Multiple visits to Penang and living close to Joo Chiat for a few years made my appreciation and interest for the beautiful Peranakan culture grow even more. I remember seeing the beaded shoes in the Penang Mansion museum and then the massive beaded table cloth here in Singapore at the Peranakan Museum. They are magnificent, small 1mm glass beads sewn by hand creating beautiful patterns. How I would love to learn a skill so intricate and that is exactly what I did.
Peranakan beading workshop
My hike circumnavigating Singapore, day 1 , ended with me exploring around Joo Chiat, the beautiful, colourful area in Singapore. A few days later I returned and attended a workshop hosted by Straits Enclave, in a beautiful Peranakan house museum. Arriving at the address, a crimson red staircase led me into the museum house. It immediately felt like I was transported back into a bygone era of a 1920’s Peranakan home. After checking in and temperature scanned, dressed in a beautiful salmon colour kebaya top and green skirt, I was ready.
Also see > Stepping into the belly of a dragon: Pottery at the last dragon kiln in Singapore
Introduction short course
The instructor, Angeline Kong started the workshop with an introduction and history regarding the Peranakans. The Peranakan history spans far back, to when Chinese immigrants settled in Malaya and Indonesia, and married local women. Angeline can date her family heritage back a rather long way.
After Angeline’s talk, instructions were given on how to create the Peranakan beading sample via digital presentation. Given a pattern, I could plan how and where I wanted to place it, and repeat it if done. Taking inspiration from the Peranakan tiles, Angeline advise on how the pattern would work best. With her clear demonstration and notes I became immersed in the craft. So relaxing, I somehow felt transported back into time. Must have been a combination of the ambience, the kebaya that I wore, the coffee and kueh, and slowly beading and creating. It was such a lovely afternoon.
Level 2 – Peranakan beading of own shoes
I was completely hooked; not only was I learning a new skill, but it was relaxing as well. I, therefore, signed up to bead my own pair of shoes in level 2. The course consisted of a few classes spread over a few months. First, it was essential to understand the basics of preparing, laying out, and planning covered in the first class. Then, after the first class, we had a follow-up to see how we were doing. Afterwards, we learnt how to fill in the background and create a border.
Getting started
Our first step was to stretch the fabric onto a large frame specifically designed for beaded shoes. Once again, batik was attached to the four sides of the material. This was so that it would not be damaged when fastened to the frame, which had to be stretched tightly. Afterwards, the shoe pattern was placed precisely and thoughtfully. I then choose my design and colour scheme. I chose patterns and colours with bright contrasts to keep with the Peranakan tradition. Unlike the traditional style, I did not have the picture face the wearer. Traditionally the design was turned so that the image faced her when a Peranakan lady looked down. My goal is to create shoes and display them.
I worked for at least an hour on the shoes daily for a few months. Despite taking some time, I managed to finish them. During a past trip to Malacca, I had my feet measured by a traditional cobbler, and I’ll soon have my shoes made. Now I’m on to my second pair, a more contemporary pair of sandals. Again, it’s apparent that I’m hooked to Peranakan beading.
Workshops / Straits Enclave details
They don’t only host beading workshops but others such as watercolour shophouse or peony painting as well.
- Straits Enclave: Contact them via Facebook or book on Peatix
- Address: 318 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427569
Have you signed up for the Peranakan beading workshop? Let us know in the comment below.
What I learnt
During this workshop I not only learnt how to do Peranakan beading, but also about the Peranakan culture. The Peranakans were and are a prominent and unique community to SouthEast Asia, especially in the Straits Settlements. Chinese immigrants who settled in Malaya, adopted and integrated local cultures, creating a unique lifestyle and customs, known as Peranakan.
The word Peranakan means ‘ locally born’ in Malay. The food and needlework is known as Nonya food and needlework. Characteristics of Peranakan culture are the use of bold colours. The fusion of various cultures and influences, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European, led to a unique style, evident in pieces such as the furniture and beautiful ornate Peranakan houses with exquisite tiles.
Also see >Â Indigo dye workshop in Singapore at With Autumn
Where  to experience the Peranakan culture in Singapore
Joo Chiat
One of my favourite areas, with the colourful and ornate Peranakan houses, Joo Chiat. The houses in a way depicted wealth through the decorated facade. Did you know the area is named after a wealthy Chinese landowner of the early 1900s, Chew Joo Chiat. The area like many other areas in Singapore, it used to be plantations and the coast was used as a weekend getaway from the city. In the 20th century the area was developed into a suburb.
Peranakan Museum
Probably one of the best places to learn more about the Peranakan culture would be at the Peranakan Museum.
- Address: 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
- Opening hours: Currently closed for revamp, check their website for details.
Dining
Right next to the Peranakan Museum you will find True Blue Cuisine, set in a traditional furnished setting with authentic Peranakan delicacies. Here you will not only experience the food but the whole Peranakan culture.
Situated within the former Joo Chiat Police station (granted conservation status)Â you will find Baba Chews Bar & Eatery, one of our favourites when we lived in the area. They specialise in fusion dishes, a more modern take on some classic dishes. Dishes like Peranakan pulled Iberico pork burger, beef short ribs Rendang, chilli crab pizza and my favourite ondeh ondeh cake.
As their listing states they are refined Peranakan dining. Candlenut at Dempsey Hill is the world’s first Peranakan restaurant to receive a Michelin Star with a contemporary approach on traditional Straits-Chinese cuisine but still keeping it authentic.
Kueh
I can’t go to the East Coast and not stop at Rumah Bebe to buy kueh. Since I arrived in Singapore and was introduced to these sweet treats, they became my new all time favourite dessert.
Also see > Walking from MBS through East Coast Park to Joo Chiat
Places of interest
Joo Chiat is one of my favourite areas, with so many awesome shops and cafes. Here are a few favourite cafes, shops, and photo spots.
Where to experience Peranakan culture in Penang
When travel opens again, a must is to visit Penang from Singapore to experience more of the Peranakan culture, it is so close and easy to reach. Penang is one of the cities we often visited, it has amazing food and vibe. Currently I am missing it a lot and can’t wait to return in the future. Wondering what to do or why we love visiting Penang. Well here are 21 things to do in Penang and how to search for streets of Georgetown.
Thank you Straits Enclave for hosting these amazing workshops where we can learn through hands on skills about the Peranakan culture in Singapore.
Have you even been to Joo Chiat? What are some of your favourite places in the area? Leave us a comment below. And if you are new to the area, enjoy this vibrant and artsy area.
xxx
*Opinions expressed here are my own.
Want to know how the first day of hiking the circumference of Singapore went, read more here!
Wow this is so interresting. I would like to this type of beading.