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)

Intro to Odd Count Peyote: The Stackables Class

Three separate rings | Stacked

Many bead weavers go through a very long time working in peyote without ever experiencing Odd Count Peyote.  For the simple reason that you have to perfect what many call the "funny turn", and which I have recently called the "Double U Turn".  However, Odd Count Peyote is very important in that it allows you to create a piece that is ideal for rings and bracelets especially with patterns and designs. 
In this case, you will be creating a ring that is seven beads wide and will learn to quickly add rows to your base.  We will be using the beautiful Size 11 Delicas from our Miyuki range and you will have enough material to create two distinctly different rings.  You can make a whole range of these Stackables and then mix and match them according to your mood and palette. 
This class is definitely an ideal introduction for those of you who are taking the Tarachi Bint Yagout Earrings Class this coming Saturday September 29.  As we will be creating a link with the triangle beads in odd count peyote. 

The kits are currently available at the shop for registration and pre-selection.  

Date:  September 25 Tuesday
Time:  10:00am- 12:30pm
Technique:  Odd Count Peyote
Level:  Beginners / Foundational
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance) 
Created and led by:  Lubna with support by Bettina 

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

The shop opening hours are 

Saturdays -Thursdays

9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm

NOTE:  The class will also be offered on Wednesday, September 26 in the evening. 

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)

Beady Spines Class: RAW* This Saturday August 25

This Saturday we  have come up with an adorned piece it is what I call a 'Two In One". Once completed, you can wrap around this undulating rope on your wrist or wear as a necklace.  As you showcase  this deceivingly simple piece it appears to be seamless and infinite due to a very new way of creating an almost invisible closure.

Source of my inspiration for Beady Spines Rope

It has a supple fabric like feel that drapes wonderfully.  I usually have books on nature, Jack Cousteau and illustrations of wildlife nearby whenever looking for inspiration.  In this case, the piece was already in my head, yet as the second layer of Right Angle Weave was being added and I folded the piece in a tube, the image of the octopus tentacles slinking across the ocean floor came to mind. The spiny dots were always one of my favorite patterns and never ceased to be incorporated in my designs.
There are four kits available each is unique and will be working with rich hues and finishes in  Czech seed beads as the base and will then be layering in our new Czech Crystal Pearls and Miyuki Galvanized Seed Beads.

Date:  Saturday August 25, 2012
Time:  9:30am- 1:30pm
Technique: RAW* (Right Angle Weave)/ Layering -Embellishing
Level: Foundational / Advanced Beginners
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)

For more information you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or go to http://eepurl.com/oKzTL or call the shop at 2261-0686.  Should you want to reserve your kit in advance you can visit the shop by this Thursday evening with a deposit at Shaab Al Bahry Block 8 Mohammed Al Aradi Street Shaab Complex Ground Floor Store #4.  We are KNET friendly.

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. 

May's Here So Let's Meet and Bead

New faces and good ole regular LB o J'zazzers one Meet & Bead Evening

As the school semesters wind down and many are preparing themselves for summer activities with family and friends, what better way to relax, share ideas and bead.  You can bring your projects and if you need any input or assistance Lubna will be available at this time.  We will also be announcing some of the classes we will have on offer in addition to summer events that are underway.  If you have never beaded before, are curious or are one of our avid regulars please join us for an evening of creativity and crafting in a relaxed and informal environment.  Beverages and goodies will be partaken as usual. 

Date:  Friday May 4
Time:  6:00PM-9:30PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

LB o J'zazz-ers and REUSE 5.0

A "Decopatch-ed" watering can by Bettina Al-Bakhit

Spring is upon us.  What better time to explore Kuwait's Friday Market.

Scouting the secondhand area of the Friday Market

And that is precisely what Lubna and I did on an April early Friday morning while Kuwait sleeps.

Mission: 

To purchase someone else's throwaways (a.k.a secondhand) at bargain prices and minimal budget so we can convert and up cycle someone else's trash into anothers' treasure through the creative energies of our team and the use of Decopatch!

Objective:  

Giving the old, scratched, abandoned, broken and compromised objects a new heart and Soul and prepare it for their new homes.

2 mirrors to be upcycled with Decopatch

Chaminda will work wonders on these items

Inspirations:  3-fold.  

