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.

Explorations In RAW*: Byzantine Queen Earrings This Monday February 20

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

This was a class we had back in 2011 and we've received several requests to bring it back again, 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 design was created and will be taught by Lubna. 

Last September's Class Lineup

Date:  Monday February 20, 2012
Time:  9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Advanced Beginners

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

Meditative Beading Ramadan 2011

In lieu of my upcoming geographical break away, there are two projects in particular that warrant advance scheduling for classes.  These two projects are in fact some of my favorites.  The first one will be a brand new class in Bead Embroidery and the second class will be the rescheduled Dancing Crystals Choker II.  They are quite different in feel and concept.
You will have ample time to pre-register and select your kits and will post the dates for when each respective class colorways will be ready for you to see at the shop with Chaminda. The specific morning timings for classes during Ramadan will be finalized in the coming days so Bettina and I will update you immediately on the details.

Saturday August 20
Vintage Au Provence Earrings

Bead embroidery and Fringe Mania

Inspired by the country style cabochons from our Master Bead Maker Jindrich, these earrings capture the feeling of the provincial countryside with a contemporary twist of interpretations. In vibrant palettes that evoke the seasons of spring and summer creating a play of verdant greens, luscious pinks and plums.   This is the next step in Bead Embroidery as you will learn how to connect separate elements.  In addition, special attention will be given to learning how to create beautiful fringing off embroidered objects thus becoming a focal part of the piece.

Technique:  Bead Embroidery / Fringing -Embellishing
Level:  Advanced Beginners


Saturday August 27
Dancing Crystals Choker II

Over 120 Czech Crystals dance off the RAW base

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.

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).
 
If you have any questions you can contact us either here on the blog or at info@lbojzazz.com.  Will also be keeping you posted on my nomadic wanderings.  Namaste and Happy Beading !

Gujarati Kholkhaal Class In Right Angle Weave This Saturday July 23

Lately, I have been revisiting books on various cultures and in particular a book by Wade Davis http://www.nationalgeographic.com/field/explorers/wade-davis.html.  The book is called Light At The Edge Of The World and it covers a range of peoples who are vanishing such as the Aboriginal communities in Australia, the Sarawaks and the Innuits of the Arctic Region.  Images, costume, how they live, eat, hunt and thrive in their own modality never ceases to intrigue me.  Learning about others has fascinated me ever since I was a young child no older than five and seems to fuel the creative juices so to speak. 
So, as I began working on my first anklet, the research triggered a wealth of inspiration and ideas.  Looking at how nomadic and semi nomadic communities transported their identities and personal worth through personal adornment is arresting and captivates the imagination. 

Closure with Lucite Flower | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

In Kuwaiti dialect the word for anklet is "Al Hujool" ; the letter j in the word quickly transforms into a y therefore becoming "Al Huyool" and the regional word is "Khulkhaal" the plural being "Khalakhil" which denotes the jingling effect of certain bell like findings.  My imagination always goes to the beauty of the dancer with her anklets and how she gains attention by the jingling effect of her feet as she twirls and dances. So my research went further east to India as I began to see images of the state of Gujarat and began to discover more images and details of the costumes and jewelry. 

Natural curve | Photo by Maryam Al Rashed

This is actually the first anklet ever that I have created and it's delicate design yet lively colors attest to the beautiful dance of life and beauty. Employing Swarovski Round Pearls, Czech Pressed Glass Daggers, Fire Polished Beads, Czech Seed Beads and Sterling Silver drops that curves naturally and drapes the ankle eloquently.

Please join both Bettina and I as we create a new interpretation of the "Kholkhaal". 


Date: Saturday  July 23
Time:  9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 ( Side Basement Entrance)
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Advanced Beginners

For more information on tools required, materials list and class fees you can either call us at our LB o J'zazz shop at 2261-0686 or send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com.  You can pre-register at the shop time also.  

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. 

