N'debele Shifts Bracelet Class; Revisited This Saturday November 17

It seems that the most resonating and simple designs from my side of the teaching repertoire are in demand for us to bring back to the LB o J'zazz Zone.  Last week we brought back the FAB Cab Ring and this coming Saturday we will be reintroducing you to another favorite of our students and mine N'debele Shifts Bracelet.  Part of the Rope Explorations Series.

A melange of our students N'debele Shifts Bracelets

An age old technique rediscovered N'debele is an off loom weaving stitch that has sustained and evolved over hundreds of years in the heart of the Zulu region in South Africa.  A bold geometric and identifiable patterning, and the committed work of Zulu crafters has led to a revival and global recognition amongst makers that N'debele is here to stay.
A rich sampling of Czech seed beads in Size 8/0, Miyuki galvanized beads, light refracting triangle beads add to the melange of transitions and shifts you will make. You will learn how to create a rope in tubular form and build up a pattern, in addition to creating visual stops with transitions from seed beads to Crystal Pearls and Murano lamp-worked glass in this simple yet rich bracelet design.  A new yet easy snap closure solution will create a seamless ending for your final piece.

Date:  Saturday November 17,2012
Time:  9:30am-2:00pm
Technique:  Tubular N'debele / Herringbone Stitch (Off loom weaving)
Skill Level:  Beginners / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance) 

Object made and created by Lubna.

Four colorway custom designed kits will be available for you to select and pre-register at our Shaab Al Bahry location this  

Monday November 12,2012 | We gladly welcome KNET purchases

Shop hours are Saturdays-Thursdays 9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm.
  

For more information on class fees, materials and tools needed for the class you can go to http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=544ea4d7ec  either send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com or contact us at 2261-0686 .

Exhibition| REFLECTIONS by Najat | Thursday October 11

A sneak preview of REFLECTIONS by Najat

Back in the snowy winter of 1991 whilst training at Fort Dix, New Jersey as a volunteer attached to the 199th JAG, we were a small yet determined group of young women from Kuwait eager to be part of the healing, rebuilding and revitalization of our homeland.  Two of us were assigned to the project initially, a seriously intelligent post graduate student by the name of Najat Hussein and myself.  It was an intense two week training and we graduated on the day of liberation.
We worked together for a few months and lost contact shortly thereafter.  Whenever interviews were conducted I made sure to list all the names of the nine ladies who were the first in our modern history to wear a military uniform and serve on a voluntary basis.  I always wondered about Najat and hoped to reconnect.
Well, twenty years later on a spring evening we were preparing for our Venetian Nights evening highlighting the collection of handmade glass focal beads Bettina had discovered in the old cities of Venice, Murano and Burano, as I was stepping out of my car in front of our little gem of a shop an amicable lady with a smile was waiting outside for a friend to attend our event.  Immediately recognizing Najat it was a poignant reunion of sorts and a new connection and friendship ensued.

Two of Najat's REFLECTIONS | Encased in Circular Peyote

Through our subsequent Meet and Beads, her visits to the shop and classes, Bettina and I discovered a painter, a sewer, an Economics Professor and so much more creative energy along with being a committed mother of four unique and vibrant children.  One Meet and Bead evening, Najat opened a huge box with treasures and little sculptural surprises.  It was a magical gathering and we both agreed that these special pieces needed to be celebrated, viewed and shared.  Besides the fact that we wanted to get our hands on at least a few of these extraordinary cabochons to include in our own work!  Please join us as we celebrate another unique creative voice in our midst. 

Najat amidst three of her four children

Date:  Thursday October 11 and Saturday October 13

Time:  9:30AM - 1:00PM and 5:00PM-9:30PM

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Shaab Al Bahry

 Block 8 Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi Street ( Street 90)

Shaab Complex Ground Floor (Near Executive Flex and behind Costa Del Sol Hotel)

REFLECTIONS cabochons will be available for purchase and we are KNET friendly.  For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686. 