1)  Mother Earth

2)  Decopatch

3)  REUSE 5.0

Although we did partake in REUSE last year, this is our 1st year in the name of LB o J'zazz.  And what makes it even more special is that we are participating alongside family (LB o J'zazz-ers):

• Little Beads  (Hana Al-Shaya)  
• Karkoosha Bint Yagout  (Madhawi Bint Yagout) 
• Nerissa Alford Designs  (Nerissa Alford)

So do come over and browse through the "Garage Sale" zone and see what magic can be done with someone's... dare i say... trash! :)

Where: Australian College of Kuwait
When:  April 19-22, 2012
Timing:

Until then..
<3 n Peace

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)

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.

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.

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 

Off Loom and Stringing Fusion: Dancing Crystals Choker Class This Saturday July 2

RAW* and Stringing with Soft Flex Metallics | Photo by Bettina Al Bakhit

Our original design has been revisited and recreated for a new take on one of our most popular classes.  The concept came about when I was recuperating and bedridden for two weeks back in 2006.  The idea of creating a melodic dancing sequence of crystals with the use of beading wire and off loom weaving.  As the crystals jump off their lines they sparkle and play along the neckline.  I wanted to create a piece that would drape and enhance the collarbone area differently on each wearer.   
In this interpretation, the base is created in RAW* (Right Angle Weave) whereby it naturally curves along the neck due to the various sizes employed.  It has a creature like feel and sometimes also reminded me of the cantilevers and structures of the huge wires suspended from bridges.  Employing our Soft Flex Metallics Beading Wire to suspend the crystals in an airy and playful manner. Each time the piece is made it is never like any of the other Dancing Crystals.

Detail with Czech Bicone Crystals | Photo by Bettina Al Bakhit

 Learn how to merge and combine two distinct applications of Off Loom Weaving and Stringing.  This class is an excellent pre-requisite for those wanting to perfect the Right Angle Weave.  In addition, a new application to create the closure will be presented.   

Date:  Saturday July 2
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:30 PM
Venue: Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:   RAW* (Right Angle Weave)  and Stringing
Level:  Advanced Beginners
Instructor:   Lubna Saif Abbas with the support of Bettina Al-Bakhit

For more information on class details, materials required and class fees you can send us an email at info@lbojzazz or call us at 2261-0686.  We recommend you Pre-register at the shop as there will be a limited number of kits. 

Spend This Friday July 1 At Our July Meet & Bead

June 2011 Meet & Bead

For all you beading afficianados our monthly gathering is just around the corner.  You can bring projects you feel like completing, start a new one or just hang out with your fellow beaders for a relaxed and casual evening.  It seems like many of you have lots  of projects and latest creations to share that Bettina and I would love to see.

Mona Al Hmoud's take on Peyote Cuff

Hanan Al Shaye's Luscious Lariat

In addition, we will have the full Events and Class schedule for July available for you to peruse and choose from well in advance.  So, bring your bead stash and join us.  Friends and guests are more than welcome to join you too.  This evening is open and is free of any charges.  (Except for any beads you may want to purchase!)

Date:  Friday July 1
Time:  6:00 PM-9:00PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Workshop: Toscana Dutch Spiral Earrings this Saturday

New to our workshop series is a beautiful beading technique that opens your creative sphere into a whole undiscovered realm.  LB o J'zazz is happy to introduce the Dutch Spiral.  I must admit that although it can be challenging, the end results are just majestic.  What makes this such a unique technique is how the repetitive movement naturally forces a 'spiraling' form to take shape as though the 'twist' is forced and yet the follow is graceful.  Endless possibilities of applying different sizes and shapes of beads into this one technique allows you to enjoy an entirely fascinating new look in addition to opening up fresh opportunities.

Also to compliment "Toscana Dutch Spiral Earrings" workshop, we will also be showing you what you can do when you just can not get to a store to get the basic earring hook you need to complete your home project.  So a little stitching and a little wirework will be on the table this weekend.

Workshop:      Toscana Dutch Spiral Earrings
Date:               Saturday May 7, 2011
Venue:             Jabriyah, Block 9, Street 6 (Side basement entrance)
Time:               9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Level:              Advanced Beginner
Prerequisite:    Peyote Stitch
                     (NOTE:  It is preferrable those who choose to attend are familiar with the Peyote stitch).

