Delectable, Delightful and oh So Divine....... Decopatch

Yesterday while in the garden, I got to snap some shots of our new Decopatch Papers collection and outdoors the colors and designs were as refreshing as our current weather conditions.  This paper is so easy to work with and molds itself well to practically any surface with our non-toxic water based glue.  All inks used are water based, in addition to being sourced from sustainable eucalyptus trees from France.  So, take a sneak peak as this is just a little sampling.


Each paper is an A3 size and goes a long way when working on projects.  None of your little pieces will go to waste as they can be easily stored and  used in future projects. 

One of our favorite new paper patterns

Czech Seed Beads Interpreted

Czech seed beads come in six loop hanks

The nomenclature "seed beads" came from the ancient practice of putting holes in seeds and stringing to create jewelry.  Today, "seed beads" connotes and encompasses a wide range of shapes and sizes of small glass beads beginning with antique beads anywhere from the smallest size of 24 all the way to size 2. These sizes are considered "aught" whereby the higher the number the smaller the bead.  However, the most utilized sizes are size 15, 11 and 8.  The size 11 is the most popular size employed today globally. These beads were crafted by very capable artisans who would take a huge glob of molten glass, then a punty would be applied on one side and two men would proceed to pull the glass.  This was no easy feat especially when micro beads were being made. 

Today certain types of machinery are employed but the hand making process still plays an important role.  Many avid collectors have stashes of beads that are no longer made and have lusters, finishes and colors that will not be found again.  We are constantly on the lookout for older vintage or antique beads.  Vintage is usually seed beads manufactured twenty five years ago or more.  So, if you have some old beads tucked away in a box you can incorporate them in special one off pieces. 

At LB o J'zazz there is an ample selection of Czech Seed Beads in size 11, 8 and the special 1-Cut Charlottes in Size 13.  We will also be introducing new colors and palettes soon.  You will recognize them as they are packaged and displayed in six loop hanks.  The total weights of each color vary due to the special finishes, dyes and lusters that are used. 

Bead embroidered piece by Lubna using Czech seed beads

LB o J'zazz artisans Bettina and Lubna extensively use Czech seed beads for their huge variety, limited colors and crafty feel.  They work particularly well in bead embroidery and off loom weaving such as spiral stitch amongst many others.  So pass by LB o J'zazz and explore all things Czech. 

Our LB o J'zazz Shop Hours During Eid el Adha Holidays

Our Decopatch range exclusively at LB o J'zazz

We have been enjoying fantastic weather this season and hope that all of you are making of the best of this premium atmosphere.  Whether taking a walk on the beach, or going out to a clear patch of the desert or perhaps visiting Mubarkiya Souq, there are many things in Kuwait surprisingly enough that will inspire you.  Our Eid el Adha hours will be:

Sunday November 14 9:30 AM- 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Monday November 15 9:30 AM- 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday  & Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 9:30 AM- 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

On Saturday we will resume our regular weekly opening hours.  So, if you are in the mood for some uninterrupted beading over the holidays make sure you pass by to increase your supply!  For all you Decopatchers we have a complete fresh new range of delectable papers and new shapes to delight and inspire you on to new projects. 

The LB o J'zazz family  would like to wish all of you good health, well being, and peace. Bead Happy

Mi * Yu * Chi

With millions of seed beads around the world, we are proud to say our collection is growing. As the Czech's have the largest, most extensive range, sizes and finishes, the japanese have entered the mass seed production market in the last decade and have brought to the world the most uniform seed beads yet.  This is especially important to off-loom beaders who use peyote, brick or ladder stitching techniques as uniformity in cut allows for beads to stack up balanced and finishes come out feeling and looking like fabric on the skin.


With that note said, on our shelves you will find a new range of metallic Delica beads, Duracoat beads, and a wonderful assortment of different shapes, sizes and colors of Japanese and Czech seed beads in our new Bead Soup. 

The Rolls Royce of seed beads, Miyuki, have again graced our shop.  Both Lubna and I are happy to share the best with all you creative souls.

[NOTE:  I must confess I am having great difficulty in holding back from picking up this one Bead Soup tube!  But i do promise to keep fingers off until end of week].

The Czechs Are In The LB o J'zazz House

Glass Cabochon in  process by Master Jindrich

Handmade Cabochons by Master Jindrich

Eastern Europe and in particular the Bohemian Region within the Czech Republic has been renowned for hundreds of years to be high quality producers of glass beads reaching as far as Africa, South America and the Far East.  What differentiates this sector in this region is that it truly is a cottage industry.  Despite serious attempts during the period of Communism to nationalize and force consolidations and the mass production approach of the  post-Glasnost era, the cottage industry still remains and luckily is being maintained due to global demand.

Mucha's Flowers bracelet in pastels of Czech bicones

We began  our offerings last year, with our extensive range of Bohemian Machine Cut Crystals in bicones, drops and spacers.  More items were added with our handcrafted Cabochons, farfalles, peacock beads and pressed glass.  Now, we are very excited to offer a new range in seed beads in various finishes and sizes.

Size 13 Charlottes

The first unique type of bead is our range in Size 13 Charlottes.  These beads are created by beginning with long tubes of glass that are cut in a round shape and then given a 1-Cut edge that creates a glimmer effect and is also called True cuts.  When used in combination with other beads they provide a vintage feel to beaded objects.  The beads come in 6 string hanks and the weights vary depending on finishes.


The most popular seed bead size is 11 and are available in various finishes such as AB, Luster, Matte AB, Silver Lined, Copper Lined, Ceylon and Standard classic finishes. What makes Czech beads an essential addition to your bead stash is that some colors are never made again, in addition to their crafty feel as the shapes are rounder.  Czech size 11s are slightly smaller than what you will experience in Japanese ranges.

This piece made by Lubna exclusively employs Czech seed beads

So feel free to come by and ask us for all things Czech for they are truly great finds and are great values for avid beaders and beginners alike.

Store Hours

Saturdays-Thursdays 

9:30AM - 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM-9:30 PM

Store Address

Shaab el Bahry

Block 8 Ibn el Khatib Street Shop 4

Adjacent to the New Executive Flex

 2261-0686

Meet & Bead Evening Friday November 5

Our monthly ritual of first Fridays designated as LB o J'zazz Meet and Bead Evenings is just around the corner.  It seems that the change of weather has affected our creativity with several new projects and ideas underway.  What better way to spend a quiet Friday with fellow beaders and like minded individuals.
You can bring some of your class projects to complete, or start a new one, show off your latest creations, or just hang out leafing through our extensive book and magazine selection for inspiration.  We will also have the essential tools and notions such as beading needles, Fireline, beading thread, thread conditioners and then some for those of you who have not had the chance to pass by the shop lately and replenish. 

Bettina's take on crystals, pressed glass and  Vintaj with a twist

We would also like to let you know that we have a new number for the LB o J'zazz Shaab el Bahry shop should you require any product information, availability or inquiries Chaminda is always ready to assist you which is 2261-0686.

We would love to see you this Friday!

Date:  November 5

Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Jabriya Studios/Workshop 

Block 9 Street 6 House 13 Side Basement entrance.

For more information you can email us info@lbojzazz.com and if you need directions feel free to call Lubna at 5555-7745.