As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I while back I had showed you the envelopes I designed for someones wedding. And here is the guestbook! It's SUCH an awesome idea, unlike a regular book! I designed this based on how many guest are invited, so a smaller wedding would be a smaller frame and less leaves (well smaller tree). This is printed on canvas. It's a 30"x40" frame, with a 2" depth.

....contact me (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) if you are interested in having me design one. It's completely customized, to fit the color scheme too, etc.


This is on the canvas, before it's signed. Sharpie Ultra Fine markers work the best, I tested a few!!



After the guests signed.



Close up of part of the illustration. It has a hadith at the bottom.

Labels: art, ideas

As-salaamu'alaykum wa RahmatuLlahi wa Barakatuhu

I'm still around people!!! Just been very busy with work and prep for my cousin's wedding. Will insha'Allah show you all the awesome things I've been up to!

So a week before the wedding I had a party/shower for her and invited Mocha Henna, since I knew some of the guest would love that.

I absolutely LOVE them!! I'm not a big fan of all henna designs, but love theirs. They also use pure (as in no chemicals) henna - and the color turns out amazing! The sister who applied it is also so sweet (tabarak'Allah).





They are Toronto based, and prices are very reasonable. Definitely worth checking out - my guest were soooo happy with theirs, kicked my party a notch up ;)

Here is their facebook page: Mocha Henna
Website: http://www.mochahenna.com/

Labels: art, sites

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Been a while!!!
The last few months I've been really busy designing a children's Islamic book (stories with activities). I can't wait to show it to you (once my client gets it printed, insha'Allah). It's REALLY awesome, and I'm sure it would benefit so many children.

Anyway... so I got some free time yesterday and finally got to make my niece Safiyah an abaya for her fulla doll. Anyone who sews and knows if the barbie pattern size will fit a fulla doll, please let me know. I just freehand this pattern.

I'll probably be making more for my other nieces :D



Also busy with logo designs. This one is the latest, for "The Oven". Check out their facebook page..they have some super yummy desserts!!



And this it for now! Will be back with more stuff. Still have to post up Eid pictures to give you some party ideas!

Labels: art, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Oh I know, I know.. it's been sooooo long since I've posted. I'm sorry people, I've just been really busy with so many things - some more interesting than others. One of them is working on this children's book.

AlhumduliLlah it's complete and I had a blast working on all the characters. Now I have another two lined up to work on, insha'Allah that goes well.

I really love working on children book illustrations rather than brochures and flyers (don't tell my clients that..haha)

Labels: art, review

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.



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: art, review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I'm officially ALL done drawing out things on my mural. Those that have read my previous posts, know I am working on a mural for the Orphanage in Zambia. It's about 8.5 foot wide - so I have lots to fill. AlhumduliLlah I'm happy with how things are going..now to paint!! But I'll have to put that on hold since I have other work to do.

Labels: art, zambia

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu 

I finally finished the painting I mentioned in the last email. I had fun, even though the entire process was a learning experience.... especially the lettering.

"And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful."

AlhumduliLlah, Allah has blessed us with SO much. Prophet Dawud (alayhis salaam) used to say, "O Lord! How can I ever duly thank You, when my thanking You is also a favor from You to me?" Allah answered him, "Now, you have thanked Me sufficiently, O Dawud" - meaning: when he admitted that he will never be able to thank Allah.
.... something to really think about.


There you have it! My next painting insha'Allah is a mural (or as big as I can make it) for the orphanage in Zambia.

Labels: art, reflection

I know, I should be doing better things on a Saturday... *grin*
Anyway, I felt like drawing but not coloring.. so I'll leave that up to your little ones to do.
You should be able to just click on the image  (to enlarge) and print, if not, email me and I'd be happy to send you the file.




Comment:
Teach children the importance of not getting mad and learning to be patient. It's such an important trait to control your anger, that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) repeated it several times to the man asking for advice.


Happy coloring!

