Wednesday, December 28, 2011

A New Year To Discover Through Our January Meet & Bead

So much of what we have known in the world up until 2011 changed dramatically and at super sonic speed, yet the stilling of the mind and being present is even more meaningful and required in this day and time.  So without further ado, our January Meet and Bead is just around that virtual corner. 
It has been a year where LB o J'zazz gained new friends, shared our passion for handmade and continued to strive to offer beautiful, quality products and a plethora of class offerings.  We aim to continue to create a community of beaders and makers that will enrich our lives and create objects that are satisfying to the eye and nourish the soul.
Detail of Totemic Flights by Lubna
So whether you are a beader or never held a bead before we welcome you into the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone where in an informal and casual environment you can meet creative souls, peruse through magazines, show off your work, receive feedback and just hang out while people are creating.






I will be offering my Cinnamon Spiced Cider which is always in high demand, hot chocolate and other yummies to warm you up this new year. 

Date:  January 6 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)








Sunday, December 11, 2011

Turkish Delights Evening Tuesday December 27

Istanbul Photos
This photo of Istanbul is courtesy of TripAdvisor

In our journeys outside and within Kuwait there have been some eye opening discoveries that the interaction of technical know how surely does not exist in a vacuum and permeates more than we realize.  One day, as Bettina and I were meeting with a group of talented makers from Turkey in the precious metal industry here in Kuwait we were visiting their factory and stumbled upon cabinets full of older vintage molds.  When we asked about them we were told that their fathers had worked these amazing filigree pieces over twenty years ago. 
Istanbul Photos
This photo of Istanbul is courtesy of TripAdvisor

If you could see the look on our faces as we sifted through and began creating a custom collection to present exclusively for our LB o J'zazz familia in various precious metal finishes.
Detail of Vintage Filigree in Antiqued Silver

This will be the debut to celebrate the culture of Turkey and it's profound influence through the region through Occupation, assimilation and Rule.  So.join us for a magical evening to discover our Turkish Delights Collection,  music, cuisine and more with friends and new faces. 

Date:  Tuesday December 27
Time:  6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz
Shaab el Bahry Block 8
Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi Street ( formerly Ibn el Khatib)
Adjacent to Euro Telecom
Tel:  2261-0686


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Decopatch at TES Winterland Wonderland Bazaar Friday December 9

Creating textures with the versatile Patchliner


Delicious Delectable Decopatch






 This will be our first ever at the Winter Wonderland Bazaar and Decopatch will be showcased for all you regulars and a great chance to sample and experience  Decopatching the LB o J'zazz Tree Of Life at the event.  You will get to select from over 72 paper designs, Tresors and Patchliners to create amazing upcycled projects from the comfort of your home. We will have gift sets that are perfect for the holiday season. Chaminda and I will both will be there to receive you.  We'll be outdoors so make sure you are dressed for any weather changes. Hope to see you there.

Date:  December 9  Friday
Time:  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue:  TES  The English School Salmiya
From the 4th Ring Road you make a right turn on 1st Street and then another right on 27th Street. 

You will have the option of paying for your purchases at our booth with KNET.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A rose is a rose is a rose is a thorn

As this has a lot to do with our LB o J'zazz shop in Shaab el Bahry this post is dedicated to what's in a name or street designation and on as lightly a satirical note as I can summon.  When we first opened our shop and still to this day two years later, our landlords are still working on a sign and a name for the building.  We just about passed out holding our breaths waiting.  So, instead the new Executive Flex adjacent to our two storey nameless shopping complex got free promotion on all our communication materials, our business cards, receipts, virtual communications and what not.  Anytime we would describe our main street location people were able to find Ibn al Khatib Street quite easily. We even had it Google Mapped. It's been there for years and was an easy name. The way it sounded was pretty catchy and cool also.   That too was on all our communications.
LB o J'zazz today | Photo by Chaminda
Approximately  a month ago, a journalist was trying to reach us and she called me at the shop,  I was giving her my directions which were : " So you get off Route 30 right after the bridge and you make a right immediately onto Ibn al Khatib Street" well, she kept insisting the street did not exist and was some sort of fuzzy figment of my already vivid imagination.  Chaminda then responds to me and says :  "Oh yes, they changed it to Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi a few days ago."   "Mohammed Darwish who?" I ask and still ask.  I then walk out onto the main street and sure enough Ibn al Khatib is nowhere to be found.  Where did he go Ibn al Khatib, has the road designation been sent to  Baladia exile in less desirable areas and just who is Mr. Al Aradi and what did he do to deserve eliminating a slice of our memory, consciousness and street?

