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.

Bead Soup, Real Soup As We Meet and Bead This September 7

Bettina and Madhawi perfecting the craft

Summer is winding down, families are gearing up for school, heading back to work after the summer and Eid holidays as the cultural season is underway.  For us at LB o J'zazz this has been the time to reconnect with old friends, create new and meaningful experiences with new faces and wish safe and vivifying journeys to those who are moving to new abodes geographically, career wise or via life calling shifts.
So, we would like to welcome the tribe of makers back as you seek inspiration, support and engaging company.  You can bring projects you are currently working on, ideas and samples of your creations.  Bring a friend or new guest along as we expand our tapestry of connections, all are welcome.  We will have our beverage concoctions along with one of Lubna's homemade soups to imbibe and revive as we Meet and Bead.

Hanan's Spiky Cuff In Rainbow

Bettina's Bead soup for Toscana Earrings in Dutch Spiral

Date:  Friday September 7, 2012
Time:  6:00pm- 9:30pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 (Side Basement Entrance)

Tri Links Choker Class This Saturday August 18

Tri Links In Gold Hammertone from last season's palette

We have brought back this class by request of many of our regular beaders and off loom weaving passionistas.  In addition, as friends are moving to new adventures and experiences, we thought this would be a great  way to get everyone for a gathering before Eid and to bid some of our dear friends a good journey and move while we learn to create and make. 

This Saturday in our regular class series, a new lighter and more delicate design will pave the way for sunny days and fall evenings.  This idea came to me, as I imagined what kind of jewelry one would one wear on an island in the Mediterranean and this is what came to fruition.  

Combining two ancient off loom weaving techniques and allowing the links to become the focal points with the Native American Peyote stitch and the Spiral Stitch of the Zulus coming together in a new interpretation of the past with our Tierracast Hammertone Black and Brass Oxide as the focal points.  Accenting the circularity of the links, the closure is a  subtle contrast.  The design has yet again been modified whereby, we will be exploring the beauty of the Spiral Stitch employing our collection of wonderful hues in the Miyuki Bugle Beads range.

Participants are also going to experiment with how threads can change and alter the colorways of a piece and how to enhance this feature along with experimenting of color blending of beads to create a subtle but rich palette. 

Date:  August 18, Saturday

Time:  11:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Technique:  Peyote / Zulu Spiral Stitch

Level:  Advanced Beginners (Comfortable with peyote and spiral stitch)

Kits will be available for reservation and advance registration at the shop this Tuesday evening after Iftar time.  For more information you can contact the shop from 4pm-Midnight daily for the remaining portion of Ramadan at 2261-0686 or send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com.  For class description, fees and materials list you can also go to http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=e391e70e21e c

This class will be led by Lubna with the technical and creative support of Bettina.

The Full Moon Al-Bader On Its Way

The Al-Bader Earrings

Have you ever come a cross a beautiful coin or semi-precious stone that every angle you view takes you breath away? Or that crystal stone with a pointy back or that piece that has no hole and you just can not figure out how to capture, frame or use it?  Well, if you are anything like me, then you may have felt it almost 'sinful' to cover the other captivating side of some of those treasures.  Today, i must admit that with some of my own private collection of Gary Wilson Stones, this holds true.

Treasure Stones

Luckily years ago I took a class with the exceptional Beading Artist Laura McCabe, a beading master in her own right, and a flamboyantly, creative being with the open-back bezel.  And as this is a time for new beginnings and growth in our present month of Ramadhan where the Moon guides our lunar calendar to mark progression of time and moments, the opportune time is here to pass this lovely skill on to eager fellow beaders with the introduction of "Al-Bader (in Arabic البدر; meaning: Full Moon) Earrings class this upcoming week.

Bader-Full Moon

Date:                 August 4, Saturday
Time:                11:00am- 3:30pm
Technique:       Open-Back Bezel
Level:                Intermediate
Prerequisite:     Peyote stitch; patience and love to learn ;)
Venue:              LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
                         Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

If you are interested to learn more about this class, please email us at: info@lbojzazz.com or call us at +(965) 2261-0686 or please click on to Full Moon Al Bader Earring Class Info and Fees.  Pre-registration for this class is required and this can be done at our LB o J'zazz shop in:

           Shaab Al-Bahri
           Block 8
           Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi Street
           Al-Shaab Complex, Shop 4
           Kuwait

This class is created and lead by Bettina Al-Bakhit and will be supported and assisted by Lubna Saif Abbas.  The atmosphere is casual and comfortable and is a place you can just be.

Note: As this class is several hours long and it is Ramadhan, a dedicated private area is dedicated for those who wish to eat/drink, just bring along your own snacks and drinks. 

