Sunday, December 11, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Latest Updates...

Salaams,

Sorry I've seemed quite for some time. I've been busy completing a large order of The Norah Doll, alhamdulillah. Anyone else interested, feel free to contact me. I'm taking custom orders. If you wish to add a personalized tag with a child's name, I can add that as well for $2.00. It would make a perfect gift for an aqeeqah, celebration, etc.

Here is a custom order I made for a sister:
She wanted legs added to the Olive Babies so there they are! If you can see, personalized name tags were also hand-sewn to the bottom left corners of the dolls' dress.

Here are the labels up close:



I've been itching to make handmade body products and the easiest item to make first seemed to be lip balms.



So, I decided to make 16 small pots of lip balm (20mL) with my recipe and give them out as mini Eid-ul Adha gifts for cousins and aunts. I also requested them to donate however much they wanted for my Little Smiles Project in charitable spirit of the celebration.

Alhamdulillah, they all did! And, all of the lip balms got sold, mashallah! The lip balms contain wonderful natural ingredients extra good for the skin and lips. I hope they like them.

Well that's about it. Please contact me if you wish to purchase anything. Proceeds will go to Islamic Relief Canada.

WS,
Umme Maryam

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tears In My Eyes...

Subhanallah...this is so powerful, it brings tears to my eyes...


It Could Have Been You
by Boona Mohammed

It could have been you
All alone wondering what you're gonna do
Where will you find food?
When you don't have a penny to your name
When you hurt it's all the same
Nobody knows your name
You're just that static we mention during campaigns
The blood in your veins is cheaper than propane
You aren't even seen as human to be treated inhumane
You are less than minimum wage
At the bottom of the food chain
All the water that you've saved,
Isn't even enough to bathe
You have every right to be afraid
Your see death everyday
And it may be your fate
Before the age of 8

Have you ever seen a child in such dire need
That they can't even eat, cause it hurts when they breath
Woe be to he, who holds back what he receives
Your money is a trial, so don't be guilty
Of living filthy, while their living filthy
Learning to sleep with sickness and disease
Before you disagree, see yourself on TV
And wonder who would be there to take care of me
I have basic needs, food, clothes, family
And education I can't achieve in poverty
Who will be my hero, and add to my zero
I'm starting to lose hope, can you see me in the mirror
Looking back at you, from my point of view
Who's to the rescue, from a life I didn't choose
Everything I been through, will it ever improve
If you only knew, it could have been you



Please donate to Islamic Relief or Islamic Relief Canada.


Wasalaam,
UM



Monday, September 19, 2011

A Tribute to You



Alhamdulillah, the first Little Smiles Project sales were a success.  We managed to raise $284.00 for Islamic Relief Canada with the help of Allah Subhanahu Ta'la.  Mashallah!  Jazakallah Khair to everyone who contributed.  May Allah (swt) reward you all and protect us from riyah.  Ameen.

All of the Norah Dolls and Olive Babies were sold.  Yay!  Jazakallah Khair to all of you who purchased them!   There are a few sisters who have ordered more dolls and plush globes, so I will contact you when they are ready, inshallah.  For those of you who are interested in purchasing some more of any stuffed goods, please contact me at down2earthsmiles@yahoo.com or littlesmilesboutique@gmail.com.


 "Ric Rac Dinos" by Little Smiles
Two sided dinosaurs with ric rac scales!  So cute!
Also, Ric Rac Dinos were on sale at our table.   Each dinosaur is $12.  Currently I have 2 available (2 others were sold alhamdulillah).  


A special thanks goes to my young artists who created some wonderful works of art all by themselves, mashallah.  Way to go!  They made lovely hand-decorated wooden boxes, Islamic framed art, and amazing hand-crafted Eid gift bags.   Also, we had some young bakers bring in homemade goodies.  There were yummy frosted assorted cupcakes as well as wholesome organic gluten-free cookies.  Jazakallah Khair kiddos!  They were deeelicious, mashallah!  (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the yummy creations...next time, inshallah).  May Allah (swt) reward them all for their hard work and make them the coolness of their parents'and elders' eyes!  Ameen! (Moms of the young artists/baker: please let your children know that I am ever grateful of their generosity!)  Well done kids, mashallah!


Jazakallah Khair to Michelle from Mahabbah.  The super unique hijab pins and pin cushions were a hit, mashallah.  All the items were handcrafted and designed by her.  Please visit the Mahabbah on etsy.com for more creative pins and accessories.  


