About

Nyonya beadwork is an important signifier of Peranakan Chinese culture as this artform is unique to the Peranakan Chinese and is a fusion of both Chinese and local craft and cultural traditions. 

Nyonya beadwork were once used to gauge young nyonyas’ marriageability, and the wealth and position of her family. Future mother-in-laws would judge a young Nyonya’s attention to detail, patience, industriousness and resilience(!) based on the quality, artistry, and refinement of their beadwork. Once families agreed to a marriage proposal, young nyonyas had to sew beaded shoes for their future husband, father and mother-in-law as well as for their brother and sister-in-laws.

Nyonya beadwork was also displayed in abundance as personal and decorative items during the 12 days of the traditional wedding celebration. Only the best pieces of beadwork would be displayed to ensure that they do not ‘lose face’, as the beadwork would be examined by the critical eyes of relatives, friends and neighbours. For these reasons, mothers, grandmothers and aunts would go to great pains (for the girls!) to ensure their young nyonyas reached the highest level of excellence in their beadwork. Young nyonyas too would vie with each other to create their own unique designs to ensure their beadwork stood out.   

Join us for the opportunity to expand your Nyonya manek embroidery skill by learning how to create and sew your very own Nyonya beaded shoe design. The same techniques can then be applied to creating your own designs for other Nyonya beadwork items like cushion covers, purses and wall hangings. Becoming your own designer for your Nyonya beadwork is a great way to unleash your creativity and sustain our Peranakan heritage by preserving this dying art.

This workshop is designed for those who have already completed the beginners Nyonya beaded shoe class. It will run over two learning sessions by Ju Nah Tan (who promises to guide and no cubit (pinch) anyone in the workshop). Participants will receive an intermediate Manek Kit. The kit includes 10packs of manek halus beads, a rectangle embroidery frame, cotton Aida fabric, and pattern templates.

PROGRAM
Part 1 - 24th May 2026, 1:30-5:00pm
•    Introduction to the imagery traditionally used in Nyonya beadwork
•    Overview of Manek embroidery paraphernalia: Beads, thread, needles and more!
•    Setting up the embroidery frame and pattern template 
•    Learning the design placement techniques
•    Learning the stitching techniques

Part 2 – 7 June 2026, 1:30-5:00pm
•    Manek show and tell
•    Learning the traditional ‘triangle’ boundary technique
•    Transferring the design and sewing techniques to different Nyonya beadwork items 
•    Troubleshooting
•    Manek resources and support

Each session includes a half-hour afternoon tea break, where we will join other PAA (Melb) members in the hall. We will provide tea, coffee, and light snacks, but feel free to bring your favourite treats to share!

About Our Facilitator

Ju Nah (Juna) Tan, a.k.a. Manek Addict, is a 5th generation Penang Nyonya whose family has ties to Phuket and Medan. Juna started embroidering cross stitches during her primary school years, moved on to Western-style embroidery in high school, and finally picked up Peranakan Manek embroidery after university. She practices Peranakan (both paper and canvas) grid-based and single-needle freeform Manek embroidery and Japanese double-needle freeform embroidery. Juna is passionate about sharing the intricate art of Peranakan Manek embroidery with others as part of her heritage and passing this craft on to the next generation.

Location

Get directions

The Pines Senior Citizen Centre Blackburn
25 Central Road, Blackburn VIC 3130