A Jewel of Ireland Found

My Aisling ring; Lotus earrings, Butterfly pendant

Sometimes I wonder, what is this insatiable hunger!   No matter what, there cannot be enough in life that I need to experience, share, learn, and grow with.  That constant driving force to be and do all that is within reach.  A curse... a blessing... or!!

Ask Irish land (my term of endearment for Ireland)

I believe the gusty Irish winds have finally blown me into the right “kitchen”, so-to-speak.  With an abundance of time on my hands during my trip, I finally found the best “food” in town- The School of Jewellery in the heart of Dublin.

Station of preference 

During the month of December 2012 I went to a Crafts exhibition.  Yet weeks before, I have been searching on the internet for a place to learn traditional jewellery making skills, a craft I have not ventured into before and thought would be great to compliment the beading I already do.  Lo and behold, right there, is a stand for “The School of Jewellery”. That one moment changed everything and has put me on a path of no return in more ways than one.  But for now, let me share with you my first path.

A few days after the exhibition, I walked into the beautiful, cozy, and welcoming school and was greeted by Goldsmith, Designer and Owner of the school- Deirdre O’Donnell.  And after a few hours of Orientation, I was more than ready to get started. On the spot we agreed that I may take a class or 2 before the Christmas break season and that I would return in January to continue the 10 weeks program. 

I don’t think I will ever forget Day 1.  Never did I think I could be happy cutting anything in a straight line! But I sure was ecstatic.  Seems odd yet it’s true.  Amazing how something as simple as a straight line would be part of someone’s’ joy but you would have to experience it to believe it.

Day 2 and Day 3 required me cutting, sawing, filing and drilling out the shape of a beautiful butterfly out of a brass plate that was then to become a lovely silver-plated pendant. 

Almost there

The 2n^d project consisted of making a Silver ring and with real Silver there was no room to mess up as it doesn't come cheap nowadays.  Some of the materials and tools used included:  2 mm silver plate, saw with size 0 blades, files, pliers, hammers (steel and wooden), steel bench block, Ring Mandrel, 240 and 800 sand paper sheets, drilling and drill bits (brass to polish and steel to drill holes), flux, hard silver solder, wire, torch, 3-1 oil, black marker pen, and last yet not least, my selection of stone to be set in my ring, Blue Quartz.   Now do not ask me about steps and sequences as im still a beginner, yet what I’m certain of is with great tutoring, assistance, instruction from Deirdre and her team, I am the proud maker of my 1^st real silver ring!   A couple of days later I asked my teacher Deirdre to give my ring a name.   Today, the Birth Certificate says “Aisling” (Irish for- Dream) is her name.  And since then I never leave home without Aisling J

Ready to go and get the Blue Quartz setting done 

Now, did all those projects manage my hunger pangs!   Absolutely, and I am craving for more. 

My 3^rd piece was a pair of earrings.  Now they may look simple to make but, I must say, they were the most challenging for me.  Why!!  Well, firstly this project was up to us students to decide on and create.  I chose to make dome-like shaped earrings.  And little did “Beginner Bettina” know she sub-consciously does it again and puts herself into something above her head.  My fingers have yet to forgive me.  

Let the adventure begin

Happy Lotus

The pair of earrings I later called Lotus, required the use of a silver plate and a Dapping block filled with semi-circular holes to help to create and manipulate the size and form of the dome I wanted.  Now for the tricky part, and which may be hard to believe; the most challenging part was HOLDING the piece steady.  Who would have thought that could be an issue.  Well, it was.  Being a Goldsmith and Silversmith requires strong fingers.  I’m sure I have newly formed miniature muscle growth in my fingers now J   Filed, sawed, sand papered, banged this little being into life!  Lastly, drilled a little enclave on the back for the earring post to be soldiered onto it.   So, after a couple of days of hard work, my fingers and I witnessed the blossoming of Lotus.

Now the big question:  Am I satiated forever or do I have room for more

I leave that to you to figure out. 

