Good Bye Shaab and Hello New Endeavors

LB o J'zazz has seen itself evolve from different locations to offerings and experiences.  For both Bettina and I, our dream was to have a neighborhood store, one that random walk ins, connections, involvement and expanding the conversations about hand made, learning amidst a place full of inspiration, colors, textures and a plethora of beads to assist makers along the creative way. 
The shop in Shaab has been a mainstay and place where we promoted our philosophy in a relaxed and warm set up welcoming you all.  We are moving shop and would like to thank each and everyone of you along the years who passed by to say hello, hang out, get inspired, buy loads of beads and other necessary items to keep the addiction going! Along with the many events such as our Earth Hour, Venetian Nights and Miyuki | Haiku Nights to name a few happenings along the way. 

This will be our last weekend at the Shaab Al Bahry location and we will announce other events soon.  So if you need to get your bead, tools and materials stashes please do so.  We would love to see you just once last time before we re-open at our undisclosed location :)

On behalf of the LB o J'zazz familia we are ever so thankful of the connections that have been woven one bead at a time as we continue our journeys marching to the bead collective .... Viva Handmade!

Our last day at Shaab will be Saturday August 24 and we will close at 9:30 PM

Dara'a | Kimono | Caftan Evening @LB o J'zazz Beading Zone This Monday July 29

The word Khaftan originated in Persia and was a robe like coat that quickly became popular through the Silk Road trade and can be seen in places like Russia, the Ottoman and Chinese Courts to name a few.  It was an overdress most usually past the knees and long sleeved.
Long associated with Islamic culture it became quite popular in the late 1960's and 70's in a very loose bohemian style that was a perfect mirror and reflected the hippie movement.
For those of us in the Arab world the Caftan, Bisht and Dara'a is one of the few connections to our cultural legacy and one that is very popular during the Holy Month of Fasting and during Eid celebrations.  It represents varying senses of formality, relaxed family gatherings and women celebrating love of textiles and togetherness.
Whether it is a Kimono, Robe, Bisht, Dara'a or Caftan we welcome you to share your favorites with us in a relaxed and cozy setting.
Date: Monday July 29
Time: 8:30 pm and onwards
At: LB o J'zazz Beading Zone Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( side basement entrance )

There will be refreshing beverages and some goodies also. 

Ramadan Nights Beading Classes: Vintage Au Provence Earrings July 20

As we reflect, connect and contemplate our blessings what better time to gather and learn in a relaxed and cozy surroundings this Ramadan.  So after Iftar, you can learn, make and create perhaps for you to adorn during the upcoming Eid Celebrations. 

Bead Embroidery simply put is quite addictive.  As you can see from my own work, it represents a lot of the creations that are in the LB o J'zazz archives and collections.  Taking a beautifully crafted cabochon or semi precious stone cab adhering it to a surface and creating layers of details and color shifts through bezeling with Circular Peyote creates a rich tapestry of painting like approach with beads on the foundation material that acts as the canvas. 

Taking the two main components and assembling the units into a symbiotic fusion will be a new approach.  The grand finale will be the fringing technique perfected, championed and mastered by our wonderful teacher Sherry Serafini that inspired me and  will take the project to yet another level.  There will be no less than four kits available to choose from.

Date:   Saturday July 20, 2013

Time:  8:00-11:30 pm 

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone

Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Technique:  Bead Embroidery / Bezeling / Circular Peyote / Fringing

Level:  Advanced Beginners

Hanan Al Shaye's Version

For more information on tools required, material list and class fees you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or call us at the shop at 2261-0686.  You can pre-register to gaurantee your kit selection by visiting the shop by Thursday afternoon at the latest.  This class fills up very quickly and we do have a limited number of kits. 

Long awaited Yadawi Open House this Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8, Celebrate handmade!

Want to see something different, unique and off the beaten path?  Tired of seeing the same type of items, would you like to have an experience beyond the shopping mall cycle?  Yadawi Collective is back with a beautiful array of work from eight artisans.  All the work is handcrafted with attention to quality, detail and workmanship.  You will be able to relax mingle and view the collection in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. 

