Abdullah & Amatullah
Monday, July 23, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Earlier I mentioned I was working on a crochet project... here it is!
They turned out better than I expected, alhumduliLlah and I had a blast making them.
I'm still not sure whether to sell them or keep them for my niece.


I absolutely LOVE mixed medium (only realized that recently). The prayer mats are made with fabric, paint, and yarn.



This is how big they actually are. Little Fatimah holding them.




Believe it or not, I got some direction from this book: Creepy Cute Crochet.
Book review:



It a wonderful book!
There is a lot a really love about it:
- the 'creatures' are very cute
- there is actually a variety to make, from ninjas and robots, to skeletons and zombies
- they all pretty much use the same basic (head, body) pattern - so you have lots of room to come up with your own creations
- there is both a written pattern and an illustrated pattern
- they are unique - lots of amigurumi style creatures out there, but I personally haven't come across any like these

What YOU might not like:
-  it's NOT for a beginner (this is mentioned in the book), unless you like the challenge 
- I wouldn't consider myself a beginner, but even I made up a few things on the way (at least I think I did..haha)
- it's not for very young children IF you decide to use the eyes suggested in the book (safety eyes or felt eyes would be a better option)



Check out Made By Me Monday - other creative souls at work!

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posted by Sketched Soul at 8:59 AM | Permalink 9 comments
Carry
Sunday, July 22, 2012
It's been a while since I participated in Illustration Friday!
This week the theme is "Carry"

I'm not good with Photoshop (I'm an Illustrator fan).. but this was a wonderful opportunity to play around with Photoshop. I used this method: Digital Shading.


I enjoyed the whole process and will most likely use it again.



This is straight from my sketch book.. just thought I'd show you the before and after.

Happy illustrating!

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posted by Sketched Soul at 1:10 PM | Permalink 10 comments
Mowgli Eid Cards
Saturday, July 21, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu
Ramadaan Mubarak everyone!

Making Eid cards is (was) the last thing on my Eid to-do list - I didn't want to do any Eid related things during Ramadaan, so happy I got everything completed in time, alhumduliLlah.

So our Eid has a Jungle Book theme to it. I use a theme every Eid, because it makes it easy for me to decorate. The kids are so excited about this years plans! Insha'Allah it all goes well.


Wasn't very much to it. I used this template for Mowgli: Template - but I drew in the face details.


I've never been very good at making cards, and I'm not sure why.. but I did enjoy making these!


May Allah accept your fasts, good deeds and good intentions. Ameen.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 3:22 PM | Permalink 3 comments
Eid Giveaway
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

The summer issue of SAKYNA Magazine features a tutorial done by me, on how to make an Eid Banner! Please check it out, and support the mag.


I've also made an extra banner in fabric for a lucky winner, insha'Allah.



I had so much fun making it, and love how the fabric fades from one color to another.

What you have to do to grab your chance to win: let others know about this giveaway either on your blog, facebook page, pinterest page or tweeter - then leave the link in the comment box.

Tada! ..that's it... Wednesday, July 25th I'll announce the winner.





For those who would like to do the tutorial (in the magazine), I'm including a download here for the lettering:
Lettering For Eid Banner




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posted by Sketched Soul at 4:11 PM | Permalink 17 comments
more..... Qur'an Covers
Saturday, July 07, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu


I'm still busy sewing, and loving it! I'm also working on a crochet project (doll), which is turning out pretty good so far - will post once done.

So my last Qur'an cover sold (alhumduliLlah), and my sister digs the one I gave her... so I decided to try out more. Insha'Allah I want to make 'kid friendly' ones one of these days - at least two for my nephews.



Tried a different print, and added a different spine. Love how this one looks. I suppose more for guys, but I'd use this one.


I did another one with a blue print on velvet. This is a two tone blue which looks awesome!


And this one is a 'girly' one.
 
posted by Sketched Soul at 6:38 PM | Permalink 8 comments
Ramadaan SALE
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykumwa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu
 

Insha'Allah this will be my Ramadaan sale!

Check out: Sketched Soul

The coupon code is valid until Eid, but the children's abayas/thobes will only be listed until the end of the month, this is the last of the stock.