Streets, social and civic centers and schools become part of our landmarks and cultural points of reference.  That is why this naming process is of serious concern.  It  seems that the criteria for naming is seriously lacking in substance, values and devoid of meaning.  I constantly insist that our creative members of our community can and should be recognized in our daily lives. This is for a start. We should also consider and recognize those people who lost their lives during the Invasion of Kuwait in 1990 along with the citizens who were kidnapped and taken as Prisoners of War never to return.
If the street was going to change it would have resonated a vital chord if for example it was changed from Ibn al Khatib (a historic figure not related to Kuwait's history) to say Aisha Al Marta's or Asrar Al Qabandi Street.  (These are only examples)
However, after my research I found out that Mr. Al Aradi was an adviser to the late ruler and this seemed to hold great merit enough to change the name of a street.  In more civilized societies the people residing and having businesses in an area are asked through Town Councils as to whether they accept the idea of changing the street name and to what the change would be.
Canada Dry Street in Shuwaikh is another example and despite the fact that the Canada Dry Factory no longer exists, the nomenclature still holds. Yet, the Municipality has published the name change and as long as these changes have been published in the newspapers after the fact, they have absolved themselves yet again.  With all the new areas and suburbs that have new fresh un-named streets, I'm sure Mr. Al-Aradi's street sign would have found a more welcome presence. 
Again, someone knowingly or unknowingly is erasing our contemporary memory, just like the old courtyard homes and historical neighborhoods that have been demolished from our consciousness.
Now, when I describe our location the dialogue begins with:  " Do you know Ibn al Khatib Street?" they answer "Yes"  my response is:  " Well now it is Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi's Street formerly known as Ibn al Khatib".  I wonder how our new business cards will look?

Monday, December 5, 2011

Quick Reflections

I woke up this morning full of energy that seemed to match the crispiness in the air.  Getting ready to head out for a full day of administrative errands and a get together for a cuppa with one of my favorite people and artists Angels Madrueno. 
So while having my first morning cuppa brew I downloaded some quick pics and some really quick editing to post and share about our first debut of Soda Pop Bling | Totemic Flights at the Bejeweled Show held by Gallery Tilal.  It was such an eye opener and meeting so many different people in that amazing space was the best way for LB o J'zazz to introduce our body of work.  So here are a few images before I run out.... to be inspired and curious along the way. 
A close up of my most recent piece Totemic Flights 1
Reem and Hanan surprise visit
Lady Z- What would I do without her!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Let's Meet & Bead December 2


 This year flew by with all the events on the world stage and our own beading happenings at LB o J'zazz was full and varied.  The last month of the year and  the last Meet & Bead for 2011 as we gear up for lots of events, exhibitions, classes, collaborations and projects in the new year. 

Homemade hot chocolate, spiced cider will welcome you as we join for a relaxed evening with like minded people.  You can bring projects you would like to complete, peruse our beading magazines and books, show and tell your latest creations or just sit back and enjoy the company.  We look forward to your presence. 

Date:  Friday December 2, 2011
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)




Monday, November 21, 2011

Soda Pop Bling | Totemic Flights At Gallery Tilal November 29

This Tuesday November 29 there will be a Bejeweled Exhibition at Gallery Tilal featuring four participants.  I am really looking forward to welcoming you to LB o J'zazz's first local participation at a gallery level which is the ideal medium for our select artisanal work as each piece is unique and is never repeated.  Soda Pop Bling is a quirky collection playing on elements we see everyday that have been modified to a more elevated status.
In addition, Totemic Flights is a new body of work that comprises a sub grouping  within the Kindred Spirits Project.  Iconic symbols such as the totem and cross have been some of many attempts of man to connect the physicality of the body to a cosmological connection with the skies.  The vertical reaching attempts are evident in this collection of man reaching to the heavens and the cosmos.

