Solar Flare.. expected this Saturday August 13

A lovely gem of a necklace| Photo by Bettina Al-Bakhit

In tandem with the astonishing activity happening on our Sun planet, I thought there is no better time to introduce this 'astronomical' class to our wonderful students and to Kuwait then now. 

Albight it may look simple, creating an Open-back Bezel in this class will require previous experience in beading, patience and love.  An advanced class, this encapsulating technique mainly requires precision in details and appreciation of working with high quality Japanese cylindrical and tiny round seed beads.  With that receipe,  I assure you the outcome can only be termed as priceless.

The pendent of all pendents, this bezeled focal piece spur life| Photo by Bettina Al-Bakhit

All the credit for learning this advanced beading technique goes to my teacher and Master Beader extraordinaire Laura McCabe about 5 years ago.  During a marathon of workshops in mid-2000's, i came across a photo that made my eyes tickle.  And even though the class was 'Advanced', I was not about to let that deter me from learning how to create such exquisite, "living", and detailed pieces.  This Saturday, I share the core of what I learned with you.

I will show you how to cradle and center this Rivoli pendent with seed beads, embellish with sparkling vivid crystals, suspend off strun Soft Flex heaving wire with more crystals andaccented by Tierra Cast's fine findings and beads, and lastly the proper, clean way to close your piece.  Solar Flare Necklace class is rich with techniques and will opening doors to endless possibilities for you to create high quality jewelry of your own.

You will be learning 5 major techniques in this class.

Technique/s:                      Open-Back Bezel; Circular Peyote; Tubular Herringbone/Ndebele; Embellishing;   Stringing
Class Level:                       Advanced
Prerequisite Required:       Peyote; Herringbone/Ndebele
Time:                                 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Venue:                               Jabriyah, Block 9, Street 6, House 13 (Side entrance to Basement)

As usual we will be offering several colorways to select from. 

To register, kindly visit Mr. Chaminda at our LB o J'zazz shop in Shaab Al-Bahry.  And if there are any questions, please email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call 2261-0686.

Our 1st Fanoos Meet and Bead August 5th

A beautiful resorted I visited in the U.A.E| Photo by Bettina

This is our 1st Ramadhan together- LB o J'zazz-ers! 

Ramadhan Kareem

Last year it dawned to me how nice it would be if we celebrate with all our senses the "Ramadhan spirit".   What better time to put that idea into reality than in our upcoming evening on August 5th. 

Let us get in the spirit!

An outstanding serene desert dream| Photo by Bettina

"Fanoos" Meet and Bead will be filled with smells, sounds, and colors of this special time.  With all that will be surrounding you, why not start a project like the Gujirati Khulkaal Lubna taught in our last class?  Or perhaps even work on a piece for Eid?  What ever you choose to, 1) start, 2) continue, or 3) finish a project I look forward to welcoming you.

For you all who need a jump start come meet super creative people, sift through our collection of magazines, or just "inhale" good energy and inspiration. 

Ms. Hanan shared her wonderful interpretation of a project she learned at
one of our classes. 
This piece is massive and impressive
| Photo by Bettina

My darraa'/kaftan is set aside just waiting to be worn for this special evening with you.  It would be great if would also join me by dressing in the local dress (Darraa').  And for our male LB o J'zazz-ers, a Dishdasha or Thob would be perfect and a breath of fresh air to see in "The Zone".

This Friday, August 5th it is then.

Ramadhan timing:
Time:     8:30 p.m.- 11:30 p.m.
Venue:   Jabriyah, Block 9, Street 6,  Villa 13 (side basement entrance)

For more information, please feel free to call 22610686 or email us at info@lbojzazz.com.

Time has changed

The Time in Muscat, Oman a week ago| Photo by Bettina

As the Holy month of Ramadhan has just graced us this year, our shop hours are now in "Ramadhan mode" with new opening hours. 

Morning:
10 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Evening:
8:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.

Do give us a visit as Chaminda is back in town.

Ramadhan Kareem to you and your family from LB o J'zazz family.

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 !

Gujarati Kholkhaal Class In Right Angle Weave This Saturday July 23

Lately, I have been revisiting books on various cultures and in particular a book by Wade Davis http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/explorers/wade-davis.html.  The book is called Light At The Edge Of The World and it covers a range of peoples who are vanishing such as the Aboriginal communities in Australia, the Sarawaks and the Innuits of the Arctic Region.  Images, costume, how they live, eat, hunt and thrive in their own modality never ceases to intrigue me.  Learning about others has fascinated me ever since I was a young child no older than five and seems to fuel the creative juices so to speak. 
So, as I began working on my first anklet, the research triggered a wealth of inspiration and ideas.  Looking at how nomadic and semi nomadic communities transported their identities and personal worth through personal adornment is arresting and captivates the imagination. 

