Spotlight on: Hennamals

What Else You Should Know About Them:

What kind of geeky goodness will you be bringing with you to the next Geekery Market?

For all of you cryptid fans out there, I'll be bringing my collection of Hennamal Cryptids which will be a truly unique addition to your own personal stash of goods. Bigfoot, Mothman, Flatwoods Monster, and an Alien are already part of the team but more will be arriving by November. I'll have matted prints and lots of decals plus keychains, magnets, ornaments, note pads, temp tattoos, and more. If you aren't a big cryptid-aholic I've got a slew of other animals that would also love to go home with you!

What's an item you are bringing that you are really excited about?

My Bigfoot Hennamal I call Squatchamal! He has been hands down my most popular painting since I started my small business last summer. I've taken him to several Bigfoot events and people just love him because he's not a cookie cutter Bigfoot like you see all over the place. My guy has been hand painted in watercolor with ink designs inspired by henna tattoos, and I've printed him on several different products, including a new tshirt I'm pretty stoked about. So many customers seem to have a Bigfoot fan friend and stock up on gifts for them as well as for themselves. I've also made a 6 foot wooden Bigfoot Hennamal as a fun photo opp when you stop by my booth! I can't wait to see you!

What was the first item you ever made? How did you learn to make it?

My R. Kitty was the original Hennamal and one of my most popular non-cryptid creatures. Last summer I visited Italy with an Italian friend of mine and it was HOT! During the heat of the day I would practice my watercolor painting and one day this adorable cat sprung to life on my paper. My twenty-something children were both like "Mom, people our age would love this style of art!" With their encouragement and some research on the origins and meanings of henna tattoos which inspire the designs, I decided to go all in! I made up the fun word Hennamals for my henna tattoo inspired animals, registered for a trademark, and have been adding more and more creatures and critters to the menagerie ever since. (Insider note- a dragon is in currently in the works...)

What else would you like everyone to know about your wares?

I'm proud to be an artist who paints with a paintbrush and ink on paper rather than a computer, and I have a quirky whimsical style that people find refreshing and unique. My products are sourced within the United States to the best of my knowledge and ability. I have also taken a few family pet commissions and would be willing to discuss the possibility of hennamalizing a treasured pet or favorite animal for interested customers.

If you could travel anywhere in space or time, real or imagined, where would you want to go?

Whangdoodleland. I want to hang out in the High Behind Splintercat's lair and take pictures with my new camera of the Whiffle Bird, Swamp Gaboons, and Gazooks so I can paint them when I return to the real world.