Expect the Unexpected in Leprechaun Land

Oscar Statement bridge ring

Emerald green fields, rejuvenating raindrops, fresh clean air are all typical elements of Irish weather that i so love.  You can breath with no dust, you can go out with out sweating :) and there is greenery- LIFE- everywhere.  Celtic music fills the streets, cheerful, friendly people wish you "happy days" when they depart.  Just spectacular.  Yet that is not all that characterizes Irish Land (my term of endearment for beautiful Ireland), i think mythical Leprechauns are at play here as well.

How else can you explain going from "student" to "teacher" at The School of Jewellery!  Must be the magical powers of those little Leprechauns.

True, Lubna and I have for the last 4 years been sharing our skills, passions and beading experiences with creative souls in Kuwait and had planned to travel and spread the "love" .   We just had not thought of skipping the entire Middle East all together and going straight for Europe.  But hey... no complaints here.  The Universe beckons and the Leprechauns seem to be in on it.

Bettina demonstrating the technique

Thanks to this years' Academy Awards being so low on the entertainment scale, my beads kept me company.  This very striking yet simple and delicate of the 'Mehndi Collection' came to life.  Everywhere i went, including to the Beginner Traditional Jewelry Skills Course, my Oscar Statement series of rings adorned these working fingers.

A helping in hand the process of learning

Mastering the technique 

Effortlessly, with an unforeseen energy, a grand collaborative stream had sprung.  I had the honor of being a part of the teaching team at The School of Jewellery as a Visiting Teacher for 2 grand evenings.  

Students were very keen, serious and enthusiastic about learning the secrets behind creating this seamless bridge ring.  Not a single student left with out proudly wearing their first flat, single-drop, even count, Peyote off loom weave bridge ring.

Day 2:  Student pride

Day 1:  Student pride

A big thank you to the school's owner, Deirdre O'Donnell, for having the vision, sharp business acumen, and fine character  to offer us this lovely collaborative opportunity between our two skill-sharing journeys.   We hope one day to have her visit us and teach here in Kuwait.

May we forge stronger and deeper ties with our new found friends and partner in Ireland.  Thank you Leprechaun for your great, mischievous, adored hospitality :)

A Jewel of Ireland Found

My Aisling ring; Lotus earrings, Butterfly pendant

Sometimes I wonder, what is this insatiable hunger!   No matter what, there cannot be enough in life that I need to experience, share, learn, and grow with.  That constant driving force to be and do all that is within reach.  A curse... a blessing... or!!

Ask Irish land (my term of endearment for Ireland)

I believe the gusty Irish winds have finally blown me into the right “kitchen”, so-to-speak.  With an abundance of time on my hands during my trip, I finally found the best “food” in town- The School of Jewellery in the heart of Dublin.

Station of preference 

During the month of December 2012 I went to a Crafts exhibition.  Yet weeks before, I have been searching on the internet for a place to learn traditional jewellery making skills, a craft I have not ventured into before and thought would be great to compliment the beading I already do.  Lo and behold, right there, is a stand for “The School of Jewellery”. That one moment changed everything and has put me on a path of no return in more ways than one.  But for now, let me share with you my first path.

A few days after the exhibition, I walked into the beautiful, cozy, and welcoming school and was greeted by Goldsmith, Designer and Owner of the school- Deirdre O’Donnell.  And after a few hours of Orientation, I was more than ready to get started. On the spot we agreed that I may take a class or 2 before the Christmas break season and that I would return in January to continue the 10 weeks program. 

I don’t think I will ever forget Day 1.  Never did I think I could be happy cutting anything in a straight line! But I sure was ecstatic.  Seems odd yet it’s true.  Amazing how something as simple as a straight line would be part of someone’s’ joy but you would have to experience it to believe it.

Day 2 and Day 3 required me cutting, sawing, filing and drilling out the shape of a beautiful butterfly out of a brass plate that was then to become a lovely silver-plated pendant. 

Almost there

The 2n^d project consisted of making a Silver ring and with real Silver there was no room to mess up as it doesn't come cheap nowadays.  Some of the materials and tools used included:  2 mm silver plate, saw with size 0 blades, files, pliers, hammers (steel and wooden), steel bench block, Ring Mandrel, 240 and 800 sand paper sheets, drilling and drill bits (brass to polish and steel to drill holes), flux, hard silver solder, wire, torch, 3-1 oil, black marker pen, and last yet not least, my selection of stone to be set in my ring, Blue Quartz.   Now do not ask me about steps and sequences as im still a beginner, yet what I’m certain of is with great tutoring, assistance, instruction from Deirdre and her team, I am the proud maker of my 1^st real silver ring!   A couple of days later I asked my teacher Deirdre to give my ring a name.   Today, the Birth Certificate says “Aisling” (Irish for- Dream) is her name.  And since then I never leave home without Aisling J

Ready to go and get the Blue Quartz setting done 

Now, did all those projects manage my hunger pangs!   Absolutely, and I am craving for more. 