Fareed Abdal will also be introducing a stunning select collection of new pieces of body adornment in the form of bangles that are a continuation of his play and discoveries of the letter forms and letters in the Arabic language.  These will be available by order.  The 28 Faces Of The Beloved Rings Collection will also be available by special order.

Date:  Tuesday November 29- Thursday December 1
Time:  10:30 AM- 2:00 PM
  5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Venue:  Gallery Tilal at Tilal Mall Shuwaikh

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Another Reason To Celebrate: KNET Awaits You

After another round of running after paper work and other tedious yet necessary tasks we are proud and relieved to announce that yes LB o J'zazzers we are now able to accept your KNET payments!  Hope this makes your shopping more enjoyable and easier.  Until then, happy beading. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Holiday Cheer at the AWL Charity Bazaar This Friday November 18

LB o J'zazz and Decopatch along with our friends will be exhibiting at the upcoming AWL (American Women's League) Annual Charity Bazaar we will be located with our fellow entrepreneurs in the BPW Zone.  This is a one day event so make sure to head on over to Salmiya at the Salwa Al-Sabah Hall at the Marina on Gulf Road.  Come early as parking fills up like crazy!

We will have our Decopatch Gift Sets, Papers and creative molds to cover along with Gift Certificates for Classes and for the shop and some one of  a kind jewelry by Bettina and myself.  You can also replenish on your bead stashes to use for embellishing and decorations during the holiday and giving season. You will also get to pre-order a custom ring from our ever popular yet unique 28 Faces Of The Beloved Rings by Fareed Abdal. 

Event:  Annual Charity Bazaar
Venue:  Salwa Al Sabah Hall - BPW section
Time:  10:30 AM- 9:00 PM


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Beading Time and Eid Al Adha Holidays Store Hours

Miyuki Seed Beads Size 6/0
Ten days, yes, ten days of potential uninterrupted beading time!  As many people are out of the country, Kuwait seems less frenetic and the traffic is manageable and after the first few days of family visits, I will be dedicating most of my time cleaning up my studio and working on new pieces for an upcoming exhibition and creating new samples for upcoming classes.
This is also a great time to head to the shop, peruse and discover all the new goodies on show to feed the need to bead.  We will be closed tomorrow for the first day of Eid and then Monday November 7th we will resume our regular shop hours:

9:30AM-1:00 PM and 5:00PM-9:30PM 
Shaab el Bahry Block 8 
Ibn el Khatib Street 
Aziziya Complex
Tel:  2261-0686
Happy Eid Al Adha holidays and wishing you all good times with family and loved ones plus some quality beading time. 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November's Here With Some Cool Weather Cheer So Let's Meet & Bead

A melange of talents and crafted pieces from Reem Al Hajri and Iqbal Al Rahmani
Finally, some cool weather has graced our presence after an extended summer season that just lingered.  So, now is the time to bring back some favorite beverages such as my homemade Cinnamon Spiced Cider, Hot Karkade and other refreshments as we congregate, reconnect over all that is handmade with special attention to beaded adornment and crafts.
Our first event of the month as we welcome you before the Eid Holidays, so join us for another relaxed and laid back evening of mingling, looking at other folks' creations and having a good laugh or two.

Reem Al Hajri's Funky Bangles that everyone just had to have!