Until then

Salaam|Peace

Earth Hour 2013 This March 23 at LB o J'zazz

It's all about creating the connections of awareness and commitment throughout our communities and this year through our outreach program and support of other organizations and groups we are taking Earth Hour to another level.  LB o J'zazz in conjunction with the Youth Association of Kuwait will be organizing our Lights Out event at our Shaab Al Bahry location.

Renew your commitment to action  beyond the Hour with the"I Will If You Will" Challenge it is not just about turning the lights off for one hour but reminding ourselves of how the little things we commit to can lead to dramatic change for a better world to live and co-exist in.  This year LB o J'zazz began an initiative with some forward thinking restaurants such as the folks at En Mexico and began collecting their glass soda pop bottles and bottle caps to upcycle with our Decopatch range and into the Soda Pop Bling Earrings in addition to having our waste recycled through MRC.

LB o J'zazz as a small business is always searching for eco friendly products as well as sourcing from manufactures that are moving towards green practices as well as avoiding the use of toxic products.  We avoid any nickel and lead elements in our findings as we work with Tierracast and Vintaj ranges in addition to the Soft Flex Wires in a select range that are considered Green Products.

So join us for some good company, live music and celebrating the only planet we have.  For more information on the global movement Earth Hour you can go to http://earthhour.org/.

EARTH HOUR with LB o J'zazz and Friends

Date:  March 23, 2013 Saturday

Time:  7:30 pm 

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Shaab Al Bahry

Block 8 Mohammad Darwish Al-Aradi Street Store #4

Tel:  2261-0686

Lights will go out for one hour at 8:30pm 

  

The Czechs Are In Town! This Wednesday March 6

Beady Spines Wraparound employing Size 11/0 Czech seed beads in the base

Fresh new colors for the Spring and Summer Season, our oh so popular Preciosa Seed Beads from the Czech Republic are just in for our beading friends. We will be showcasing the new arrivals as well as our favorite Czech Beads.
Czech seed beads offer a wonderful option with a crafty feel and beautiful rich palettes that work well in bead embroidery, N'debele and Spiral Stitch as well as other techniques.

Preciosa Czech Seed Beads in Size 8/0 Green AB in N'deble Shifts

So please join us as we start the afternoon and well into the evening with some music, yummy beverages and great company with the Czechs!


Date:  Wednesday March 9, 2013
Time:  4:00pm-9:30pm
Venue:  LB o J'zazz
Shaab Al Bahry Block 8
Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi Street
Mujama Shaab Shop #4 (next to Eurotelecom)

We are KNET friendly

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)

New Class: NIRVANA Pendant Saturday February 23

Before | After NIRVANA Pendant

Many times I will create a component in particular closures for my bead embroidered collars.  In this case, a Swarovski 27mm Rivoli Button in Crystal AB was used.  The pendant was just stunning however, for over a year the project was not complete due to the closure overwhelming the piece.
So, on one of our monthly Meet & Beads Najat and I were looking at the beaded collar and we both agreed it was just not working.  So, setting my beading ego aside, I took the scissors and cut it from the collar.  The NIRVANA pendant was born from that moment on and liberated.  It was such a life affirming powerful piece she just had to be showcased and stand alone.
It is a large fancy stone that shimmers and reflects the colors of the various beads encasing the Rivoli in circular peyote employing Delicas.  Layers and layers are added for embellishing and showcasing the piece employing beads as small as size 15, exquisitely shaped Magatamas and lastly 5mm Czech Bicones that actually elevate the piece so that the pointy part of the Rivoli does not poke.

Interchangeable applications cuff, pin or pendant

The pendant can then easily be converted into a brooch, a bracelet, a component, a necklace with some leather, suede, hand dyed silk ribbon or off loom weaving, it is very beautiful on the wrist.
Each kit is a NIRVANA of it's own, not one kit is alike and is a limited kit series at this time.  There are six kits to choose from.

