tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30401002322415490252024-03-12T11:34:04.680+05:30Handmade LoveA place to express and share my passion for creating thingsShaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-30798849465944408132012-10-21T05:14:00.000+05:302012-10-21T05:14:45.681+05:30Brown Sugar-Part 1: the 'not-really-a-backstory'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274944/classic-cupcakes" target="_blank">Devil's food cupcakes</a> from Martha Stewart</td></tr>
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Cupcakes. How cute are they? No, really. Sitting there like a little princess with a frosted tiara.</div>
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Ofcourse anything can look cute with a bit of work, but that's not the point. There's just something nice about not having to cut a slice of cake or pie, then put it on a plate and sit and eat it<i> 'tameez se'</i> (all prim and proper). Instead, you can just grab one and eat it wherever you like. But the best part? That its <b>mine. </b>All mine. You can't have that with a whole big cake, can you now? And the frosting! (I shall go into that in a bit).</div>
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Okay, so maybe those aren't good enough reasons. But there still is <i>something</i> about 'em that makes me smile when I see one.</div>
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I made Oreo cupcakes when I went home this time. And I almost threw out everything at one point. [More on that in the next post.] They turned out nice, just not as soft as usual. They hardened a wee bit when I left 'em outside for a few hours. A few seconds in the microwave softened them again, but I'm still not happy about that. I had made quite a few and took some to my friend S's new home, as a belated wedding half-present (I want to make something special for her, so that's the other half). There was a bunch of us at the party and the girls loved the cuppies. Sweethearts. :)</div>
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Which reminds me of the sugar overdose. S made <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulab_jamun" target="_blank">gulab jamuns</a> </i>for us, and she served us with 3 each. They were really good, but 3 is a bit too much, especially when each is the size of a large egg. [Now, I get all sorts of advice and even force feeding from everyone I know 'coz I'm so skinny. Everyone's just looking for a chance to jump on me and go all, YOU NEED TO EAT MORE! I eat as much as my stomach can take folks. Anymore, and you'll start hearing rude noises; <i>then</i> don't blame me!] Phew! rant over.</div>
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So. I ate all 3 of 'em even though I was ready to burst (obviously, I ate a li'l more than usual during the dinner too), 'coz I didn't want to be the only one to leave some. Then, each and every one of my friends leaves at least one piece in their bowls. And then they talk about how full they are. The whole thing about walking a mile in someone else's shoes before speaking came to my mind, but that was just my inner drama queen. (who I easily ignore. Usually.) Anyhoo, they were all sweethearts and gobbled down the cupcakes without a word. 'Coz that's what friends do. Eat when you tell them to. ;)</div>
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Moving on; the frosting. This is what <i>makes</i> the cupcake people! Atleast for me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_l/ecl/msliving-hires/2011/12_dec/in_house_cmyk/ganache/ganache-whipped-frosting-mld107823_vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/imagecache/img_l/ecl/msliving-hires/2011/12_dec/in_house_cmyk/ganache/ganache-whipped-frosting-mld107823_vert.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic and <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/865309/chocolate-cupcakes-whipped-ganache-frosting" target="_blank">recipe</a>: Martha Stewart</td></tr>
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I feel so awesome when I am piping away, sorta like a professional pastry chef (with comparatively sad piping skills). And that means that I <b>never</b> let anyone eat a cupcake without the frosting (or icing. which one's right? I really don't know!). I have been known to snatch 'em from my brothers' hands, pipe some on, dress 'em up a bit more, then hand 'em back like I just saved their lives.</div>
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I started off this post to write about brown sugar. I thought I would mention the cupcakes <i>a bit</i>, and then move on to that. Apparently not. Part 2 will be up soon inshaAllah.</div>
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PS- How cool are these?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oreo truffle stuffed cupcakes.<br />Recipe and instructions at <a href="http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2012/04/03/oreo-truffle-stuffed-cupcakes-with-cookies-cream-frosting/" target="_blank">Love-From-The-Oven</a></td></tr>
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Who wants one?</div>
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xo,</div>
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Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com24Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-87262851119227127672012-10-19T03:00:00.001+05:302012-10-19T03:48:40.181+05:30Of home, the peeling volcano and awesome fabrics*.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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[*and really long titles.]</div>
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So many things have happened lately. Dad had a heart attack, so we rushed home as soon as we could. Things were pretty glum for the one day that we had to wait here, since there was no flight before that. We didn't even get to talk to him, although my aunt kept us informed. So it felt really good to finally meet him and see for ourselves that he was fine. Alhamdulillah!</div>
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I love how he was happy and upbeat the whole time and still is. We never felt the constant stress people usually do, what with trying to keep it quiet, getting the patient to eat their relatively bland meals, making sure they don't sneak a bite when no one's looking, etc. There's no 'Sshhh, keep it down, there's a sick person in the room' or 'let's talk in the other room and let him rest'. He loves it when there's lots of people around him, even when he's trying to get some sleep. Which means that we had lots of late nights and long chats. I also love the fact that he never complains about the change in his diet, and doesn't pull faces when we eat some fried chicken while he's having plain veggies. He's just cool like that. ;)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could never stand Raspberry Ripple, the only thing nice about it was the pink (ofcourse!).<br />
But now, I WANT it all the time.</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>I almost feel guilty for saying that I had such an awesome time at home, but I did. Lots of good food, family time, no screaming kids, a bit of baking (more on that in the next post). Also caught up with old friends, one of which has gotten married since the last time we met. And I've never seen her so happy. MashaAllah :). So now we have a plan. All 7 of us are going to marry some awesome guys, then get a home near hers and have looong lazy afternoons filled with cupcakes, laughter and basketball. One day, one day.</div>