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

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

Monday, October 31, 2011

Boho Chic Cuff: RAW* Class This Saturday November 5

Size 6/0 Czech and a myriad of layers in RAW*
When we scheduled the class last month, most of those who had been eagerly awaiting to take it were unable to attend so I promised to do a repeat for many reasons the first being this is one of the most rewarding projects that has come out from my hands and is just rich and multi-layered with subtle details.  The second is that you asked for it again....
This technique is one of the most versatile modes of off loom weaving that allows you to create beautiful fabric like pieces or to have a more sculptural output.  With a few design modifications that Bettina suggested and a breakthrough in reinterpreting the closure in macrame you will be rewarded with a stunning cuff that will be a conversation piece without a doubt.

The recipe: beautiful beads, thread and your talent!

Beginning with creating the base employing Size 6/0 Czech beads from our new arrivals combined with Size 11/0 as the first layer.  Layers and additional embellishing will create a unique and assymetrical piece as the actual structure of the weave is explored.  A macrame knotting technique that I mastered as a fourth grader back in the day and will be revived and combined for a simple but delicate and functional closure. 


Date:  Saturday November 5, 2011
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* ( Right Angle Weave) and Macrame
Level:  Intermediate*

*You should be proficient in RAW* or have taken any of these classes:  Moorish Mashrabiya Earrings, Mucha's Flowers Bracelet, Byzantine Queen Earrings or Dancing Crystals Choker. 

For more information on class materials, tools required and fees please send an email to info@lbojzazz.com or call our Shaab el Bahry store at 2261-0686.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Saturday Specials @ LB o J'zazz Shaab

LB o J'zazz on our first Venetian Nights

Tomorrow we are going to slow things down by not running a class as it seems that many of us need to catch up on projects and complete purchases for that special missing item.  So, Chaminda and I are going to be available all of tomorrow in shifts to accommodate your beading, wirework and stringing needs.  Hopefully, Bettina may just pop in as it is her last day in town before heading back up North to Dublin.  I will be there in the morning and then from 4 on until our closing time. 
Crazy for Czech Crystals

As it is a Saturday Special, Bettina and I have made a pre-selection of  our favorite Czech Bicone Crystals in 5mm and 6mm.  So, when you come to the shop this Saturday October 22, for every KD10 that is spent towards jewelry making products such as Findings, Crystals, Pearls, Glass Beads, Seed Beads, Tools, Craft Wire and Soft Flex Beading Wires you can select a package of 48 bicones in these two sizes as a gift from the LB o J'zazz family.  This is a great way to make your purchases go further so don't miss it!  Hope to see you then.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Madha'ad Celebration: Right Angle Weave Class Saturday October 15

Madha'ad Celebration In Celadon
In the past year in particular, my explorations in  Right Angle Weave have been taking quite a bit of my beading time and seems to have opened a lot of  fresh ideas and new interpretations.  This approach was pioneered by the Right Angle Weave Master Marcia DeCoster and her techniques allow one to discover the beauty of beads as if it was the first time every time one picks up a needle, thread and some seed beads. 
Researching the local jewelry here in Kuwait led me to look at new expressions of traditional designs such as this Madha'ad which connotes bangle in the local Kuwaiti dialect.  I grew up here in the 70's and have vivid memories of my late paternal grandmother baking bread and seeing the flash of her gold Madhaa'ad and hearing the jangle as she prepared the dough. 
The bangles would usually be in gold and were in a rigid form and sometimes would be inlaid with natural pearls or gemstones taking many of the design elements from India, Persia and the East African Coast. 
By creating a fabric like mesh in RAW* and then applying it to an armature or rigid form allowed the beads to be presented in a more sculptural and dimensional visual.  The kits will be available in five vivid and vibrant colorways to celebrate the history and culture of adornment that graced the wrists of most women here in Kuwait.

Date:  October 15, 2011 Saturday
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 AM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Intermediate - you need to be proficient in the technique or have taken either Moorish Mashrabiya Earrings, Mucha's Flowers Bracelet, Byzantine Queen Earrings, Dancing Crystals Choker or Boho Chic Cuff.

