As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I actually managed to finish making an Eid card for this year!! Every year the idea comes and then I have no idea where it goes, but it leaves no print. I decided I wanted it a little different (because I like different!) so I went with a whimsical look (kind of).. which you never find for Eid greetings, and I decided to make it a Postcard. Now what happens when the printers print it on light weight card stock.. you have a floppyyyy card *yaaay*. Ah well.. I am happy with the picture.. it actually makes me smile every time I see it. And I am not good and therefore don't really like water paint, but this was fun to paint..and now I think I like water paint..hehe



I know a few others were going to make some Eid cards this year. How did it go?? Hijabi Apprentice? *grin*

UmmLayla you going to get to see it :) insha'Allah.

I think I should start next years, this year ... and make them real cards! not pretty flop!

Labels: art, paper

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Well well.. look what I have been busy making. Hijab pins!! A little time consuming, but pretty in any scarf :) The purple one (which looks black in the picture - sorry for the bad picture, you'd be amazed how much they shy away from the camera *modest pins..hehe*) is for my sister, and I think I shall keep the pink one. I have made a good number of them to date but have only kept one for myself so far.. they make great gifts, because they are practical and anything handmade is good.. right? (I know some people are shaking their head.. wait till I send you a handmade lint keeper :P ..hehe)


If sisters would like a hijab pin, I'd be happy to make one for you, I only ask that you donate some money to The Muslimah Centre of Pattani (Thailand).

:: Name of organisation: The Muslimah Centre of Pattani
:: Address: 45 Moo 1, Bana subdistrict, Mueng District, Pattani 94000
:: Contact person: Mrs Maryam Samoh
:: Tel: (073) 333-837
:: Savings Account: 2670615844, Bangkok Bank, Pattani branch.

Email me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) if you would like one, and what colour, etc.

Labels: ideas, jewelry

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Ramadaan Kareem my dear brothers and sisters,

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

With few days left for Ramadaan, insha'Allah.. I managed to more or less finish any last minute shopping, so I can make the most of the blessed month. Today I had to opportunity to taste fresh dates (yellow and still on the stem)!



I know, I know.. doesn't sound very exciting.. but I do like trying new things..and every new experience opens a new window in life. I personally really enjoyed the dates, and if anyone else can find them, pick up a few.. and let me know what you think.

A little something I learned recently about this noble tree:
Shaykh al Islam Muhammad Abul Huda As Sayyaadi mentions on the hadith that Islam is built on five pillars that, ‘this good word is like a good tree whose roots are deep and whose branches reach out to the sky - the good word is La illaha illa Allah – which is deeply rooted in the heart of the believer and whose fruits are manifested on the limbs of the believer. The date palm tree is rather unique in that it only grows on pure soil. Similarly, the meaning of La illaha illa Allah only grows and gives fruit in a pure heart. As for a filthy heart that has either been completely blackened by disbelieve or is darkened by sin and heedlessness to the commands of Allah, this tree is stunted.

Labels: reflection

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

After bumping into The Egyptian's Wife post on the wonderful Ramadaan Surprise Box she made for her dear children, I decided to try one out for my nephews, Abdullah and Umar.

An excellent tutorial can be found at Islamic Parenting.
A few tips I'd like to share: If you cut the squares out with a utility knife you get a nice clean edge, use double sided tape to make your own stickers to fit your theme if you can't find stickers you like, and to fit my theme I just painted my box instead of using wrapping paper.

Although they are both young, (3 years old and 1.5 years old) I hope it would still be a means of them to learn a little about Ramadaan and make it a special month for them, as it is for us insha'Allah.



I decided to make the box look like a masjid since it is something Abdullah is familiar with and loves. Each box is filled with dates, a written message, and a little something, like lollipops, prayer beads, mini toys, lip balm (they love lip balm), and other things they like. The last two days have balloons and streamers in, which they can decorate the house with, for Eid insha'Allah.

Here are a few of the written messages I used that Abdullah should be able to understand. But you can change them to suit the age.

:: Muslims fast in Ramadaan.
:: After Ramadaan we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
:: We should make lots of dua' in Ramadaan.
:: It is good to give money in Ramadaan to the poor people.
:: On Eid day we say, "Eid Mubarak!" to everyone, which means "Have a blessed Eid!"
:: In Ramadaan we should pray "laa'ilaha illallah" a lot.
:: When we break our fast it is called 'Iftar'.
:: When we break our fast we should say "Thank you" to Allah for giving us food to break our fast.
:: Allah gave us the Qur'an in Ramadaan.

If anyone else decides to make one, let me know all about it! I'd love to see pictures of it, and hear any ideas you might have.


While on the topic of Masjids, I am hoping to paint one for my parents, insha'Allah. Help me out here, what painting would be more appealing to you, a Masjid that already exists, or a totally different Masjid? I look forward to any feedback, insha'Allah.

NOTE: above tutorial link no longer works... please visit this page: Ramadaan Surprise Masjid

Labels: crafts, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I don't think there is anything more pleasing when trying out a new project, to see that the end result turned out perfect!

I just finished cleaning my room (we can now see the floor *grin*)... be warned new crafters: what is junk to others will follow you around like stink on a warthog! Anyway, I was attempting to tackle my closet when I got side tracked.. throwing away my favourite puke green shirt and 'boxing' t-shirt. So (light bulb moment) I decided to cut them up and make a pattern from them.

Today I sewed one of the patterns, (the 'boxing' t-shirt) and I also managed to make two hair scrunchies out of the left-over fabric.


The shirt turned out excellent, I'm so happy with it.. that it might just be safer if I don't end up cleaning out my closet.

Anyone who ever has not tried making a pattern like this before, go for it! It's really easy.. just be sure to take seams into consideration.

Labels: sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

That's what I spent my long weekend doing.. checking out the Canadian National Exhibition! I manage to go every year, and always have a wonderful time. There is sooo much to see and do, that you don't even get to see it all. They have a Craft and Art area, rides, games, different shows, etc.,

And my favourite (which is why I go) is the International Show/Bazaar.


Where vendors from all over the world come and sell things. Some places included, Germany, Russia, Thailand, Iran, Kenya, Egypt, China, India, Peru, Cuba, Cambodia, etc.

I however, didn't buy anything for myself... but managed to find a tasty treat for my swap partner, insha'Allah. But it was still fun.

My second favourite is checking out the animals... from goats to ostriches!


And for any sisters (and brothers) who don't know this.. when someone says salaam to you, it is your Islamic duty to reply! Isn't that one of the many wonderful things about being a Muslim. When you see another sister you can say salaam to her, even though you have no idea who she is, and may never ever see her again. Anyway, it just surprised me how many people (at the show) lack such manners, that's all.

Labels: reflection