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I also happen to be my younger brother's personal artist. So this time he had me do some diagrams, sketches and a model too. His excuse? The notes should look good. Ofcourse he knows how to draw them, but he wants me to brush up on my drawing skills too. What a sweet kid. So now I have 'brushed up' on the digestive system of humans, basics of landscape drawing, a bit of plant anatomy, parts of a volcano, and I even discovered something called air-drying clay. Yes, I had never heard of it before. No, I didn't jump around with joy when I realised what it was. Ofcourse not. That's just silly. Although I'm not quite sure how many times I have gone all "God bless the genius who invented this!". But that's normal, right? Right.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For some reason, the teacher didn't want a working model.<br />
But I always felt that the eruption was always the best part of making a volcano. :(<br />
Oh well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wanted a volcano that has already erupted. She wanted destruction, and she got it.</td></tr>
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Although I did make one major mistake. The cardboard piece that I used as the base was too thin, and as the clay started drying and becoming heavier, it started pushing the centre of the base downwards. And by the time it dried completely, the middle had sagged much more and the sides had come off the base. I should have gone for a harder base, like a piece of wood or plastic board. Lesson learnt!</div>
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Oh! And mum also showed me some really cute fabric that she found.</div>
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I got so excited when I saw it. And I've asked her to save it for me. It would look so cute on an apron, like a panel or something. Or even as a framed print for the kitchen. Or as a decoupaged tray. That's all I can think of. Does anyone else have any ideas for this fabric?</div>
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And now I can't wait to get back home. I didn't want to come back to Mumbai at all in fact. So much so that I even delayed my flight by a week, but then had no option 'coz I was missing lots of classes and my finals are coming up too. So here I am, in Mumbai, attending classes, doing homework, working on my portfolio and missing home like never before. December seems so far away right now. Excuse me while I go and eat some happiness (chocolate, duh!). :) See, I'm smiling already. Lupin knew what he was talking about!</div>
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Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com23Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-16908597552768138912012-09-01T04:56:00.000+05:302012-09-01T04:56:26.814+05:30Cupcakes, anyone?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yummy update.</div>
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Here's one of the reasons I love visiting my aunt so much (apart from the generally awesome time I have chatting and lazing around). Baking! Like, serious baking. Her fridge is <u>always</u> stocked with yummy cupcakes <i>and</i> <i>icing</i>. And sometimes there are home-made chocolates too.</div>
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About an year ago, she decided to start baking professionally, and now she runs a bakery, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/xoxodesserts" target="_blank">XOXO Desserts</a>, from home. Since she bakes on order, sometimes I get lucky when I'm there and can help her out. The last time I visited, we baked some [a few ;) ] cheesecakes, biscotti, and cupcakes. The best part was that all of it wasn't for her customers. ;) yum-yum!</div>
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So this time around, we did a birthday cake for a one year old. It was soo much fun deciding on shapes & colours, and playing around with the fondant. Here are a few pics of the cake:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LYUCqvGZhuvUoXHdcomCVYSjLbdSIcb6em5mPP0S2aaIQjL7osDKghlrl3tp-p8C0sGHxu44IgyQMEKZPx8DXNKPTJD_wF8eI7_gJyJEjo07poI-v_0fKCwfE4J1MIIMk68geH1fZxM/s1600/20120811_160643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LYUCqvGZhuvUoXHdcomCVYSjLbdSIcb6em5mPP0S2aaIQjL7osDKghlrl3tp-p8C0sGHxu44IgyQMEKZPx8DXNKPTJD_wF8eI7_gJyJEjo07poI-v_0fKCwfE4J1MIIMk68geH1fZxM/s400/20120811_160643.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how cute is this lil fella?!</td></tr>
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After we were done with that, she suggested that we do a smaller one 'for me to practice on'. So we did. And I would have totally messed up when putting the fondant cover over the cake if it hadn't been for her. Whew! Definitely not a piece of cake, that part! ;) The results?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54LZ6QcauLriMugHKWGXjb1mvxX8aDODWatVqQEJrAhVB7-56SloI-bDCYE5paSKr8WiqihV6ziPzFcFYLvEq-HiVaPLJK5Yj83GmkjwyzmAKttDNChV7MD1F97JNUSjqIdFSjtMH_b8/s1600/20120811_184701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54LZ6QcauLriMugHKWGXjb1mvxX8aDODWatVqQEJrAhVB7-56SloI-bDCYE5paSKr8WiqihV6ziPzFcFYLvEq-HiVaPLJK5Yj83GmkjwyzmAKttDNChV7MD1F97JNUSjqIdFSjtMH_b8/s640/20120811_184701.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty awesome! ;)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxo5mjP6t1sdI1YMt7kDkvXC7RcBS31dHVdo2Le-WM7AQXRDMCYWMuhSpL3R4ptmKXySbUPbPlVeN7NV2v2VaDx9Rc4dioI-waQBOpANsaqLsxtY0K5-qttBpLWNYVFKp2p6O7PzG5R4/s1600/20120811_184842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxo5mjP6t1sdI1YMt7kDkvXC7RcBS31dHVdo2Le-WM7AQXRDMCYWMuhSpL3R4ptmKXySbUPbPlVeN7NV2v2VaDx9Rc4dioI-waQBOpANsaqLsxtY0K5-qttBpLWNYVFKp2p6O7PzG5R4/s400/20120811_184842.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish all bugs looked so cute!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F5tiApkzEoeHCx1G6mmXKmSu2QkL13Izz65S8n-CjRJ3wM-fHboPw8Fz4YOyzbdMt354uhCdV46LpFR4h414MgQc7iOOZz0AK7WJgduNlwatZWRvEzszCloKcCn7xyshQ7CSE899J7o/s1600/20120811_184932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F5tiApkzEoeHCx1G6mmXKmSu2QkL13Izz65S8n-CjRJ3wM-fHboPw8Fz4YOyzbdMt354uhCdV46LpFR4h414MgQc7iOOZz0AK7WJgduNlwatZWRvEzszCloKcCn7xyshQ7CSE899J7o/s400/20120811_184932.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sparkle makes me happy! :)</td></tr>
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Oh, and we also baked some cupcakes. Chocolate ones. With chocolate ganache icing. [So were both the cakes.] Heaven, anyone?</div>
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I took the cupcakes to an iftar party at a friend's house. Since all of us were really impatient to attack them, there was no time to really pretty 'em up. It was an emergency of sorts. Hehe!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqi6mBRGZ37HpsxHaKcJIbggN95JU1awGvDcHJxhTTa26e44W4zYtHsOdJvNfp99DmdVa6y6Dei-JwplK7ctfgunct0nR8TjK8ru-oo-kZzAztp0g32Mtmrm_-NOLLu70XUNg-8ym_j8/s1600/IMG-20120815-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqi6mBRGZ37HpsxHaKcJIbggN95JU1awGvDcHJxhTTa26e44W4zYtHsOdJvNfp99DmdVa6y6Dei-JwplK7ctfgunct0nR8TjK8ru-oo-kZzAztp0g32Mtmrm_-NOLLu70XUNg-8ym_j8/s320/IMG-20120815-WA0010.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">managed to get one pic!</td></tr>
