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.

Kindred Spirits Series Update

As the Kindred Spirits series explored and developed by LB o J'zazz co-founder Lubna is evolving we wanted to share some of the directions and ideas that are the underlying seeds of this dialogue. As mentioned in Lubna's Pecha Kucha performance last March, it is an intra-cultural conversation through beads.

Beads are considered the oldest objects created by man over 38,000 years ago that are the earliest expressions of abstract thought. The fact that special tools were created for this articulation in itself attest to man's evolution of cognition, cultural literacy and development.

The fifth beaded collar within the series is currently under completion and here are a few images. The concept began to formulate as the fourth beaded collar "Fossil Paths" was being completed where the tight color palette of blacks, silvers and greys created a very specific feeling, I wanted to have a burst of contrasting colors and shapes be articulated in a much bolder expression of purples, pinks, violets and greens. At this point in time, the beaded collar is nameless but it has a very "jewel like" feel. Any suggestions for a name would be welcome.

Off Loom Weaving: Introduction To Peyote Stitch

There are several techniques that have proven to be favorite by artisans and craftsmen generation to generation. An ancient technique, Peyote Stitch perfected and expressed among native Americans is still employed today. This stitch is created using an "off-loom" method and initially was created to hold the hallucinogenic dream creating drug Peyote in a special pouch styled pendant. From a creative standpoint, this is by far one of the most rewarding and versatile techniques in "off-loom" weaving.

We will be offering an introduction class, on Saturday September 12 introducing the technique and some variations and applications. Participants will be able to make and complete a Peyote Cuff in addition to acquiring new embellishing and finishing techniques that can also be creatively employed in other objects of adornment.

Limited Seating Availability

For more information contact Lubna 5555-7745 or at lubna@lbojzazz.com

Pecha Kucha Night Kuwait # 1 March 11

Pecha Kucha kicked off it's inaugural event at the Maidan Theater of the Dar Al Athar Al Islammiya. On March 11, at 7 PM Professor Aseel Al Ragam launched the evening that is part of a global network of happenings.

Eight presenters or "performers" so to speak, and the format is twenty x twenty. Twenty slides, each slide is twenty seconds; amounting to six minutes and forty seconds of intense and heady ideas be presented to the audience. As the last presenter of the evening and to a full house, I was able to share Kindred Spirits: An Intracultural Exploration and Dialogue Through Beads.



We welcome your comments and input. Be sure to watch out for the next PKN in your city and the upcoming PKN Kuwait this June.