercolorado #boulderhenna #fionarosephotography #coloradophotographer #maternityphotography #coloradomaternityphotographer #portraitphotography #holisticphotography
3 days after her henna session, Michelle and her partner returned to my studio, and we had a brief photoshoot in our backyard. What a gorgeous henna stain! I love the color of all natural henna. I also love seeing my art again one last time before it fades away — henna typically lasts a week or two, so it was a great opportunity to capture it.
#hennabelly #prenatalhenna #adorn #hennaart #hennatattoo #bodyart #hennaflowers #naturalhenna #naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain
Ancestral Wisdom
Marie wrote to me to discuss design ideas, sharing that she really liked a lot of what I've done.
“I really like a mix of traditional elements with interpretations of the woman’s spirit.”
The theme of a goddess portraying strength and ancestral wisdom came to Marie's mind when thinking about birth. She suggested incorporating natural elements like the moon, lotus, and tree, noting that these themes were already present in my previous pieces. She was happy to give me artistic freedom and was open to working with my vision.
#goddesshenna #mothertobe #bellyhenna #coloradohenna #pregnancyart #ancestralwisdom #moon #lotus #hennatree #freehand #riteofpassage #pregnantstyle #maternityart #bellyart
Marie is German, and her husband is Indian, and when she reached out to me for some pregnancy henna she shared a photo of the beautiful bridal mehendi she received, revealing her deep artistic and cultural appreciation for henna.
I loved hearing that being adorned for her wedding made her feel incredibly special and celebrated.
The process of her bridal adornment had taken 5 hours! The photo she showed me was gorgeous - traditional and intricate mehendi.
She wrote, “Since my daughter will be of mixed German-Indian heritage it would feel very special to welcome her into the world with a piece of art that is deeply rooted in her Indian heritage.”
I loved hearing her story of the journey to motherhood while I adorned her with henna. This design took about 2 hours.
#adornment #expectingmom #babybump #empoweringwomen #hennaflow #modernhenna #boulderart #lotushenna
Marie had decided to take some time off work to cherish the final weeks of her pregnancy. She was looking for special activities to celebrate this significant period when she discovered my art project of celebrating pregnant women with henna, and she applied to be a model. It felt important to her to honor this phase of life as she transitions into motherhood.
I especially enjoyed our photoshoot a few days after the henna application. The color had developed beautifully. I know it was springtime here in Colorado, but I couldn't help but smile seeing the unexpected touch of snow in some of the photos – it made the session even more unique and memorable.
#naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #boulderhenna #mamacelebration #journeytomotherhood
Marie was grateful she was able to make the henna appointment and this photoshoot of the henna peaking in color, as she was only 2 weeks away from her (estimated) due date.
She acknowledged that the design would be a reminder in the time leading up to birth to trust her innate strength and wisdom when it comes to labor, birth, and motherhood.
I was so pleased to receive a message from her a few days later, confirming that she was blessed with birthing her child in the way she had most hoped for, including having the henna design present. “I am still under the blessing of [the] henna adornment which got a lot of compliments from all the nurses.”
#uniquehenna #pregnancyhenna #maternityhenna #bellybump #prenatal #bellyblessing #hennabellyblessing #hennastain #pregnancyrituals #thirdtrimester #bouldercolorado
Art from 2014
I was so delighted when this drawing from 2014 popped up in my memories! It brought back such a rush of joy. I vividly recall creating this special design for Danielle to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her first child.
These photos were taken with the wonderful assistance of my then-husband, Rob Butterworth. He had such an incredible eye for finding the perfect location and lighting. While I took all the photos during that period of my life, from 2009 to 2019, Rob was the one who expertly set everything up, including managing the lights and all the settings on my manual camera.
After capturing these moments, I used a pen to recreate the artwork on paper, envisioning a design book specifically for pregnancy. These drawings might even find their way into my future book on Honoring Pregnancy with Henna! I am currently adorning models for this art project, and finding so much deep satisfaction in the entire process.