To reserve and select your kit, simply pre-register at the shop in Shaab el Bahry.  For more information on tools required, materials in kit and class fees just send us an email to info@lbojzazz or call us at the shop at 2261-0686.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Boho Chic Cuff: RAW* Class This Saturday October 8


This is a class I've been meaning to offer and share for the past  four months as our LB o J'zazzers have been gaining more experience in Right Angle Weave.  This technique is one of the most versatile modes of off loom weaving that allows you to create beautiful fabric like pieces or to have a more sculptural output.  With a few design modifications that Bettina suggested and a breakthrough in reinterpreting the closure in macrame you will be rewarded with a stunning cuff and will be a conversation piece without a doubt.

Beginning with creating the base employing Size 6/0 Czech beads from our new arrivals combined with Size 11/0 as the first layer.  Layers and additional embellishing will create a unique and assymetrical piece as the actual structure of the weave is explored.  A macrame knotting technique that I mastered as a fourth grader will be revived and combined for a simple but delicate and functional closure. 


Date:  Saturday October 8, 2011
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* ( Right Angle Weave) and Macrame
Level:  Intermediate*

*You should be proficient in RAW* or have taken any of these classes:  Moorish Mashrabiya Earrings, Mucha's Flowers Bracelet, Byzantine Queen Earrings or Dancing Crystals Choker. 

For more information on class materials, tools required and fees please send an email to info@lbojzazz.com or call our Shaab el Bahry store at 2261-0686.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Friday October 7th Is Just Around The Corner; So Let's Just Meet & Bead

New Ideas | Debates| Sharing
Finally our evenings are a bit more pleasant.  Whenever the weather cools down it seems that our energy levels rise up a few notches.  More beading projects than usual, more purchases of a few more hanks and tubes of beads for the new pieces we are dreaming of creating of course!  Last Meet & Bead we had several newbies in our midst and it truly added to the ideas and inspiration pot so to speak. 
This Meet and Bead we will be introducing a special commissioned collection of pendants that both Bettina and I have been working on getting to you for the past few months.  This collection is such a treat and will define your work in a very special way.   
Reem Al Hajri | ARAM Jewelry Bangles In RAW*

This Friday we will be having our gathering, so bring your projects, if you feel like showing and telling that's fine too.  For those of you who are curious and would like to connect and learn more about handmade and may have never even seen a bead in action, welcome and feel free to bring along friends and guests. 

Date:  October 7, 2011
Time:  6:00PM- 9:30PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)


Monday, October 3, 2011

Braided Bracelet Class: This Tuesday October 4

Soft Flex Metallics In A Beautiful Braided Bracelet
This simple yet age old design of braiding continues to be appealing to this day.  In this bracelet, I wanted to emulate the look of metal work without the effort or cost.  By using Soft Flex Beading Wire in the Metallics range in the heaviest weights this was easily achieved.  The Metallics are enhanced by a color mixing technique that was created to enhance the metallic sheen subtly. 
The final look works well for both ladies and gents, but you will also learn how to add links and findings for a dressier look with Crystal Briolettes and special bails. Ending with special closures to secure the braided piece and a simple Vintaj closure.

Date:  Tuesday October 4, 2011
Time:  6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6
House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  Stringing
Level: Beginners / Foundational


Tools Required:  Beading Mat, Flush or Side Cutters, Chain Nose Pliers, Flat Nose Pliers

For more information on class fees and any other details just send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com or call at 2261-0686.


