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

This weeks topic for Illustration Friday is "Fearless" - don't mess with the chef! He's actually a character I need for a children's magazine.

Anyway..this is my first time inking in Photoshop (usually I do everything in Illustrator) - It's so much easier to shade in Photoshop, I definitely enjoyed it!

Labels: if

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

I think this will probably be my last post, and last project here.

There wasn’t much help for this project, Warm The Streets…. despite that we managed to collect/receive 136 pairs of socks.



This was a very important project for me to fulfill because the recipients had asked for socks, and when someone who doesn’t have something as simple as socks and asks for it the least I can do is try and get it to them.

Thank you to those that helped out, your efforts are very much appreciated. The socks have officially been delivered. Yaay!

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Oh I am sorry my dear readers for the very delayed post. I’m around, but have no net connection so it makes it difficult to post.

Anyhooo… the 48 gorgeous Native Care Bags have been delivered (finally!) to an organization called Native Child right here in Toronto. They were very happy to receive them. This has been a project I’ve always wanted to do (before I even started blogging) and I’m thrilled WE were able to put them together.




Thank you very, very much to all those that helped.




Each bag included: two colouring books (a small and large one), crayons, a stuffed toy, stickers, a toothbrush, soap, a face towel, a pencil, erasers, a sharpener, a ruler and note book.

Donations came from sisters here in Canada, Singapore, Medina, UK, and the States. Thank you again ladies, it wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

Labels: help

Title: The Road To Mecca

Labels: review

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Well, well.. yes.. I am around. Sorry for the delayed update.

AlhumduliLlah I did receive my beautiful gift from the Ramadaan Swap Hunt. The idea was to send your swap partner ten gifts that represent items from out master list.



Thank you SO much Eva! I totally dig my gift! Now that I've finally taken a picture of it, I can eat the giant lollipop! haha
May Allah reward you for your kindness. Ameen.


Here's what I got:

Handmade: Bookmark made by a lady from Afghanistan

Pink: T-Shirt (just what I needed!)

Floral Design: Body lotion

Sunnah: Miswak

Artsy-Craftsy: Coloured wire (yaaay)

Practical: Beautiful notebook

Scented: Musk

To Wear: Chocolate Mask (how cool)

Shiny: Eye shade

To Read: Lost History book (this is my favourite - I've already started it!)

Sweet: Giant lollipop

Thank you to all those that participated. This years swap went very well.. alhumduliLlah we had a lovely group.

So far I have only two blog posts to share, but I'll update the list if others post.

Crafty Muslimah

Yaney

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

As most of my readers know, I usually share a cookie recipe a few days before Eid. And here it is!

I'm having a 'Princess Eid' this year.. and every castle needs some 'princess butterflies', I however couldn't find a cookie cutter (in my last minute baking) so I made one!



They are very easy to make (surprisingly), and sturdy enough to keep for future use (just make sure to only clean the foil part).. it's also GREAT to be able to make any shape you want.

What you'll need:
- Image/template of cookie you want to make
- Scissors
- Glue
- Sturdy cardboard
- Packaging tape (or any strong tape)
- Heavy duty Aluminum Foil (the kind for bbq's)
- A little patience


Print out the "Butterfly Template". I've put two images, one is a little simpler and is 3". This cookie is 4" - which is a pretty big cookie.

Also note: if you'd like a shape for making cookies, and can't find one online.. I'd be happy to draw it out for you - just give me a few days notice.


Stick the template on cardboard. Make sure it's thick cardboard, that wouldn't bend easily.


Cut the image out.


Cut out a 12cm piece of foil, and fold it 6 times - so you have a 2cm thick line.

Here is where a little patience is needed (depending on how complicated your cookie shape is). You need to wrap the foil around the cardboard, taping it in place as your go.


You are now ready to test out your cookie cutter.



Roll-Out Cookie Dough
This is my favourite dough for rolling-out and cutting. It's easy to make, tastes good, and soft enough to be able to use a home-made cookie cutter.

Makes 22 (4" butterfly 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 7 mins.
:: Once completely cool, decorate as desired. You can use a simple frosting - icing sugar and water - no butter so it dries faster, and coloured sugar.

Labels: recipes, tutorials

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I pray your Ramadaan is going well thus far.