Mucha's Flowers Bracelet Class Saturday April 16

Building on the addictive passion of classes in Right Angle Weave, we are bringing back one of our popular projects that re-creates the dreamy Art Nouveau palettes of Alphonse Mucha that we see in his poster and menu designs.  Flowers played a big role in Mucha's work who was originally from Moravia and is evoked in these Spring and Summer hues that we have recreated.  He used fresh but delicate colors in his illustrations that can be seen all over Europe especially France and the Czech Republic. 
However, as Bettina and I strive to perfect our projects, this design has been modified with the use of special Japanese and Czech drops that have enhance the outcome and wearability of the bracelet. You will also learn a simple technique to customize your Precious Metal Clasp so that it becomes more unified with the design. So the output is going to be a bit of a surprise for those who will take the class. 

Date:  April 16 Saturday
Time:  9:30 AM- 1:00 PM
Technique:  RAW* (Right Angle Weave)
Level:  Foundational
Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6
                       House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

For more information on class description, materials, tools required and class fees just send us an email at info@lbojzazz.com or contact the shop at 2261-0686.

Back By Popular Demand: Moorish Mashrabiya Earrings In RAW* Tuesday April 5

This class is a Limited Kit Series as we are offering 5 kits at this time.  Hopefully,  soon we will have a new array of delectable Czech Firepolished Beads as more classes in RAW* (Right Angle Weave) come you your way. 

In this session you will master the single needle Right-angle Weave (RAW) using shimmering Czech Fire Polished beads and lead-free crystal bicones.  This romantic interpretation of Arab geometry is a beautiful addition to the up-coming fall season.  To accentuate this piece further, you will also learn to incorporate different elemental glass beads such as the  pressed glass daggers.

Kindly note that this class is an excellent pre-requisite for more of the intermediate and advance classes in this technique.  

Date: Tuesday April 5

Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Venue:  Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

There are major infrastructure works taking place in Block 9 so bear with us as you may have to deal with blocked access and other interesting contraptions along the way. On behalf of the Ministry of Public Works we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

If you are not already on our mailing list and would like to receive class and new product information, please send an email request to info@lbojzazz.com and look forward to offering you the ultimate beading experience.

Pushing The Envelope: Perfecting Techniques

There are several beading artists who can work in a whole range of techniques, however the artists who delve in three to four main techniques seem to have come up with real innovations and beaded adorned objects through this intense focus and concentration that comes with perfecting a stitch and pushing the envelope creatively.  I myself have explored many stitches yet am more willing to explore the possibilities with a pretty tight range of off loom weaving with Peyote, Ndebele, Spiral,  and Right Angle Weave in various forms in addition to Bead Embroidery that employs these off loom weaving stitches along with the back stitch and embellishing.

Here are some recent examples of my delving in to (RAW) Right Angle Weave which seems to have originated in three different geographic regions, Eastern Europe and Russia, the Phillipines area and Japan.

Mucha's Flowers Bracelet

It is a very simple stitch that employs the geometry of right angles but is limitless in design options as it can be made to look like fabric in addition to being worked in layers, tubes and to also curve.  The one point that may come as a surprise is that it employs a lot more thread than most other stitches.  However, the rewards are worth the thread eating trade off. 

Byzantine Queen Earrings

Many different types of patterning can be established, one has to really play with the options and possibilities and create a lot of different samples before embarking on a complete piece.  In my case, I have created several samples that can give me a head start whenever a new project is started. 

Madha'ad in Celadon 

Here is another example of Right Angle Weave in an interpretation of the Madha'ad or bangle.  The piece is molded and takes structure with a base that allows the stitch and pattern to be presented in a three dimensional mode.
So, when you master a certain technique or stitch, play and explore it to as far as you think you can go and then some. Modify a color, or a size or pattern sequence and the practice and playing will lead to new expressions and articulations.
Beads, finishes and the off-loom weaving stitches will allow for endless and infinite possibilities.

Boho Chic Choker