As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

AlhumduliLlah, this will be the third time WE are sponsoring a child during Ramadaan (for a year).

This year we will be sponsoring a  7year old girl from Haiti, insha'Allah.

Project Description: To sponsor a child for a year, as a group. It will cost a total of $360 (Canadian).
I'm looking for a total or 36 people to pay $10 each.
Please DO NOT donate more than $10 (unless there is more than 1 participant) - so others have the opportunity to reap the rewards, insha'Allah.
....this is a great project to get your children involved in.



Are you ready to make your Ramadaan different this year?

Before donating 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. (I'm still awaiting a correct address)

If you you have any questions/concerns, email me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca 


Participants to date: 27


Jazak;Allahu khair.

Labels: help, love

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuh

My apologizes for not updating my blog, I've been very busy lately but I had to put up a new swap for Ramadaan/Eid! Not only do sisters email to ask, but I love the idea of giving a gift to a sister I've never met in hopes her Eid will be a little more sweeter!



Details of swap: This year it's not going to be very complicated. The only requirement is it must be a minimum of $15.

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: Thursday July 11, 2013
Partners will be emailed to you on: Sunday July 14, 2013
Gift must be mailed out by: So she can receive it in time for Eid.

To participant leave a comment under this post: include your email address, and 5 things you really like.

(If for whatever reason you prefer not to leave your email - contact me at amtullah79@yahoo.ca - but still leave a comment on this post about the 5 things you like)

Labels: ramadaan, swaps

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,

Between the flu (twice) and work.. I'm behind on blogging, sorry. But I do have this months featured artist: Shireen!

What medium do you use to express your creativity? And why did you choose this medium?
I like to express myself through poetry, it so happens that it's a "creative medium". It's an unintentional situation to be honest, consequently when there's a lot on my mind it comes out in a rhyme. Having said that, I don't consider myself a "poet", rather just rhyme my emotions. The beauty of poetry/rhyme for me is that it has various different meanings depending on who is reading it. For me I'll know exactly what and why I wrote what I wrote. For others they won't really know this, and I like it that way :)

What do you hope people gain from reading your work?
Not everyone is able to express how they feel, especially through words. Often words aren't a 'solution' it's just an avenue to vent or release whatever might be weighing on the mind. For those that read what I write, I hope they can be inspired in thought or at the very least feel a sense of understanding by someone; even if it's just an unknown 'rhymer'.

What influences your work?
Nothing in particular, I seem to have a hamster turning a wheel in my mind. Putting thought into things, life, occurrences; this is my natural disposition. Thus, whatever keeps going over and over in my mind, seems to be what comes out on paper. Maybe deep down inside I'm a rapper..lol. Often I write about situations I have no control over, what I cannot change in the physical. I suppose I try to influence it's change through the mere thought of it.

Do you have a favorite piece? And why this particular piece?
I honestly can't say I do. Everything I write has it's time and place - or more so it's emotion behind it. As I keep changing so does how I feel about it. Often I'm regurgitating similar thoughts in a different way. My thoughts stem from my values and understanding. They don't change dramatically but they have a different element or situation in mind.


AFRICA - The continent not the country



Does spirituality and culture play a role in your creativity?
Spirituality and culture are a default in thoughts. It's not a conscious effort I put towards tapping into, but you will definitely my religious views take precedence in all that I write. To separate the two would be like separating myself. So yes it definitely has it's place in what comes out, but only as a means of defining who I am.

What other creative interests do you have?
I can't say I have other creative interests as such. I don't even consider writing a 'creative interest', it's simply what I do. I never purposely meant to write in rhyme, just happens that way every single time; whether it makes it to paper or not,that's how thoughts turn in my mind.

What would you do if there was a polar bear in your closet? 
Hmm, if it's a real polar bear - I'd run! ...lol, if it's the friendly cute kind that doesn't breath, eat or walk - then I'll give it to my kids.

Where can we find more of your work?
My mind? :) ... I have a blog which I post my thoughts. You can find it at The Stolen Light

Labels: Artist

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

I would like to share a FaceBook group with you. This is a group started by ME, for moms in Durham Region (including Scarborough)...in Ontario (Canada). The idea, or hope is to get moms together in this area where we can hold different events or activities for children.

Ideas I'd like to one day do with the group:
- Costume (dress-up) party (this will be end of Feb/2013)
- Picnics
- Soccer or football games
- Arts and Crafts days- Hiking/bird watching
- Eid parties
- Children's craft fair

Please share any ideas or experience you have with groups like this.


FaceBook: Muslim Moms in Durham Region


This mailing list is for event notifications.