#hennastyle #linework #hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #pregnantbelly #freestyle #nostencil #hennapro #womensart #coloradomamas
She is a tree
Hebrew Translation: She is a tree
Originally Lisa had requested 2 birds for her 2 daughters, but when I suggested 5, since they are soon to be a family of five, she liked the idea!
The little one in this womb is being named after a beloved uncle who passed away recently. His vibrant energy is represented in the 6th bird, the one pulling the ribbon across the tree, "She is a tree."
Lisa had looked through my blog before her session. She saw my post featuring the pregnant belly with the Hebrew words "From generation to generation," and it inspired her. She requested I incorporate a Jewish phrase that holds special meaning for her family, particularly because her husband is very fond of trees.
#Hebrew #hennatree #coloradohenna #celebratelife #mamacelebration #womensart #coloradomamas #pregnancyart
In fact, the last time I saw Lisa, 7 years ago, I was adorning her for her first pregnancy. She had come with the design idea of a tree and a robin. The robin representing a beloved family member, now departed.
The images brought back such wonderful memories of Lisa as she stood on the brink of motherhood. Hearing about her journey to now having three children was truly fascinating. Baby #3 was very active and enjoyed the henna session, gently kicking me a long.
#boulderhenna #henna #celebratelife #mamacelebration #womensart #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #hennabelly #customdesign
Lisa returned with her whole family when the henna was peaking in color.
As I went through the pictures, I was so touched by the image of Lisa and her oldest daughter looking at each other. It brought back memories of the photos I took seven years ago when Lisa was gazing at her pregnant belly. It's such a universal feeling for mothers, that curiosity about who their children will become, and now there's another little one to imagine!
On a related note, I wanted to mention that while I provide detailed henna care instructions for expecting mothers, sometimes the henna on the belly doesn't develop as darkly as expected, even when the instructions are followed precisely. It's just one of those unpredictable things about that particular area of the body. Hands, on the other hand, reliably stain beautifully.
I also wanted to share that I regretted missing the chance to celebrate Lisa’s second pregnancy with a henna session because of my travels. For anyone interested in booking a session with me, I highly recommend planning in advance. I currently have several pregnant mamas booked over the next three months.
To book a session, simply text me at 303-345-1516 or send me an email at SKB@sarahkatebutterworth.com
#motherdaughter #motherhood #naturalhenna #hennastain #boulderart #hennalove #bellyhenna #pregnancyart #babybumplove
Birthday Goddess of Love
Henna is a fabulous way to honor a birthday! My dear friend Rebecca, a beautiful goddess, visited my studio to commemorate her birthday. Typically, birthday henna is applied two to three days before the birthday party, ensuring the color is at its peak on the special day.
Rebecca wanted her birthday henna to feature plenty of hearts, reflecting the theme of LOVE for her celebration. I spent about 90 minutes creating this custom design, after which we took some photos outside.
Each year, Rebecca is grateful for the love she receives on her birthday and eagerly anticipates soaking it all in. She created an incredible birthday celebration, a living temple of the Heart. “May this be the future we’re invoking: love as a collective healing force for all life on the planet.”
#empoweringwomen #femaleempowerment #sacredfeminine #goddesshenna #allnaturalhenna #adorn #bodyart #boulderhenna #coloradohenna #hennalove #bouldercolorado
Easter Eggs
It's that time of year again! I recently had the pleasure of creating art with my dear friend and mentor, Willow Arlenea, painting wooden eggs with henna-like designs using a white POSCA paint pen. Soon, these eggs will be in my grandsons hands.
#Eastereggs #paintedeggs #hennastyle #linework #hennaflowers #floralartwork
Mandala and flowers for Baby #3
This design really brought me a new sense of creative energy. After Jessica shared her ideas, I started envisioning and sketching out a design. She loved the mandala and flower work on my pregnancy page and was open to any design I thought would be best.
I do not use stencils to create my art, but I do use a tool to mark off the angles for my mandalas. As I looked at my drawing, I wondered if her belly would be big enough for the design or if I would need to adapt.