My 3^rd piece was a pair of earrings.  Now they may look simple to make but, I must say, they were the most challenging for me.  Why!!  Well, firstly this project was up to us students to decide on and create.  I chose to make dome-like shaped earrings.  And little did “Beginner Bettina” know she sub-consciously does it again and puts herself into something above her head.  My fingers have yet to forgive me.  

Let the adventure begin

Happy Lotus

The pair of earrings I later called Lotus, required the use of a silver plate and a Dapping block filled with semi-circular holes to help to create and manipulate the size and form of the dome I wanted.  Now for the tricky part, and which may be hard to believe; the most challenging part was HOLDING the piece steady.  Who would have thought that could be an issue.  Well, it was.  Being a Goldsmith and Silversmith requires strong fingers.  I’m sure I have newly formed miniature muscle growth in my fingers now J   Filed, sawed, sand papered, banged this little being into life!  Lastly, drilled a little enclave on the back for the earring post to be soldiered onto it.   So, after a couple of days of hard work, my fingers and I witnessed the blossoming of Lotus.

Now the big question:  Am I satiated forever or do I have room for more

I leave that to you to figure out. 

Until then

Salaam|Peace

Earth Hour 2013 This March 23 at LB o J'zazz

It's all about creating the connections of awareness and commitment throughout our communities and this year through our outreach program and support of other organizations and groups we are taking Earth Hour to another level.  LB o J'zazz in conjunction with the Youth Association of Kuwait will be organizing our Lights Out event at our Shaab Al Bahry location.

Renew your commitment to action  beyond the Hour with the"I Will If You Will" Challenge it is not just about turning the lights off for one hour but reminding ourselves of how the little things we commit to can lead to dramatic change for a better world to live and co-exist in.  This year LB o J'zazz began an initiative with some forward thinking restaurants such as the folks at En Mexico and began collecting their glass soda pop bottles and bottle caps to upcycle with our Decopatch range and into the Soda Pop Bling Earrings in addition to having our waste recycled through MRC.

LB o J'zazz as a small business is always searching for eco friendly products as well as sourcing from manufactures that are moving towards green practices as well as avoiding the use of toxic products.  We avoid any nickel and lead elements in our findings as we work with Tierracast and Vintaj ranges in addition to the Soft Flex Wires in a select range that are considered Green Products.

So join us for some good company, live music and celebrating the only planet we have.  For more information on the global movement Earth Hour you can go to http://earthhour.org/.

EARTH HOUR with LB o J'zazz and Friends

Date:  March 23, 2013 Saturday

Time:  7:30 pm 

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Shaab Al Bahry

Block 8 Mohammad Darwish Al-Aradi Street Store #4

Tel:  2261-0686

Lights will go out for one hour at 8:30pm 

  

The Czechs Are In Town! This Wednesday March 6

Beady Spines Wraparound employing Size 11/0 Czech seed beads in the base

Fresh new colors for the Spring and Summer Season, our oh so popular Preciosa Seed Beads from the Czech Republic are just in for our beading friends. We will be showcasing the new arrivals as well as our favorite Czech Beads.
Czech seed beads offer a wonderful option with a crafty feel and beautiful rich palettes that work well in bead embroidery, N'debele and Spiral Stitch as well as other techniques.

Preciosa Czech Seed Beads in Size 8/0 Green AB in N'deble Shifts

So please join us as we start the afternoon and well into the evening with some music, yummy beverages and great company with the Czechs!


Date:  Wednesday March 9, 2013
Time:  4:00pm-9:30pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz
Shaab Al Bahry Block 8
Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi Street
Mujama Shaab Shop #4 (next to Eurotelecom)

We are KNET friendly

Spring Is Here So Let's Meet and Bead

Olga's Creations Fatima's Hand in Bead Embroidery

Already the third month of the year is unfolding so get your beads, crafts and tools ready for tomorrow as we gather yet, again for our monthly get together.  The perfect way to unwind, be inspired and get some beading done amongst friends and like minded folks.  Whether you have never seen a bead, are an avid hobbyist or one of our avid regulars all are welcome as we delve and celebrate the fruits of our eyes, hands and creativity.  We look forward to you joining us.