Labels: ideas

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.




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: coloring

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 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:




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: recipes

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.


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.

Labels: Artist

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!



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.



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: help

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

Just a few pictures I'd like to share with you. These are the children at the Zambian Orphanage. This is the last day of school, they'll insha'Allah start back in the new year.





Tabarak'Allah.

Labels: zambia

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Oh it's been busy here! Sorry people, I have so much to share, but no time to do that. I also have a new project collecting clothing (for children) ...insha'Allah I shall post that soon.

Anyway, this weeks hadith coloring page, but I think it's the last for a little while as I have a lot on my plate and most of it involves drawing - so I won't take a break to draw..*grin*

Labels: coloring

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This weeks coloring page. Not sure if I'll have time to continue drawing more, as I'm working on a mural that's keeping me busy - maybe every other week, insha'Allah.



Comment: This hadith was reported by 'Umar bin Abu Salamah. When he was a boy under the care of the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa-salaam) this is what he was taught. And we need to teach our children the same. Teach them to always say 'Bismillah' before eating anything, they must use their right hand, and take what food is in front of them.


Happy coloring!!

Labels: coloring

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

So I was busy sewing and crocheting! I managed to sew the boys (nephews) thobes that have a 'football' look to it and to crochet kufis (skull caps) to match. They really liked them alhumduliLlah since they are into football...now more into boxing! (I can't keep up)



This is the side. They chose the numbers - painted on the sleeve and on the front. The football laces and lines around the sleeves are mesh fabric sewn on.


The back. I left it plain but decided to add a hood with a mesh lining - so it's looks more 'sporty'.


On one sleeve I painted their name.


Kufi (skull cap) with  the football laces. This is my own made up pattern, which I don't want to do again..haha I'm  not sure I can understand the chicken scratch I tried to write down.


Side view. Happy little guy! This was his Eid clothing!

Labels: crochet, sewing

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This weeks coloring page is about yawning.




Comment: Teach your child the importance of covering their mouth when they yawn. At the time of yawning, one should put his hand across his mouth. It is a disliked act or Makruh to yawn noisily, because this act pleases Satan. In other words, we must not miss any chance to degrade and frustrate Satan.

Labels: coloring

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

Thought it was about time I post an update on the orphanage in Zambia.
My brother has moved (back) there to help out with things (May Allah reward him for his good intentions. Ameen) so it's a little easier for me to get updated info and pictures.

The last of the books/sports equipment will insha'Allah be sent in December. It's working out kind of difficult to ship items from this end, so we are hoping to raise funds and purchase things at that end (maybe from South Africa). If anyone has fund raising ideas, please share some with me! or any other ideas to help out the children.


This is a boys orphanage. But girls living near by come by during the day for lessons.


Someone had donated some treat bags for the children for Eid-al-Adha. May Allah reward them. Ameen.


Children busy with class work.


This was taken during meal time.

I've only put a few pictures up here, more can be found on the FaceBook page (Zambian Orphanage).
Please keep them all in your prayers. And if you are able to help with fund raising, feel free to contact me.

Labels: zambia

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

On October 10th I ran a Qur'an Art Competition for children. I had many interested parents, a few joined..but by the due date only 2 boys submitted their art.

Insha'Allah they both benefited from the project.

They had to create a 3d art piece based on Surah An-Nahl verses 5 to 18. The verse are about the animals that Allah created for our benefit (like donkeys, cows and horses), and the rain and planets He has created for us. It also mentions the sea and the food and ornaments found in.

Interesting they both decided to do a farm scene. Both pieces look awesome, tabarak'Allah.


This is by the 7 year old. A farm, cow, some rocks and he said the blue is the rain (which Allah mentioned He sends down for us to drink, for the plants to grow and for our animals.)



This is by the 9 year old. The barn, .. a cool looking box cow! On the other side of the sanded path is the dessert with his palm trees (verse 11 mentions the olives, palm trees and grapevines).



Since they are only the two and they a different ages, I decided not to have a voting day and just send them both a prize. Insha'Allah they will receive this 142 piece art set to create more wonderful works of art. Great work guys!



Insha'Allah I hope to have another competition in the future, maybe next month. Hopefully more children will join, either way.. I'm happy even if one child benefits from this.

Labels: activities, giveaways

As-salaamu'alaykum wa Rahmatu Llahi wa Barakatuhu

This weeks coloring page is about showing kindness to your elders.



Comment: Teach your child the importance of being kind to elders. Being more patient with them and respecting them. Insha'Allah if they treat the elders well Allah will one day send someone to do the same for them when they are older.

Labels: coloring

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