Gearing Up for Saturday April 30 Class: Fab Cab Ring In Sage Green

Fab Cab In Sage Green Photo Maryam Al-Rashed

When we originally posted the write up for the class, the response was overwhelmingly positive.  However, as I felt the design needed some modifying, it was off to the Beading Kitchen this morning and this is what unfolded.  The cab was so wonderful to work with as colorways were subtle, layered and rich.  There will be four different colored kits available: Sage Green, Golden Roses, Blue Skies Opal and Cool Turquoise.  It will be interesting to see who chooses what in terms of the kits.
If you are interested in this class, to ensure kit availability we recommend you Pre-register at the Shaab el Bahry store location.  This class is filling up quickly so head on over. 

Introduction To Bead Embroidery 101: Fab Cab in Peyote

Master Jindrich in his glass studio

We will be introducing some of our new cabochons by the great master Jindrich along with some kits that have our selection that Bettina and I chose while visiting him in his studio and home in the Czech Republic.
Today, there are a handful of artisans who are still committed to this craft and soon it will be very hard to find these beautiful cabochons that have been made one focal bead at a time for the last two hundred years. 

Some of the beautiful cabs that will be used in the Fab Cab Ring

The Fab Cab Ring is an introduction to Bead Embroidery basics along with Circular Peyote.  You will learn how to work with the cabochons and foundation material and how to manipulate the surface with Bead Embroidery and embellishing.

Date:  April 30, 2011 Saturday
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Venue: LB o J'zazz Workshop Studio
               Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Level: Foundational

We will be posting fresh images of the sample shortly.  For more information on class details, materials and tools list along with class fees kindly send an email to info@lbojzazz.com or contact the LB o J'zazz shop at 2261-0686.  You will be able to register and select your kit at the shop by Thursday April 21. 

Mucha's Flowers Bracelet Class Saturday April 16

Building on the addictive passion of classes in Right Angle Weave, we are bringing back one of our popular projects that re-creates the dreamy Art Nouveau palettes of Alphonse Mucha that we see in his poster and menu designs.  Flowers played a big role in Mucha's work who was originally from Moravia and is evoked in these Spring and Summer hues that we have recreated.  He used fresh but delicate colors in his illustrations that can be seen all over Europe especially France and the Czech Republic. 
However, as Bettina and I strive to perfect our projects, this design has been modified with the use of special Japanese and Czech drops that have enhance the outcome and wearability of the bracelet. You will also learn a simple technique to customize your Precious Metal Clasp so that it becomes more unified with the design. So the output is going to be a bit of a surprise for those who will take the class. 

Date:  April 16 Saturday
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Foundational
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6
                       House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

For more information on class description, materials, tools required and class fees just send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or contact the shop at 2261-0686.

I Finally Got The Bag !

I have a sibling Lail who would not be caught dead without carrying a branded bag and has taken the search for them to new heights.  It's very interesting how siblings operating systems can be so different.  On the other hand, I long for artisanal bags, ethnic and locally made using locally sourced materials that is why I do not possess many because they are so hard to find.  Well now, for the first time I can carry a bag and say this was made, designed and executed by a local artist in Kuwait..... Yes, the proud, the few who has a Madhawi Bint Yagout Clutch.

The Clutch and embellished dangles

 A few weeks back at our March Meet and Bead Madhawi pulled out a prototype.  The bag is a result of the local tradition of basket  and mat weaving (khoos and zabeel containers ) that Madhawi's late father had taught her and her siblings how to master. So, she took the weavings of her brother, constructed them and combined them with her signature crochet in beautiful Turkish Cotton Thread  and that was  what spurred the request for two bags to be made one for my sister in law Mona which would be a beach bag in bright summery hues and a bag for me.  I have never been so delighted with the combination of the traditional weaving textures along with her ability to construct and mold the weaves.

Two other shapes and designs

The bags were so popular at our Meet & Bead that we will soon be carrying samples at the LB o J'zazz store in Shaab the bags will be available by special order.  If you are interested just send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com. These are truly unique and also come with high finishing as Madhawi has also lined the bags with lovely fabrics and little details such as inner pockets in crochet that truly make a difference. Madhawi also teaches crochet, paints, sews, weaves, beads and is a classical pianist by training!

The beautiful fringe focal point all worked by hand

Karkoosha Designs by Madhawi Bint Yagout

Back By Popular Demand: Moorish Mashrabiya Earrings In RAW* Tuesday April 5

This class is a Limited Kit Series as we are offering 5 kits at this time.  Hopefully,  soon we will have a new array of delectable Czech Firepolished Beads as more classes in RAW* (Right Angle Weave) come you your way. 

In this session you will master the single needle Right-angle Weave (RAW) using shimmering Czech Fire Polished beads and lead-free crystal bicones.  This romantic interpretation of Arab geometry is a beautiful addition to the up-coming fall season.  To accentuate this piece further, you will also learn to incorporate different elemental glass beads such as the  pressed glass daggers.

Kindly note that this class is an excellent pre-requisite for more of the intermediate and advance classes in this technique.  

Date: Tuesday April 5

Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

There are major infrastructure works taking place in Block 9 so bear with us as you may have to deal with blocked access and other interesting contraptions along the way. On behalf of the Ministry of Public Works we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

If you are not already on our mailing list and would like to receive class and new product information, please send an email request to info@lbojzazz.com and look forward to offering you the ultimate beading experience.