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And then I came back home and prettied up the remaining ones for my brothers and myself.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx6P1jfWXch3m5ZJRHBu4tnVp00zBaNoUGLrsCaVH6TeTVMzQVT2Tb7-sn2osYGxo1hqgUPxslIT7W7NGEaBzzdWc9BKwCPsXW1pvailsuK00hMvNNSEjP6701eK00gX1YEHl6-Jom5A/s1600/cuppies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx6P1jfWXch3m5ZJRHBu4tnVp00zBaNoUGLrsCaVH6TeTVMzQVT2Tb7-sn2osYGxo1hqgUPxslIT7W7NGEaBzzdWc9BKwCPsXW1pvailsuK00hMvNNSEjP6701eK00gX1YEHl6-Jom5A/s400/cuppies1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisterly love. The best of it's kind. ;)</td></tr>
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For the record, Oshu and Dullu are not their real names. That's simply what mum calls them when she's feeling extra loving-mommy-ish. And what I call them when I <strike>want to embarrass 'em</strike> feel extra loving. And I get away with it 'coz they know that I truly love them. And that I'm their only sister. So they love me back. Most of the time. ;)</div>
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Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com18Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-45171646780743749382012-08-25T16:23:00.000+05:302012-09-01T04:59:02.272+05:30My childhood bedroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes you run out of ideas to post about. And sometimes the idea's there, but there's no one pushing you to do it. So you slack (atleast I do!).<br />
Iuliana over at <a href="http://hip2thrift.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">hip2thrift</a> has come up with a wonderful idea:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTI7Y3vt_dFQl5gG5vVNKIIGUp0klMdnkS4nynRM9Pdu2miAWUPMEn9uPbFMtytj4TFnYxTw29DV_o6dZypsyKXZAXYtx_-KB3Wlmh8dhjj9dDKZqfW2u41-HLbM_OITgkDby_gU2iP0/s1600/find+your+blogging+voice+@hip2thrift.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTI7Y3vt_dFQl5gG5vVNKIIGUp0klMdnkS4nynRM9Pdu2miAWUPMEn9uPbFMtytj4TFnYxTw29DV_o6dZypsyKXZAXYtx_-KB3Wlmh8dhjj9dDKZqfW2u41-HLbM_OITgkDby_gU2iP0/s1600/find+your+blogging+voice+@hip2thrift.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the full post <a href="http://hip2thrift.blogspot.in/2012/08/30-days-to-finding-your-blogging-voice.html" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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It's a great way to get over that 'blogger's-block' and also have something unexpected to write about. So here's the first prompt:<br />
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<a href="http://hip2thrift.blogspot.in/2012/08/30-days-to-finding-your-blogging-voice.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi495r6ydMCEKOj8deDCVj7OTq_4i6_FLgWxzk0vyo0F9ATDncRzM6YXjC8Q0x5cYCzHuB7HAY7xO6PG6UkUt82szdTXCm3LClXakvLYfk3t-jM6RXdYsgYKhtzYOy0JqM1L-N6hEIWTO8/s400/Day+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, my childhood bedroom. I haven't had just the one bedroom, 'coz of all the moving we did. We moved thrice when we were in Riyadh itself, then we moved to Jeddah, then back again after a couple of years. My current bedroom here in Mumbai doesn't qualify I suppose, 'coz I'm not a child anymore (so they say!).</div>
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I always shared the room with my older brother. I know most people want a separate room, but I'm glad we shared the rooms for those few years. 'Coz we had so much FUN together! I did a lot of things I wouldn't have otherwise done. Like riding a bicycle in the room. And both of us falling of 'coz he tried a wheelie. ;) I remember the one time we were playing with his cars and we decided that there had to be an accident. A horrible one, mind you. So I graciously suggested we use one of my Barbies as a victim. I went and picked her up by her legs and spun around to hand her over to him. I still don't know how or why, but her head flew off her neck in that moment and flew across the room and landed right on the 'road'. (I'm guessing he must have broken her neck at some point, but I didn't really notice 'coz I hardly played with her.) Anyway, there was a lot of unreasonable giggling after that. Aah! The good times. </div>
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Anyhoo, my favourite room was in the house we were in before shifting to Jeddah. The room was huge, it had a loooong balcony, huge windows, and loads of space to play around in. We played cricket, hide 'n seek, a weird game where we tried to kill each other with make-believe swords, and loads of other things. I even learned to skate in there! The balcony was absolutely awesome, especially when it rained. There wasn't much in the room itself, just our cupboards, two beds, and side tables. The rest was our playground. ;)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI26vvPgn8OnJMTT5bVh1o-h0axEtcWyb6vEefGCVuzHriqN2hQNdMC8j8fDZe8APq3hGDZ087SHUYL863h21PaqgnbYk2P9VwQ9_HxF3jLfjmz9z0jPsd_PSO-ZpVvlbSceMTOi59f0/s1600/majlistent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRI26vvPgn8OnJMTT5bVh1o-h0axEtcWyb6vEefGCVuzHriqN2hQNdMC8j8fDZe8APq3hGDZ087SHUYL863h21PaqgnbYk2P9VwQ9_HxF3jLfjmz9z0jPsd_PSO-ZpVvlbSceMTOi59f0/s320/majlistent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://qatarcultureclub.blogspot.in/2011/02/qatari-majlis.html" target="_blank">A traditional majlis</a></td></tr>
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Oh and the room in the house before that was nice too. We played a lot of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crystal_Maze" target="_blank">Crystal Maze</a> in there. A few crystals had come off from some chandelier, so we would take turns hiding them and the clues in the room. I still wish I could have been a part of the real one too. There was a time when we were getting rid of the <i>majlis </i>from our sitting room, and all of them were piled up in the passage, waiting to be taken out. An awesome idea struck, and we built a two-floored maze with all the flat pieces and took turns crawling through it to get the crystal and being timed. It was a bit wonky, but awesome! :)</div>
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Writing all this just reminds me of all the great times we've all had as a family. Alhamdulillah for such an awesome childhood, and for such amazing parents. :)</div>
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Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com7Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-7951067580464625952012-08-25T02:39:00.000+05:302012-08-25T03:14:27.753+05:30Ruffles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Meet my new love, Ruffles. Singular. As in "Ruffles is so cute". ;)<br />
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I absolutely love pink and brown combos, so I didn't think twice before picking up this fabric. And it helped that it was pretty cheap ;). Also, my latest obsession with ruffles. I've been making them for <i>everything</i>! Flowers, ruffled edges, necklaces...it's a ruffle overdose waiting to happen.<br />
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I'm actually relieved that I've finished making this clutch 'coz I started it <strike>2 months</strike> some time ago. I had completed half of it when I got stuck at the turning it inside out part. Everything was just sliding around insanely! It took me 2 days of fighting it before I finally put it aside to focus on more important things [pending submissions!]. Just two days before Eid, I stumbled across this poor incomplete thing, looking all sad and lonely, so I took it out to show it some love. [Ramadan <i>does</i> bring out the nice in you! ;) ]. Since my parents were here, I showed it to them. And mom taught me some major assembling skills, while dad reminded me of the importance of common sense (as usual). And then my dad suggested the double top-stitching. Which I love!<br />
