Stringing 101 Class: Bali Dreams Bracelet March 12

This season we will be shifting our focus to Stringing and Wirework with select Off Loom Weaving classes interspersed.  The materials used are quite different from off loom weaving in addition to the tools that are specific to these techniques.  Our first offering this season will focus on Stringing Basics, how to balance the design technically, working with Metallic Stringing Wire, Crimp Beads, Clasps and a variety of Beads and Findings.
Create this delicate three strand bracelet and you will be able to move from this design to work on your own creations.

Technique:  Stringing
Level: Beginners / Foundational
Date:  March 12
Time:  9:30AM- 1:30 PM
Venue: Jabriya Block 9 Street 6 House 13 Side Basement Entrance

For more information for class description, materials in kit, tools required and class fees simply send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com.  There are only six custom kits designed in several palettes. We suggest you register at our LB o J'zazz Shaab el Bahry Store in advance to secure your space. 

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.

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