First, I want to say thanks to all my readers out there — Visually Arrested has hit the one year mark and its been a good learning experience. I hope the new year brings new ideas, blogs and readers!

Second, I randomly came across an image on FFFFound and traced back the source to Ibraheem Youssef – a designer/director from Toronto! His custom appreciation cards are fantastic and personalized. I instantly found myself drooling over the design, consturction and wishing I got one in the mail myself. Check out some of his other cool stuff here!

Dia Batal – another fabulous Lebanese furntiture designer creates sleek and modern furniture using wood and steel. She uses poetic texts in free style Arabic calligraphy to give her furniture the unique edge. See more here.

I really like how she combines different materials creating a really unique and beautiful piece of furniture.

Nada Debs, Lebanese designer, uses the philosphy of “less is more” to create chic, contemporary furniture. The combination of disciplines creates pieces with clean lines while the unexpected use of a variety of mediums – mother of pearl in the ‘East & East’ collection, perspex in the ‘floating stools’ (below) – have become the epitome of her design.

Living in various countries, Nada’s multicultural background creates inner tension and leads her to express the vast breadth of these influences through her designs. “The creative process is therapeutic. It allows me to express all my cultural influence, which aren’t always compatible, in a harmonious way.”

Beautiful colors and lines, Nada creates furniture that is unique and modern–something I’d love to have in my own home!
See more at Nada’s site here.

Handmade card by A Crafty Arab (etsy shop here, where you can buy)
Cute and fun – made with old Arabic Economics books.

by MothWritten (see/learn/buy here).

I want one. I love the “Ikat Calligraphy” above ($320) and the vintage Pepsi design ($90).
Creative, unique and pretty awesome clutches. Order yours at Dia Diwan!

“Maybe i am a Vandal or Anarchist But i am glad to introduce my self as one.At least i stand for my right.”  -A1one

From Tehran, A1one creates street art that is thought provoking and meaningful. His images are colorful yet strong in message. A choas of beautiful images and graphics and the arabic letterforms, creating a voice to be heard. Learn more here.

Just browsing through and I fell upon Malik Anas – an Arabic calligrapher and typography artist from Baghdad. His work is stunning – draws you in and captures the beauty of the arabic letterforms breaking the normal traditions of arabic type and calligraphy. See for yourself!

“Waafia (waa-fee-uh) is a U.S. based company that specializes in Islamically oriented and sunnah-conscious clothing and accessories.” Waafia creates Muslim-in-mind gifts and accessories that are cute (see personalized custom pillows) and practical (see fridge magnets)! 

Waafia has an array of products that are diverse from baby to youth and to adults. My favorite has to be the “Arabic Alphabet Poster” available in a variety of colors and designs. They’re a great gift for anyone, especially those with an affinity for arabic design! 

A great company to support, visit the full site here – where you can order your very own personalized pillow!

I discovered Muslamb through a friend (thanks Aaisha!) – the designs are cute as ever and very trendy and best of all pressed by hand! I could see a lot of young Muslims really enjoying the products. Visit Muslamb’s etsy shop here. 

I thought this doorknob hanger was hilarious!