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I still have to get used to the sewing machine though. It's nice, but kinda old. Ancient, really. An aunt passed it down to me recently, when she got a new one. I was so excited about having a sewing machine of my own that I didn't care what it looked like. I didn't even care about the fact that the socket for the foot was beyond repair. I got a handle fixed to the 'steering wheel' and it felt brand new to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlBTWXz2clOw0_klVjjx3e3IvT75xjbC_DEAxQEaRfe1Izrj0lYvDbHX3ssikzz4OZB2GrrCQB4Jbsjzm_E8zCGNBXyWmxjV2Y1kHs-MbPFslMJusNHklYHNBu-vJ3LRbajiWzysrvPs/s1600/20120819_130356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlBTWXz2clOw0_klVjjx3e3IvT75xjbC_DEAxQEaRfe1Izrj0lYvDbHX3ssikzz4OZB2GrrCQB4Jbsjzm_E8zCGNBXyWmxjV2Y1kHs-MbPFslMJusNHklYHNBu-vJ3LRbajiWzysrvPs/s400/20120819_130356.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Until the steering wheel [yes, I do call it that] started falling off after every few hours of stitching. By now I've gotten used to stopping at intervals and tightening the screw as I go along. But mommy dearest told me I could complete her work for her 'coz she had better things to do. I can't wait to move back home so I can buy an awesome one for myself. Preferably with embroidery options. And maybe a separate sewing room as well. I'm drooling already. Which is a good way to sign off, since we can continue drooling in the next <i>yummy</i> post. ;)<br />
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Lots of ruffled love :)</div>
Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com25Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-80747133913921532512012-07-20T03:14:00.000+05:302012-07-20T16:15:17.741+05:30Ramadan Kareem!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's Ramadan! *tears of joy*<br />
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Well almost. For some reason, I had been looking forward to it more than usual this year. Inspite of that, it has managed to sneak up on me and go boo! Kind of. I've been so tied up with stuff that I didn't realise that the calendar's moving forward. I had simply been thinking, Ramadan's coming, Ramadan's coming. And today I saw a couple of Facebook updates and got confused for a moment. What, already? A glance at the calendar and a bit of brain scrambling later, I realised how out of it I've been. -_-<br /><br />
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Every year I would keep a check on the dates and always feel this sense of anticipation till the moon was sighted back home. Then I would sit around for some time feeling a little lost and nostalgic. And each time I would pray hard for the next Ramadan to be with family and at home. Half my prayer's been answered. My whole family's here, and Allah has blessed me with lots of happy moments of late (or maybe I've just become a li'l more thankful!). And I have a feeling that next year I shall get to spend Ramadan with family AND at home. InshaAllah.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There's just </span><i style="background-color: white;">something</i><span style="background-color: white;"> about the city that I haven't felt anywhere else [except in Makkah- that's a whole different thing! =) ], the calmness you feel before Fajr, the Taraweeh prayers in the masjid, the tents set up here and there for iftar and all those people at traffic lights before Magrib time, handing out dates and water. I personally loved the few minutes before Magrib the most- when everything was set on the table and everyone was sitting around reading the Quran or making dua, I loved just sitting at the window in mom's bedroom and looking out at the roads below, people rushing home or to the masjid- </span><span style="background-color: white;">there was this nice peaceful feeling all around. A</span><span style="background-color: white;">nd then the Masjid's lights would come on and I would head back to the table. Here, it just doesn't <i>feel</i> as much like Ramadan as it did there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">But maybe this time will be better InshaAllah. At the Qur'an translation classes that I've been taking, when we finished Surah Baqarah, we asked them to take up the last Juz, because it would be nice to learn some new meanings for salah, especially Taraweeh. Concentration becomes so much easier! We've memorised quite a few new Surahs as well Alhamdulillah. Plus I've just joined as an instructor at Burooj Angels and I'm oh-so-excited about it! I've sat through one class that was taken by one of the existing teachers, and I'm really looking forward to taking classes myself. For those who haven't heard of Burooj before, here's <a href="http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/mumbai/Making-Islamic-studies-fun/Article1-694863.aspx" target="_blank">something</a> about it, and an <a href="http://www.tehelka.com/story_main50.asp?filename=Ne230711INSPIRATIONS.asp" target="_blank">article</a> on it's founder, Dawood Vaid. Their website seems to be having a bit of a malware problem, so <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BuroojAsia" target="_blank">Facebook</a> will have to do for now. I've been going through the course materials and lesson plans and preparing for the next class. Kind of nervous too, since this is the first time I'll be taking a class. Kids can be scary!</span><br />
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I had been wanting to try the Keep calm-o-matic, but I couldn't think of anything relevant. I finally <a href="http://bit.ly/OKoR1r" target="_blank">did</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRES0UY7dHqoQzgd3r1bnXAIbUnx5NKJNQJsNocYfy0lYKOFGDgw6OKg5yre4Nmkp4xv6Od4SkbqJBMJAtXS5rE_1NMBvriix77Ap2pAfGyk2pLK_DLddBzvyhMG3uhik01vak59ikZ-I/s1600/keep-calm-alhamdulillah-it-s-ramadan-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRES0UY7dHqoQzgd3r1bnXAIbUnx5NKJNQJsNocYfy0lYKOFGDgw6OKg5yre4Nmkp4xv6Od4SkbqJBMJAtXS5rE_1NMBvriix77Ap2pAfGyk2pLK_DLddBzvyhMG3uhik01vak59ikZ-I/s320/keep-calm-alhamdulillah-it-s-ramadan-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And I intend to go back and create a few more different (and more patiently edited) ones to print out. ;)</span><br />
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What plans do you have for Ramadan? And what's your favourite part of the month? :)<br />
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I hope that all of you have a wonderful Ramadan. Please don't forget to pray for all those brothers and sisters who are suffering so much everyday. May Allah accept all our fasts, bless us with His mercy and make our Iman stronger. Ameen. =)<br />
