Tuesday, August 24, 2010

New Beading Class Schedule August 28th- August 31st

Ramadan is an ideal time, as the pace slows down for contemplative activities and reflection.  During the quiet hours beading allows us to still the mind and keep our fingers nimble!  We have several classes on offer in the coming weeks.
In order to ensure your space, we ask that you make your reservations at our Shaab El Bahry Shop in advance or via our email address which is:   info@lbojzazz.com.  Ideally, a minimum of four participants should be confirmed to conduct the class, if we do not receive the reservations on time, then the class will be rescheduled to a later date.

Mashrabiya Earrings In RAW*
Saturday  August 28


Inspired by the architecture of the Moors and the geometry of Mashrabiyas that are prevalent and celebrated across the Middle Eastern Region and Spain.  This earring set echoes a poignant reflection of the beauty of the craftsmen of the period.  This piece combines the rich softness of Czech Firepolished Crystals and Machine Cut Crystals in 3mm along with hand crafted Pressed Glass Daggers. 



Level:  All Levels
Technique: RAW* (Right AngleWeave)
Date: Saturday August 28
Time:  11:00 AM- 1:30 PM

Meet The Beaded Bead
Tuesday August 31


Introducing the novel concept of  The Beaded Bead, whereby, you will learn a structural approach of creating and building one focal object with smaller units of beads.  Imagine, with a handful of size 6 or 8 seed beads you will build a bead of your liking.  You will acquire through Flat Peyote and some engineering rules on how the bead will become round when varying scale and patterning of the beads.  You can then use these beads as focal beads in your projects, dangles and accents.

Level:  All Levels
Technique:  Flat Peyote
Date:  Tuesday August 24
Time:  11:00 AM- 1:00 PM


For more information on class details, additional materials required, cost fees and more feel free to pass by LB o J'zazz at:

Shaab El Bahry Block 8 Ibn El Khatib Street
Shopping Complex adjacent to the New Executive Flex Shop #4 Ground Floor

or email us at info@lbojzazz.com

Friday, August 20, 2010

Beautiful Handmade Woven Boxes In Vibrant Hues By Ethnic Creations at LB o J'zazz

Last year during Ramadan, we had an overwhelming response from many visitors at the shop who saw the work of Debbie Justus.  This year, Debbie has recently established her offerings into Ethnic Creations and lovingly hand embellishes and decorates these handwoven baskets in some mouth-watering colors.
Her basket range is now available at LB o J'zazz exhibit at the Buqshat Turath.  Debbie also has added interesting hand bags that are hand woven pieces and that are embellished with hand crochet elements in some cases.


The gift boxes are gifts in themselves actually, and can be used with or without some goodies inside.  So, come by today or this coming Saturday and check out the eye candy.



Dates:  August 20-21 ( this Friday and Saturday)
Venue:  Mishref Fairgrounds Hall 5
             Booth 71
Time:  8:00 PM until Midnight

Monday, August 16, 2010

LB o J'zazz at Buqshat Turath Exhibition August 19-21

We will be participating in our first experience within a Ramadanesque Exhibition called Buqshat Turath that is organized by several young local men and women.  The overall theme and layout of the exhibition is Kuwait in the 1930's.  It will be interesting to see how far they take this concept thematically.

Our exhibit will be located  within a zone dedicated to BPW ( Business Professional Women) and other members . This is a premier launch for our Artist In Residence Extraordinaire Fareed Abdal.  We will be introducing  The 28 Faces Of The Beloved Artisanal Huroof Collection and in a  new precious metal casting, in addition to our standard sterling silver castings. This will be combined in collaboration with our Caftan and Thawb Designer Claudia Shames as she will be echoing and reflecting these interpretations through a Limited Collection of  hemp style vests, mens shirts and Thawbs.  Both The 28 Faces Of The Beloved Rings and the Caftan -Thawb Collection will be available by order and special fitting. 
Wait, there's more! You'll also be able to sign up for our upcoming beading classes and peruse  our beads and findings selection.

Venue:  Mishref Fairgrounds Hall 5
Date:  August 19th-August 21
Booth #:  71

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Foundation Materials For Bead Embroidery

Some of you took our class called "The How Ya Doin?"  Ring that was a major introduction to bead embroidery, cabochon bezeling and embellishing.  The two main components that were necessary to create a polished and high level of finishing were:  Lacy's Stiff Stuff TM and Ultrasuede TM. We will provide an overview of the amazing qualities of Lacy's in addition to how Ultrasuede is an essential part of finishing and embellishing in the bead embroidery technique.

Lacy's Stiff Stuff TM comes in A4 size and has several qualities that make it a joy to work with.  It comes in white, however you can dye it with fabric dye to match the palette you are working with, so that the white does not come through the bead embroidery.  Doing that allows you to actually create a canvas that acts as a color filler in the background.  You can also use markers to fill an area for the same effect.  One sheet of Lacy's can go a long way, and all the leftovers and scraps can be used for smaller projects.  You can also draw a pattern or designs directly onto Lacy's after it has been dyed.  

What's great about this foundation medium is that it is stiff enough whereby, you do not require embroidery hoops and if you have to pull out beads after applying them, the material retains it's integrity and shape.  It also cuts very well and creates a smooth edge for finishing.
When adhering focal stones or cabochons it is very strong and retains it's shape particularly during the bezeling process when employing the backstitch.  Once the piece is completed on the foundation material of Lacy's it can even be glued to a brass base.  









The piece is then finished with UltrasuedeTM  whereby, the piece is cut out and creates a soft and plush backing and is sandwiched with a special back stitch technique employing beads. Ultrasuede is available in four colors:  Black, Tobacco, Silver Gray and Turquoise.  It too goes a long way and can be used for several projects. 




This is the end result, all of our class participants had approached this elaborate technique for the first time .  By using materials that work with you and are of the best quality allows you to invest time in pieces that will last and retain a high level of craftsmanship and artistry.  Both Lacy's Stiff Stuff, Ultrasuede and lots of beautiful artisanal glass cabochons are exclusively available for you at our LB o J'zazz shop in Shaab El Bahry. 
This is a Gary Wilson Semiprecious Stone: Lacy Jasper that was set on the foundation material and then bezeled one bead at a time in circular Peyote Stitch with vintage and Contemporary Seed  Beadsand Delicas.  Piece by Lubna Saif Abbas.Copyright Image 2010

Monday, August 9, 2010

LB o J'zazz While You Fast ; Shaab El Bahry Store Hours During Ramadan

Every year as Ramadan gets closer the constant speculation of when we will start this month long event keeps us wondering and gazing up into the night skies..... However, whether Day 1 coincides on a Wednesday or a Thursday this much we do know- our Ramadan timings will be:

Saturdays- Thursdays
Mornings 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Evenings 8:00 PM - Midnight 

We will be arranging for some In Store activities and events, in addition you can pass by the shop on a sleepy Ramadan morning and just hang out, start a new Decopatch project or sign up for our upcoming classes that we will be offering this month.  Lots of new eye candy will be in store for you in the weeks to come and we will keep you posted.  For more information on classes just send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com.  Happy Fasting and Light Feasting