As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Brother Suleman visited the Zambian orphanage about a month ago. Here are a few pictures from his collection I'd like to share with you.

Labels: help, zambia

... another Illustration Friday!!
Topic is "grounded"!

Labels: if

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah, we are given another opportunity to help others.

This project is to collect much needed books for an orphanage in Zambia, Africa.
It's a project that's very close to my heart because it's located in an area where I grew up, because I love children, and because my uncle is the one running this orphanage. Although he's busy, and not very tech-savvy (okay, no at all), I'm determined to help as much as I can from my end (Canada).. and insha'Allah I hope you'll join me.



Details of project: Collect NEW and USED books. Islamic and secular books in all subjects. Ages 5 years old to College students.
Suggestions: Arts and Crafts, Trades, Math, Sciences, English, Arabic, Mechanics, Computers (current).

Book drive in YOUR area? The books will be shipped from Capitol Heights, Maryland. If you are able to collect books in your area and ship them either to Maryland (U.S.A), Toronto (Canada), or Zambia (Africa) please let us know, so I we can direct people to the closest contact.

How they will be delivered: Shipped from Maryland (U.S.A.) - IRHSCA
Accepting cash donations for shipping costs.


U.S.A. (Maryland):
IRHSCA
Atten: Book Drive
1 Chamber Avenue
Capitol Heights, MD 20743
U.S.A
Contact: irhsca@gmail.com


Canadian (Ontario):
Contact: amtullah79@yahoo.ca
Areas you can drop books off: Mississauga, Markham, Durham Region


U.K. (London):
Smart Ark Ltd
PO Box 61244
London N17 1AZ
UK
Contact: info@smartark.com

Labels: help, love, zambia

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

The year is almost ending, and I've done a wonderful job of not keeping my blog up to date *lowers my head in shame*.. insha'Allah I'm hoping 2012 will be much better. I have a project on the way, and new tutorials and recipes I'd like to share, as well as more swapsssss! *everyone loves those*

Fortunately my sewing streak is still going - I've even surprised myself, usually it's off to the next project after a week. Here is a skirt I made. I've actually made a few in different colours but more or less the same style.


The front says "Sisterhood" in Arabic, this is my design and hand painted on by me. The back has it written in English. Would you have put a different word?


Please give me some feedback. Positive or negative (but constructive).

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

... yup... I'm failing at this blogging thing!!! sorry people... I'll try and make a better effort in keeping it updated.

Lately I've been very busy sewing.. and would like to share a really cute tutorial with you. This is a for a headband, either for children or adults (looks good on both) and really easy to make!



You can find the written instructions here: http://www.madebymarzipan.com/ (under Betty Band) or watch the video below. Marzipan has lots of other great stuff to try.



Note: I did have to make the headband 1 inch smaller than directed (for a 22 month old) - so the "Child Size" on the website.




Alrighty people..I'll be back with more, insha'Allah!! :)

Labels: sewing, tutorials

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

My apologies for not posting or visiting your blog.

Every year we have an Eid gift swap/exchange. One intention is that sisters get to meet each other online and build a friendship that will insha'Allah last forever. It's been successful so far, alhumduliLlah.. so we're doing it again!

Have fun with it!!

Details of swap: Each participant will gift their partner. Think 'rainbow'.. go shop, mail the gift so they can receive it for Eid, and in between all this stay in touch (with them, not me).

Participants allowed: International (females only).

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Range: There is no limit and there should be no expectations on either side.

Rules:
1) Sent out gift- inform me and your swap partner.
2) Received gift - inform me and your swap partner.


Sign up due date: Thursday July 28, 2011
Partners will be emailed to you on: Sunday July 31, 2011
Gift must be mailed out by: So they get it for Eid (you do the math)


If you would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com
Please email me the answers even if you have participated in a previous swap.


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Rainbow Eid Swap
Blog/website url (if you have one):
Email address:
Your real name:
Mailing address:
Does your swap partner have your permission to post pics of your gift:
How did you hear about this swap:

Comments:

Participants to date:
- Hijabi Apprentice
- Yaney
- Umm Umar
- Rachelle
- Hafsa
- Kris
- Maria
- Shabana
- Zainab
- Hajar
- Haseeba
- Susan

Gift sent out are bold/color

Received:
- Shireen
- Shaalom2Salaam

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I'd like share a wonderful project I learned about recently. I'm not part of the organizers but have a wonderful friend right there working as a volunteer.. so I KNOW it's legit. (You never know these days)... and insha'Allah I'll be taking part in this project.



IDEA? To send at the very least 211 books to children in rural villages in Sabah, Malaysia, by October 2011.


WHY?
1) To promote reading in villages.


HOW?
- Passing down your pre-loved books.
- Purchase books online and send them there.
- Telling absolutely anyone about this project.


FOR WHO?
1) Kindergarten: age 4-6yr old
2) Elementary: age 7-12yr old
*Books can be in both Malay or English


Anyone interested in contributing can email:

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Just adding a little update on the Friday Hadiths!
AlhumduliLlah.. so far we have more than 150 subscribers... May Allah reward you all for your good intentions, and bless you with understanding. Ameen.

