As I was working for the magazine, I was given the opportunity by Aunty Linda to write an article for the magazine. Naturally, I’m inclined to write about the Peranakan beading craft, as it’s becoming the focus of my research. I proposed some other ideas for the article but highlighted the beading craft, supported by some writings from my research. Aunty Linda liked the idea, but she said that my writing was too heavy for their target audience. She said the magazine does write a lot about Peranakan history and heritage, based on research and facts, but on a lighter tone that is able to be digested by their wide audience. So we decided to go with the topic of attending the Peranakan beading workshop from the perspective of a millennial (me). We will highlight the experience of learning about this dying craft from the perspective of a young Peranakan, while also promoting the craft and encouraging more young people to get to know this craft.
I did my research about the workshop, there aren’t many options for these beading workshops. The most well-known one on the internet is a beading class from Rumah Kim Choo by Raymond Wong. Rumah Kim Choo is also a partner of the association and the magazine. I wanted to highlight a less well-known workshop, so I decided to go to “The Little Shophouse” owned by Robert Sng. I also found out that he has never been featured in TPAS magazine, so this is a perfect opportunity for both me and him. I explained to him that I am doing research on this topic and also writing for the magazine. He was really nice and welcoming, and generally excited to have a new student. He explained to me in great detail about the workshop and what to expect.
I was a bit disappointed, I would say when I found out that the total cost of the whole workshop was $450. I was disappointed because I thought that the workshop has so much potential and my original strategy for my research was to market and publicize the workshop, but knowing the price I think I will have to scratch that idea. So, it’s definitely something to keep in mind when I’m thinking about my next strategy. But fast forward, I thought the $450 price was all worth it to what I received, not only for my research but also as a craft enthusiast myself, but it’s still a very steep price for a lot of people.
The lesson is divided into 2 parts. Each part is about 2-3 hours long. The beading process is actually quite simple and easy to grasp, but this is from my perspective as someone who enjoys crafts. The uniqueness of the craft for me is the Peranakan pattern, the glass beads that were used, the glass beads used are from Czech republic because there is no beads production around here. Uncle Robert is very particular about the tools and materials used. He said the glass beads from japan are too shimmery and thats not good for him because it does not have the original vintage look.
The process that Uncle Robert taught was a very traditional process. By talking to him, I can easily tell how passionate he is about this craft, and his passion easily transferred to me as I spent time with him during the workshop. He is very passionate about keeping the traditional processes, but I definitely see a lot of gap in this process that can easily be digitalized/modernized without losing its cultural impact. This is a gap that I can keep in mind when designing my future strategy.
I did my research about the workshop, there aren’t many options for these beading workshops. The most well-known one on the internet is a beading class from Rumah Kim Choo by Raymond Wong. Rumah Kim Choo is also a partner of the association and the magazine. I wanted to highlight a less well-known workshop, so I decided to go to “The Little Shophouse” owned by Robert Sng. I also found out that he has never been featured in TPAS magazine, so this is a perfect opportunity for both me and him. I explained to him that I am doing research on this topic and also writing for the magazine. He was really nice and welcoming, and generally excited to have a new student. He explained to me in great detail about the workshop and what to expect.
I was a bit disappointed, I would say when I found out that the total cost of the whole workshop was $450. I was disappointed because I thought that the workshop has so much potential and my original strategy for my research was to market and publicize the workshop, but knowing the price I think I will have to scratch that idea. So, it’s definitely something to keep in mind when I’m thinking about my next strategy. But fast forward, I thought the $450 price was all worth it to what I received, not only for my research but also as a craft enthusiast myself, but it’s still a very steep price for a lot of people.
The lesson is divided into 2 parts. Each part is about 2-3 hours long. The beading process is actually quite simple and easy to grasp, but this is from my perspective as someone who enjoys crafts. The uniqueness of the craft for me is the Peranakan pattern, the glass beads that were used, the glass beads used are from Czech republic because there is no beads production around here. Uncle Robert is very particular about the tools and materials used. He said the glass beads from japan are too shimmery and thats not good for him because it does not have the original vintage look.
The process that Uncle Robert taught was a very traditional process. By talking to him, I can easily tell how passionate he is about this craft, and his passion easily transferred to me as I spent time with him during the workshop. He is very passionate about keeping the traditional processes, but I definitely see a lot of gap in this process that can easily be digitalized/modernized without losing its cultural impact. This is a gap that I can keep in mind when designing my future strategy.
What my finished product suppose to look like
My progress to make one shoe
Close up of the beads
After the two lessons, it's up to us to finish the work at home, as homework he said. While the technique is fairly simple, it is very tedious work and time-consuming. To do one line of beads took me one hour. I really grew to have a lot of appreciation for this craft. It is very nice to see that there still is someone who has this amount of knowledge about the craft and is very passionate about it, but to know that he is getting older with no one to pass this knowledge and skills to, sank my heart.
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