Last but not least, I would like to thank the TMH family!  JAZAKALLAHU KHAIRAN!  Without you guys, this project wouldn't exist.  I have always dreamed of doing something to help those less fortunate than us but never knew how.  I would follow all the TMH threads quietly and sometimes not so quietly (lol...) but I was observing and learning from the many talented and generous moms in this support group.  One thing I learned was that you are all so inspirational in your very own unique and individual ways.  Whenever there was a need, all of you were ready to support a great cause and work together to make it happen.  Mashallah!

So, when the Little Smiles Project idea came to me just a few weeks ago, I didn't hesitate to throw that concept out onto the Yahoo Group.  I knew I could turn to all of you for support and help.  Alhamdulillah, that is what I received.   I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.  It's your encouragement and duas that go a long way.  May Allah (swt) bless your families and fulfill all your homeschooling endeavours.  Ameen.

Inshallah, I will continue to sell handmade goods at the meetings and from home so please pass the word to your family and friends.  If you have any materials you would like to donate such as bright colourful fabrics, polyester filling (I need), buttons, and other notions, please email me at down2earthsmiles@yahoo.com.  Inshallah, I can use them for upcoming projects for this cause.

Again, Jazakallah Khair to all and please continue to make dua for all your neighbours, local and global!

Until next time...

Wassalaam,
Umme Maryam

Friday, September 16, 2011

Just In Time!

Alhamdulillah, I've been busy completing all my handmade goods for the Eid party tomorrow.  Please see below for the lastest items added for the Little Smiles Project.  Also, I met a new artist friend online who was so generous to contribute her works of art!


        
"The Olive Babies"
Eco-friendly cuddle babies with perfectly long arms to hug your little munchkin!  All dolls are sewn by me, complete with hand-stitched embellishments and lace.  The Olive Baby is $12 each and ready for sales tomorrow at the TMH Eid party, inshallah.  Currently, I have the above 5 dolls available.


Alhamdulillah, I am amazed at how people you've never met are willing to give a generous hand for a great cause.  Sehar Shahzad is a friend I just met about 2 days ago online and she was more than happy to contribute 3 of her beautiful works of art.  You can check out her facebook page for more paintings and Islamic Art.  Mashallah, she has used her skills for the beautification of the Ayahs of the Quran.  May Allah (swt) reward her for her hard work and effort!  Ameen.  Please see her artwork on sale for the Little Smiles Project below.


"Dhikr Mini Canvases" by Sehar Shahzad
For price and details, visit:



"Allah" by Sehar Shahzad 
For price and details, visit:


"The Blue Mosque Silhouette" by Sehar Shahzad
For price and details, visit:


Lastly, please note that if you are interested in purchasing these items but are unable to attend any of the events at which I'm selling, you can contact me and we can arrange for an alternative option for buying and receiving the goodies.

I have a few more items I would like to post but we'll see if I can do it today.  If not, I'll add them over the weekend, inshallah.  And, for those of you who are coming the TMH Eid party, see you there, inshallah.

Until then, make dua for all!

UM

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Power of Dua

I came across some beautiful ahadith during the month of Ramadan concerning supplication which I would like to share with you.  The following is quoted from Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Bukhari (ra):
623. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The swiftest supplication to be answered is the supplication of someone for another person who is not present."
624. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq was heard to say, "The supplication of a brother in Allah is answered."
625. Safwan ibn 'Abdullah ibn Safwan, who was married to the daughter of Abu'd-Darda', said, "I visited them in Syria and found Umm ad-Darda' in the house, but not Abu'd-Darda'. She asked, 'Are you intending to go on hajj this year?' 'Yes,' I replied. She said, 'Make supplication to Allah and ask for good for us. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The supplication of a Muslim man for his absent brother is answered. At his head there is a guardian angel. Whenever he asks Allah to give his brother good, the angel says, 'Amen, and may you have the same.'"' I met Abu'd-Darda' in the market and he said something similar which was related from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace."
626. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr reported that a man said, "O Allah, forgive me and Muhammad alone!" The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "You have veiled it from many people."

Now, when is the best time to make dua for our fellow brothers and sisters?  Please see this link.  Subhanallah, it's an amazing compilation of the times duas are more likely to be accepted by Allah (swt), inshallah.  

So,  let's make the most of our supplications.  Raise your hands and sincerely make dua for all those suffering around the world!  

May Allah Subhanahu Ta'la accept all your permissible duas. Ameen.



UM




Something to think about...

