Sunday, October 31, 2010

My Beading Store

I am SOOOOOOO happy today!!! I have bought and installed 5 tall Billy bookselves (from Ikea) to store my online beading supplies. Now my living room look SOOOOOOO neat. Billy bookselves are so practical and functional. You can put almost anything in them, adjust the selves to your desired height or elevation and you get PERFECTION!!

I am not advertising for Ikea and I must admit I am really a fan of them. I have never given much thought on how to store my beading supplies. Now, they are very organised. I have seen online beading stores overseas and I dreamt about being like them, now I am one step closer to my dream...

And that is why I am SOOOOOOO happy!!!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Hello Again!

I am back!! So sorry, my friends, it was a long time since my last post. I have been really busy the past few weeks, and being busy is good. Busy means...$$$ right?

I just want to say a big 'THANK YOU' to all my students and my online customers. Wah! So ke qi? (polite) Yes, very ke qi and do continue to support me ok?

I have also been spending my time learning and perfecting new designs, mainly in wire work and stitching. You can see some of them in my 'Single Project Workshop' at vivecreation.blogspot.com.

Do keep coming back to ViVE Story and ViVE Creation for updates!! See you!!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Beading - The Ice Breaker

Ever wondered how easy it is to talk to someone when you have common interests? That is what I enjoy about my job. (ok, it is not a job, it is a business, or is it a hobby? or a hobby that became a business...or...or...)

I always like it when I see two complete strangers hit off so well during my first lesson. After that, they will make it a point to attend my lesson together again. Some even decide to sign up additional classes together. Although I have high expectations of my students, I like to conduct my lesson in a cozy and friendly environment. So we can talk about anything under the sky, from the latest gossips to the new HDB rules.

Of course, some students need time to 'warm-up', but sharing the same passion about beading is certainly a great Ice Breaker.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Happy Teachers' Day

Happy Teachers' Day to ME!!

Yap, although I am not an MOE teacher, I am still a teacher right? I have the same passion, the same desire to impart knowledge, the same long working hours (haha).

What are the qualities of a good teacher? Patience (I have), Expert in what I do (Definitely!), Friendly (I am), Passion (YES!). Advertising for myself? (yes...just come and learn from me and see for yourself...ha)

While teachers had their Teachers Day dinner, I had Bak Kut Teh at Food Republic Vivo City, quite tasty, not bad, but still can't find one that taste like the one in KL, I missed that...

Friday, August 27, 2010

So Much Stash! (loose beads)

Ever wonder what to do with your stash? (also known as loose beads, leftover etc). I mean, shops don't sell you 1 lobster clasp, 2 junp rings, 2 crimp beads, 5 3mm beads, 6 4mm beads and so on that you need for your single project. (I don't too, ha). So you are going to have plenty of leftovers.

Firstly, you would need to organise them. Buy boxes or containers (yes, spend more money) to keep them. Label them so that you will be able to find them easily. Or, if you are like me, don't bother to organise them, just dump them together and yet still able to find something when you need them.

Secondly, be creative, you can use them for your next project. More often then not, you will end up short of certain type of beads, and you will need to buy some more, and yes, add to your stash. (heeheehee)

In short, you will need a huge space for your favourite hobby, so be sure to negotiate with your family members and tell them you need more space!!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

I Have The Flu Virus!!

Yes, I am down with flu...so I decided to take a few days' off. I am giving myself MC. