LB o J'zazz Shaab el Bahry Will Be Off for Liberation and Independence Days Celebrations

Just to let all of our LB o J'zazzers, beaders, Decopatchers and crafting passionistas know we will be opened on the following days:

Thursday February 23

Monday February 27

Shop Hours

9:30AM-1:00PM

&

5:00PM-9:30PM

Telephone:  2261-0686

KNET purchase enabled (credit cards are not supported at this time)

and will be closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday (February 24, 25 and 26) respectively.  We will resume regular shop hours from Monday February 27.  From the familia at LB o J'zazz to you Happy holidays, happy beading and safe, sane driving.

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

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.

LB o J'zazz at Buqshat Turath Exhibition August 19-21

We will be participating in our first experience within a Ramadanesque Exhibition called Buqshat Turath that is organized by several young local men and women.  The overall theme and layout of the exhibition is Kuwait in the 1930's.  It will be interesting to see how far they take this concept thematically.

Our exhibit will be located  within a zone dedicated to BPW ( Business Professional Women) and other members . This is a premier launch for our Artist In Residence Extraordinaire Fareed Abdal.  We will be introducing  The 28 Faces Of The Beloved Artisanal Huroof Collection and in a  new precious metal casting, in addition to our standard sterling silver castings. This will be combined in collaboration with our Caftan and Thawb Designer Claudia Shames as she will be echoing and reflecting these interpretations through a Limited Collection of  hemp style vests, mens shirts and Thawbs.  Both The 28 Faces Of The Beloved Rings and the Caftan -Thawb Collection will be available by order and special fitting. 
Wait, there's more! You'll also be able to sign up for our upcoming beading classes and peruse  our beads and findings selection.

Venue:  Mishref Fairgrounds Hall 5
Date:  August 19th-August 21
Booth #:  71