Those that don't know about it:
Every Friday... you receive a Hadith. The source of the Hadith is provided as well as a commentary to explain it.
Usually it's very short.. and something you can apply to your life right away.

Example: Dinner With Satan

Sisters interested in receiving teachings of the beloved Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam)
Email:
Subscribe Unsubscribe

Brothers interested in receiving teachings of the beloved Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam)
Email:
Subscribe Unsubscribe

Please share this post with others. Jazak'Allahu khair.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Here is a VERY over due update to the Gems Swapping!

Each name below will take you to a wonderful post and picture of what they received.
- Rolling Ruminations
- Handmade Beginnings
- Aaminah Al-Naksibendi


I enjoyed the swap (as always).. and am thankful to all the sisters who joined in to make it possible. Insha'Allah you all had fun, and were able to make a 'friend' - the kind you want to keep..haha :)


I received lots of lovely things from my swap partner Maryam. Okay.. it was beyond lovely..there was FUDGE in there!!! Which was sooooooo delicious. So is the lipbalm (delicious yes..) Two gorgeous hijabs.. in pink and purply tones. A beautiful flower pin, henna, itaar, OH.. and cook book of yummy salads... just perfect, insha'Allah I'll be using that for our summer bbq's!!!


Jazaki'Allahu khair Maryam! I love everything!! and insha'Allah I pray we can continue to be good friends :)

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I'd like to share a project.. an AWESOME project that Muslim Hands is running.


It's a ten day trek (June 13th - 23rd) to scale the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro!!!! C'mon, how cool is that!!! Like the trek isn't brilliant enough.. the money raised (from sponsors) will go towards maternity clinics, training of midwives, essential medicines and pre and post-natal care for expectant mothers.


I'm so stoked with this project.
Sisters can participate.. however you need a mahram. Which is why I wouldn't be going.. BUT insha'Allah I hope I can sponsor someone. So if you have no plans on participating, but would like to sponsor someone.. PLEASE email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca), we can do it together.

Spread the word!!


Update:
Okay.. I found someone to help... brother Mohammed Faris. If anyone is familiar with Productive Muslim.. he's the dude who runs it.

If you would like to help sponsor him please check out: Kilimanjaro Challenge

Jazak'Allahu khair :)

Labels: help

... this weeks Illustration Friday theme is 'sweater'.
Not a most exciting topic.. but I'm pretty happy with how my illustration turned out!

Labels: if

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I have a pretty cool craft to share with you! A volcano.. that erupts!

I enjoyed this one as much as the kids did. And they REALLY loved it...from the crafting right to it erupting.



Before the craft we learned a little about volcanoes (and the one in Japan had just been on news), we also did this word search, and learned the spelling of the words.

Word Search

And now the fun begins.


You'll need an empty water bottle (500 ml) and a jumbo cereal box (or any cardboard).
Cut the box in half. Using one half as the base, tape the bottle in the center.
Cut the other half of the box in four equal parts. Tape them around the bottle as shown in the picture.
This doesn't need to be neat, nor does it need all the gaps covered - it's just the skeleton of the mountain.



Mix some water and flour - to make a gravy-like paste. Don't make it to thick.
Cut strips of news paper. Dip each strip in the paste and cover the entire mountain (not the bottle top) with ONE layer or paper.
Scrunch balls of news paper, dip in flour-water mix and stick them on. Make it random, in size and position.
Cut strips of news paper and cover entire mountain with one layer or paper - to hold all those 'rocks' in place.



After the mountain dries, (ours took 2 days) paint it. We mixed different colors together.. and got a green-brown color. If you have sand or anything that resembles sand.. sprinkle that over the wet paint. We used crumbs.. because that's just what you do when it's winter here!



Once completely dry, cut the top off. Please make sure it's an adult does this. I just used a knife. The bigger hole will make it easier for kids to pour the liquid in (to make it erupt), and it looks better.



You'll need two measuring jugs (something with a spout to make pouring easy).
In one add:
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tsp baking soda
- few drops of dish washing liquid
- 1/2 tsp glitter (lava actually looks shiny - hence the glitter)
Mix thoroughly - or the baking soda stays at the bottom.



In the next jug add:
- 1 cup vinegar
- few drops red food coloring



This gets messy. So place a tray under your volcano to help with clean up.
First pour in the baking soda mix (mix it well before pouring in, so you get everything).
Pour in the vinegar mix. As soon as the vinegar hits the baking soda, it'll erupt.

