Driinking Coloring Page
Thursday, January 31, 2013
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Hope all of you are well. AlhumduliLlah I had some time today to finish another coloring page for the little ones. Insha'Allah it will be of benefit to them.



Click to enlarge. Print 'landscape'.


Comment: Teaches us how to drink, by drinking slowly and not drinking everything in one whole gulp (or continuous). This habit has a salutary impact on our character and helps avoid doing things in haste. As well as starting by saying "BismiLlah" (in the Name of Allah) and saying "AlhumduliLlah" (praise be to Allah) once done.

Happy coloring!

Labels:

 
posted by Sketched Soul at 12:09 PM | Permalink 0 comments
Mural Update
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Just a quick update on the mural. I've started painting... but it's been a slow process with everything else I'm working around.


It's too big for me to take a nice pic.

I am having a blast painting it! Makes me feel like a little kid again!


Recently I read Acrylic Secrets by Gill Barron. It's got a lot of great tips and techniques in that have been helpful in this project. Check it out if you have some time.


My GoodReads review on it:
Excellent book! I've been painting for years (on and off) but still consider myself a novice, so I've benefited greatly going through this book. I'm working on a mural now and have already used some of the tips mentioned.

There is enough info to have you start (right from choosing the subject) and complete a painting without having to learn the hard way - i.e. avoiding errors and learning short cuts (or easier methods)

I'd definitely recommend it to anyone new to acrylics

5 stars

Labels: ,

 
posted by Sketched Soul at 9:10 AM | Permalink 10 comments
Ice-Cream from Bananas
Monday, January 07, 2013
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I was busy experimenting today...with ice-cream!
I have ALWAYS wanted to try this out... making ice-cream with bananas. I think bananas are an awesome fruit and I dig ice-cream - I can't see where it could wrong.

Finally tried it out, and now realize I should have done this sooner.
My lab rats (familia - don't tell them I called them that) gave me mixed answers - from "this is the best ice-cream ever" to "I don't like the flavor". I personally liked it - but now am on a mission to try out new flavors.
Below is what I did today:

Sorry pictures aren't good... I'm beginning to understand that Photography is not a talent a possess.



Serves 2
1 1/2 peeled medium bananas - sliced into coins and frozen until solid (2-3 hours)

3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons maple syrup
Walnuts - chopped



: : Blend bananas in food processor until they are the consistency of soft serve ice cream, scrap down the sides, and blend. You MUST use a food processor - otherwise you're on you own.
: : Blend in peanut butter, maple syrup and walnuts, and transfer to a freezer container and freeze until solid.




Variations I want to try:
- strawberries and vanilla (optional: cream)
- chocolate (cocoa) and chocolate (I don't even like chocolate - but I might get more votes) - I will be trying this today!


Labels:

 
posted by Sketched Soul at 3:08 PM | Permalink 0 comments
Featured Artist: Sobia
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

They are just SO many super talented and creative sisters, tabarak'Allah that I come across online. They are MY inspiration...so insha'Allah for 2013 I'd like to share a little of their work and who they are. Maybe you too will be inspired by their work.

Featured Artist: Sobia Hussain

What medium do you use to express your creativity? And why did you choose this medium?
I express my creativity through various media, however, I decided to focus on soapmaking and other bath and body products for my business. I chose soapmaking because it's a perfect marriage between science and art - two of my favourite subjects in school. To create pure soap, you must have good background knowledge in chemistry. And to create artisan soaps, you must be willing to take chances to transform your product into a piece of art. I first think of fragrances and scents that I would like to offer and then I think of colours and techniques which I believe could representing that aroma.



Where does your inspiration come from?
I take inspiration from nature, my surroundings, and concepts/ideas/emotions that matter to me. Caring for the planet is also a great concern to me. So, when I'm developing a product, I try to ensure that its is eco-friendly which in turn helps me reduce my carbon footprint in this precious global village of ours! I also like to promote optimism. So, I try to imagine what types of aromas and fragrances could evoke such positive emotions and help put a smile on someone's face. Last but not least, Pinterest! It's a great place to go for inspiration...as any pinner would know!

If you had to choose one of your favorites of your creations which would it be? 
I would have to choose my Planet Earth Plush Globe as my all-time favourite creation. I am a big nerd for maps and globes! I wanted to create something for children which could help them develop an awareness of our precious planet so they can grow up to care for it. I enjoyed designing this unique globe despite the amount of hours and days that went into perfecting it.



What has been your biggest creative challenge?
The greatest challenge would be to make more time to dedicate to my art. I have 3 children so I want to ensure that most of my energies go into raising them and creating memories for years to cherish. I leave all my soapmaking and sewing to when the kiddos are in school. When they come home, I'm all theirs!

What other creative interests do you have?
I enjoy sewing, henna art, knitting/crocheting, painting with acrylics, crafting (with any material I can get my hands on), and conducting creative workshops which help empower children to find their hidden, inner talents. And, of course, pinning! I love drawing inspiration from Pinterest! It helps me with my creative flow of thoughts. Down2EarthSmile

What would you do if there was an elephant in your backyard?
After the initial sheer enjoyment of having a lovely elephant in my backyard, I would soon find an elephant sanctuary where she can be treated like the princess she really is! Then I would bid her farewell but visit her often!

Where can we find more of your work?
You can find The Olive Tree Soap Company products showcased on Facebook.
I am beginning to offer my products on Etsy.
Here is my other business.

Thank you Sobia!

Stay tuned for future interviews.

Labels:

 
posted by Sketched Soul at 9:38 AM | Permalink 2 comments
Algerian Travelling Library
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I'm so happy to be starting 2013 with a book project!!! AlhumduliLlah. Here is yet another opportunity for you and I to put a little joy in a child's life.

It is not an accident you're reading this... but a blessing!

Girls in Algeria. Photo by Kaled Ayeb


Project Details: To collect books (new or in good condition) for a travelling library in Algeria!! The books will be shared with children at orphanages, hospitals, schools and those in the community.


Algeria (shown in red) - North Africa


How WE can help:
1) Send books directly to the UK, which will be shipped to Algeria.
Algerian Action
85 Clementina Road
London, E10 7LT
U.K.

2) Donate money, and I'll purchase the books and send them. $4 might not get you an awesome book, but funds combined can.
--------------- we are no longer accepting donations!

Age Group:
Babies to teens - 0 to 14 years old
Books can be English, French or Arabic


Resources:
- This project is through Algerian Action. Please check out there website for other projects.
- Book Depository: Shipping is free from this site.
- Amazon Wish List


PLEASE share this project with others.
From my side (i.e: this blog) I'd like to send at least 200 books. Below I'll list titles, so we don't really repeat things. Let me know what books you send - so I can add them.

Labels:

 
posted by Sketched Soul at 8:07 AM | Permalink 6 comments
Go to older posts

Go to newer posts