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Items Ready for Sale

Assalaamu Alaykum Everyone!

Alhamdulillah, I finally have some items ready for sale!  Remember 100% of all proceeds will go to the Islamic Relief Canada, inshallah.  So, feel free to splurge a little.  It's for a great cause!

Here are some photos for you to enjoy.


"Creaginative by Sheen Qaaf"
These lovely framed Islamic artworks were created by Sheen Qaaf of Creaginative.  Using various forms of media, these modern, chic designs can suit the interior decorating of any home.  Each of the above frames cost $15.  You can check out more of her super creative works of art at http://creaginative.blogspot.com/. Mashallah, a very talented artist!  
Sheen: Jazakallah Khair for sharing your wonderful masterpieces.  I appreciate it!

"My Green Village"
Eco-friendly hand-stitched plush globe sewn from new and "upcycled" materials.  All 7 continents are carefully cut out in felt and hand-stitched onto the globe.  It's a great toy for your little munchkin!  Currently, one is available for $15.  The sewing pattern and tutorial will soon be available at my Etsy shop, inshallah.  So, if you wish to sew some for the Little Smiles Project, please do so.  I need all the help I can get!

"My Notes"
Mini weekly notebooks hand-drawn by me.  Each day of the week has its very own unique design.  
These mini notebooks make a great gift for anyone, young and old.  To be honest, I keep one handy in my purse to jot down phone numbers and notes on the go.  No more lost phone numbers or email addresses of those old friends you randomly bump into at the mall or grocery store!  Your younger ones can also have fun colouring the designs and filling the pages in with their very own artwork and doodles.  
$5.00 for 6 notebooks.  

  
"The Norah Doll"
Eco-friendly handmade dolls available in several ethnic skin tones, hair colours, and hair styles.  Every doll is very unique and not like the other.  These colourful, vibrant dolls are made with lots of love and care.  Currently, I have 10 dolls under way.  I am hoping to complete them all for the Eid party this weekend...inshallah!  Each Norah Doll will cost $15.  If you are interested in sewing some for this project, the sewing pattern is available at Little Smiles.   

Also, stay tuned as I'm adding the final touches to The Olive Babies ($10 each)...pictures will be posted as soon as I'm done.  I will have 5 available for sales at the Eid party this Saturday, inshallah.  Mini colouring booklets of the 4 food groups (6 booklets per package) are also being completed soon ($5 each package).  Lastly, please don't think I forgot about the boys!  I have a few plush dinosaurs also waiting to be sewn, inshallah ($12 each).  

Until then, wassalaam!

Umme Maryam  



Friday, September 9, 2011

Bismillahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim.


I am very nervous.

This is my very first post to this blog...

I'm writing this in great hopes...hopes for a better day for humanity. I know that's a pretty vast dream but if we don't dream, how will anything happen? It's like a ripple in a pond. It starts small...grows slowly but steadily...spreading its tiny waves...then radiating to reach the outer edges of the pond.

Remember, it starts with a small dream...

But it doesn't and shouldn't stop there. You need to put these dreams into action before they fade into the depths of your busy thoughts. This may not always be an easy task. Many times you will have to push yourself...push yourself to the point of leaving your comfort zones. There may be times that you get a little uncomfortable and a little nervous of the uncertainties that lay ahead, but you keep pushing...It's the only way.

So, here I am. Uncomfortable with writing down my thoughts and sharing them publicly, not confident with my writing, uncertain of the possibilities of this project... BUT inshallah, I will keep moving forward. For the pleasure of Allah Suhanahu Ta'la. With the help of Allah Suhanahu Ta'la, inshallah.

Jazakallah Khairan for those who are supporting this cause. Your encouragement is truly appreciated!

For those of you reading this unsure of what I'm talking about, Little Smiles Project is an effort to raise money for the Islamic Relief Canada...with a creative twist. Artwork and crafts will be created by me and anyone else who wishes to participate and will be sold to raise funds for the IRC. Currently, several homeschooling sisters are willing to lend a hand in crafting for a cause. Alhamdulillah!  

If you are interested in finding out more about the Islamic Relief Canada and their wonderful efforts, please visit their website at http://www.islamicreliefcanada.org.

If you are interested in contributing your work of art for this cause, please feel free to contact me.  I would truly appreciate it and may Allah (swt) reward you for your effort!  

Please remember me in your duas and May Allah (swt) help all those suffering around the world.
Ameen.


Wassalaam,
Umme Maryam