From the Embers

Mere months ago, 

my insides burned

with the dying, smokeless flame

of a betrayed ideal. 

Only a sliver remained

to be consumed. 

I had wanted it that way;
I’d grown weary

of its empty promises. 

How patient I had been,

How forgiving

of a reckless ideal 

that failed to deliver,

once… twice… thrice

with growing cost. 

I blamed her,

she who’d planted it there

in the first place -

peddler of false hope,

a foolish believer.

Not me though.

I lit the match,

I swallowed it,

and I watched
from an imagined distance

as my old friend burned,

consuming me with it
unwittingly.

How did you know

to sift through the embers

for a glint of hope


and build from it our home?

Ten short somethings

I like being small,

it helps me disappear.

I hate feeling small,

it's like I'm not here.

On my tombstone

I want it to read:

She didn't live life

by default.

I am

the sum

of the good things

I've done.

They are subtle drops

of nothingness

that trickle down

and dissolve

any somethingness.

Is it too late

to say hello

again?

Every fleeting figure

In a dark, dainty suit 

could be you...

I just want to say hello

and a proper goodbye. 

You aren't my favorite,

but I come in peace.

It was my shell

to ease out of,

not yours

to crush. 

When you've always

kept to yourself,

but them - 

you want to keep.

Even the Phoenix

must master its fire

or be consumed by it. 

DIY Meshkal Kaleidoscope

Five heads (and five pairs of hands) are better than one. 

For this project, Dania, Zeina, Rawane, Samara, and I worked together to mass produce 50 kaleidoscopes to be distributed as promotional items for Dania's movie, Meshkal. 

They had to have a similar rough feel to the kaleidoscope featured in the movie.

Like Meshkal's FB page for updates.

The result.

This tutorial will show you how to make your own kaleidoscope.

Materials you'll need

Cardboard tube 
* Ours were leftover tubes from print shops, previously used to wrap large sheets of paper around.
We cut them up to make several tubes.
* Alternatively, use kitchen roll tubes, fax paper tubes, or tubes in which neon lights are stored.

Acetate (1 A4 sheet per kaleidoscope)
* This will make the inner prism, acting as a substitute for mirrors.

Shiny objects
* Little beads (better option because they move more) or plastic confetti typically used in crafts.
* Transparent objects work better than opaque ones (though some can be added for color).

Transparent plastic wrap
* I purchased ours in a roll from a stationery store.
* Works better than calque/wax paper (more translucent options), because it allows more light to enter the kaleidoscope, making it more reflective.

Thick A4 paper, one-hole puncher, 2 rubber bands, tape, cutting board, cutter, scissors, pencil.

Additional suggestions:
* Patterned paper to decorate the outside of the tube.
* Stencil (laser cut on sticker paper) which can be stuck & sprayed on to the tube, as we had done.

The cap

Trace one end of your tube on the thick A4 paper & cut it out.
Punch a hole in its middle (you may need to fold the circle momentarily).
 Then tape it to one end of your tube.

The prism

 On the acetate sheet, measure 3 equal sides + smaller flap.
Width must be studied through trial and error such that the prism fits snugly into the tube. 
Then, score along the inner lines with a ruler & cutter, and cut out the edges.
Fold the acetate into a prism, using the flap to overlap, then tape it down.

The Sparkles

Insert the prism into the tube. Cover with a square of plastic wrap & secure with a rubber band.
Add the shiny objects & cover with another square of plastic wrap, somewhat loosely to allow for movement.
Secure with another rubber band. Trim the excess bits of plastic wrap.

You did it! Hold your kaleidoscope up to the light and turn to see different shapes & colors dance.

This is what you're aiming to see when you look inside.

DIY - Notebook fit for a writer

* This post is dedicated to my exceptionally talented writer friend, Zeina Abi Assy. 
She's been accepted to do her masters degree in creative non-fiction at The New School, New York. 
You can help her achieve her lifelong dream by donating to her indiegogo campaign. 

Materials you'll need

Front & back cover
* L:12.2 cm x W:10.2 cm each
* Slightly thicker than the inside pages for durability, but not too thick, for ease of binding
* Can either be designed & printed, or cut out of patterned/plain cardboard. I've designed mine

Stack of papers for the inner pages
* Again, L:12.2 cm x W:10.2 cm each
* I've used 60 papers, but you can use more or less

Pockets
* 1 or more - I made 2
* Same thickness as the cover, in order to be strong enough to hold items
* Dimensions described below

Needle & thread
* Do not use wool, as it breaks easily

An awl
* I didn't use one, but it makes the process much easier

Cutting board, cutter, binding clips, glue, pencil, & ruler

Front & back cover 

Inspired by Zeina's profession, these typewriter keys read:
"Let it roar out of you," a Bukowski quote.

Pocket dimensions

Make as many pockets as you wish!

Japanese Binding

The above video explains the process pretty simply. Just apply the teachings to your own notebook.

The pages of my book, stacked up and held together by binding clips.
The holes have been made, in preparation for the sewing.

The result

Quick, no-glue wrapping

Simply score & fold around the edges of the book, making a box,
then wrap the leftover thread around it :)

And you thought you couldn't craft!