<br /></div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com16Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-47757996558920328352012-07-06T03:19:00.000+05:302012-07-20T16:14:19.520+05:30Crochet Crazy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whenever I would come across a piece of crochet work, especially lace trimmings, all I would think of is how <strike>boring</strike> complicated it looked. Now I can't get over how awesome it is! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nMTAlQTN1qqN_OlkPDBWh4LAh2lzae4nMbM8MXXMEfdVtD8w0uiRmb9jZiEXjFKBRJ09Ye4syiASyEdD8x5A8n78rT_mwik5u_N77VAXXN4MlKis6GY9iQ6nQoOQBpdkvBHhazdyJ6k/s1600/DSCF5774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nMTAlQTN1qqN_OlkPDBWh4LAh2lzae4nMbM8MXXMEfdVtD8w0uiRmb9jZiEXjFKBRJ09Ye4syiASyEdD8x5A8n78rT_mwik5u_N77VAXXN4MlKis6GY9iQ6nQoOQBpdkvBHhazdyJ6k/s320/DSCF5774.JPG" width="320" /></a>That cutesy lil frock was the first thing I had crocheted. I was actually trying to follow instructions from a Youtube video on how to make a dishcloth. But the only thread I had was too thin for a dishcloth.<span style="background-color: white;"> The finished frock i</span><span style="background-color: white;">s roughly the length of my forefinger. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Also, the rows started tapering towards the top; I'm still not quite sure what I did wrong. [or right! 'Coz I've tried making this again, but just haven't been able to </span>consciously <span style="background-color: white;">taper it. Ugh!] I ended up with a trapeze like thing, which </span><i style="background-color: white;">sort of</i><span style="background-color: white;"> looked like a tank-dress. So I added sleeves, the scallop trim at the bottom and Yay! One frock, and an unreasonably proud me. =)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJAfDfpSCT0hBwNG6VZSwkwqEC9eA-2SMzZMFrE-etUWoGEzoivhdhqjMkyWK9N_YxJ-GexqCMOJqjf-57oXK3fmM_PX-1cgEe32MgIGc6uN4FRj2z1_jhrep2SVyx78Jqu8CHzuqY94/s1600/DSCF5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJAfDfpSCT0hBwNG6VZSwkwqEC9eA-2SMzZMFrE-etUWoGEzoivhdhqjMkyWK9N_YxJ-GexqCMOJqjf-57oXK3fmM_PX-1cgEe32MgIGc6uN4FRj2z1_jhrep2SVyx78Jqu8CHzuqY94/s1600/DSCF5775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJAfDfpSCT0hBwNG6VZSwkwqEC9eA-2SMzZMFrE-etUWoGEzoivhdhqjMkyWK9N_YxJ-GexqCMOJqjf-57oXK3fmM_PX-1cgEe32MgIGc6uN4FRj2z1_jhrep2SVyx78Jqu8CHzuqY94/s320/DSCF5775.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I wasn't too sure what I would do with it. Until I saw the key-rings I had. Also, had no idea how to finish a crocheted piece, so I simply pulled the extra threads towards the back of the frock and stuck 'em all there with fabric glue (!). That is how clueless I was. [Not any more though! The other pictures in this post are evidence of my increasing 'talent' ;) . Thanks to the people who put up tutorials on Youtube. Those are some awesome ladies!]</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">So that explains the pink felt on the back, although I think it actually adds to the cuteness (pinky pink!).</span><br />
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Here are the rest of the things I've tried recently. I've been finding it difficult to put the hook down, and I'm running out of yarn. Which means a trip to the store! <i>Which</i> means bead store, chains store, lace store, purse-making supplies store, whatever-else-I-come-across-store. I always want to check out as many stores as is super-humanly possible in one trip, since they're all located in the back of beyond. Okay, it's just on the other side of town, but in Mumbai, that means four insanely tiring hours of travel (at the very least). Not to forget the crowded buses and the trains. So, unless <i>someone</i> offers to take me there in a chauffeured limo, once every few months will have to do. I try to think of it as God's way of saving my money, which obviously would flow easily had the stores been more accessible. After all, who else knows my weaknesses better? =)<br />
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So, pictures. Yes. <span style="background-color: white;">[See what I meant about </span><a href="http://handmade-loveliness.blogspot.in/p/about.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">going off-topic</a><span style="background-color: white;">?]</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZsAYqgpxVDtLiQ_eLjcBGaf3fYdhKX__7uY_Gw5Uxzpth7u18vVjCierQrEVqap9g6S8iEPPE62sXchuEkb8Bv6_UEQxVI9xOMff5UgN60x3qkIGH5iPDsu6Jty0NTBIqhQtynJe6Hk/s1600/DSCF5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZsAYqgpxVDtLiQ_eLjcBGaf3fYdhKX__7uY_Gw5Uxzpth7u18vVjCierQrEVqap9g6S8iEPPE62sXchuEkb8Bv6_UEQxVI9xOMff5UgN60x3qkIGH5iPDsu6Jty0NTBIqhQtynJe6Hk/s400/DSCF5790.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">
Stuffed heart bagcharm</div>
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(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm7NCElHGuM" target="_blank">Heart tute</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_OePT-COYKQk0iSHkceZP17gqAGUW4o-up5S2GEO87mKu3l1T8jYcvznQKtnhfhc5w2eED2JXj_bQwQITlDf4KZXpMvTPCRKQ5PsgD9O82TdCNnGFvk3a6teMrOlxp90vYLVCFxO7_Y/s1600/DSCF5795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_OePT-COYKQk0iSHkceZP17gqAGUW4o-up5S2GEO87mKu3l1T8jYcvznQKtnhfhc5w2eED2JXj_bQwQITlDf4KZXpMvTPCRKQ5PsgD9O82TdCNnGFvk3a6teMrOlxp90vYLVCFxO7_Y/s400/DSCF5795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoi6J5-S-60U7u_Pn5VkHJ-nzfjVQruWNgZcfQFIJaBuiseBqPSfYIFDYnMhfYXTX3qgi2pVlzB4GAqxo-ojw7-nnJ0ZVg28X6hGo5E8VZhU4HQbk64Ehbq_DHnO8VU2mVXi8ODN07rk/s1600/DSCF5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoi6J5-S-60U7u_Pn5VkHJ-nzfjVQruWNgZcfQFIJaBuiseBqPSfYIFDYnMhfYXTX3qgi2pVlzB4GAqxo-ojw7-nnJ0ZVg28X6hGo5E8VZhU4HQbk64Ehbq_DHnO8VU2mVXi8ODN07rk/s200/DSCF5638.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first pattern I came up with. And promptly forgot.<br />
I need to learn how to read the patterns from the made pieces!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ptIP2crkByMWINNCfTVtMUZRBUl09v_8nS5HfHTABsK4-WM6BjxuYTppCmIMovi3XdxYShQX2-Y49Ck0Z3WKv33kiFv08kUjABuB-mqtHcAmji7cmSsZbZbnZembMSrHGdqsPmVMzxI/s1600/DSCF5758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ptIP2crkByMWINNCfTVtMUZRBUl09v_8nS5HfHTABsK4-WM6BjxuYTppCmIMovi3XdxYShQX2-Y49Ck0Z3WKv33kiFv08kUjABuB-mqtHcAmji7cmSsZbZbnZembMSrHGdqsPmVMzxI/s400/DSCF5758.JPG" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tried a bit of finger crochet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JPgLgmWocnTyM67PlY2NdPIJ4GiFmej8_vDrkk8IsNe_ZkrHHZJi6zwMLXPDBoMKvOs2OJRdNqaAwAH3fUSimArGOTxtg4y6XNtGcAfcdZSdmEc6Y-D1eVGBQl3iOFs8gC9S_kt13n0/s1600/DSCF5936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JPgLgmWocnTyM67PlY2NdPIJ4GiFmej8_vDrkk8IsNe_ZkrHHZJi6zwMLXPDBoMKvOs2OJRdNqaAwAH3fUSimArGOTxtg4y6XNtGcAfcdZSdmEc6Y-D1eVGBQl3iOFs8gC9S_kt13n0/s400/DSCF5936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reminds me of Minnie Mouse. The colours I guess!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1CNlFzQU65bYdR-n2sZm06wjO4gYqVuPSHejBHB2tofjrpZjwAoddUnD_owh9qbHz7Dx1RS2WdoPPEU3sRaAcyQvJaz_Mn81ccQYt6fAKLlgdbSd1O7S49WAKMBWS1sHf5Byn4HIwus/s1600/DSCF5922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1CNlFzQU65bYdR-n2sZm06wjO4gYqVuPSHejBHB2tofjrpZjwAoddUnD_owh9qbHz7Dx1RS2WdoPPEU3sRaAcyQvJaz_Mn81ccQYt6fAKLlgdbSd1O7S49WAKMBWS1sHf5Byn4HIwus/s400/DSCF5922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute lil brooches.<br />
These <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcxz3r9VZoQ" target="_blank">bows</a> are so quick and simple, that you can't help but make lots!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDC4gB-ZDXhAtD5ZUwn-P_QgOTGCBL-kkiev3LBquSwfzk1yD1-81CqVQAT8xCVOb09Dn4CV7Y_PjNMgmOm4tKmNxsyw7RO_DO2SkQCr0GPi_-GlE43eqOWoS79WjqO3nPfSihx1VsQs/s1600/DSCF5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDC4gB-ZDXhAtD5ZUwn-P_QgOTGCBL-kkiev3LBquSwfzk1yD1-81CqVQAT8xCVOb09Dn4CV7Y_PjNMgmOm4tKmNxsyw7RO_DO2SkQCr0GPi_-GlE43eqOWoS79WjqO3nPfSihx1VsQs/s400/DSCF5928.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second pattern that I tried making up. I had the good sense to write it down this time.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">That's it. And yes, I do have a thing for hairbands.</span></div>