Please let others know.
Jazakum'Allahu khair.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 10:45 AM | Permalink 0 comments
Ramadaan Masjid
Monday, July 02, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmtu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

In 2006 (yes my blog is old - so am I).... I did a post on a Ramadaan Surprise box. I had used the tutorial from a site which showed a simple box with sections, and I decided it would look cool as a masjid. Anyway, the tutorial link no longer works and I've had so many requests.. I decided to re-do the whole thing for YOU! - you're welcome *grin*

 
Here is the PDF file, if for some reason you can not download it, email me and I'll send you a copy.
Ramadaan Surprise Box

It's not a 'simple' craft... so if you decide to make it - you really love your child *cheesy grin*
 

They are different things you can fill the box with. 
This particular box is for three children. One child is only 2 years old, so I’ve put a candy in for her, and she'll learn the numbers (30 days) and it'll give Ramadaan that specialness it deserves.
The other two children will get a candy as well as a piece of paper where they will write their charity
(sadaqa) for the day - in hopes they will learn about giving, and realize how much they can accomplish in a month.

Other options:
- add small (loot bag type) toys
- add a date for each day
- add a short hadith to read each day
- add a short sentence about Ramadaan (i.e: Allah gave us the Qur'an in Ramadaan).

If you have any other ideas, please share.
AND feel free to show me how you're surprise box turned out, I would LOVE to see it.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 2:09 PM | Permalink 4 comments
Eid Mubarak Bow
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Bows! A wonderful way to make a plain gift look extra special.
I love how simple it is to make your own. The beauty is you can use SO many different things to make one..and they all look interesting - newspapers, magazines, maps, wrapping paper, ribbon, felt, etc.


I have two print outs to make it even easier.
- "Eid Mubarak" print out
- "With Love" print out


Step 1: Choose the template (above) you want and print it out on the paper you want to use.

If you're printing on wrapping paper (which is thin) you'll need to temporarily stick it (use tape) to printer paper, so it goes through the printer with no problems.
 


Step 2: Cut out the strips on the dotted line shown on the template.

If you are not following the template, you need:
- 3 strips 11" long
- 3 strips 10" long
- 3 strips 9" long
- 1 strip 3" long
.......all at .75" wide 


Step 3: Fold each strip in a sort of "s" shape.. so both edges meet in the middle. Tape it down.


Step 4: The 3" strip should be made into a ring. Once you have all of them ready they should look like this.


Step 5: Starting with the three longest, layer it on spacing it evenly. Tape them down.

If the paper you are using is very thick you will need a stronger tape, or use glue or staples. (I prefer to work with tape)


Step 6: Add the ring in the center.


Voila you are done! Now attach it to your Eid gift, and start on the next one *grin*


The first three to comment, I will be happy to make a personal template for you, using someones name or a saying. Just make sure you leave an email so I can contact you.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 1:48 PM | Permalink 15 comments
Cargo Skirt
Thursday, June 21, 2012
As-salaamu alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

There is no 'real' pattern I can share with you, sorry, although I drew out a rough idea (at the bottom). I am however posting the pictures in hopes it will inspire you in some way or the other... it also looks really cute on my niece (tabarak'Allah).


It's actually a very simple skirt to make - two rectangles, an elastic waist band and a little imagination.


This is the right side of the skirt. I added a cargo pocket.


This is the left side of the skirt. I added eyelets, and laced a 'ribbon' I made through.


Rough outline of how to make it. If you are familiar with sewing, you should pretty much understand what I've drawn. If it's not very clear, just email me.. I'll send you the pdf file.

Happy sewing!

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posted by Sketched Soul at 6:48 AM | Permalink 0 comments
YOUR help
Wednesday, June 20, 2012

the ZAMBIAN ORPHANAGE needs YOUR help

 “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [al-Bukhari]


 Contact
 Sr. Farida: (Scarborough)
416-759-7082

Sr. Iffat: (Mississauga)
647-547-7534    

Sr. Shireen: (Whitby)
shireen_p@hotmail.com
905-409-3161

Sr. Farhana:
amtullah79@yahoo.ca

Makeni Institute Trust
P.O. Box 31721
Lusaka, Zambia
Africa
mitrust28@yahoo.com


Donations in new or excellent condition  .  For boys ages 6-13  .  40 children but rapidly increasing