Saturday, October 1, 2011

Craft Talk, Ideation and Great NimNim Creations

I have to say, all of our Meet and Bead evenings are enjoyable, and whenever one is coming up the family knows well in advance that the first Friday of each month is solely dedicated to preparations during the day leading up as we welcome new faces, regulars and guests in to the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone for several hours sharing creations, ideas, talking about inspiration perhaps over a cup of tea, homemade lemonade or one of my homemade hearty soups.
However, our last gathering in September was even more special, in that many new visitors joined and really added new ideas, dimensions and gave insightful feedback upon seeing the various work of the group.  It makes one feel optimistic when you meet other like minded individuals who take pleasure in simply creating with their hands.  One of our new guests Amina when asked when she started working with paper and color she answered:" Ever since I could remember as a young child in grade school."  
Some of Amina's latest handmade cards
She provides a wide range of paper art solutions through her business called STELLA.  Her designs are vibrant and lively and she's really responsive to hearing requests and is opened to new ideas.  I was able to select from what she shared with us and can't wait to see what else she will be making in the future. 
We had several new faces grace the Zone, a master diver Tareq  who is creating his own visions and was keen on receiving design and form feedback along with sharing how he came about his concept and his passion for nature and diving. Along with those who just enjoyed the company of craft makers and the conversations that came along with it.
Here is some more beautifully handcrafted objects that were shared last night.  Reem Al Hajri of  https://www.facebook.com/ARAMQ8  excels and is delving in off loom weaving.  She seems to enjoy Dutch Spiral, Spiral Stitch, Ndebele, Brick Stitch and Peyote as can be seen in some samples of her work. I got two of the rings.  They look like insects getting ready to alight and float away.  I like how my  'Seen'  from the "28 Faces Of The Beloved Collection" by Fareed Abdal contrasts the shape of the ring.
Heather Collin Design Implemented by ARAM
Luscious pearls dance and play in Reem's Spiral Stitch Lariat
So much was going on and the highlight of the evening was when a few guests came a bit later and we started talking about what it meant and how do we actually feel when working with our hands and beading or crafting.  We delved in the historical aspects along with the therapeutic aspects that physiologically seem to change  and noticeably improve our state of well being.  Anytime, an idea came about, someone would find another interesting object to admire and wonder how and why it was made. So, as much as Nerissa enjoys wirework, re-purposing and Vintage Jewelry designing she also works on what she calls Canvas and what I call Affirmation Word Arts as she shared some of her visions and pieces.
Nerissa's Whimsical Pieces
So as we tend to our daily, weekly, monthly and annual To-Do Lists and life chores so to speak, take a step back for a second to discover so much of creative ideas and people that surround us and create feasts for our senses.





Friday, September 30, 2011

Connecting The Dots: THREADS October Edition

Shuttling between the office in Jabriya, replenishing stocks per Chaminda's daily requests, beading for an upcoming exhibition, and preparing for upcoming classes, somehow and some way the THREADS October Edition pf our e-newsletter emerged as Bettina and I communicated, fine tuned and edited across countries and continents to better communicate so much that is going on in the LB o J'zazz realm. 
You will be to peruse the complete class schedule for the month, Tips, a special trip to Tarek Rajab Museum and a bit more.  So if you would like to receive a copy just send an email and we'll add you to the list, you can subscribe and unsubscribe anytime with a simple click.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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. 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

RAW* 300 Class: Dancing Crystals Choker Saturday September 24

This class is one of the most rewarding and evocative designs created for the LB o J'zazz Education Series and allows you to work in creating a stunning fusion of two distinct techniques; that of Right Angle Weave in a special pattern sequence as the framework whereby, stringing with Soft Flex Metallics Beading Wire is then added to create a minuet of a dance of subtle hues of Czech bicone crystals.  By the time the choker is completed you will have over 240 crystals accentuating the curve of the neckline.  There are over five kits in distinct colorways for you to choose from and are available at the shop.  This design was selected by Soft Flex Company and showcased on their blog.

Date:  Saturday September 24
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 Side Basement Entrance
Time:  9:30AM- 1:30AM
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave) and Stringing
Level:  Intermediate
Detail of RAW* with Miyuki Size 6 and Czech Seed Beads

For more information you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com and we will send you all additional information including material lists, tools required and class fees.  You can also pre-register at our store and select your kit at Shaab el Bahry or call us at 2261-0686.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Introducing THREADS our e-newsletter

Vintage Au Provence Earrings

Weaving the story of beads through THREADS  our monthly way of staying connected with our customers and friends. It is an e-newsletter whereby, you can have a quick glance on one page as to all the happenings, new products, specials and tips for wirework, offloom weaving and stringing.  This month, you will be able to peruse the shop for an extensive range of Soft Flex Craft Wires in non-tarnish Copper, Silver and Gold Plated from 18-26 gauges. Plus, we just got in an amazing selection of seed beads that are just stunning and great inspiration for the fall and winter season.  If you would like to receive an e-copy just send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com