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I'm working on a clutch right now. Let's see how it turns out, since I'm not using any pattern; just making it up as I go. Yes, that's me, all adventurous and brave! A couple of days InshaAllah and then you'll see exactly how awesome I am. =)</div>
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Speaking of awesome, <a href="http://crochet-mania.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">here</a>'s a blog for crochet fans. Enjoy! xx</div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com4Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-13174112675408058662012-06-27T21:22:00.000+05:302012-07-20T16:13:26.439+05:30Independence!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So. It's been quite a while. Well, there's my design portfolio, which is making me really irritable and anxious. I also have a huge list of accessories to make for submission. Here's what I realised loooong back: Procrastination really isn't a good idea. Note- I <i>realised</i> that, now I just have to <i>understand</i> it. *sigh*<br />
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Camera's gone kaput, so I can't click anything pretty. Stupid thing refuses to focus. Or when it does focus, it refuses to click the picture. -.-<br />
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This month's been pretty eventful otherwise.<br />
<a name='more'></a>For starters, it has been just my elder brother and me for two months (Yes. Two whole months of feeling all grown-up and responsible).Then there have been a few kitchen disasters. Like the episode of the spicy Oreo milkshake. Looks can be oh-so-deceiving. Remember, just because it looks yummy doesn't mean it can't taste gross. My brother and I forced down half of our shakes, then dumped the rest into the sink. The only place where the spice could have come from was the blender. Someone else must have used it earlier for chillies, and didn't wash 'em properly. Oh well! And then the time when I emptied a whole bottle of soya sauce into a batch of fried rice. Ugh.<br />
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I've been doing it a loooot of 'proper' cooking (by my standards). Infact I've been spending too much time in the kitchen. While my mum is super proud, I feel slightly offended by how proud she is. She can't believe I have been doing the things that I have. She had been trying to convince us to hire a cook, but we 'convinced' her that we would manage.<span style="background-color: white;">(I told her I wouldn't let any 'cook' enter my home as long as I am alive. She told me I was being too dramatic. My dad told her to let us be. She told him to keep out of it if he didn't want to side with her. I pulled a few puppy faces. She gave up.)</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Although not before reminding us how we would starve to death. She'll be coming over in a few days and I can't wait to show off. :D</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6g1_3blteFDMijFTwswKaH8qVvktjncknODymka5-E4O2zTSzaX_za2SMD_8FtVnB1te2q_MoTSCwi-S6SPPry_OVeBlhnI0h9mdzwf46UUyTMEDoP9Rdy4QZuISzU45uCMrNv31gno/s1600/DSCF6133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6g1_3blteFDMijFTwswKaH8qVvktjncknODymka5-E4O2zTSzaX_za2SMD_8FtVnB1te2q_MoTSCwi-S6SPPry_OVeBlhnI0h9mdzwf46UUyTMEDoP9Rdy4QZuISzU45uCMrNv31gno/s320/DSCF6133.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;">Oooh! I also had a fun night wrapping up a gift and making chocolates for a friend. Since it was a last minute thing, I didn't have a box for the chocolates. But I had recently read a few tutorials for making boxes, so I got out some old newspapers and tried out a pattern. And I got it right in the first go!! *pat on back*. =] That's the small box with the bow. The only problem was the paper. Since I realised pretty late at night that I would have to make the box, I had to use whatever paper I had. And it was a lil flimsy. But I absolutely LOVE the colour combo!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C9wKMjLvbbcm5BJQlA1jxjeyTNm81XVWgwMvvNLELIPaZHHXdq0RyV5bb0MgPReP4wRRl_wYMISkwThd2ZwTgOtBz25uIgnMnxBts2FESic8rCRH8oWwzTwAyhJJTsXFcpBRqVpl4wI/s1600/DSCF6131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7C9wKMjLvbbcm5BJQlA1jxjeyTNm81XVWgwMvvNLELIPaZHHXdq0RyV5bb0MgPReP4wRRl_wYMISkwThd2ZwTgOtBz25uIgnMnxBts2FESic8rCRH8oWwzTwAyhJJTsXFcpBRqVpl4wI/s400/DSCF6131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Time to get back to portfolio sketching. Education has a way of making you dislike things that you otherwise loved. I never thought I'd say this, but these days I don't feel like picking up my pencils. -.- I hope it doesn't last!</div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com2Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-45145666463595299522012-04-09T21:02:00.000+05:302012-04-09T21:02:08.500+05:30Homesick rant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Aah the wonders of Skype! I've always loved video chats. They always remind me of the whole concept of 'so close, yet so far'. Yes, I find that intriguing. Most of the time, that is.<br />
I mean it's all perfectly fine when your parents chat away with you while they're sitting in their room, or the hall or where ever else the light doesn't suck. But when they choose to sit in <b>your</b> old bedroom (which btw, has been gleefully taken over by your younger brother), and you can see <b>your</b> cupboard and desk and other stuff, then it's...well, distracting. Especially when your current room isn't exactly great. (My mom says she feels nauseous every time she sees it. But then she's a mom.)<br />
But today, it was just plain annoying. Why? Because there is something in that cupboard that I really need. And with it right in front of my face, it was a little difficult to explain to myself that I couldn't put my hand through the screen and just take the damn thing! Not that I tried to or anything.<br />
All I'm saying is, if apparition isn't possible, then we should be allowed to have magical fireplaces. Or, at the very least, a two-way cupboard (see how things would work out then? Exactly.). :)<br />
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So yes, the rest of the exhib photos are still pending, but I assure you, that's not my fault. It's my laptop really. ;) It hangs so much that I tend to put off any extra work like transferring stuff from memory cards or usbs. But next post, you'll see the pictures InshaAllah. :) </div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com2Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-79292405449734423532012-03-29T08:45:00.000+05:302012-07-20T16:12:15.300+05:30Exhibit A (kind of)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I didn't realise how hectic an exhibition can get! What with the travelling for materials, and the packaging (more on that later), and the sleep deprivation, things can get a bit weird. But it's all been worth it. All the genuine appreciation :) And when a friend buys a whole bunch of your stuff! That's when you know for sure that she had actually meant it when she went all "omg, that's so awesome!". So, thank you Swati :)<br />
