Design & Technology: Design Solutions - Textiles.
Henna Hands.
Have you noticed the Henna Hands waving to students as they pass by Mac.Rob’s Atelier? Last year, the Year 9 Design & Technology class completed a workshop to learn how to design symbolic art through henna by tracing around their hand and creating a design that reflects their creative identity. Most have their name and Connect Class hidden amongst the fine line work.
As part of a wellbeing strategy to allow the Year 9 students to connect with their peers as a creative collective (or, if they needed a quiet moment), students can focus their creative concentration into a henna design throughout the semester. The final product was a class set of beautiful hands that are displayed on the L215 door to welcome new Year 9 students into the creative space. Do not walk past without stopping and enjoying the detail across the different Henna Hands!
Artist Spotlight.
In this update, we are highlighting Manahil Y (12I) as our traditional henna artist. The 2025 Year 9 students participated in a workshop where Manahil explained the process of henna as she completed a traditional henna demonstration. Manahil communicated individually with students to promote and guide their creative spirit into their own detailed handwork. She inspired students to value the simple yet complex fine lines as a symbol of beauty and identity. Manahil is booked to present similar workshops to the 2026 Year 9 students to celebrate diversity in the arts and to continue the tradition.
For Manahil, henna’s beauty transforms the clear skin into a work of art that is mediative, meaningful and creative for both the artist and the receiver. It is like the process of henna allows a transcendence experience that calms, connects and gives all those involved a sense of quietness and fulfillment. The artwork fades slowly in time as the receiver continues to grow, therefore returning to a clear canvas ready for the next iteration of artwork symbolising cultural identity and personal growth. Henna is more than a unique cultural expression of beauty; it allows for a deep connection between artist and receiver.
Manahil shares her expertise beyond Mac.Rob into the wider community through many outreach avenues and she has started a small business to encourage her art as a celebration for parties and special occasions. She loves to talk about everything henna and if you would like to know more, don’t be shy, start a conversation with Manahil if you see her outside class. Henna is made for sharing, as it is an art of relationship building and connecting to a love of design.
Manahil has been commissioned to create an exciting henna installation artwork which will be on display near L215 so watch that space throughout the year. If you have a passion for cultural or personal design and you would like to share it with the Mac.Rob community, please see Ms Cordingley in L215 to discuss opportunities to show your design capabilities to others.
Ms. Deborah Cordingley | Y9 Design & Technology: Design Solution - Textiles Teacher