When I started doing henna nearly eight years ago, there were only a couple of books that you could get. The first one I bought I still have and take to EVERY event I do. I wish someone would publish a newer version that had the range of photos and designs like this book has. People can see not only how to do designs, but photos of intricate traditional and modern designs as well that always seem to hook the wafflers. I'm not a photographer so I'll just have to wait for the universe to give that idea to someone who can make it happen! In the meantime, I take my trusty copy of Sumita Batra's book until it falls apart. You can find this at Amazon or any other online bookseller, just search for her name. I'll try to include a link once I get my amazon password figured out again!

The first place I recommend to anyone interested in finding a design book is hennapage.com. The choices keep growing and there's something there for every skill level and interest. If you're just getting started, be sure to check out the free books for beginners.

Ganesha's Henna Garden was the first book I purchased from them. Kim Brennan's designs are Faire and event favorites, and the fact that she shows them on areas that most people don't associate with henna has been really useful and inspiring. I loved the book so much that a few weeks later I bought Mehndi Masala, another great KB offering in inspiration.

This year I purchased Love Mehndi and Lezard's book. Two completely different styles, definitely both worth adding to your collection. And you can't beat the price and ease of ordering. I hate waiting for things to come in the mail. I love my printer!

Besides the entire hennapage book collection, another book I found online and have added to my wishlist is at Henna Lounge I've been to this site for inspiration too many times to count. The work is amazing and where I go to dream of growing up to be a real artist someday!

Finally, if you're looking for free designs, the best place to go is the first place I found online when I started. It was the only resource that had free designs and how-to's and lots of inspiration. Catherine Cartwright-Jones is my hero and her The Reverend Bunny's Secret Henna Diary is not only information but really entertaining as well!