. Bicycles
. Scooters, rollerblades, skateboards
. Fictional Books: step books, early readers, story books
. Sports Equipment: soccer balls, footballs, baseballs, basketballs
. Educational Toys: jigsaw puzzles, colouring books, crosswords/word searches, board games
. School Supplies: pencils, pencil crayons, markers, paints, crafts, etc.
. Classroom Aids: multiplication charts, skeleton, pocket charts, etc.
. Projector for classroom
. Computers and flat screen monitors (only) - new or in excellent condition
. Warm blankets - must be new
. Cash donations for bookshelves and shipping costs

Deadline: September 15th, 2012



 Makeni Institute Trust is a registered charitable organization: 7000000726808

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posted by Sketched Soul at 5:04 PM | Permalink 0 comments
Boy Pants
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

One off my to-do list! This pattern is from Ikat Bag's blog. Love the pattern and very happy with how it turned out.


Front of the pants. These are made for my niece. 


Back of the pants.


Top to go with. There is no pattern for this, but it's pretty easy.. and if you can sew the pants, you'll definitely be able to sew this.


Ice-cream picture. This is hand painted on, using fabric paint. Perfect for summer, and a little girl that loves her ice-cream!


My ice-cream buttons I ordered from China! The price is good and they are cute. They were also what inspired me to paint the ice-cream in the picture above.


There you go.. I am busy!... despite what others might say *grin*


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posted by Sketched Soul at 8:30 PM | Permalink 8 comments
Children . Postcards . Round 2
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh


Sign-up for the postcard swap for children was due June 10th. AlhumduliLlah the turn out was amazing, with 54  participants.
......... and we are STILL getting requests to join. So insha'Allah I'm running a second postcard swap.




Details of swap: Each participant will send out at least three postcards to their partner within the next three months (July, August, September). Preferably one postcard per month. These could be handmade or purchased.

Participants will be partnered by age and gender (if possible).

Participants allowed: International.

Ages allowed: Any age that can read and write.

Cost Limit: None.

Rules:
1) Must be a minimum of three postcards sent.


Sign up due date: Saturday June 23, 2012
Partners and list will be emailed to you on: Monday June 25, 2012
Postcards must be mailed out by: Before October 1, 2012


If your child would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Children . Postcards . Round 2
Your Blog url:
Your Email address:
Child's Email address (if they have one):
Child's real name:
Mailing address:
Child's age and gender:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:




Participants to date: 38 

- Safiyah & - Eefah
- Sadaat & - Ibrahim
- Khadeeja & - Sakina
- Idris & - Abdur Rahman
- Husna & - Mieasha
- Zayba & - Maryam P
- Musa & - Muadh
- Rumaysah & - Shameela
- Taymiyyah & - Huda
- Aaishah & - Noura
- Yumna & - Jordyn
- Dhakira & - Maryum
- Tasneem & - Maryam K
- Aasiyah & - Noor
- Hamza & - Abdullah
- Nusaybah & - Ammaarah
- Abdullah K & - Humza K
- Khadijah & - Zakiyyah
- Mariam & - Hanna


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posted by Sketched Soul at 8:14 PM | Permalink 0 comments
Girly Ramadaan Swap
Monday, June 11, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

AlhumduliLlah the first Ramadaan/Eid swap we had was in 2006!! I've met so many amazing sisters through the swaps, insha'Allah this year's will be just as wonderful for both you and me!





Swap Theme: "Girly" -  anything cute, maybe pink, flip-flops, hijabs, earrings, etc., etc. etc.

Details of swap: Buy your swap partner all those fun, gorgeous things you wished someone would buy for you. The main reason for this swap is to build new friendships... please keep that in mind.

Participants allowed: International (females only). The more sisters you invite the better the swap usually is.

Ages allowed: All ages.

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

Sign up due date: Saturday June 23rd, 2012
Partners will be emailed to you on: Monday June 25th, 2012
Gift must be mailed out by: No later than July 20th, 2012




To participant email me the questionnaire below (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Girly Ramadaan Swap
Your Blog url:
Your Email address:
Your real name:
Mailing address:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:



Participants to date: 15  


- The Stolen Light
- Farhana
- Reflective Dust
- Faridah
- Gina
- Yaney
- Umm Nuh
- Shaalom2Salaam
- Hira
- Celin
- Ayesha
- Umm Idris
- Haw-waa
- Handmade Beginnings
- Muslim Mamma
-




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posted by Sketched Soul at 4:43 PM | Permalink 4 comments
Children's Postcard Swap
Friday, June 01, 2012

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh


A postcard swap! What a great way to get children writing and having fun in the summer. Hopefully the friend they meet will be someone they can continue to keep in touch with.



