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)

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)

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)

Friday the 13th.... Yes: Meet & Bead !

Najat's Delights | Iqbal's Polymer Cabs Interpreted

As Bettina and I were on overload last week, I was forced to postpone our monthly ritual of every first Friday being the Meet and Bead.  So, without further ado the date was shifted to the next week and by sheer coincidence it is indeed Friday the 13th.  What symbolism we imbue when it comes to rituals and what people tell us is part of our imagination and to add to that the LB o J'zazz Beading Zone is housed in House 13!
It's been well over a month since we last congregated and so please bring your eye candy, nimble fingers and bead stashes to get our creative juices flowing. 

There will be my homemade green lemons lemonade, hot spiced cider and other goodies to accompany us through the evening.  Looking forward to having you all.  Friends and guests are all welcome. 







Date:  April 13 (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)

For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686

Yes! We Will Meet & Bead Friday March 2

Iqbal and the group | Watch and tell

 With picture perfect weather and great long weekends Bettina and I are hoping that you have been in your "beading zone" and have been creating concoctions we both can't wait to see.  So, come join us as we celebrate the inherent beauty of beads, beaded adornment and the art of living a life handmade.

For those of you who are curious about beads and the craft and never touched a bead then this is the perfect opportunity to do so and to meet the wonderful, creative and committed beading passionistas who are the makers of beaded adorned objects.
Hot spiced cider, sahlab and one of my famous hot and piping soups await you.  Please feel free to bring your friends and guests also.

ARAM's take on Peyote

Date:  Friday March 2, 2012
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:30 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Zone
Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Najat Hussein's Beaded Delights

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

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)

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)

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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)

Mark Your Calendar: Friday June 3 Meet & Bead

 Soup Last M&B | Photo Maryam Al Rashed

A movement of beaders | photo by Maryam Al Rashed

Another month has rushed by, as we had offered four workshops, Venetian Night at the shop and some extracurricular celebrations this May.  The first Friday in June is just around the corner, so clear your calendar for another monthly gathering of fellow beaders and friends. You can share your latest creations, finish off a piece that you just did not get a chance to complete, or start a new one if you like.

Lubna & Bettina sneaking in some beading time | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

Serving my Cashew Nut Soup | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

It's officially summer season as the temperature rises and then gets a bit hotter, so Bettina and I will cool you down with one of my Summer Soups, Avocado Gazpacho (cold) and some other refreshing drinks to inspire your palate and senses as you Meet and get to Bead. 

Date:  Friday June 3
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Workshop Location
             Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)
             Jabriya

They've been excavating around the house and redigging over six times in the past three months, so please expect the unexpected in terms of access and parking.  Sorry for the inconvenience of the maintenance chaos, on behalf of the Ministry of Public Works!

Let's Meet and Bead This Friday May 6

Detail of Mucha's Nouveau Flowers II | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

We had a phenomenal turnout of LB o J'zazzers this past Saturday as we raised the bar and participants worked on their Fab Cabs.  Mark your calendar for this Friday May 6 as we gather to Meet and Bead.  You will be able to bring new projects, complete the ones you've been meaning to complete and see what other fellow beaders have been up to.  You will also be able to purchase any beading essential goodies you were not able to get during the week.  In addition to getting a preview of what we will be offering in terms of upcoming events and classes.
We have another treat as the weather turns warmer you will be greeted with a cool bowl of Lubna's Avocado Gazpacho Soup along with other refreshing beverages.  Bettina and I hope to see you then.

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

April Meet & Bead This Coming Friday*

For the record I've never been an April Fool's fan, nor Valentines afficianado at that rate, because the spontaneity for a good laugh and true love should not be programmed. So, we are having our regular Meet & Bead on the first Friday of every month which just happens to be this April 1st. 
New guests and friends are more than welcome to join, as we share our passion and get to bead with you in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.  So bring any projects from previous classes that you would like to complete.  Both Bettina and I will be available to assist you.  I'm also working on new summer beverages to offer you as the weather gets warmer.  At this time vivid, ruby ice cold Aswani Karkade (hibiscus flowers) sounds nice.

Hanan showing off her creations in our last Meet & Bead

Date:  Friday April 1
Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Jabriya Workshop
             Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

Please note that there are major road works and the area looks like we are under siege, so we apologize for the inconvenience and suggest you park in the open area and not on the main street until things settle down.

Another Evening of Inspiration and Sharing

Samira and Mariam checking out  Hanan's Safety Pin Bracelet

 Last evening we had new visitors join us to share their creations.  I always look forward to those Fridays when we get to Meet & Bead, since each time we get to see new ideas, projects and never know who might waltz in through the Beading Zone at LB o J'zazz. 

Well, last night was no different, except for the fact that we had new additions plus getting to sample our home brewed Cinnamon Laced Hot Cider.  Samira, Mariam and Rahaf joined us for the first time along with our regular beader extraordinaire Hanan.  We spread our beading mats and just started a show and tell and each one of us just kept pulling out the goodies and eye candy. 
Rahaf is one of our youngest beaders. She is self taught and she has such a way with Bali Beads, macrame and knotting.  I have a bracelet of hers that she made and her sense of colors is really bold. 

Hanan's Signature Safety Pin Rings

 Hanan pulled out her signature Safety Pin Rings and Bracelets and I got my own ring finally!  It's the orange and copper one on the lower right of the photograph.  It turns out Samira  re-uses beads, semiprecious beads and ornaments and her colorways are very interesting.  Can't wait to see what she and all LB o J'zazzers bring to our next Meet & Bead which will be Friday April 1st.  Until then, bead Happy.

Meet & Bead Evening Friday November 5

Our monthly ritual of first Fridays designated as LB o J'zazz Meet and Bead Evenings is just around the corner.  It seems that the change of weather has affected our creativity with several new projects and ideas underway.  What better way to spend a quiet Friday with fellow beaders and like minded individuals.
You can bring some of your class projects to complete, or start a new one, show off your latest creations, or just hang out leafing through our extensive book and magazine selection for inspiration.  We will also have the essential tools and notions such as beading needles, Fireline, beading thread, thread conditioners and then some for those of you who have not had the chance to pass by the shop lately and replenish. 

Bettina's take on crystals, pressed glass and  Vintaj with a twist

We would also like to let you know that we have a new number for the LB o J'zazz Shaab el Bahry shop should you require any product information, availability or inquiries Chaminda is always ready to assist you which is 2261-0686.

We would love to see you this Friday!

Date:  November 5

Time:  6:00 PM- 9:00 PM

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Jabriya Studios/Workshop 

Block 9 Street 6 House 13 Side Basement entrance.

For more information you can email us info@lbojzazz.com and if you need directions feel free to call Lubna at 5555-7745.