Pushing The Envelope: Perfecting Techniques

There are several beading artists who can work in a whole range of techniques, however the artists who delve in three to four main techniques seem to have come up with real innovations and beaded adorned objects through this intense focus and concentration that comes with perfecting a stitch and pushing the envelope creatively.  I myself have explored many stitches yet am more willing to explore the possibilities with a pretty tight range of off loom weaving with Peyote, Ndebele, Spiral,  and Right Angle Weave in various forms in addition to Bead Embroidery that employs these off loom weaving stitches along with the back stitch and embellishing.

Here are some recent examples of my delving in to (RAW) Right Angle Weave which seems to have originated in three different geographic regions, Eastern Europe and Russia, the Phillipines area and Japan.

Mucha's Flowers Bracelet

It is a very simple stitch that employs the geometry of right angles but is limitless in design options as it can be made to look like fabric in addition to being worked in layers, tubes and to also curve.  The one point that may come as a surprise is that it employs a lot more thread than most other stitches.  However, the rewards are worth the thread eating trade off. 

Byzantine Queen Earrings

Many different types of patterning can be established, one has to really play with the options and possibilities and create a lot of different samples before embarking on a complete piece.  In my case, I have created several samples that can give me a head start whenever a new project is started. 

Madha'ad in Celadon 

Here is another example of Right Angle Weave in an interpretation of the Madha'ad or bangle.  The piece is molded and takes structure with a base that allows the stitch and pattern to be presented in a three dimensional mode.
So, when you master a certain technique or stitch, play and explore it to as far as you think you can go and then some. Modify a color, or a size or pattern sequence and the practice and playing will lead to new expressions and articulations.
Beads, finishes and the off-loom weaving stitches will allow for endless and infinite possibilities.

Boho Chic Choker

Yummy Hot Chocolate Night This Wednesday January 19

We're taking a break from offering our beading classes this week, but that will not deter us to get some good beading time in!  So, this moody weather warrants for some homemade hot chocolate and darabeel made by none other than beader extraordinaire Lubna.  So, join us this Wednesday afternoon for some great company and a beading escape. 

Hot Chocolate Night
Date:  January 19
Time:  5:30 PM - 9 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Workhop Studios
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 Side Basement Entrance

Nerissa Alford: Creative Musings: It's a Winner!

Nerissa Alford: Creative Musings: It's a Winner!
Nerissa took our first class for 2011 which is the Peyote Ring Squared and seems to be on a roll. She has a great blog also and the images of her ring are very well done. It's great to see participants take the original project, experiment, play and take the output to another level.

REUSE 4.0, Rethink, Recreate, Redecopatch

Upcycled Helmet by LSA

We will be exhibiting at the Gallery Tilal Booth our Collectors Range of bikers helmets upcycled and recreated at REUSE this January 11-13th at ACK.  Motor Bikers and bicycle riders can get their helmet personalized and hippified so to speak as Lubna transforms these mass produced items into something with a twist and burst of vibrant colors and patterning.  
Other like minded participants will be there where the focus is on art and creativity that promotes and embodies eco-friendly living.  For more information on the event please visit www.projectreuseme.com.  

January 2011: Beading Classes

2011 is here as we sweep the dust off old projects that need completing and set our sights for new endeavors, experiences and plans, Bettina and I have been creating new kits to challenge, engage and delight your senses and desires to create beautifully adorned objects through the great energy of your hands and mind.  In addition, we will be bringing back our popular designs and classes to introduce the joy of off loom weaving, beading, wire work and stringing to those of you who are new to the process.

Ebraheem perfecting his wirework

From the LB o J'zazz team of Bettina, Lubna and Chaminda we would like to thank you for continuously supporting our endeavors and desire to share with you what we have come to love:  BEADS and oh so much more. We hope you find a class or two or three that will pique your interest.








Tuesday January 11
Peyote Ring Squared

Learn how to create a flat peyote band and make into a ring.  This  technique will enable you to create tubes and beaded beads in no time.  After creating the ring base you will learn how to create layers with a technique we call "Stitch the Ditch" with our beautiful Czech Crystal Bicones.  This is an excellent introductory class to the Peyote technique. 

Level:  All Levels
Time:  5:00 PM- 7:30 PM



Saturday January 15
Luscious Lariat

This is our first class of introducing the lariat necklace.  In five de-Luscious colorways to choose from, you will master the spiral stitch employing our custom coated Farfalles and then begin to learn the techniques of embellishing and fringing with a potpourri of findings, beads and Czech Crystals.  You  are encouraged to also bring your  favorite dangles, charms and beads from your stash to add and personalize your lariat. 

Levels:  All Levels
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 PM


To register and for more information on materials, tools required and class costs please email us at info@lbojzazz.com or contact the LB o J'zazz Store at 2261-0686.