Details of swap: Each participant will send out at least three postcards to their partner within the next three months (June, July and August). Preferably one postcard per month. These could be handmade or purchased.

Participants will be partnered by age and gender (if possible).

Participants allowed: International.

Ages allowed: Any age that can read and write.

Cost Limit: None.

Rules:
1) Must be a minimum of three postcards sent.


Sign up due date: Sunday June 10, 2012
Partners and list will be emailed to you on: Monday June 11, 2012
Postcards must be mailed out by: Before September 1, 2012


If your child would like to participate, I will need to know the following information. (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) note: .ca NOT .com


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER
Name of swap: Kids Postcard Swap
Your Blog url:
Your Email address:
Child's Email address (if they have one):
Child's real name:
Mailing address:
Child's age and gender:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:



Participants to date: 54


- Elijah & - Ismaeel
- Abdullah A. & - Khalil
- Sam & - Yahya
- Maysara & - Maymuna
- Ibraheem & - Jibreel
- Khadijah & - Zaitoon
- Haajar & - Summayyah
- Aisha & - Maryam
- Umar A. & - Ephraim
- Hamida & - Fatima
- Nadira & - Asmaa
- Saleem & - Ayman
- Amir & - Bilal
- AbdulMalik & - Usman
- Mustafaa & - Abdullah
- Yusuf & - Shayaan
- Husna & - Asma
- Luqman & - Umar
- Safiya & - Zaynab
- Naailah & - Mariam
- AbdulKarim & - Jasper
- Musa & - Hamza
- Amal & - Ruqayyah
- Iman & - Safa
- Nazneen & - Aasiyah
- Nusaiba & - Sumayyah
- Ismael B. & - Muhammad

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posted by Sketched Soul at 12:27 PM | Permalink 5 comments
Fabric Bookmarks Trial Run
Monday, May 28, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Fabric bookmarks!!!
I should really be doing other things, like working through my never ending list of "needs to be done right away" stuff! Anyway, I really love the idea of fabric bookmarks, so I was testing it out. They didn't turn out exactly what I had in mind.. so I'll have to go back to the 'drawing board', but still pretty in their own way.



I'm hoping to get them perfect so I can add them to peoples purchases when they shop at my etsy or zibbet store.

What's everyone else working on? Let me know, or share your blog link so I can check it out :)

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posted by Sketched Soul at 5:31 PM | Permalink 6 comments
My Zoo Trip
Friday, May 25, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I finally went to the ZOOOOOOOOOO! I absolutely LOVE the zoo...! I know, it's not nice to have animals all caged up - but I still love the zoo. I'm sharing a few of my favorite pics from the day as well as an 'assignment' for kids - but don't call it that when you give it to them. It's a scavenger hunt to them!
 

The 'Canadian Domain' takes forever to get to, but it's SO worth the walk. How often do YOU get to see grizzly bears! .. better than UFC  *grin*


There are peacocks walking all around, but this guy decided to put on a little show!


Polar bear at feeding time. Polar bears are just too cool, even when they are lazing around being bums!


And here is the 'scavenger hunt'. My nephews did it (ages 7 & 8). It wasn't too difficult for them but once at home you could tell they remembered a lot more about each animal, and enjoyed themselves.

Your child will need a digital camera, this list and maybe a pencil to check off what they find. Don't help them once there.. but make sure you've covered the words in previous lessons. The idea is to get pictures of as many as they can...no pressure, let them enjoy the trip!

