KUCHING: What started as a hobby for a stay-at-home mother has evolved into a successful festive business for artisan Rena Kho, who encapsulates the essence of Christmas through beautifully crafted polymer clay jewellery and handmade accessories.
At 57 years old, Kho reflects on her clay-crafting journey that began in 2013, initially sparked by learning basic techniques during church activities. She honed her craft further by participating in specialized courses in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Japan.
Expanding Creativity
“My early creations were primarily clay flowers and figurines, but I transitioned into jewellery making after eight years. I was captivated by polymer clay, as it allows for the creation of an endless variety of items with just a simple piece,” she shared with Bernama.
Kho noted that polymer clay is particularly ideal for jewellery-making due to its durability, washability, and ability to maintain its vibrant colors for years after being baked at the right temperature.
The owner of Rena’s Story emphasized that each piece is completely handmade. This involves everything from conceptualizing designs and selecting colors to shaping, baking, and finishing, with each pair of earrings taking at least one and a half hours to craft.
As the Christmas season approaches, Kho has designed festive-themed items featuring red roses and Christmas motifs. Some products, like the Christmas tree earrings, have already sold out due to high demand but will be restocked shortly, according to the mother of three.
Reaching a Wider Audience
In addition to selling at local booths, she also promotes her products online through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, allowing her to connect with a broader audience beyond Kuching.
Kho embraces Christmas as a time of love and sharing, striving to convey this festive spirit through her designs while spreading happiness to customers of all backgrounds.
Alongside her creations, Kho has united a small group of Sarawakian women artisans, mostly homemakers, to collectively market handmade crafts including micro-crochet accessories, macrame bags, and resin art.
This initiative empowers women, including young mothers, to earn income from home while balancing family duties, transforming their personal hobbies into sustainable livelihoods.
Kho mentioned that festive occasions like Christmas significantly enhance small craft businesses, with sales during month-long celebrations reaching as much as RM30,000, including the contributions of fellow artisans.
“Giving back is a vital aspect of Christmas traditions, so we donate a portion of our earnings each year to charitable organizations, particularly The Salvation Army,” she concluded. – BERNAMA
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Danny H is a real estate negotiator in Miri, specializing in residential and commercial properties. He provides trusted guidance, updated listings, and professional support through MiriProperty.com.my to help clients make confident property decisions.