Monday, September 5, 2011

Byzantine Queen Earrings Class In RAW: Saturday September 10

Byzantine Queen in Byzantium Blues
Explore another variation in Right Angle Weave in this earring set inspired by the Byzantine Period.  The Byzantine Empire emerged when the capital of the Roman Empire was transferred to Constantinople in the 4th Century well until the15th Century. Byzantine fashion took it's color inspiration and decorative tradition from the Orient and Middle East. Due to it's active history of trade with the East, fabrics that were rich oranges, greens, and ochres became more in demand.  However, the one color purple became associated with wealth and royalty.  Hence the work Byzantium for a rich, royal purple came to be. The jewelry  incorporated a fusion of pearls, semiprecious stones and gold in rich layers and details.
Bust of Constantinople

I have been meaning to offer this class a while back, another rich and evocative pair of earrings that relives the ornate designs and intricacy of the Byzantine Period.  However, the interpretation is a contemporary take employing Swarovski Round Pearls, our shimmering Czech Bicone Crystals and a new Swarovski Pendant.  Taking RAW to another level with layering and embellishing with Miyuki Seed Beads create a delicate accent to the base form.  This class comes in five rich colorways Antique Bronze, Byzantium Blues, Azurean Sun, Cerulean Pastels and Copperhead  for you to select from.


Date:  September 10, 2011
Time:  9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Intermediate

For more information on class fees details, tools required and material list you can email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call the shop at 2261-0686.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Join This September 9th For Our Monthly Meet & Bead

Mother and Daughter | Teacher and Student Passing the Knowledge Bank
After our Fanoos Meet and Bead Night this past Ramadan, we're ready for some new projects and endeavors.  This month, we will be announcing some new initiatives, challenges to expand your creatives horizons along the beaded way. You will be able to preview the September and October Class and Events Schedule along with some new ideas and tips.
Bring any of your projects to show off, start a new project if you like, or just go through our extensive books and magazine collection for some additional inspiration and eye candy. If you are new to this, please join us for a relaxed evening and feel free to bring guests and new faces are always welcome at the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone. 
One of Bettina's Creations | Bracelet with Vintaj findings
Lubna will be concocting one of her heartier soups to sate your appetites as you congregate, contemplate and get to bead amongst friends old and new.  Hope to see you then! 




Date:   Friday September 9th
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:30 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
For directions or more information you can email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call us at 2261-0686.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Eid Greetings From The Familia At LB o J'zazz & Opening Hours

Fareed weaving a yarn on Venetian Night at LB o J'zazz shop
We would like to wish you all the best of health, wealth and merriment during and well after the Eid Al-Fitr holidays and peace and prosperity combined with more time for beading and taking the time to appreciate what precious gifts life has to offer us all.  From Bettina, Chaminda and myself thank you for your continued interest in what we are all about and your support of this endeavor of celebrating all that is handmade with passion and love.
We have  several new events, new products, beads, special treats and classes coming your way and will keep you posted as they roll out of our LB o J'zazz Bead Kitchen so to speak.  Our store hours will be:

Thursday September 1 
9:30 AM- 1:00 PM
&
5:00 PM- 9:30 PM

The regular hours will then resume from Saturdays - Thursdays as above. 

Thursday, August 25, 2011

We've Given LB o J'zazz Shaab Store The Day Off

Just to let you know that as we have to attend to some major administrative tasks and tedious yet necessary bureaucratic processes the shop will be closed today and will be back open Saturday August 27.  Have a great weekend!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Same Day New Timing : Dancing Crystals II Class


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.

Join us for a relaxed day of beading and creating. 

Date:  August 27 Saturday
Time:  12:00 PM (noon)- 5:00 PM
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).
Created by:  Lubna
 
If you have any questions you can contact us either here on the blog or at info@lbojzazz.com. Namaste and Happy Beading !

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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