Honoring Desert Rose Saturday



Desert Rose II





As the season is changing and life is revived with cooler temperatures and refreshing breeze, time has come to revive our popular Desert Rose bracelet with a 2012 variation.  This resilient design reflects the very nature of the Andenium plant native to the Middle East and found mainly in Yemen with its formidable presence and flowering branches.

We take you on this journey of creation with 2 needles each in a hand doing the Cross Stitch forming this precious bracelet. On the sides of this piece you will experience subtle winding through brilliant crystal bicone beads and seed beads to incorporate Japanese drop beads along with our exclusive collection of specially coated Spacers which we cherish. 

The workshop will be:

Level:  Advanced Beginner
Date:   Saturday Oct. 13, 2012
Time:   9:30 am- 3:00 p.m
Venue:  Jabriya, Block 9, Street #6, Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

You will need to bring along the following materials/tools:

• Bead mat
• Beading tray
• Scissors
• Chain Nose Pliers/ Bent Nose Pliers

If you do not have these items, you can find them at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry:

Al-Shaab Complex
Block 8
Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi
Shop #4
Kuwait

We will have 3 different colorways to choose from.  Should you wish to join us, please pre-register with us by visiting our shop, calling us at 22610686 or emailing us at info@lbojzazz.com.

Please come dressed comfortably prepared to relax and experience something new and different. We will be offering light snacks with tea/coffee breaks.  You are most welcome.

Intro to Odd Count Peyote: The Stackables Class

Three separate rings | Stacked

Many bead weavers go through a very long time working in peyote without ever experiencing Odd Count Peyote.  For the simple reason that you have to perfect what many call the "funny turn", and which I have recently called the "Double U Turn".  However, Odd Count Peyote is very important in that it allows you to create a piece that is ideal for rings and bracelets especially with patterns and designs. 
In this case, you will be creating a ring that is seven beads wide and will learn to quickly add rows to your base.  We will be using the beautiful Size 11 Delicas from our Miyuki range and you will have enough material to create two distinctly different rings.  You can make a whole range of these Stackables and then mix and match them according to your mood and palette. 
This class is definitely an ideal introduction for those of you who are taking the Tarachi Bint Yagout Earrings Class this coming Saturday September 29.  As we will be creating a link with the triangle beads in odd count peyote. 

The kits are currently available at the shop for registration and pre-selection.  

Date:  September 25 Tuesday
Time:  10:00am- 12:30pm
Technique:  Odd Count Peyote
Level:  Beginners / Foundational
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance) 
Created and led by:  Lubna with support by Bettina 

For more information you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or contact us at 2261-0686.

The shop opening hours are 

Saturdays -Thursdays

9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm

NOTE:  The class will also be offered on Wednesday, September 26 in the evening. 

Kashmiri Dreams Choker Class Rescheduled to this Saturday September 15

Essence of Kashmir Collection | Choker

Many people have wonderful opportunities to experience travel in the physical sense exploring peoples, tastes, senses, landscapes and cultures.  Sometimes though, we get to travel to imaginary destinations through our readings, books, images, museums and programs such as documentaries and television.  In this case, Bettina has always had a fascination with the lands and people of Kashmir.  It began with her Kashmiri Dreams Bracelet and has continued and articulated itself through visits to special collections, looking at textiles and fabrics and images. 
A visit to a museum in Dubai along with a photograph that a colleague had sent her triggered the expression that has culminated in a collection called "The Essence Of Kashmir" and this Kashmiri Choker in single drop peyote and with special findings and embellishing.  What is beautiful about this journey is the intercultural and intra-cultural conversations that ensue from utilizing the exquisite Magatama beads of Miyuki that echo the ever popular paisley motif which symbolizes life and abundance amongst other meanings. 
You will learn to incorporate stringing with off loom weaving in a simple yet rich design and can be explored in different modes once you master this project.
Come join us this Saturday as we take a trip to the verdant and powerful landscapes and culture of Kashmir. There will be two colorways that you can choose from and you can pre-register at the shop until Thursday evening.  For more information you can contact the shop at 2261-0686 or visit https://us1.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=2763061

Date:  September 15, 2012
Time:  9:30am- 1:30pm
Technique:  Peyote, Embellishing, Fringing and Stringing
Level:  All Levels / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

 

Bead Soup, Real Soup As We Meet and Bead This September 7

Bettina and Madhawi perfecting the craft

Summer is winding down, families are gearing up for school, heading back to work after the summer and Eid holidays as the cultural season is underway.  For us at LB o J'zazz this has been the time to reconnect with old friends, create new and meaningful experiences with new faces and wish safe and vivifying journeys to those who are moving to new abodes geographically, career wise or via life calling shifts.
So, we would like to welcome the tribe of makers back as you seek inspiration, support and engaging company.  You can bring projects you are currently working on, ideas and samples of your creations.  Bring a friend or new guest along as we expand our tapestry of connections, all are welcome.  We will have our beverage concoctions along with one of Lubna's homemade soups to imbibe and revive as we Meet and Bead.

Hanan's Spiky Cuff In Rainbow

Bettina's Bead soup for Toscana Earrings in Dutch Spiral

Date:  Friday September 7, 2012
Time:  6:00pm- 9:30pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 (Side Basement Entrance)

Beady Spines Class: RAW* This Saturday August 25

This Saturday we  have come up with an adorned piece it is what I call a 'Two In One". Once completed, you can wrap around this undulating rope on your wrist or wear as a necklace.  As you showcase  this deceivingly simple piece it appears to be seamless and infinite due to a very new way of creating an almost invisible closure.

Source of my inspiration for Beady Spines Rope

It has a supple fabric like feel that drapes wonderfully.  I usually have books on nature, Jack Cousteau and illustrations of wildlife nearby whenever looking for inspiration.  In this case, the piece was already in my head, yet as the second layer of Right Angle Weave was being added and I folded the piece in a tube, the image of the octopus tentacles slinking across the ocean floor came to mind. The spiny dots were always one of my favorite patterns and never ceased to be incorporated in my designs.
There are four kits available each is unique and will be working with rich hues and finishes in  Czech seed beads as the base and will then be layering in our new Czech Crystal Pearls and Miyuki Galvanized Seed Beads.

Date:  Saturday August 25, 2012
Time:  9:30am- 1:30pm
Technique: RAW* (Right Angle Weave)/ Layering -Embellishing
Level: Foundational / Advanced Beginners
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)

For more information you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or go to http://eepurl.com/oKzTL or call the shop at 2261-0686.  Should you want to reserve your kit in advance you can visit the shop by this Thursday evening with a deposit at Shaab Al Bahry Block 8 Mohammed Al Aradi Street Shaab Complex Ground Floor Store #4.  We are KNET friendly.

Tri Links Choker Class This Saturday August 18

Tri Links In Gold Hammertone from last season's palette

We have brought back this class by request of many of our regular beaders and off loom weaving passionistas.  In addition, as friends are moving to new adventures and experiences, we thought this would be a great  way to get everyone for a gathering before Eid and to bid some of our dear friends a good journey and move while we learn to create and make. 

This Saturday in our regular class series, a new lighter and more delicate design will pave the way for sunny days and fall evenings.  This idea came to me, as I imagined what kind of jewelry one would one wear on an island in the Mediterranean and this is what came to fruition.  

Combining two ancient off loom weaving techniques and allowing the links to become the focal points with the Native American Peyote stitch and the Spiral Stitch of the Zulus coming together in a new interpretation of the past with our Tierracast Hammertone Black and Brass Oxide as the focal points.  Accenting the circularity of the links, the closure is a  subtle contrast.  The design has yet again been modified whereby, we will be exploring the beauty of the Spiral Stitch employing our collection of wonderful hues in the Miyuki Bugle Beads range.

Participants are also going to experiment with how threads can change and alter the colorways of a piece and how to enhance this feature along with experimenting of color blending of beads to create a subtle but rich palette. 

Date:  August 18, Saturday

Time:  11:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Technique:  Peyote / Zulu Spiral Stitch

Level:  Advanced Beginners (Comfortable with peyote and spiral stitch)

Kits will be available for reservation and advance registration at the shop this Tuesday evening after Iftar time.  For more information you can contact the shop from 4pm-Midnight daily for the remaining portion of Ramadan at 2261-0686 or send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com.  For class description, fees and materials list you can also go to http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=e391e70e21e c

This class will be led by Lubna with the technical and creative support of Bettina.

Slow Saturdays Down and Join Us Tomorrow In Our Beady Spines Class in RAW*

If you have already tired out of hanging out at the malls before breaking your fast and want to relax but have the hours pass by effortlessly then this is the perfect activity this Saturday.  Tomorrow we have come up with an adorned piece that is what I call a 'Two In One". Once completed you can wrap around this undulating rope around your wrist or wear as a necklace. 
It has a supple fabric like feel that drapes wonderfully.  I usually have books on nature, Jack Cousteau and illustrations of wildlife nearby whenever looking for inspiration.  In this case, the piece was already in my head, yet as the second layer of Right Angle Weave was being added and I folded the piece in a tube, the image of the octopus tentacles slinking across the ocean floor came to mind. 
There are four kits available each is unique and will be working with rich hues and finishes in the Czech seed beads as the base and will then be layering in our new Czech Crystal Pearls and Miyuki Galvanized Seed Beads. 

Date:  Saturday July 28, 2012
Time:  11:00am- 3:00pm
Technique: RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level: Foundational / Beginners
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)

For more information you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or go to Beady Spines Class and Fees Info
Kindly note for those of you who may not be fasting, we have a special private corner designated whereby, you can bring your snacks and beverages.

The Full Moon Al-Bader On Its Way

The Al-Bader Earrings

Have you ever come a cross a beautiful coin or semi-precious stone that every angle you view takes you breath away? Or that crystal stone with a pointy back or that piece that has no hole and you just can not figure out how to capture, frame or use it?  Well, if you are anything like me, then you may have felt it almost 'sinful' to cover the other captivating side of some of those treasures.  Today, i must admit that with some of my own private collection of Gary Wilson Stones, this holds true.

Treasure Stones

Luckily years ago I took a class with the exceptional Beading Artist Laura McCabe, a beading master in her own right, and a flamboyantly, creative being with the open-back bezel.  And as this is a time for new beginnings and growth in our present month of Ramadhan where the Moon guides our lunar calendar to mark progression of time and moments, the opportune time is here to pass this lovely skill on to eager fellow beaders with the introduction of "Al-Bader (in Arabic البدر; meaning: Full Moon) Earrings class this upcoming week.

Bader-Full Moon

Date:                 August 4, Saturday
Time:                11:00am- 3:30pm
Technique:       Open-Back Bezel
Level:                Intermediate
Prerequisite:     Peyote stitch; patience and love to learn ;)
Venue:              LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
                         Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

If you are interested to learn more about this class, please email us at: info@lbojzazz.com or call us at +(965) 2261-0686 or please click on to Full Moon Al Bader Earring Class Info and Fees.  Pre-registration for this class is required and this can be done at our LB o J'zazz shop in:

           Shaab Al-Bahri
           Block 8
           Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi Street
           Al-Shaab Complex, Shop 4
           Kuwait

This class is created and lead by Bettina Al-Bakhit and will be supported and assisted by Lubna Saif Abbas.  The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and is a place you can just be.

Note: As this class is several hours long and it is Ramadhan, a dedicated private area is dedicated for those who wish to eat/drink, just bring along your own snacks and drinks. 

A Blessed Ramadhan 2012

Beautiful Ramadhan Desert Iftar| Bettina Al-Bakhit

                                                   مبارك عليكم الشهر جميعاُ    


As the Holy Month of Ramadhan is now upon us, the LB o J'zazz family would like to wish you all a blessed month filled with reflection, worship, transformation, love, kindness, prayer, and generosity towards all those in need, near and far.
Our shop Ramadhan open hours are:

Morning:
10 am- 2 pm

Evening:
8 pm- 12 midnight

Closing in on Iftar time looking into the desert sky of Dubai |
Bettina Al-Bakhit

Ramadhan Kareem
Salaam/ Peace to all

Tuesday Night Class: Crystal Fusions Bracelet This July 17

Many of our customers have requested we bring back more classes on weeknights and with less traffic on the roads and more people out of town this was an ideal time to add these days to the calendar.  I have been delving more and more into rope designs with beads and exploring the connections that are created along with visual flow.  So, this summer I wanted to share some of these experiments in creating a variety of beaded rope solutions that can become the focal part of the piece or used to interchange with pendants depending on the mood and style of what the person is wearing. 
This spiral stitch with Czech Crystals is the perfect starting point and allows you to showcase the 4mm bicones and the beauty of the seed beads in a spiraling ladder sequence.  Very much like a DNA helix that seems endless and infinite. 
The other concept introduced in this class is to use a Swarovski Crystal Rivoli button as the closure that solidifies the visual flow of the piece.  This project comes in eight unique kits that are now available for registration and reserving the colorway at the LB o J'zazz Shaab Al Bahry shop. 
We are KNET friendly.  For more information on class fees and materials list you can contact us at 2261-0686 or via email at info@lbojzazz.com

Date:  July 17, Tuesday
Time:  6:00pm- 8:30pm
Technique:  Spiral Stitch
Level:  Beginners / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

We work in a relaxed environment so we suggest you dress comfortably.  Class project was created  and will be led by Lubna and with support by Bettina.

Beat the dust, beading is a must this Friday July 6 as we Meet & Bead

For some strange reason, our weekends seem to be more dust infused than our weekdays lately here in Kuwait.  What better way to escape by joining in our basement abode at the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone?  In an informal and comfortable setting you can meet makers and familiarize yourself with various crafts in off loom weaving, wire work and other inspiring mediums.
So, cool down with some homemade soups, refreshing beverages and some very interesting company.  You are most welcome to bring new guests and friends.

Bettina and I will be available to provide assistance and insights on any projects or techniques from previous classes that you might need.

Date:  Friday July 6, 2012
Time:  6:00pm- 9:00pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Fusion Series: Tarachi Bint Yagout Class This July 7

A melange of techniques  in the debut of our Fusion Series of Classes, whereby, guest teachers bring an array of new techniques and approaches to the table.  Madhawi Al Yagout accomplished teacher of Classical Piano and possessing creative talents in various mediums will launch this new endeavor in conjunction with LB o J'zazz.
Tarachi Bint Yagout will employ four distinct techniques with an end result that harkens to the earrings of the past yet with a twist.  Tarachi is the local word for earrings and Ms. Yagout is known for taking old local symbols and techniques and infusing them with a contemporary crafted feel.  As substantial as this pair looks, they are surprisingly light and easy to wear. 
You will also be mastering odd count peyote to create the links and connect the pieces.  There will be no less than six rich colorways highlighting the resilient beauty and sheen of Turkish cotton yarns for the crocheted base.  Explore your love for colors, fibers and beads in this celebration of fusion!

 

Date:  Saturday, July 7, 2012

Time:  9:30 am- 1:00 pm

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone- Jabriya, Block 9 Street 6 

House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Techniques:  Bead Embroidery, Basic Crochet, Peyote and Embellishing

Level:  Intermediate ( You should be proficient in bead embroidery and peyote and comfortable handling a crochet needle for basic slip stitch)

For more information on class fees, materials required and other information you can either send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or contact our Shaab store at 2261-0686.  Kits will be available at the shop for pre-registration and to secure your space. 

 

Fusion Series: Tarachi Bint Yagout by Madhawi Saturday July 7

A debut and a new direction for us at LB o J'zazz as we launch our Guest Teacher Program this summer.  Bettina and I wanted to bring new ideas, talent and focus on projects that was a fusion of techniques and incorporating creatively the wide selection of beads, findings and what nots we have on offer at LB o J'zazz  that are familiar and not so familiar.

Beautiful Turkish Cottons selected for the class

We debut with none other than the multi-talented and effusive Madhawi Al Yagout of Karkoosha Bint Yagout Creations. Ever since we met Madhawi three years ago, things have never really been the same at the shop and at a personal level.  Madhawi, an accomplished teacher of Classical Piano at the Higher Institute of Music Studies, painter, tailor, maker of hand bags, crochet master and lastly beader has many talents that we all have yet to discover.

Madhawi at play with her palettes on our kitting day last week

Her sense of colors and patterns are bold and confident.  Whenever she attends our classes, I ask her:  "Madhawi, which kit and colorway do you want to select today?" she answers brightly : " I love all colors, there is not a color that I do not love!" It is in this vein that she approaches her projects and the outcomes are varied, surprising and quite intelligent.  She takes the mundane and elevates these pieces into something special and unique.
Her positive bubbling energy, talent and outlook infuses her work and her life approach. So, one day as she was visiting me at the office I asked her if she would show me a few tips on crocheting and jumped to get my stash.  It had been years that I had held a crochet needle. In  a mere few minutes she had me doing techniques I never imagined  mastering effortlessly. 
That afternoon when she returned home, she said she was inspired by the session and went on to make the prototype for the earrings.
Here we are a few months later concocting a fusion of bead embroidery, Odd Count Peyote, Fringing and Crochet and her results are quite a surprise.  
You will have no less than six luscious colorways to choose from and this will  be a great basis to explore creating links in crochet with embellishments.  Stay posted as we gear up for this special debut with you, our special beaders in our midst. 

Beaded Ropes Class: N'debele Shifts Bracelet This Saturday June 23

An age old technique rediscovered N'debele is an off loom weaving stitch that has sustained and evolved over hundreds of years in the heart of the Zulu region in South Africa.  A bold geometric and identifiable patterning, and the committed work of Zulu crafters has led to a revival and global recognition amongst makers that N'debele is here to stay.
A rich sampling of Czech seed beads in Size 8/0, Miyuki galvanized beads, light refracting triangle beads add to the melange of transitions and shifts you will make. You will learn how to create a rope in tubular form and build up a pattern, in addition to creating visual stops with transitions from seed beads to Crystal Pearls and Murano lamp-worked glass in this simple yet rich bracelet design.  A new yet easy snap closure solution will create a seamless ending for your final piece.

Date:  Saturday June 23,2012
Time:  9:30am-1:30pm
Technique:  Tubular N'debele / Herringbone Stitch (Off loom weaving)
Skill Level:  Beginners / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance) 

Object made and created by Lubna and will be creatively supported by Bettina during class.

Four colorway custom designed kits will be available for you to select and pre-register at our Shaab Al Bahry location this  

Tuesday June 19 | We gladly welcome KNET purchases 

Shop hours are Saturdays-Thursdays 9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm.  

For more information on class fees, materials and tools needed for the class you can either send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com or contact us at 2261-0686.

Bead Embroidery 101: Paloma Pendant Class This Saturday June 16

Free Form Paloma Pendant in Fiery Opal

With a handful of beads one can create a miniature painting. We will explore basic composition, color placement, textures and patterns in this class. Each pendant will look completely different based on your vision and explorations.
The Paloma Cabochon created by Czech Glass Master Jindrich is a rare find and was created in only two colors. Paloma meaning 'dove' in Spanish harkens us to dream and fly as we build layers of beauty and meaning. An introduction to Bead Embroidery that will allow you to explore the wide array of techniques and applications in addition to fringing and embellishing.
You can bring your own favorite stash of beads, findings and elements to add to the project. We hope you can join us for a rewarding morning and painting with beads.

Date: Saturday June 16
Time: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Technique: Bead Embroidery Level: Foundational / All levels
Venue: LB o J'zazz Beading Zone Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance) 


Kits will be available at day of class for selection. There will be four different kits to choose from. For more information please contact us at 2261-0686.

Turkish Cotton Yarn Delights for Tarachi Bint Yagout Class Debut

A few days back as Madhawi has been preparing the kits and samples for her debut class at LB o J'zazz, we went on our excursion to select the main component of beautiful cotton yarns from Turkey that she had introduced me to and I had fallen in love with a while back.
Originally she was thinking about creating four distinct colorways, well as soon as we got to this home based shop of Um Nasser that notion quickly evaporated as we delved and were mesmerized by the array of skeins on display. 

Just seeing all the skeins was a treat!

Madhawi was gracious enough after my eyes were feasting on all this eye-candy to help her select the colorways for the project, that will combine our LB o J'zazz selection of Czech Crystals and Miyuki triangle beads and findings.  So, I started with a whole lot of colors, about fifteen thinking how to narrow them to four and that was very difficult.  Madhawi being the trouper and ever the consummate crafter said we could have more colorways.  So, this is what we came up with, the palettes were to be vibrant and bold and to evoke jewel tones along with bright summer days full of intense floral hues.

Final selection of ALIZE Cotton Yarn for the class

  This morning Madhawi had already created the base in exquisite crochet for all of the six hues!
Now, the next step will be her selection of beads to embellish this amazing set of earrings. Which will be taking place this week. 
Many of the nomenclatures we have in our Kuwaiti dialect derived from other cultures and languages that Kuwaitis dealt and traveled to such as India, Persia and Turkey. 
The word "Tarrachi" indeed came from India and as many Kuwaitis of old were heavily involved in gold smuggling, many of the terms related to adornment and jewelry became a part of our local dialect. 

That morning the crocheting bug bit me again and there was just no way I was going to leave without my own selection for projects with the intention of making beautiful, comforting afghans for friends and loved ones.I can only imagine how yummy and welcoming these yarns will be when created into throws and afghans. 

Final selection for the Afghans

"Tarrachi Bint Yagout" class will debut this June 30 at the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone and is a first in terms of technique and our Guest Teacher.  So, take a look at the palettes and we will be posting the samples soon. 

Refreshing Homemade Lemonade? Meet and Bead This Friday June 1

Nerissa center stage with the collective

Comfort beverages that cool us down are always welcome when the temperatures begin to edge up higher and higher in Kuwait.  As we congregate this coming Friday, it will mark new beginnings for some of us and in the case of our wonderfully talented and great friend Nerissa Alford who will be moving with her family to a new adventure in a new country, it will be our last Meet and Bead with her and her amazing creations...... for now that is. 

Muneera Al Sharhan's work: redefining concepts

It is these resilient connections that resonate and weave a tapestry of camaraderie, friendship and appreciation across borders, perceptions and other perceived realities that really at the end of the day tells us we are not so different from each other as we would like to be sometimes.   So, who knows where we might meet next or discover treasures that exist within our creative beings and with others.  Please join us this Friday as we celebrate these connections through beads, homemade lemonade and enriching company.

Date:  Friday June 1, 2012
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)

For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686.

May's Here So Let's Meet and Bead

New faces and good ole regular LB o J'zazzers one Meet & Bead Evening

As the school semesters wind down and many are preparing themselves for summer activities with family and friends, what better way to relax, share ideas and bead.  You can bring your projects and if you need any input or assistance Lubna will be available at this time.  We will also be announcing some of the classes we will have on offer in addition to summer events that are underway.  If you have never beaded before, are curious or are one of our avid regulars please join us for an evening of creativity and crafting in a relaxed and informal environment.  Beverages and goodies will be partaken as usual. 

Date:  Friday May 4
Time:  6:00PM-9:30PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

LB o J'zazz-ers and REUSE 5.0

A "Decopatch-ed" watering can by Bettina Al-Bakhit

Spring is upon us.  What better time to explore Kuwait's Friday Market.

Scouting the secondhand area of the Friday Market

And that is precisely what Lubna and I did on an April early Friday morning while Kuwait sleeps.

Mission: 

To purchase someone else's throwaways (a.k.a secondhand) at bargain prices and minimal budget so we can convert and up cycle someone else's trash into anothers' treasure through the creative energies of our team and the use of Decopatch!

Objective:  

Giving the old, scratched, abandoned, broken and compromised objects a new heart and Soul and prepare it for their new homes.

2 mirrors to be upcycled with Decopatch

Chaminda will work wonders on these items

Inspirations:  3-fold.  