Closure with Lucite Flower | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

In Kuwaiti dialect the word for anklet is "Al Hujool" ; the letter j in the word quickly transforms into a y therefore becoming "Al Huyool" and the regional word is "Khulkhaal" the plural being "Khalakhil" which denotes the jingling effect of certain bell like findings.  My imagination always goes to the beauty of the dancer with her anklets and how she gains attention by the jingling effect of her feet as she twirls and dances. So my research went further east to India as I began to see images of the state of Gujarat and began to discover more images and details of the costumes and jewelry. 

Natural curve | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

This is actually the first anklet ever that I have created and it's delicate design yet lively colors attest to the beautiful dance of life and beauty. Employing Swarovski Round Pearls, Czech Pressed Glass Daggers, Fire Polished Beads, Czech Seed Beads and Sterling Silver drops that curves naturally and drapes the ankle eloquently.

Please join both Bettina and I as we create a new interpretation of the "Kholkhaal". 


Date: Saturday  July 23
Time:  9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Advanced Beginners

For more information on tools required, materials list and class fees you can either call us at our LB o J'zazz shop at 2261-0686 or send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com.  You can pre-register at the shop time also.  

Knowledge and Wisdom Banks: Three Generations Of Al Bakhit's On A Quiet Saturday Morn

Bettina and Sara | Mother (Teacher) and Daughter (Student) | Photo by Ahmed Abdulla

1st Generation and Now | Photo by Ahmed Abdulla

This morning was a real treat as I watched three generations in the Al Bakhit family spend a morning sharing, learning and just being with each other.  Today, we had Suzanna (Grandmother), Bettina (Mom first, Teacher second), Sara (daughter, student) and last but not least Meshari ( son and self appointed supervisor) all together joining the rest of us for the Tierra Frenzy class.  It doesn't get better than that.  Of course our wonderful student and friend  Ahmed Abdulla along with my self in my supporting role today.  I would also like to mention that Ahmed had set up a photo studio in our little abode and had taken the photos in this post.

The future Meshari | Photo by Ahmed Abdulla

This was a class that comprised of twenty three separate components and was a fusion between Wirework and Off Loom Weaving. Bettina created this piece during Chaminda's recent leave to Sri Lanka and in the realm of the shop.
What was interesting and fulfilling to observe were the connections not only of the findings in the kits but between Mother and Mother; Bettina and Suzannah, Mother and Daughter; Bettina, Suzannah and Sara, Mother and Son, Teacher and Students.  It all came to the wonderful sharing across ages and generations and that resonates across times and cultures.

The focal points completed | Photo by Ahmed Abdulla

Those people who taught others how to make things were always held in high regard and reverence. The first lady to teach me knitting and a love for beads was the most amazing babysitter back in the 70's.  She was a Native American from Alaska and was a highschool student.  If only  I could find her and thank her for patiently answering the tireless and endless questions of an inquisitive six year old  and allowing me to enter the rich world of handcrafting. I like to call it the Knowledge and Wisdom Banks that are a key part of maintaining cultural and social literacy and expression.  This is what we were a part of today.

Creating The Dream: Lubna & Bettina on FM 97.5 In Their Radio Debut With Samira Al Suliman

This Saturday July 16, my partner in creativity and crime; Bettina and I will be initiated into the world of radio for the first time.  Radio is quite a different media and how we come across through audio will be quite interesting.  None other than our beader extraordinaire whose passion for beads is what initiated Radio Personality and Presenter Samira Al Suliman to invite us as her guests on " Dhuyoof Alaa El Thani".

Bettina and I were invited to talk about how two individuals with quite different educational backgrounds came up with and created LB o J'zazz and the passion for all things artisanal and in particular beaded adornment.  It felt effortless during the pre-recorded session and Samira was in command of the studio, her material and how she poised her questions.  It did not feel like an interview, just flowing conversations.  So, as this is our debut, we kindly ask you all not to check for any extra "badliyaat", I'm sure I had a few and Bettina then some! and give us a listen on FM 97.5 Radio Kuwait at 4 PM you can listen online by going to http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Kuwait-2nd-975-s37328/ as the MOI (Ministry of Information) is still working on bringing us  live stream in the not so near future. 

"Tierra Frenzy Is Here" Class New Date Is July 16

Since it seemed that many of our LB o J'zazzers wanted to make this class and Bettina's inspiration was so spontaneous we decided to reschedule this beautiful piece to this coming Saturday July 16.