Because we will be doing a little wirework, you will need to bring the following tools:

1.  Round Nose Plier
2.  Chain Nose and/or Flat Nose Plier
3.  Wire Cutters or Flush Cutters

As classes are growing, pre-Registration at our  LB o J'zazz shop in Shaab Al-Bahry is recommended.  You may either drop a comment here, email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call our shop at 22610686 and speak to Chaminda and he will gladly assit you. 

(The dress code is Casual and comfortable and drinks and light snacks will be offered)

An Evening Celebrating Iris and Our Passion for Beads

"Iris" made by Leah Fairbanks

 Last February 8 we had a wonderful evening with an introduction of Iris, who is part of the LB o J'zazz private collection of lampwork beads.  In addition, a journey that was  both a geographic and historic exploration of beads as Iris teleported and presented Lubna and Bettina's creations to the KTAA (Kuwait Textile Arts Association) and Bayt Al Sadu.

 S. Altaf introducing the LB o J'zazz duo
Photo by Leann Abdulraheem

 S. Altaf Salem Al Ali Al Sabah patron of Bayt Al Sadu  introduced the duo and highlighted the importance of crafts being maintained across different mediums.  The KTAA group had great questions and shared their commitment for how knowledge is transpired through crafts and people across time and place creating a rich language of symbolism and cultural literacy.

Photo by Leann Abdulraheem

In addition, S. Altaf announced a unique collaboration between Bayt Al Sadu and LB o J'zazz as we will be creating an exclusive line that celebrates, interprets traditional Sadu Weaving and is combined through beadwork and embellishments.  This line will be available through Bayt Al Sadu Gift Shop and Kuwait Airport in addition to other select locations.  More details of this exciting project will be coming your way.  The evening was engaging and both Bettina and I enjoyed sharing our stories and passion for beads and would like to thank S. Altaf Salem Al Ali Al Sabah for her initiatives and support, the wonderful powerhouse ladies of the KTAA and the amazing Sadu Weavers who started it all. 

Earth Day and our little take on this

 

A succulent in Lubna's Pot Garden 

 

Both Bettina and I have been passionately committed to seeking a healthier and less polluted environment, wise and practical urban planning, sustainability and green building.  In our corporate paths, we worked separately and in parallel without really deciding on the how but rather, on the why.  So, as LB o J'zazz came to be, we were, for the first time able to put our ideas and life philosophy in motion without having to battle the bottom line profit-hungry and ignorant powers-that-be on the immense and critical importance of protecting, saving and nurturing our planet. So, as we are now the-powers-that-be; it took very little convincing. .
Earth Day is just around the corner on April 22nd and we will be sharing with you our stories, practices and ideas that as a tiny entrepreneurial business we live by day to day and share with our customers and friends.  It is a main part of our mission to seek and work with companies that are committed to healthier modes of production, reducing carbon emissions, recycling, upcycling, Fair Trade  and a lot more.
On this note, we kick off our series of blogs leading up and continuing well after Earth Day with a link to Earth Day Network.  You can find Earth Day activities and events across the globe and get access to many innovative and simple ways to contribute to embracing the planet we live on for us now and the generations that will follow.  In addition to tools for teachers and companies to incorporate Environmental education. 
We also welcome you to offer and share your daily acts of nurturing and preserving Mother Earth through our blog and comments.  

By merely buying local and handmade in itself may contribute to this effort. You can go to  http://www.earthday.net/

LB o J'zazz featured on Al Watan TV tonight at 9

After the economic meltdown of retail giants at global and local levels it is high time for people to realize the potential of the power of small businesses and buying handmade.  In this vein, LB o J'zazz will be featured on the popular program on Al Watan TV this evening called " Banat wu Bass".  
Although "Banat wu Bass" has an exclusionary feel to it in terms of their subject matter, for the mere fact that the managing partners of LB o J'zazz happen to be ladies, LB o J'zazz offers classes and workshops to women and men alike. 
We welcome your comments and feedback as we will also be seeing it for the first time tonight with viewers at 9 PM and there will be a rerun at 11 PM this evening also.