Not so long ago we ran a project to help the Muslims in Colombia, South America, by providing them with Islamic reading material. We've also been busy trying to establish a dawah centre there. Unfortunately brother Dawood (the brother behind the project) has been very, very ill for the last few months.

Please keep him in your prayers this Ramadaan, and let others know about the project:

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Ha.. I know, I know.. I'm way behind on posting a Ramadaan activity this year. Well... that's because I have no more nephews to teach, however a wonderful sister reminded me that they are still other children out there that would like to do something fun this Ramadaan. So here it is... my giant Ramadaan Dua' Book!


The purpose of this book:
- To teach children how to 'reflect' on the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us. It's something we (adults) should be doing - so encourage them from now to make it part of their lives.
- One of the best prayers a person can make is "AlhumduliLlah".
- Make Ramadaan fun, and give them a sense of how special it is.



Most of the instructions (on how to assemble this book) are on the pdf file.

Ramadaan Dua' Book PDF

After making the book, you'll need to print out 30 pages of the 'alhumduliLlah' page (last page on pdf) - and secure them in the book using the fastners you glued in.

Print out the "Reflective words" - place a word plus a small toy (balloon, date, candy, stickers, etc.) in each cylinder, cover with tissue paper and a rubber band, and stick a number on (provided on pdf).

Each day the child will poke a hole through the right day (example, 3rd fast - so number three), read the 'reflective word' - and think about what he/she is thankful for that relates with that word. Then write about it, and / or draw a picture of it.

Not much to it, but it'll definitely teach them to 'see' how much they have, and insha'Allah appreciate it.

Labels: crafts, paper, ramadaan

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Two years ago we ran a Warm The Streets project collecting winter scarves for the homeless of Toronto.

Our grateful recipients expressed a need for socks, and so insha'Allah this year we can fulfill their request.



Details of project: Send in as many socks as you can before November 1. They can be crocheted, knitted, bought. Please make sure they are adult size, in neutral colours and suitable for cold weather. You may also add a note saying who it is made by, etc.

Other ways to help:
:: Run a Sock Drive at your local masjid, school, MSA, etc.
:: Post the banner (on my side bar) on your site linked to this post.
:: Inform family, friends, co-workers, and classmates about this project.
:: Donate money for socks to be purchased. (email me)
:: Pray for those who are less-fortunate.

How they will be delivered: These will be wrapped and individually handed out to those on the streets of Toronto (Ontario, Canada), with a packed meal. I especially encourage those who live in Ontario to participate!

Participants allowed: International

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Limit: None.






If you would like to help, please email (amtullah79@yahoo.ca) me for an address where you can mail or drop off the socks.

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

I've been tagged by my dearest sister Umm Hibaat! Thank you for thinking of me.


Conditions of this award are:
Tell your readers 10 things about you that they may or may not know, but are true. Tag ten people with the award, and be sure to let them know they have been tagged (a quick comment on their blog will do). Don’t forget to link back to the blogger who tagged you.

Oh my... humm... 10 huh? 3 not enough?

1) I prefer cooking withOUT exact measurements, even if I've never made the dish before.. ha!

2) I'm very punctual, alhumduliLlah - and I think it's inconsiderate to plan events assuming everyone is going to be late!

3) I'm attempting to learn Spanish - but I usually don't finish what I start *grin*

4) I don't like shopping - I know, I know..what's wrong with me?!

5) I prefer to eat with chopsticks instead of a fork.

6) I collect boxes - I don't know why.. I just LIKE them, and they like me.. and that's all that counts!

7) I like reading blogs where I can learn something - even if it's once in a while.

8) I get really happy when a Muslimah (that I don't know) answers my salaam - or even better says salaam to me first!

9) Two children have been named after me - insha'Allah that's a good thing.. lol

10) I find cook books fascinating - I can read them from cover to cover.



I tag: - Don't feel obligated to do it, I know not everyone likes tags.

Islamic Unit Studies

Yaney

Handmade Beginnings

Hijabi Apprentice

A Wayfarer's Journey

Shaalom 2 Salaam

The Muslim Homeschooler

Made By Claire

Chasing Jannah

Angeliquez

Labels: me

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

God willing Ramadaan will be here soon.. and then you'll be thinking about gifts! Here's a head start in sending something special to one of your sisters this Eid.