BIBA Art Polymer Clay Earrings

Date:  Friday March 1, 2013

Masouma and Bettina talk shop

Time:  6:00pm- 9:30pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

New Class: NIRVANA Pendant Saturday February 23

Before | After NIRVANA Pendant

Many times I will create a component in particular closures for my bead embroidered collars.  In this case, a Swarovski 27mm Rivoli Button in Crystal AB was used.  The pendant was just stunning however, for over a year the project was not complete due to the closure overwhelming the piece.
So, on one of our monthly Meet & Beads Najat and I were looking at the beaded collar and we both agreed it was just not working.  So, setting my beading ego aside, I took the scissors and cut it from the collar.  The NIRVANA pendant was born from that moment on and liberated.  It was such a life affirming powerful piece she just had to be showcased and stand alone.
It is a large fancy stone that shimmers and reflects the colors of the various beads encasing the Rivoli in circular peyote employing Delicas.  Layers and layers are added for embellishing and showcasing the piece employing beads as small as size 15, exquisitely shaped Magatamas and lastly 5mm Czech Bicones that actually elevate the piece so that the pointy part of the Rivoli does not poke.

Interchangeable applications cuff, pin or pendant

The pendant can then easily be converted into a brooch, a bracelet, a component, a necklace with some leather, suede, hand dyed silk ribbon or off loom weaving, it is very beautiful on the wrist.
Each kit is a NIRVANA of it's own, not one kit is alike and is a limited kit series at this time.  There are six kits to choose from.

Date:  February 23, 2013
Time: 9:30am- 2:00pm
Technique:  Circular Peyote -Bezeling / Embellishing
Level:  Intermediate (should be comfortable with flat even count Peyote)
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
            Jabriya Block 9
            Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

The kits will be available at the Shaab Al Bahry shop from Tuesday morning onward for pre-registration whereby, a deposit is required once you reserve your kit.  For more information on class materials, fees and other details you can go to  http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=caa1a71f48

LB o J'zazz 

Shaab Al Bahry

Mohammad Darwish Al Aradi Street

Mujama Al Shaab adjacent to Executive Flex and nearby Costa Del Sol

(Store 4) Telephone:  2261-0686

Lacy Blossom Bracelet: Our 1st in 2013

Lacy Blossom Bracelet| Created & Designed by Bettina Al-Bakhit

What better way to start our new year classes season than with a soft and delicate blossoming flower.

Spring is around the corner in our part of Mother Earth.  And not too far from us in the land called Egypt, a fine web technique popularly known today as Bead Netting was born.   Surprisingly, evidence of the Bead Netting technique can be traced back to about 500 B.C.

Not too long ago in 2005 a team of Australian  archaeologist discovered three mummies south of Cairo, Egypt.  "The chest of the mummy is covered with beads.  Most of the mummies of this period about 500 B.C.- the beads are completely gone, but this mummy has them all," he said, standing over one of the mummies that was swathed in turquoise blue beads and bound in strips of black linen."  http://www.crystalinks.com/cd.html

Fascinating how still today we celebrate beauty and honor skills of those before us.

Now, back to our present time.  This upcoming Saturday we will weave an intricate yet lovely bracelet using our Czech crystal imitation peals and bicones along with Japanese and Czech seed beads to create this bracelet.

Full view of Lacy Blossom | By Bettina Al-Bakhit

Date:             Saturday January 19, 2013
Time:             9:30 am- 2:00 pm
Level:             All Levels
Techniques:  Flat Circular Bead Netting| Stringing
Venue:          LB o J"zazz Beading zone
                      Block 9, Street 6, House 13 (side Basement Entrance)

As pre-registration is required and secures your space this can be done by visiting us at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry, Block 8, Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi Street, Al-Shaab Complex, Shop #4.

You can also email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call us at 2261-0686.  For materials list, class description and fees you can also go to Lacy Blossom Class By Bettina this Saturday Jan 19

All you need is a beading mat and beading triangle.  Both can be purchased at our shop or at class.

Please dress comfortably and be ready to enter our realm of beads.