Date:  February 23, 2013
Time: 9:30am- 2:00pm
Technique:  Circular Peyote -Bezeling / Embellishing
Level:  Intermediate (should be comfortable with flat even count Peyote)
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
            Jabriya Block 9
            Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

The kits will be available at the Shaab Al Bahry shop from Tuesday morning onward for pre-registration whereby, a deposit is required once you reserve your kit.  For more information on class materials, fees and other details you can go to  http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=caa1a71f48

LB o J'zazz 

Shaab Al Bahry

Mohammad Darwish Al Aradi Street

Mujama Al Shaab adjacent to Executive Flex and nearby Costa Del Sol

(Store 4) Telephone:  2261-0686

Lacy Blossom Bracelet: Our 1st in 2013

Lacy Blossom Bracelet| Created & Designed by Bettina Al-Bakhit

What better way to start our new year classes season than with a soft and delicate blossoming flower.

Spring is around the corner in our part of Mother Earth.  And not too far from us in the land called Egypt, a fine web technique popularly known today as Bead Netting was born.   Surprisingly, evidence of the Bead Netting technique can be traced back to about 500 B.C.

Not too long ago in 2005 a team of Australian  archaeologist discovered three mummies south of Cairo, Egypt.  "The chest of the mummy is covered with beads.  Most of the mummies of this period about 500 B.C.- the beads are completely gone, but this mummy has them all," he said, standing over one of the mummies that was swathed in turquoise blue beads and bound in strips of black linen."  http://www.crystalinks.com/cd.html

Fascinating how still today we celebrate beauty and honor skills of those before us.

Now, back to our present time.  This upcoming Saturday we will weave an intricate yet lovely bracelet using our Czech crystal imitation peals and bicones along with Japanese and Czech seed beads to create this bracelet.

Full view of Lacy Blossom | By Bettina Al-Bakhit

Date:             Saturday January 19, 2013
Time:             9:30 am- 2:00 pm
Level:             All Levels
Techniques:  Flat Circular Bead Netting| Stringing
Venue:          LB o J"zazz Beading zone
                      Block 9, Street 6, House 13 (side Basement Entrance)

As pre-registration is required and secures your space this can be done by visiting us at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry, Block 8, Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi Street, Al-Shaab Complex, Shop #4.

You can also email us at info@lbojzazz.com or call us at 2261-0686.  For materials list, class description and fees you can also go to Lacy Blossom Class By Bettina this Saturday Jan 19

All you need is a beading mat and beading triangle.  Both can be purchased at our shop or at class.

Please dress comfortably and be ready to enter our realm of beads.

N'debele Shifts Bracelet Class; Revisited This Saturday November 17

It seems that the most resonating and simple designs from my side of the teaching repertoire are in demand for us to bring back to the LB o J'zazz Zone.  Last week we brought back the FAB Cab Ring and this coming Saturday we will be reintroducing you to another favorite of our students and mine N'debele Shifts Bracelet.  Part of the Rope Explorations Series.

A melange of our students N'debele Shifts Bracelets

An age old technique rediscovered N'debele is an off loom weaving stitch that has sustained and evolved over hundreds of years in the heart of the Zulu region in South Africa.  A bold geometric and identifiable patterning, and the committed work of Zulu crafters has led to a revival and global recognition amongst makers that N'debele is here to stay.
A rich sampling of Czech seed beads in Size 8/0, Miyuki galvanized beads, light refracting triangle beads add to the melange of transitions and shifts you will make. You will learn how to create a rope in tubular form and build up a pattern, in addition to creating visual stops with transitions from seed beads to Crystal Pearls and Murano lamp-worked glass in this simple yet rich bracelet design.  A new yet easy snap closure solution will create a seamless ending for your final piece.

Date:  Saturday November 17,2012
Time:  9:30am-2:00pm
Technique:  Tubular N'debele / Herringbone Stitch (Off loom weaving)
Skill Level:  Beginners / Foundational 
Venue:  LB o J'zazz Beading Zone
Block 9 Street 6 House 13 (Side Basement Entrance) 

Object made and created by Lubna.

Four colorway custom designed kits will be available for you to select and pre-register at our Shaab Al Bahry location this  

Monday November 12,2012 | We gladly welcome KNET purchases

Shop hours are Saturdays-Thursdays 9:30am-1:00pm and 5:00pm-9:30pm.
  

