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)

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. 

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. 

 

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.

Bead Embroidery By Request: Vintage Au Provence Earrings Class

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. 
These earrings began as an idea for a birthday gift over a year ago for my creative and business partner and BBF Bettina. It took me a while to complete them with our hectic work schedule but she did receive the pair before departing with her daughter Sara to Ireland.  I wanted to make sure that she had something with her  from me that was handmade as a sort of talisman.  Plus, the selfish part of me wanted her to remember me each time she wore them or saw them in her jewelry stash.
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 October 1, 2011
Time:  9:30AM- 1:30 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. 

Debut Design: Vintage Au Provence Earrings Class Saturday August 20

One of the most requested designs, this is a great way to spend some creative time in the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone before Futoor for some quality meditative beading. 
With a needle and thread you will learn how to create an embellished cabochon from scratch and assemble the earrings all the way to the earring posts. We will be working with celebrated Master Jindrich's hand crafted cabochons from the Bohemia Region.

Cabochons made by master Glass Craftman Jindrich

This specific fringing technique will enable you to create a symbiotic flow between the main design and the embellished portion of fringing.  We have three special colorways in this debut design that are available to reserve and pre-register for selection at our LB o J'zazz shop.

Date:  August 20 Saturday
Time:  11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  Bead Embroidery /  Bezeling / Fringing
Level: Intermediate

For details on materials, tools required and class fees you can contact us at the shop at 2261-0686 or send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com 

Meditative Beading Ramadan 2011

In lieu of my upcoming geographical break away, there are two projects in particular that warrant advance scheduling for classes.  These two projects are in fact some of my favorites.  The first one will be a brand new class in Bead Embroidery and the second class will be the rescheduled Dancing Crystals Choker II.  They are quite different in feel and concept.
You will have ample time to pre-register and select your kits and will post the dates for when each respective class colorways will be ready for you to see at the shop with Chaminda. The specific morning timings for classes during Ramadan will be finalized in the coming days so Bettina and I will update you immediately on the details.

Saturday August 20
Vintage Au Provence Earrings

Bead embroidery and Fringe Mania

Inspired by the country style cabochons from our Master Bead Maker Jindrich, these earrings capture the feeling of the provincial countryside with a contemporary twist of interpretations. In vibrant palettes that evoke the seasons of spring and summer creating a play of verdant greens, luscious pinks and plums.   This is the next step in Bead Embroidery as you will learn how to connect separate elements.  In addition, special attention will be given to learning how to create beautiful fringing off embroidered objects thus becoming a focal part of the piece.

Technique:  Bead Embroidery / Fringing -Embellishing
Level:  Advanced Beginners


Saturday August 27
Dancing Crystals Choker II

Over 120 Czech Crystals dance off the RAW base

This is the evolution of a series of chokers originally created in 2005 whilst bedridden for two weeks.  The idea of musical sheets, and crystals dancing off the scales along with my life long fascination with insects and spider webs; this choker has come a long way.  The new structure  that I have been working on in the past few months incorporates a special patterning in Right Angle Weave and is fused with stringing with our Czech Bicones ranging from 3mm to 6mm.  It drapes and frames the collarbone dramatically yet differently on each wearer.  Truly an extravaganza of crystals that play off the base in an arresting manner.

Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave) / Stringing
Level:  Intermediate  (Ideally you should be proficient in RAW/ or have taken two classes from Moorish  Mashrabiya Earrings, Mucha's Flowers Bracelet or Gujurati Kholkhaal class with us at LB o J'zazz).
 
If you have any questions you can contact us either here on the blog or at info@lbojzazz.com.  Will also be keeping you posted on my nomadic wanderings.  Namaste and Happy Beading !

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. 

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. 

Czech Seed Beads Interpreted

Czech seed beads come in six loop hanks

The nomenclature "seed beads" came from the ancient practice of putting holes in seeds and stringing to create jewelry.  Today, "seed beads" connotes and encompasses a wide range of shapes and sizes of small glass beads beginning with antique beads anywhere from the smallest size of 24 all the way to size 2. These sizes are considered "aught" whereby the higher the number the smaller the bead.  However, the most utilized sizes are size 15, 11 and 8.  The size 11 is the most popular size employed today globally. These beads were crafted by very capable artisans who would take a huge glob of molten glass, then a punty would be applied on one side and two men would proceed to pull the glass.  This was no easy feat especially when micro beads were being made. 

Today certain types of machinery are employed but the hand making process still plays an important role.  Many avid collectors have stashes of beads that are no longer made and have lusters, finishes and colors that will not be found again.  We are constantly on the lookout for older vintage or antique beads.  Vintage is usually seed beads manufactured twenty five years ago or more.  So, if you have some old beads tucked away in a box you can incorporate them in special one off pieces. 

At LB o J'zazz there is an ample selection of Czech Seed Beads in size 11, 8 and the special 1-Cut Charlottes in Size 13.  We will also be introducing new colors and palettes soon.  You will recognize them as they are packaged and displayed in six loop hanks.  The total weights of each color vary due to the special finishes, dyes and lusters that are used. 

Bead embroidered piece by Lubna using Czech seed beads

LB o J'zazz artisans Bettina and Lubna extensively use Czech seed beads for their huge variety, limited colors and crafty feel.  They work particularly well in bead embroidery and off loom weaving such as spiral stitch amongst many others.  So pass by LB o J'zazz and explore all things Czech. 