Sometimes design ideas pour out and luckily these past 3 days they have just been overflowing!  And if you are me, you have to be awake at the wee hours of the morning to capture these creative splurges, or better yet, be at the shop listening to Sade while being surrounded by little glass beauties.

With that said, I have come up with a project for this Saturday's class- The Teirra Frenzy Necklace.  Using high quality, U.S.-made cast and lead free metal components, this copper-plated piece showcases many interesting ways one can use little treasures- from chains, to bails, charms, links, beads, spacers, head pins etc.
A simple, round, disc-shaped, Murano glass bead with silver dichroic takes center stage.  What a lovely job it does. 

This should be a fun class. 

Those who choose to participate in this class,  will learn techniques in wirework and an off-loom beading technique known as Right-Angle Weave with a 'twist'.

The details are as follows:

Class:   The Tierra Frenzy Necklace
Date:    Saturday July16
Time:   9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Venue: Jabriyah, Block 9, Street 6, Villa 13 (Side entrance to Basement)
Technique:  Wirework; Right Angle Weave
Level:  All Levels

Please be sure you to bring along these tools.  They are:

• Wire cutter or Flush Cutter
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Scissors
• Beading Mat
• Bead Aluminum Tray (optional)

(Note:  You can purchase tools either at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry or at the time of class should you require).

Since our 'boss' Chaminda is on holiday, you can visit Lubna at the shop, email us at info@lbojzazz.com, or give us a ring at 22610686 should you wish to register and attend this class.

Lubna and I look forward to hosting, teaching and sharing our time, experiences, and spirit with you.

Peace n Salam

The Tierra Frenzy is here

Sometimes design ideas pour out and luckily these past 3 days they have just been overflowing!  And if you are me, you have to be awake at the wee hours of the morning to capture these creative splurges, or better yet, be at the shop listening to Sade while being surrounded by little glass beauties.

With that said, I have come up with a project for this saturday's class- The Teirra Frenzy Necklace.  Using high quality, U.S.-made cast and lead free metal compotents, this copper-plated piece showcases many interesting ways one can use little treasures- from chains, to bails, charms, links, beads, spacers, head pins etc. 

A simple, round, disc-shaped, Murano glass bead with silver dichroic takes center stage.  What a lovely job it does. 

This should be a fun class. 

Those who choose to participate in this class, they will learn techniques in wirework and an off-loom beading technique known as Right-Angle Weave with a 'twist'.

The details are as follows:

Class:   The Tierra Frenzy Necklace
Date:    Saturday July 9
Time:   9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Venue: Jabriyah, Block 9, Street 6, Villa 13 (Side entrance to Basement)
Technique:  Wirework; Right Angle Weave
Level:  All Level

Please be sure you to bring along these tools.  They are:

• Wire cutter or Flush Cutter
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Round Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Scissors
• Beading Mat
• Bead Aluminum Tray (optional)

(Note:  You can purchase tools either at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry or at the time of class should you require).

Since our 'boss' Chaminda is on holiday, you can visit Lubna at the shop, email us at info@lbojzazz.com, or give us a ring at 22610686 should you wish to register and attend this class.

Lubna and I look forward to hosting, teaching and sharing our time, experiences, and spirit with you.

Peace n Salam

Just Like The Good Ole Days

Ebraheem checking out Crystals | Masouma and Murano beads

It's such a surprise when you realize just how much time has passed since Bettina and I first opened our doors of our little gem of our LB o J'zazz shop.  For the first year and a half we manned the store exclusively every day five days a week mornings and afternoons.  Dusting, dusting, dusting and then more dusting of crystals, beads, fixtures and displays, merchandising, pricing and promoting. Moving stock, tagging, labeling and inventory management. More importantly,  the  welcoming of people into our abode and servicing them LB o J'zazz style was all required in a day at LB o J'zazz | Shaab el Bahry.  It was hard work but extremely fulfilling and rewarding.

Peonies and Yellow amidst Venice, Burano and Murano | Venetian Night

So, in lieu of Chaminda being on leave for the next two weeks we will be at the shop beginning this Sunday, July 3rd.  We will be alternating our days, beginning with myself being there first thing in the morning.  If we run a class on Saturdays then we will have the shop closed for that day and will let you know accordingly.  At this rate, I hope that Bettina and I get a chance to see each other!

Delectable Decopatch papers too!

In any case, for those of you who would like to see us at the shop more often will be able to do so for this two week run.  We also will be rolling some goodies this week and will keep you posted.  If you need anything just call us at 2261-0686.  Happy Beading and Decopatching.