For more information on class fees, materials and tools needed for the class you can go to http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=960aae156d11fbb85189284e3&id=544ea4d7ec  either send us an email to info@lbojzazz.com or contact us at 2261-0686 .

Exhibition| REFLECTIONS by Najat | Thursday October 11

A sneak preview of REFLECTIONS by Najat

Back in the snowy winter of 1991 whilst training at Fort Dix, New Jersey as a volunteer attached to the 199th JAG, we were a small yet determined group of young women from Kuwait eager to be part of the healing, rebuilding and revitalization of our homeland.  Two of us were assigned to the project initially, a seriously intelligent post graduate student by the name of Najat Hussein and myself.  It was an intense two week training and we graduated on the day of liberation.
We worked together for a few months and lost contact shortly thereafter.  Whenever interviews were conducted I made sure to list all the names of the nine ladies who were the first in our modern history to wear a military uniform and serve on a voluntary basis.  I always wondered about Najat and hoped to reconnect.
Well, twenty years later on a spring evening we were preparing for our Venetian Nights evening highlighting the collection of handmade glass focal beads Bettina had discovered in the old cities of Venice, Murano and Burano, as I was stepping out of my car in front of our little gem of a shop an amicable lady with a smile was waiting outside for a friend to attend our event.  Immediately recognizing Najat it was a poignant reunion of sorts and a new connection and friendship ensued.

Two of Najat's REFLECTIONS | Encased in Circular Peyote

Through our subsequent Meet and Beads, her visits to the shop and classes, Bettina and I discovered a painter, a sewer, an Economics Professor and so much more creative energy along with being a committed mother of four unique and vibrant children.  One Meet and Bead evening, Najat opened a huge box with treasures and little sculptural surprises.  It was a magical gathering and we both agreed that these special pieces needed to be celebrated, viewed and shared.  Besides the fact that we wanted to get our hands on at least a few of these extraordinary cabochons to include in our own work!  Please join us as we celebrate another unique creative voice in our midst. 

Najat amidst three of her four children

Date:  Thursday October 11 and Saturday October 13

Time:  9:30AM - 1:00PM and 5:00PM-9:30PM

Venue:  LB o J'zazz Shaab Al Bahry

 Block 8 Mohammed Darwish Al Aradi Street ( Street 90)

Shaab Complex Ground Floor (Near Executive Flex and behind Costa Del Sol Hotel)

REFLECTIONS cabochons will be available for purchase and we are KNET friendly.  For more information you can contact us at 2261-0686. 

Honoring Desert Rose Saturday



Desert Rose II





As the season is changing and life is revived with cooler temperatures and refreshing breeze, time has come to revive our popular Desert Rose bracelet with a 2012 variation.  This resilient design reflects the very nature of the Andenium plant native to the Middle East and found mainly in Yemen with its formidable presence and flowering branches.

We take you on this journey of creation with 2 needles each in a hand doing the Cross Stitch forming this precious bracelet. On the sides of this piece you will experience subtle winding through brilliant crystal bicone beads and seed beads to incorporate Japanese drop beads along with our exclusive collection of specially coated Spacers which we cherish. 

The workshop will be:

Level:  Advanced Beginner
Date:   Saturday Oct. 13, 2012
Time:   9:30 am- 3:00 p.m
Venue:  Jabriya, Block 9, Street #6, Villa 13 (Side Basement Entrance)

You will need to bring along the following materials/tools:

• Bead mat
• Beading tray
• Scissors
• Chain Nose Pliers/ Bent Nose Pliers

If you do not have these items, you can find them at our shop in Shaab Al-Bahry:

Al-Shaab Complex
Block 8
Mohammed Darwish Al-Aradi
Shop #4
Kuwait

We will have 3 different colorways to choose from.  Should you wish to join us, please pre-register with us by visiting our shop, calling us at 22610686 or emailing us at info@lbojzazz.com.

Please come dressed comfortably prepared to relax and experience something new and different. We will be offering light snacks with tea/coffee breaks.  You are most welcome.

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.