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Here's a li'l peek into the goodies before I put up the rest of the pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyUDri8PUfyKIbecDedckEFR7A-4cLhRbCs2zAMiVutwS8F5bW8UshstzFWzMJau4FfGVx0dX1PJ_b1e7dE-6GAOmMv2Qb5CLS454D9zaHacl-chyIMZI8EF7_O4nWnck7GI0EDai0x8/s1600/DSCF5718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyUDri8PUfyKIbecDedckEFR7A-4cLhRbCs2zAMiVutwS8F5bW8UshstzFWzMJau4FfGVx0dX1PJ_b1e7dE-6GAOmMv2Qb5CLS454D9zaHacl-chyIMZI8EF7_O4nWnck7GI0EDai0x8/s400/DSCF5718.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thread wrapped bangles and a wooden one with a bracelet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGvAHmnLzrK-y4bra-FZ8aVOPGnPbgXk26bhvljfhlUyKDJuBHDtZ8uPTrHxEaWzJtSlcgMjechCzCNvQ1ru9QlpUEQKdW7RRra2q50ROFqOK2ygK8rhX8gsqG0bEaRytWaIlap8UUA0/s1600/DSCF5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGvAHmnLzrK-y4bra-FZ8aVOPGnPbgXk26bhvljfhlUyKDJuBHDtZ8uPTrHxEaWzJtSlcgMjechCzCNvQ1ru9QlpUEQKdW7RRra2q50ROFqOK2ygK8rhX8gsqG0bEaRytWaIlap8UUA0/s400/DSCF5699.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of painting (polka dots and yellow beads) in this one</td></tr>
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<i>[note to self: wrapping a dozen bangles in fine thread is not a very practical idea.]</i> </div>
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I had left the packaging for the last day, and as usual, I assumed that I would be done in a couple of hours and then to bed it is! My bed and I have a very close relationship you see. It doesn't let go of me until I spend atleast 10 straight hours with it. So you can imagine how I felt about neglecting it for two- yes, TWO- whole days. Anyhoo, due to my compulsive need to make sure that each and every thing is <i>perfecto</i> (aah, I love Spanish, don't you?!), I ended up doing the packaging all through the night<i> </i>and then just having enough time to get ready and shoot out the door. Its just that I didn't simply want to pop the stuff into the packets and be done with it. Oh no, not me! I <i>have</i> to make things more difficult than they already are! And hence the tiny yarn hearts and paper cutting and punching and glitter and ribbons (polka dots! <span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">♥) </span>and...well you get the idea. But who can say no to that kind of cuteness?! Turns out, not many people :). It's been a good couple of days Alhamdulillah</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnjGDcQLa2fTP7AUkGJegAqDu5oVe7wJ3nsa8m1E2I3uBcnvZZ4FOMb-CnQZSaU8S80vGsT1W9WiDPATObgkEh2xP1NLjNhZK8qZ5Wv_uYNDsvqN1SywjLqWFQOLviLdJj5sUVhhMNnY/s1600/DSCF5828+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnjGDcQLa2fTP7AUkGJegAqDu5oVe7wJ3nsa8m1E2I3uBcnvZZ4FOMb-CnQZSaU8S80vGsT1W9WiDPATObgkEh2xP1NLjNhZK8qZ5Wv_uYNDsvqN1SywjLqWFQOLviLdJj5sUVhhMNnY/s400/DSCF5828+(2).JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>My baby! Everyone seems to have fallen in love with it. Including yours truly. Considering the amount of time that was spent on making it (seriously mind-numbing activity!), I would have to be dumb to not like it, but not everyone's so biased are they? Oh and it's a belt, for those who think it's a necklace; although even that would look nice :) Made it in four colour combinations, although this one's my fave. The best part about making these belts were the trips to the lace shop *wink wink*. I recently discovered this shop <b>near home</b> and its absolutely awesome! While they have an <b>amazing variety of all kinds of laces and embellishments</b>, there's also a whole load of <b>interesting jewellery making material</b>. <i>And</i> their <b>employees know their stuff and are real sweethearts</b>. Need I say more?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77w4kDPGESn4kEuyEv13QpL7OG56uw1wBzO5ZZ3zhWfEwrxwJSqAaIy1rj-fOFZZ_B0M9nu1sMh1Gkq4ec1v6qpW2g9lLkT-F-_oj_nQtUHaB7ylhzMUlMFPlPfeoJasm7fShafvuoSI/s1600/DSCF5834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77w4kDPGESn4kEuyEv13QpL7OG56uw1wBzO5ZZ3zhWfEwrxwJSqAaIy1rj-fOFZZ_B0M9nu1sMh1Gkq4ec1v6qpW2g9lLkT-F-_oj_nQtUHaB7ylhzMUlMFPlPfeoJasm7fShafvuoSI/s400/DSCF5834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up of the dangling thingies. How adorable is the mesh heart?!</td></tr>
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More pictures in the next post. Until then, go check out this awesome <a href="http://missloviecreations.blogspot.in/2012/02/necklace-refashion-2-interchangeable.html" target="_blank">necklace refashion</a>. And once you're there, you might as well check out the rest of her gorgeous doings. Have fun :)</div>
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PS- Don't wonder too much about the choice of the post title. A small part of me always wanted to be a lawyer. Or maybe just Nancy Drew ;)</div>
<br /></div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com5Mumbai, India19.0759837 72.877655918.835877699999998 72.5617989 19.3160897 73.193512899999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-13475651704571228422012-03-14T02:10:00.000+05:302012-07-20T16:10:03.681+05:30Time management and Crocheting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It dawned on me recently that I've been neglecting my poor blog shamelessly, and it's time I showered it with some attention (and kept it going). I have been busy with college and a bit of travelling in between, so I do have some excuses for when I'm feeling guilty about it. ;)<br />
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But I have been making stuff, if for no other reason than to complete my portfolio for Accessory design.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Now, here's the problem with all those crafty blogs online (the only problem, coz they're <b>awesome</b> otherwise!): you don't realise how much time you end up spending glued to the screen, ooh-ing and aah-ing over all the yummy stuff around. And since there's only 24 hours in a day (sigh!), blog-stalking days (for lack of a nicer term) tend to translate into otherwise sadly unproductive ones. Speaking of time, here's a watch/necklace I made a few days ago :) (will put up a proper picture soon)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHetOxbqAfYD1M6huUNFHJH3KJZQ4_4MW5N7UlWCcQXTjs8MlXgM0RA3oA388GWU4lBaaSy7IVs6LFZZ4Fq3_juFBo7HHzJ43ent_hQaJVV-YZW543PvS_-Phhb1XTDY-_EQu6rVLBUxU/s1600/DSCF5394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHetOxbqAfYD1M6huUNFHJH3KJZQ4_4MW5N7UlWCcQXTjs8MlXgM0RA3oA388GWU4lBaaSy7IVs6LFZZ4Fq3_juFBo7HHzJ43ent_hQaJVV-YZW543PvS_-Phhb1XTDY-_EQu6rVLBUxU/s400/DSCF5394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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See? I don't always waste time (pun totally intended) ;)<br />
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So here's my newest resolution (yes, I make one every few weeks, then trash it)- finish all assignments asap, then get back to blogging <i>big-time</i>! InshaAllah ;) Which also includes doing some design changes to it, including the ugly header.<br />