Labels: activities, crafts, tutorials

.... just adding my Illustration Friday picture! The topic this week is 'Surrender'



It's such a cool topic and I could have come up with a million ideas, but this was inspired by my very wonderful friend. She hates spiders, and nearly got run over by a zebra.. but she insists spiders are much more 'evil'..haha

As for the 8 eyes.. most spiders have 6 to 8 eyes.. just learned that! :)

Labels: if

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu everyone,

Just thought I'd spread some lovely news.. this might make all you homeschooling mothers happy.
There is a magazine out for Muslim children (MiniMuslimeen) that I do illustrations for, and for a limited time they are giving away a free issue. It's only to the first 100 people as far as I know, SO... if you are interested in receiving your copy, just email them at: info@minimuslimeen.com

.... and then.. once you receive your copy..come back here and give me some (constructive) feedback on the illustrations done by me. My name will be on the ones I've done. Insha'Allah I can learn from what you have to say.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Those that understand Islam will be able to see all the beautiful things it has to offer. One of those gems (for me personally) is being able to greet a sister I've never met and feel like there's a place in my heart for her - even if I may never meet her again.



Intention of swap: To have as many sisters (young and old) as possible (around the world) to participate and spread the love. PLEASE encourage others to join.

Details of swap: Each participant will spend $5 to $10 on something(s) special for their partner. This should either be used on the item(s) or the supplies if you choose to send something handmade.

Participants allowed: International (females only).

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Range: $5 to $10. It's NOT about the money, however I've placed a price range so it's fair to everyone and minimizes any ill feelings between partners.

Rules:
1) Sent out gift- email me and your swap partner.
3) Email ME a pic of your gift so I can put it up.
2) Received gift - email me and your swap partner.


Sign up due date: Saturday January 29, 2011
Partners and list will be emailed to you on: Sunday January 30, 2011
Gift must be mailed out by: Monday February 21, 2011


If you would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com
Please email me the answers even if you have participated in a previous swap.


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Gems Swapping
Blog url (if you have one):
Email address:
Your real name:
Mailing address:
Do I and your swap partner have your permission to post pics of your gift:
Are you planning on making your gift?
Your age (or age range):
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:




Participants to date:

- Fruitful Fusion - sent
- Aishah Hils - sent
- Ayesha N
- Aabida - sent
- Maria - sent
- Roving Soul - sent
- Hafsa - sent
- The Stolen Light -sent
- Nadi - sent
- Pebbly Shore - sent
- Ayesha I


Received:
- Shaloom2Salaam - sent
- Hijabi Apprentice - sent
- Maryam Umm Nuh - sent
- Handmade Beginnings - sent
- Tranquil Heart - sent
- Rolling Ruminations - sent
- Old Muslim Woman In The Shoe - sent
- Sketched Soul - sent
- Aaminah Al-Naksibendi - sent

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Today is the perfect day to post this.. with all the rain falling (in January!!)

The idea is not mine.. I saw it a while back some where, I don't know where... so I can't link back to it. They didn't say how to make it.. but this is how I made it - so you're stuck making it my way.

Everyone loved them - even if they are a little disturbing..haha

Recipe: is the same Roll-Out Cookie Dough I used for the butterflies.

Makes 26 (3" round cookies)

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla essence
2 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt (only if you used unsalted butter)

:: Cream the butter and sugar in a mixer.
:: Add the egg and vanilla - beat for another 2 mins.
:: Add the dry ingredients together - beat until dough is formed.
:: Do not refrigerate this dough!

:: Roll out to 1/8" thickness.
:: Cut out shapes, place on ungreased cookie tray.
:: Bake at 350F until edges are golden or 400F for 10-15 mins.
:: Once completely cool, decorate as desired.


Once your cookie is baked and cooled.. either place one large marshmellow towards one end, or a cluster or mini ones. I only had the mini ones for my hot chocolate. (You're on your own if they are not halaal).

Mix together some icing sugar and water. Don't add butter.. as you want it to dry harder. Pour over the marshmellow and cookie. Don't be neat about it either!



Time to decorate. I used whatever I had around the house. The eyes, mouth and arms are done with black frosting in an icing bag. Nose is a candy (Runts) cut in half. Buttons are flat sprinkles. Scarf is Fruit Roll-Up cut to size.

Voila.. enjoy.

Labels: recipes, tutorials

Everyone has their own version - I should know, I've tested four so far.. but the family still likes this one which is a combination of others - so that makes it MINE *grin*

You are welcome to share your recipe.. so I can try it out!!


Makes approx. 35 pieces.

3/4 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
4 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 tsp orange/lemon zest

3/4 cup white flour
1 1/2 cup semolina
4 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Mix the wet (top 6) ingredients together. Mix the dry ingredients together. Combine both, and pour batter into a greased 9"x13" pyrex dish. Place almonds spaced so they'd be in the center of each square once cut.

Bake at 350F until golden.
Pour hot syrup on hot basbousa - allow to absorb, then cut into squares.


Syrup
1 3/4 cup sugar
3 tblsp honey
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup water
Stir over medium heat for 15 minutes. Pour over basbousa as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Labels: recipes

This weeks topic for Illustration Friday is: Equipment

Our best equipment is our brain.. well, for most (some?) of us *grin*

I now know I need to work more on shading different textures (i.e. chrome, metal, etc.)


If anyone is interested in drawing robots, check out 50 Robots to Draw and Paint by Keith Thompson. His work is pretty amazing! That's where my inspiration started.

Labels: if