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posted by Sketched Soul at 2:52 PM | Permalink 9 comments
To Do List
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Here is my official list of projects to do. I have papers all over my desk with urls and ideas I'd like to try...but I think keeping a list here will make my life easier, and more likely motivate me to actually do them.............you may want to join me!
I will be updating the list regularly - adding more, and crossing out what is done (hopefully).
Sewing Projects:
Fabric Dollhouse
Clear Toy Storage Bags
Boy Pants     -  (completed link)
Pajama Eater
2d Character Softie
Hair Scrunchies
Princess Pavillion Tent
Arabic Fabric Book
Ironing Board Cover - (completed link)
Mowgli, Bagheera & Akela Costume -(completed link)
Rag Doll
Chef Hat
Art Case
Mail Holder
Football Thobes - (completed link)
Tinkerbell Costume
Cowboy Costume - (completed link)
Cinderella Dress
Back With Buckets
Puppet Theater
Carrot House

Crochet Projects:
Football Kufi (skull cap) - (completed link)
Crochet Doll
Seven Petal Flower
African Flower Purse
Bunny

Craft Projects:
Magnetic Paper Dolls
Fabric Labels
Jungle Theme Eid Cards - (completed link)
Vines - (completed link)
Eid Banner - (completed link)
Cool Book Shelf
Popsicle Bracelets
Stamp making
Subway Art
Ribbon Bookmarks
Mural for orphanage
City painting

Kids Activities to try with my nephews:
Islamic Play using paperclip pics
Shadow puppets
Jungle Book Diorama
Batik Letters
Shower Curtain Village
Carton Wallet

Food:
Unicorn Poop
Banana Ice-Cream
Watermelon Shark
Dutch Apple Pie-lettes

Future Swaps:
Ramadaan Girly Swap (June)
Children's Card Swap (June)
Crafty Supply Swap
Lil' & Big Book Swap
Survival Swap
Hijab & Accessory Swap
Alif, Baa, Ta Swap

Children's Competitions
Qur'an Art Competition - winner link
Qur'an Chef Competition



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posted by Sketched Soul at 7:36 PM | Permalink 6 comments
Wrapping It Up
Saturday, May 12, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumdulilLlah, the book drive to help out the children at the Makeni orphanage in Zambia (Lusaka) was pretty successful.
We managed to collect:
- 9 large boxes of books in the UK, thanks to SmartArk.
- 12 large boxes of books were collected in the States (Maryland), thanks to Masjid IRHSCA
- 39 boxes of books were collected in Canada (Ontario), thanks to schools like IIT, homeschooling moms and Al-Falah Islamic School

The UK delivery only took two weeks to reach its destination...so we managed to get a video of the children with the books. It's heart-warming to watch..but still doesn't fully capture just how happy and grateful the children (and teachers) are to receive the books.






Please pass on the clip to others, and help up continue to help the orphans.
Jazakum'Allahu khair to all those that helped.



Insha'Allah we have a few up coming projects we are working on. If you can help us out in ANYWAY possible, please let me know.
For the next shipment we'd like to collect:
- Bicycles
- Computers (with flat screen monitors)
- Educational toys
- Board Games
- Story books (not text books, etc.)

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posted by Sketched Soul at 2:49 PM | Permalink 0 comments
Qur'an Cover!
Monday, April 30, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

So I've FINALLY made my sister a Qur'an cover! I've been 'promising' to make her one for a year-or-so. Anyway, it turned out awesome (even if the pictures suck.. it looks so much better in person).. I'm very happy with it, and it was fun to make, so I made two. The silver and black one I'll add to my etsy store, and see how that goes.

   

I used a velvet fabric on the outside, and lined the whole bag with a satin fabric.

 

Hand painted 'Iqra' (meaning: Read) on the outside.

Now I need to make two more..for kids, so it'll probably look different.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 3:08 PM | Permalink 10 comments
Monster Collection
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I'm having a little too much fun sewing!
Thought I'd share this project, because I always find it difficult to sew interesting enough things for boys (ages 7 & 8).. but THIS is awesome!..so any of you who are stuck on what to make, give this a try.

Who wouldn't like their own collection of monster beanbags!?!


I've made everything out of canvas...! once upon a time I bought an entire roll hoping I'd be a great artist *grin*... we still working on that 'hope'... bwahaha...

I made 6 different kinds. The beanbag faces are made with felt. I also decided to make a bag to hold everything in, that monster is painted on. I LOVE the bag!!.. and will probably make more for library books etc.


They are 18 altogether. The kids are very happy with them, which makes me happy.

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posted by Sketched Soul at 3:41 PM | Permalink 2 comments
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