Beading a Nyonya Story: A Journey into Kasut Manek

equipment: learn new skill and history of the Peranakan culture in Singapore and Malaya. instructor: very well trained and knowledgeable about the culture and history.

The beading workshop is enjoyable and therapeutic! You get to eat traditional nyonya kueh, wear the beautiful kebaya and learn lots about the Peranakan culture! A great way to spend your weekend afternoon! ^^

Prior groups have suggested that the participants dress up at the beginning so that they can participate in the event while in costume. Whoever arrived early would be guided to choose their nyonya kebaya and if time permits, they can go around the rooms to take photos. The introduction on the Peranakan culture and beading was 2h long and it would be better to break this up into shorter sessions with activities....maybe be introduced to some of the interesting artefacts in the museum? The beading itself could not be completed there and participants were expected to take it home to complete. Instead of just a piece of cloth for beading, perhaps it can have the design of a bookmark or pouch so that participants can sew it up into a useful product after beading.

Beautiful, beautiful ambience. The teacher is very patient, a nyonya who is ready to share her culture. Sufficient materials are provided. My favourite is to be able to wear the kebaya. Huge range to choose from. All the staff are very friendly and helpful!

the teacher (Angeline) was lovely and attentive to everyone. Kueh was most likely fron Harriannes - good nonetheless. The technique is well explained and very easy to continue at home. You are only doing a motif beading in this workshop though, the nyonya shoes are a separate advanced class. However, Angeline is very open to creativity to those who are up for a challenge.

Very interactive and fun activity. Angeline is a very patient and nurturing teacher and I learnt a lot in just a short period of time. The afternoon tea is very nice and the dress up in peranakan outfit is fun too. Highly recommended!

Had a wonderful time learning about peranakan culture and beading techniques through the knowledgeable and friendly peranakan staff. My favourite part of the experience is being able to wear the colourful nyonya kebaya and taking photos around the museum which has beautiful peranakan antiques and furniture. Tea time with kuehs and tea was lovely too. Highly recommend this experience!

The whole experience was very fun and enjoyable! You get to dress up in the sarong kebayas from the start whicj immerses you in the experience. I actually enjoyed the presentation the instructor was giving and didn’t feel it was too long. I had a fun time overall :) Would definitely sign up for the other activities!

Nonya Angelina is very passionate about beads work and imparting knowledge of her heritage to us. I learnt from the session. Dressing up in Nonya costumes and taking photos in the museum is another highlight.

A wonderful dxprrience diving in to the Peranakan culture! We arrived early and we got to rent the nyonya kebaya. They explained the peranakan history and taught us the kasut manek. The needlework is difficult as the beading is small, might be easier if you know cross stitch. We had to stitch a small flower. If cannot finish, we can bring it home. The sewing kit is given to us as a takehome. Before and after the workshop, we took pictures of the things in the museum with the rented kebaya. We were given kuehs to eat as well. Highly recommended to experience this unique and beautiful culture, be it whether you're a tourist or someone who is living here.