Beat the dust, beading is a must this Friday July 6 as we Meet & Bead

For some strange reason, our weekends seem to be more dust infused than our weekdays lately here in Kuwait.  What better way to escape by joining in our basement abode at the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone?  In an informal and comfortable setting you can meet makers and familiarize yourself with various crafts in off loom weaving, wire work and other inspiring mediums.
So, cool down with some homemade soups, refreshing beverages and some very interesting company.  You are most welcome to bring new guests and friends.

Bettina and I will be available to provide assistance and insights on any projects or techniques from previous classes that you might need.

Date:  Friday July 6, 2012
Time:  6:00pm- 9:00pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Beaded Ropes Class: N'debele Shifts Bracelet This Saturday June 23

An age old technique rediscovered N'debele is an off loom weaving stitch that has sustained and evolved over hundreds of years in the heart of the Zulu region in South Africa.  A bold geometric and identifiable patterning, and the committed work of Zulu crafters has led to a revival and global recognition amongst makers that N'debele is here to stay.
A rich sampling of Czech seed beads in Size 8/0, Miyuki galvanized beads, light refracting triangle beads add to the melange of transitions and shifts you will make. You will learn how to create a rope in tubular form and build up a pattern, in addition to creating visual stops with transitions from seed beads to Crystal Pearls and Murano lamp-worked glass in this simple yet rich bracelet design.  A new yet easy snap closure solution will create a seamless ending for your final piece.

Date:  Saturday June 23,2012
Time:  9:30am-1:30pm
Technique:  Tubular N'debele / Herringbone Stitch (Off loom weaving)
Skill Level:  Beginners / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance) 

Object made and created by Lubna and will be creatively supported by Bettina during class.

Four colorway custom designed kits will be available for you to select and pre-register at our Shaab Al Bahry location this  

Tuesday June 19 | We gladly welcome KNET purchases 

Shop hours are Saturdays-Thursdays 9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm.  

For more information on class fees, materials and tools needed for the class you can either send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com or contact us at 2261-0686.

Turkish Cotton Yarn Delights for Tarachi Bint Yagout Class Debut

A few days back as Madhawi has been preparing the kits and samples for her debut class at LB o J'zazz, we went on our excursion to select the main component of beautiful cotton yarns from Turkey that she had introduced me to and I had fallen in love with a while back.
Originally she was thinking about creating four distinct colorways, well as soon as we got to this home based shop of Um Nasser that notion quickly evaporated as we delved and were mesmerized by the array of skeins on display. 

Just seeing all the skeins was a treat!

Madhawi was gracious enough after my eyes were feasting on all this eye-candy to help her select the colorways for the project, that will combine our LB o J'zazz selection of Czech Crystals and Miyuki triangle beads and findings.  So, I started with a whole lot of colors, about fifteen thinking how to narrow them to four and that was very difficult.  Madhawi being the trouper and ever the consummate crafter said we could have more colorways.  So, this is what we came up with, the palettes were to be vibrant and bold and to evoke jewel tones along with bright summer days full of intense floral hues.

Final selection of ALIZE Cotton Yarn for the class

  This morning Madhawi had already created the base in exquisite crochet for all of the six hues!
Now, the next step will be her selection of beads to embellish this amazing set of earrings. Which will be taking place this week. 
Many of the nomenclatures we have in our Kuwaiti dialect derived from other cultures and languages that Kuwaitis dealt and traveled to such as India, Persia and Turkey. 
The word "Tarrachi" indeed came from India and as many Kuwaitis of old were heavily involved in gold smuggling, many of the terms related to adornment and jewelry became a part of our local dialect. 

That morning the crocheting bug bit me again and there was just no way I was going to leave without my own selection for projects with the intention of making beautiful, comforting afghans for friends and loved ones.I can only imagine how yummy and welcoming these yarns will be when created into throws and afghans. 

Final selection for the Afghans

"Tarrachi Bint Yagout" class will debut this June 30 at the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone and is a first in terms of technique and our Guest Teacher.  So, take a look at the palettes and we will be posting the samples soon. 

Yes, Meet and Bead Friday February 3

With the Turkish Delights Range, your recent  Miyuki Beads acquisitions and your regular stashes of Czech Crystals, Seed Beads, Beads, Cabs and Findings you can gear up for our upcoming monthly gathering with new projects and ideas.  Plus, after a three month hiatus from Kuwait, we will have an added treat:  Bettina is back and will be part of our evening and other LB o J'zazz happenings finally!
So, if you are new to the craft or merely curious feel free to join us, along with our regular beading passionistas for some hot aromatic Spiced Cider, Sahlab, homemade Hot Chocolate and other treats as we celebrate your creations, projects and enjoy the craft in your company. 

Date:  February 3 Friday
Time:  6:00 PM-9:30PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 Side Basement Entrance

For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686.

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)

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.

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.

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