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And I'll leave you guys with this clever picture of a teeny-weeny dress I crocheted yesterday. Why clever? Because it looks good that's why. <strike>not because I've managed to hide the loopholes ofcourse.</strike><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlBI3sqHkWU3AD9L_n5xpRRFUKD41P2BK_dwuvbWQLzQ8RNxjzGOLe9XkEn035m4AlKKkvUeChROqbiGMYEbdeLnZy9LqYK3JAzGXP07pkz2nsplMBfAzLl6aPkppXRRu_JvJry9wMfg/s1600/DSCF5359.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlBI3sqHkWU3AD9L_n5xpRRFUKD41P2BK_dwuvbWQLzQ8RNxjzGOLe9XkEn035m4AlKKkvUeChROqbiGMYEbdeLnZy9LqYK3JAzGXP07pkz2nsplMBfAzLl6aPkppXRRu_JvJry9wMfg/s400/DSCF5359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Except for the few holes that are still visible. I learned to crochet just a couple of days ago (and I'm <i>hooked</i>!), so I'm going to ignore my mom's sad smile and all you expert crocheters' grimaces and just feel proud of myself! =) Although any tips would be welcome ofcourse.</div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com7Mumbai, India19.0176147 72.856164418.7774257 72.5403074 19.2578037 73.172021399999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-72767156595313843482011-10-18T18:58:00.001+05:302012-07-20T16:00:14.814+05:30Paper Beads!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElXetv4p2mtfBkJIWpZ6vWEPtfi_JwFfJ5wa35F-A2KzXwwXmzhYZhbR4AvkuNLNdolj1VOinp9S829WLg7pdMVbnUqRh_fTjJAAWCRvB2PQUyHKAsSCnHx_oTRaATFRYwPtlHZooHSM/s1600/DSCF9579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElXetv4p2mtfBkJIWpZ6vWEPtfi_JwFfJ5wa35F-A2KzXwwXmzhYZhbR4AvkuNLNdolj1VOinp9S829WLg7pdMVbnUqRh_fTjJAAWCRvB2PQUyHKAsSCnHx_oTRaATFRYwPtlHZooHSM/s320/DSCF9579.JPG" width="227" /></a></div>
Yep I know, doesn't sound too glamorous, but paper beads can be so cute! It's a great way to recycle old paper and doesn't need too much of an investment. Like these beads I made from a magazine page :) I just love the purple and yellow on it! The other side of the page had a yellow and red theme, and that was what I had been aiming for. But my mind was wandering (as usual!) when I started rolling, so I ended up with this:<br />
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Which wasn't so bad after all ;)<br />
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I was trying paper beads for the first time, but I ended up rolling so many, that I didn't know what to do with them. Until I remembered the bronze hearts I had found in a bead store. Got a whole pack of 'em [yes, I have a thing for hearts :) ]. Anyway, so I threaded the beads onto a chain, added a heart, and a couple of glass beads and voila!<br />
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What you'll need:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rs_6QtBwtMM-jPfcs1RJe5b5_3LIOmlUzPBUCBrdper87qanygkTyXDJhbTTXKdQ97pkTV9kQLO7thC0CT_RqFbDXIhBtkDtVfv4_Lh9r8QjZFQjvZg7sAXxpOTLagv65vGzPzoUnek/s1600/DSCF9592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rs_6QtBwtMM-jPfcs1RJe5b5_3LIOmlUzPBUCBrdper87qanygkTyXDJhbTTXKdQ97pkTV9kQLO7thC0CT_RqFbDXIhBtkDtVfv4_Lh9r8QjZFQjvZg7sAXxpOTLagv65vGzPzoUnek/s320/DSCF9592.JPG" width="234" /></a>
<li>Sheets of paper (newspaper, scraps, notebook sheets, designer paper, anything you like)</li>
<li>Scissors or exacto knife</li>
<li>Long ruler</li>
<li>Craft glue (or any white paper glue)</li>
<li>Toothpicks</li>
<li>Varnishing medium & paint brush</li>
<li>Styrofoam block (or make <a href="http://www.paperbeadcrafts.com/howto/dryingblocks.shtml"><i>one</i></a> yourself)</li>
<li>Most important- lots of patience!</li>
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Tip- The longer you cut your strip, the thicker (bigger) the bead will be when finished.<br />
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<a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Paper-Beads/"><i>Here's</i></a> a link for those who want to try it out for themselves.<br />
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Piece of advice: try to use pages from magazines or books. Plain sheets will give you pretty simple beads (unless that's what you want ofcourse!). And don't worry about the text or images showing on the finished beads- they hardly do, and sometimes, it adds to the charm! :) And last- protect your work! I applied 3-4 coats of varnish on each bead. It also helps to harden them.<br />
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There are sooo many shapes that you can make! You just need to know how to cut 'em and roll 'em, so here's a picture showing the patterns I follow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AbEfrDbIOF94jqXrobzLS2cmbluX0nIUc9DCIlseJUoG0XxNIv89VtpNW3SwxKz1b7O1GUiDJImfjyiLthqJ6bZeTqE6OLU5XRVOyrHxtcAgyYJlFkabQpBfIFwoI53dKa4pwMALFt0/s1600/Untitled3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AbEfrDbIOF94jqXrobzLS2cmbluX0nIUc9DCIlseJUoG0XxNIv89VtpNW3SwxKz1b7O1GUiDJImfjyiLthqJ6bZeTqE6OLU5XRVOyrHxtcAgyYJlFkabQpBfIFwoI53dKa4pwMALFt0/s400/Untitled3.png" width="280" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span></a></div>
You can ofcourse make alterations as you go. Some of the patterns (the ones with the 'branches') produce different beads if rolled differently. For example, for the last pattern, you can roll the whole thing normally, or you could choose to stop after the first 5cms, and then roll the triangles backwards. Many other variations, will try to put up pics of 'em soon!<br />
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The measurements are just a guideline, once you're confident enough you can simply cut and roll away!<br />
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PS- <a href="http://paperbeads.org/"><i>Here</i></a> are some really great ideas for paper beads! Happy rolling :)<br />
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</div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040100232241549025.post-6708217637972477912011-10-18T00:01:00.000+05:302011-10-18T14:11:22.220+05:30Baby steps!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KNy-0TTtW3ZjqYwkF09OaQtabt9EX6qx-Ies51oMzYvxdlGaGjvw0dlHolTjlThUKEkPk-0xvHBT79kFaBxcij1Hps_yRIF7IawFhaGfjyeWiBegL8MSd2VrAUVWnIq8dHAAJEy0WFQ/s1600/DSCF9687.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664544002703208674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5KNy-0TTtW3ZjqYwkF09OaQtabt9EX6qx-Ies51oMzYvxdlGaGjvw0dlHolTjlThUKEkPk-0xvHBT79kFaBxcij1Hps_yRIF7IawFhaGfjyeWiBegL8MSd2VrAUVWnIq8dHAAJEy0WFQ/s320/DSCF9687.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 222px;" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Books, jewelry making, baking, scrapbooking, sketching, stitching...yep, it's a long & crazy list! It's probably a genetic thing, but I've this 'I can make that' streak in me, which means that I tend to pick things up in shops and put 'em back, 'coz well, I CAN MAKE THAT ! :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And it also means that I have a huge to-do list (did I mention my lazy streak?) of all kinds of stuff. I intend to start posting about all the awesomeness that handmade things are, and at the same time keep track of my projects ;)<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'm hoping this blog keeps me on my toes and off my bed. 'Coz there's so much to do (and so less time)!!</div>
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PS- I've spent so much time reading blogs and webpages by crafters, and it's amazing what all these ladies come up with (esp. since most have had no formal training in their crafts). Inspiring and exciting!</div>
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PPS- Still new to this blog thing, so please overlook any mess-ups :) Comments are always welcome! x</div>
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</div>Shaziahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02411442922333426858noreply@blogger.com8