My New Thing

I very much enjoy jewelry-making, as it brings along this certain contentment to see the results of my crafting…

As a matter of fact, when I get into something, it becomes my new thing… what I mean is that I obsess over trying out its various techniques, styles and designs until I reach the point of perfection… or boredom!

So… I recently designed a bracelet using twine threads and red beads of different colour tones and sizes (applying the macramé technique)…

This bracelet would definitely funkify a casual outfit (I don’t think that’s even a word… but you get the point, no?)!

Little Gingerbread Man

On June 3rd 2010, my best friend had her first newborn, Mohammad – an adorable baby boy…

Photo Courtesy of Reem Abu Sharekh ©

Earlier, I had prepared this little customized gift; I embroidered a gingerbread man that goes perfectly with Mohammad’s nursery theme and colours.

Below are some elements from the nursery…

Photo Courtesy of Mamas & Papas ©

I was just waiting to add his birth details: name, date, time, weight and length (as shown below).

I then framed it and plan to give it to Noor (my best friend) as soon as I get to visit her (hopefully soon!).

Can't wait to meet you Baby Moe! Welcome to the World!

Made with Love,
Noor

Baby Bloom

20 Baby Girl Favours for Deema's Baby Shower /
Deadline, 10th June 2010

Deema's closest friends are throwing her a Baby Shower on Saturday, June 12th; and I was asked to design 20 favours (she's expecting a baby girl)!

The mom-to-be loves candles and her friends want a pink theme representing that it's a baby girl. So, I started to brainstorm ideas that would fit their request.

I decided to include roses in a way or another because the June birth flower is the Rose! I found these gorgeous rose-scented/rose-shaped pink candles and placed them on matching flower-shaped holders. I then added pink pompoms and a leaf-shaped tag that said "Deema's Baby Shower - 12th June 2010".

The favours turned out wonderfully; perfect for the occassion!

I can only end this by wishing the mom-to-be, Deema, a very easy and painless delivery. May Allah bless her with a cute and healthy baby girl.

Macramé: The Art of Knotting

I have no previous professional jewelry-making experience; but I developed this sudden interest to explore the art of jewelry-making. Hence, I started going through numerous books and websites that portrayed different jewelry designs and techniques.

While researching, I got extremely attracted to macramé, also known as the art of knotting [read more below]. I was fascinated by the ability to diversely combine material while blending in macramé and different jewelry-making techniques. I therefore decided to try my luck at designing my first piece of macramé jewelry (see below).

This choker was created using the overhand knot and the square knot (with alternating filters) resulting in a flawless knot sequence. These knots melt down into the design, making the shells stand out. I got inspired by the summer, sand and beach and chose to go for a combination of shells with aqua-coloured beads; the star-shaped pendant was the cherry on top, completing the design so it looks perfect.

I very much enjoyed crafting this choker and didn’t expect the result to look this pretty (I can't but be proud of myself - I did exceed my expectations).

The choker makes a wonderful accessory this season, completing any summer outfit while making a nice design statement.

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More on Macramé

Macramé has been around for many years, centuries even. It first originated with 13th Century Arab weavers where they made nets and decorated fabric edges with excess yarn and thread. The word macramé is derived from the Arabic migramah (مقرمة), believed to mean “striped towel”, “ornamental fringe” or “embroidered veil”.

The art of macramé was then spread across the rest of the World through trade, travel and conquers; it was most popular in the Victorian Era. The macramé trend faded for sometime but regained its popularity for making furnishing items, clothes and even jewelry.

Something Old, Something New

Something Borrowed, Something Blue
And a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe

Hend, my colleague from work, is getting married in a few days; so we, at the office, decided to prepare something special to celebrate the occasion; hence, I designed and crafted this box to package her gift…

Hend & Rashid, best wishes on your wedding. May you have half of the most beautiful things in the world.

The other half I’ll leave for me.

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More on the Saying:

Something Old, Something New
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
And a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe

I did some research on the saying. Turns out this is a very old English saying which portrays good-luck for the bride if she carries all of those items on her wedding day. This tradition began in the Victorian era.

Something Old represents the bride’s link with the past; honoring her own family.

Something New represents the bride’s hope and optimism for a happy future and a successful married life; symbolizing the new union with her husband.

Something Borrowed represents an item from family or friends which should pass on good fortune to the bride and her life ahead, reminding her that she can always depend on them.

Something Blue represents love, purity and fidelity. Blue was a popular colour associated to weddings; this has been supported with old proverbs; such as "Marry in blue, lover be true".

Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe represents wealth and financial security; especially when put in the bride's left shoe.

Hope you found this as interesting as I did!

The Tassel's Worth the Hassle

300 Graduation Favours for ICS /
Deadline, 29th May 2010:

It is the Graduation season again... exams, certificates, graduation robes, caps, tassels, goodbyes and good lucks! A season filled with ambitions and mixed emotions: excitement, relief, happiness and sadness, success and even disappointment...

Well, I worked on an order for the International Community School: 300 favours to be distributed to the graduates' families and friends during the Ceremony (30th May 2010). I wanted to create something that will stand out and at the same time reserve memories in a way or another.

Hence, I crafted those mini-certificate favours where each included a chocolate. These have the School's logo on the outside and all the Graduates' photos on the inside (see below).

I wanted to maintain the graduation spirit, so I thought of presenting those favours in graduation caps which very much compliments the whole theme (this is how they'd be distributed to the attendees).

Last but not least, Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2010!

Always remember... The Tassel's Worth the Hassle!

The Good Times

Suad... I miss you... Actually, we all do.

I am dedicating this post to you...

Well the thing is, I was looking through all my arty/crafty stuff (from the past year) and I came across this customized newspaper clipping I made and framed for you before you left to UK; it was the first volume of "The Good Times" [dated September 14, 2009]...

It brought back memories... Back then, we knew we were going to miss you, but didn't expect to miss you this much!! You're not only our sister; you're our friend...

The Fake Eid Celebrations!

I just can't wait till you're back in AD...! Thank God for internet, gmail, facebook, MSN, and this blog... I can get your up-to-date feedback/thoughts/comments whenever I need them... You know how much I love sharing with you any ideas that come to mind, and I very much enjoy getting your feedback [your opinion (as you already know) is super-important to me...]

I also know that you're not always interested... I can sometimes actually visualise your "booo-rr-iiinngg" face expression and your shoulders shrugging carelessly... but that never stops me from going on and on with my ideas and getting them through to you =p

To cut a long story short... This is a little note to tell you how much i miss you, for good times' sake!

I love you xx