Details of swap: Each participant will suggest 4 items for our scavenger hunt list. Once you are assigned a partner you will receive the master list - from there, you need to send 10 gifts. EACH gift must represent a different item listed.

Here are my four you will see on the list:

1) Something local
2) Something camo/military pattern
3) Something Islamic
4) Something with your partner's first initial

Participants allowed: International (females only).

Ages allowed: All ages.

Cost Limit: None.

Rules:
1) Sent out gift- email me and your swap partner.
2) Received gift - email me and your swap partner. (Send me pics, I'll put them up!)


Sign up due date: Monday August 3, 2009
Partners and list will be emailed to you on: Tuesday August 3, 2009
Gift must be mailed out by: Monday August 31, 2009


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: Ramadaan Swap Hunt
Blog url:
Email address:
Four items for the list:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Your real name:
Mailing address:
Do I and your swap partner have your permission to post pics of your gift:
How did you hear about this swap:
Comments:




Participants to date:

Sketched Soul sent received

Islamic Unit Studies

Beebo sent received

Crafty Muslimah sent received

Handmade Beginnings sent received

Yaney sent received

Hijabi Apprentice

Life A Gift sent received

... With A Saudi Accent sent (received)

Shirin sent received

Final List of Items:

something local

something made from recycled things

something green

something recycled (fave book, tasbih, hijab used, etc.)

something to read

something soft

something to do with Ramadan or 'Eid

something camo/military pattern

something handmade

something feminine or that celebrates being a woman

something savoury

something with your partner's first initial

something environmentally friendly

something pink

something about Ramadaan

something cuddly

something blue

something with a floral design

something to strengthen relationships (spiritual, marital, sisterhood, etc.)

something that can fly

something with bling

something from the sunnah (henna, miswak, honey, etc.)

something artsy-craftsy

something practical

something sweet

something readable

something spicy

something scented

something hot pink

a poem you really like/favourite quote

something to wear

something Islamic

something purple

something shiny

something Islamic and scrapable (as in for a scrapbook)

Labels: swaps

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah, last Ramadaan WE were able to help Nasrin.
Participants came from: 1 - Singapore : 5 - U.S.A. : 9 - Canada


God willing, this year we can continue working together to help another child.

Project Description: To sponsor a child for a year, as a group. It will cost a total of $360 (Canadian). The more people who join the less money you spend, and your reward stays the same, insha'Allah.. just make sure you have the correct intention.



Are you ready to make your Ramadaan different this year? If you are interested, email me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca
On August 4, I will let you know how much you will be required to pay. If you agree to this amount, you will be expected to pay it on August 17. Make sense? (ie: by you signing up it does not mean you are committed, until you know how much and agree to that amount)


Sign-up date due: Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Payment agreement: Sunday, August 9, 2009
Payment must be made: Monday, August 17, 2009

Before emailing me.. please make sure have the correct intention, (ie: to do it to please Allah).

Note: As a sponsor you will receive a profile of the child, and have permission to write/send cards, etc. to the child. The child will likely be a boy from Kenya.

Labels: help

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

Here is a craft I first did with my past Sunday School students. A lot of parents/homeschoolers seem to be interested in it.. so I thought it would be nice to share it with my bloggers (what's left of them.. haha)


Our lesson was about Mosques - keeping them clean, how they look (use calendar pics for this), the parts (dome, minaret, etc.), their purpose (community, salaat, helping others).

The idea of the money box was for the kids to collect change and give their box to the a Mosque to go towards helping others.


I prefer the kids use water paint for this craft, because kids love paint and it also allows for the design (doors, etc.) to show through.

Mosque Money Box Template

Materials:
- Mosque template printed on card stock
- wrapping paper
- soap box
- scissor/strong tape/exacto knife
- water paints/brushes/glue/glitter - decorating items
- a few coins


:: Make sure the soap box is taped shut, and cover with wrapping paper.
:: Cut out the template, and using an exacto knife cut out the thin rectangle you see just above the door.
:: Line the bottom of the soap box with the bottom of the Mosque and trace out the rectangular hole you had just cut, onto the soap box - now cut that out as well, it can be slightly bigger.
:: Allow the children to decorate their Mosque before assembling.
:: Stick the Mosque onto the box (making sure the rectangles line up).
:: Give the child a few coins to start their collection.

Labels: crafts, paper