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

As Dunes Unfold

Just as the wind playfully creates beautiful artistic stokes of sand lines with every gust of its whistling winds, so does my playful spirit embroider beads on special canvas. ‘Dunes’ is my journey through unforeseen paths of desert sand dunes which I began several months back. This is my 2nd attempt at a bead embroidery necklace and I am finding it surprisingly more peaceful and pleasant a process this time around. As this journey is in its early stages, I have decided to share the ‘Preface’ to my story with you.

Stage 1: (inner conversation between “Me, myself and I”)

Ok, I think its time I take the plunge and embark on this painstaking, two-by-two bead picking challenge. The time to face my fears, head on, by applying this technique on a necklace project has arrived. This fear, or rather challenge as Lubna would say, I have been avoiding for over a year reminds me of the old Energizer battery advertisement that so eloquently and positively describes its strength to “keep going and going and going” comes full swing. Barricaded in my cozy little studio, I decide (again) that our beloved desert would be the theme behind selecting my color palette of gold, off-white, grey, beige and shades of cream. Something that is neutral in tone and can be matched with almost any color dress, darra3a, gown, or blouse one might feel like wearing. Elegant, simple and almost “jewel”-like in its overall design was the direction I decided to go with.

Now I have a secret to share. On one of our (Lubna and I) many buying trips, I invested HEAVILY on an exquisite personal collection of stones which were masterfully selected, cut, and finished by Gary Wilson, a guru in Lapidary work. And I have just waited for the right time to use one of those stones on a worthy piece. The Bali Star Coral cabochon was the focal piece of choice for Dunes. Now let the wind currents begin.

With the template created and the focal cabochon attached, the ‘Preface’ and beginning to my Dune-forming, wind blowing journey is underway.

Radiant Suns and luminescent Moons brighten and present mesmerizing, almost hypnotic depth and intrigue to Dunes with the use of Swarovski Crystal Rivolis, Preciosa crystal cabochons, Mother of Pearl cabochons, Toho seed beads, and many other goodies.

May the journey continue and may the birth of Dunes be swift and glorious.

To be continued…

Delicious Freshwater Pearls Samplings at LB o J'zazz

(Fig. 1)

(Fig. 2)

Fig.1: Keshi Purple Iris (10-12mm) and Keshi White (7-9mm)

Fig. 2: Rice Olive Green Iris (6-6.5mm); Rice Silver Iris (5-5.5mm); and Nugget Peacock (5-6mm)

Fresh water pearls add luminosity and shimmer to any beaded object. They also come in rich shades through special dyeing process that creates a broader palette when working with wider colorways. They can be strung in a very simple and elegant fashion or used as an accent bead enhancing silver findings and softening a look. They create very satisfying results when used in extensive embellishment techniques such as fringing and bead embroidery and can be used to create a  layering effect.

Here are some examples of how freshwater pearls create a rich yet subtle contrast when worked with other textures of beads and finishes.

Fig.3 "Ice Queen" by Bettina Al Bakhit employs various sizes, shapes and very subtle variations in freshwater pearls that refract light in a dreamy way. 

  

 

 

Fig.4  Purple Freshwater pearls are selectively used in the fringing to create a rich tapestry of textures and hues in this elaborate beaded collar.  Piece by Lubna Saif Abbas

We have a limited quantity of designer strands of freshwater pearls and we recommend you come by as these pearls are must sees. Don't forget our new shop hours in Shaab El Bahry which are:

Sundays-Thursdays 

9:00 AM-1:00 PM

5:30  PM- 9:30 PM

Saturdays

11:00 AM-7:00 PM

Kindred Spirits: "Empire Of The Sun" In Fermentation

I found this Vintage Button at a Bead Show a few years back and grabbed it immediately not really knowing how and when it would be utilized until the Kindred Spirits pieces began to unfold.  Again, the color palette in my mind was moving to a red palette however,  what it ended up being is completely different.  The shank of this button  was removed with the beautiful lady in her Kimono and fan  jumped out to me with "Empire Of The Sun" resonating in  my conciousness.

It was an exercise in color and form by limiting the palette and creating a focus on rhythm and movement.  The shape was also new to me in terms of how it would sit on the wearer.  This is how it looks at this stage, however, it has a bit to go until it completes itself. This will be part of a larger collection within the Kindred Spirits series. 

The "How Ya Doin?" Ring

Created by Lubna Saif Abbas

After the kick off the New Year and season with last week’s Kashmiri Dreams Cuff that Bettina had developed and concocted, Lubna was intent to continue with the benchmark raised. This class continues to celebrate the Peyote Stitch adding the new technique of bead embroidery and creating a beaded bezel with Circular Peyote Stitch.

This class will focus on embellishing, some more embellishing, and then some! Special Vintage German Cabochons have been selected for this ring. We will be using our sought after special Japanese Cylinder beads, to create a captivating bezel and the ring strap. More embellishing will be introduced with Czech seed beads and special Precious Metal coated charlottes. Our Czech crystals will create the showcase. This ring is a definite eye catcher and conversation piece.

Once you master this technique it can be modified as a pin, a pendant or the main focal point for a bracelet. The kits will come in a range of opal blues and turquoise in celebration of all things blue.

Six seats will be available for this class that will be introducing a whole new technique.

Workshop registration will be taken until Thursday January 28th. You may either leave a comment here or email us: info@lbojzazz.com