Labels: art, coloring, lesson

This is my first time taking part in Illustration Friday, hopefully it will motivate me to work on something every week - even if it's just a sketch.

This weeks topic is "Detective" - and here is my little detective.

Labels: art, if

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Umm Hibaat and Adikbongsu, here is the seascape I mentioned.


27" x 19" Pastel painting
This was done for my sister. It's not my usual work, as in.. it doesn't have much detail, and I felt pretty free to just layer on the colours without much thought, and so.. it was an enjoyable piece to work on. AlhumduliLlah, my sister is happy with it.

Now to work on something else!

Labels: art

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Here it is,
.... as promised: Hajar, Adikbongsu and Asiyah.


30" x 20" Charcoal painting. Because of all the detail it took a lot of time and patience. (Don't look too close, or you'll spot all the lovely flaws..haha)

This is Masjid Ubudiah. It's located in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia. If you see pictures, it's the beautiful Masjid with gold domes. Built in 1917 it was commissioned on the orders of the Sultan, who vowed that he would build a mosque of great beauty as thanksgiving for recovery from an illness which plagued him in those early days.

The construction of the mosque was not without difficulties (just like trying it in charcoal!). Work was interrupted several times, once when two elephants belonging to the sultan's and Raja Chulan were fighting and ran over and damaged the imported Italian marble titles. The second time when the World War 2 broke out, by the Japanese Invasion.

... all that's left is me going there! ahh.. one day, insha'Allah - and framing it.

Labels: art

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Way back in June (I can't believe it was so long ago), I mentioned a little about our (mine, and my cousins) Crazy Creation swap. We each exchanged a list of 10 items (or similar) and had to come up with something using all of the items. We decided to exchange our gifts on Eid, ahh.. and what a wonderful and fun way to spend Eid!

I had a blast working on mine, and was just as excited to see what Fatima would come up with. Well here it is people...

This is what I made for her:



I had to use:
1) some wire - it's not in the picture.. but was a chain with wire and beads hanging from the zipper
2) 2 circles - the dot on the "i", and in the letter "W"
3) at least 1 safety pin - the zipper tab has a safety pin in, (ie. if the zipper fails, you have a 'safety' pin on hand)
4) some calligraphy - the word "chained water" is stenciled down the side of the skirt
5) a reflection - in the word "water", 'ater' is shown as a reflection
6) some ribbon - is used to attach the zipper tab (holding the safety pin) to the zipper
7) time - this is a mermaid style skirt, used in 1901
8) some glass - the beads stuck on the words are glass beads
9) at least 1 leaf - in the letter "W" there are leave designs
10) some powder - the skirt is made using 'powder green' fabric


This is what Fatima made for me:



She had to use:
1) something from nature - the frog cupcake! (isn't he cute)
2) analogous colours -the frosting used to decorate the cupcakes.. the colour is just gorgeous!
3) tribal motif - on the stand, there is the tribal design drawn on
4) a spice - the frog nose has cinnamon on
5) leather - it's used on the stand as decoration
6) something made in China - every item used to make this was from China
7) a battery - a little battery was used to hold up the sign on top saying Eid Mubarak
8) a pyramid - the masterpiece itself is in the shape of a pyramid
9) death - currents/raisins, used as the frogs eyes (this was such a good idea!!) (ie. they represent death.. as in a grape is alive.. and once 'dead' it's a raisin)
10) glass - the beads used on the stand as decoration

Masha'Allah, it's wonderful.. and her idea still makes me so happy, because I would have never thought of making something edible!

Insha'Allah we have plans for another swap, and will exchange gift on Eid-ul-Adha.

Would you like to join us?? If you are really interested, you need to find someone who lives near you, who is willing to participate as your exchange partner (so..no mailing gifts, because that means you have to take that into consideration).. and then you will have to email me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca with your name and your exchange partners email and name..and I'll email you both with further details.

Labels: art, crafts, swaps

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