When she sat on the henna throne, it became clear it would be perfect. As this is Jessica's third (and likely last) baby, she had more canvas to adorn than first-time moms, which is wonderful!
#nostencil #prenatalhenna #pregnancyhenna #bellyhenna #customdesign #mandala #hennaflowers #pregnancyart #boulderhenna #coloradohenna
During the henna adornment part of the session, which lasted over two hours, Baby #3 was quite active. We were amazed by how the baby must have felt, likely experiencing a sense of reduced space. It's still incredible to think that we all begin this way! I really enjoyed capturing these moments afterwards, savoring the art, the connection.
#hennamandala #naturalhenna #hennalove #henna #mandala #babybump #maternityhenna #flowerchild #bodyart #celebratelife
Wishing this mama and her growing family so much love and laughter on their journey!
#naturalhennastain #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #soontobeborn #boulderart #bouldercolorado #bouldermamas #coloradomamas
Octopus inspired
Creating art like this is deeply satisfying! Afterwards, I basked in the beauty of what I was inspired to create.
This henna design incorporated several requested symbols, but the octopus was the main inspiration. It motivated me to sketch and dream for days before this session.
Here’s an in-progress picture of the octopus for those curious about the process and how the color of the henna paste changes as it dries.
#octopus #henna #workinprogress #hennabodyart #inspirepregnancy #mothertobe #expectingmom #babybump #empoweringwomen #hennaflow
It fills my heart with peace, power, and love to create art that honors women's rites of passage. I feel so much love for all the children coming through right now, and for all the parents consciously deciding to create a family and making space for them.
It's always a pleasure to get to know a couple about to become parents for the first time, and to hear their ideas, especially when it comes to designs. Some people feel a strong connection with a particular animal. In this case, the mama-to-be felt a resonance with the octopus, admiring the way it wears its feelings on its skin, its intelligence and intuition, and how fierce they are as mothers.
The horse in the design has a double meaning. First, the baby is being named after the mama’s grandfather, who loved horses. Second, it recognizes the father-to-be’s side of the family, who belong to the Seneca tribe.
If you look closely at the horse, you'll notice a raccoon paw print, representing the father-to-be’s spirit animal.
The couple also requested the inclusion of the sun and moon in the design.
#riteofpassage #adornment #hennabelly #boulderhenna #pregnancyart #motherblessing
I love the rich, dark stain of natural henna, sometimes called a henna tattoo. Not everyone’s henna gets this dark, but when it happens, I feel elated!
These photos were taken 3 days after the henna application.
This henna will last a week or two, but of course, the pictures last forever.
#naturalhennastain #pregnancyart #hennabelly #celebratewithhenna #hennatattoo #hennastain #coloradohenna #pregnancyphotoshoot
Red Earth Herbal Gathering
This particular work of art I created, with the herb Motherwort at the center, was created for Red Earth: The Mountain West Women's Herbal Gathering. This is a really special annual gathering in Carbondale, Colorado. It is happening August 1-3rd this year. Come join me! I'll be offering henna, sitting in ceremony in the Red Tent, singing in circle, sharing stories around the fire, and dancing in community.
I met Astrid, the founder of Red Earth, many years ago when she modeled for breastfeeding henna. She writes in her newsletter:
“The theme this year for Red Earth 2025 is remembrance and our plant ally is motherwort…. We chose motherwort as our plant ally because of her ability to nourish our heart and wombs. We must remember as women the importance of accessing our deep intuition through our wombs and our mother love through our hearts to envision and create in each moment the world in which we want to create for our children.
We call motherwort into our hearts and wombs with deep breaths, trust, as we surrender into the arms of the Great Mother and remember we are held always in her love.”
#plantwomen #wisewomen #womensherbalgathering #planthealers #herbalism #coloradoherbalist #redtent #wombroom #sacredgateway #marketplace #kidspace #comingofage #ritesofpassage #ceremony #maiden #mother #crone #henna #wellness #redearthherbalgathering #mountainwest #mountainwestwomensherbal