1)  Mother Earth

2)  Decopatch

3)  REUSE 5.0

Although we did partake in REUSE last year, this is our 1st year in the name of LB o J'zazz.  And what makes it even more special is that we are participating alongside family (LB o J'zazz-ers):

• Little Beads  (Hana Al-Shaya)  
• Karkoosha Bint Yagout  (Madhawi Bint Yagout) 
• Nerissa Alford Designs  (Nerissa Alford)

So do come over and browse through the "Garage Sale" zone and see what magic can be done with someone's... dare i say... trash! :)

Where: Australian College of Kuwait
When:  April 19-22, 2012
Timing:

Until then..
<3 n Peace

Friday the 13th.... Yes: Meet & Bead !

Najat's Delights | Iqbal's Polymer Cabs Interpreted

As Bettina and I were on overload last week, I was forced to postpone our monthly ritual of every first Friday being the Meet and Bead.  So, without further ado the date was shifted to the next week and by sheer coincidence it is indeed Friday the 13th.  What symbolism we imbue when it comes to rituals and what people tell us is part of our imagination and to add to that the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone is housed in House 13!
It's been well over a month since we last congregated and so please bring your eye candy, nimble fingers and bead stashes to get our creative juices flowing. 

There will be my homemade green lemons lemonade, hot spiced cider and other goodies to accompany us through the evening.  Looking forward to having you all.  Friends and guests are all welcome. 







Date:  April 13 (Friday)
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)

For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686

From BBQ Grill to Planter

Planting to kick start Earth Month

With Earth Hour approaching, it was no longer fair that I postpone putting plants outside the shop.  Doing things practically, with form and function a priority, while maintaining the spirit of Earth Month at our shop meant that I needed to allow myself to go beyond the typical. On the day before the event, Lubna and I headed to the Friday market looking to up-cycle secondhand items and planter pots was on our list, but nothing suitable was found.

Literally, out of the stillness of my mind, an idea of heading to the tin market emerged.  Now this market largely specializes in large trunks for which many expats would pack items in and ship to their home countries.

Trunks and more

Chaminda planting

Now what I wanted to do was to block off the parking area in front of our shop to make room for the Earth Hour event planned for the next day.  Yet it was important that whatever is placed there was high enough to be visible to someone sitting in their car, that it was light enough to lift and move, and that beautiful succulents, creepers, and flowers can grow in.

As we browsed through the market scouting, the perfect yet least likely solution dawned to me... a barbeque grill! Yes.. yes.. and why not?  The unconventional always thrilled me.  Besides, it covered every aspect of concern- height, weight, function and practicality.

A stroll through the market

And what made this process well worth sharing is that on the afternoon of Earth Hour, Lubna, Chaminda and I planted.  The sense of touch and connection Earth while smoothing soil around the base of the new planters coupled with being outdoors and the thrill of finally getting to planting at the shop were all a part of a milestone for LB o J'zazz.

Our BBQ planters

What a perfect way to salute and welcome Earth Month at our shop.

Earth Hour jump starts Earth Month

Could it possibly be a whole year already since we hosted our first in-shop Earth Hour event?!  With only a few days to go, March 31st will witness a global movement  whereby individuals, companies and countries will switch lights off in an effort to highlight their concerns around the changing climate and our lifestyles.  This will also mark the beginning for LB o J'zazz's month of activities, classes, exhibitions and events garnered around all things related to sustainability and our precious Mother Earth.

Courtesy of Beautiful Planet Earth

Do join us this Saturday from 8:30 p.m. for 1 HOUR at our shop in Shaab El-Bahry.  All  lights will be switched off and replaced by candle light.  We will sit on the floor, outdoors, and reminisce on stories, experiences, adventures and moments when we were in awe of Earth and her miracles.

We are also very excited to share with you a little special something we arranged with IKEA which will help you help Her (Earth) in a very significant way. 

Here's to you, Mother Earth:

Lubna, Chaminda and I look forward to hosting and sharing this special hour and evening with you.  For more information, please call 22610686 or email us at: info@lbojzazz.com.


Until then.. PEACE

(P.S. Do keep some room for some delicious home-made healthy muffins)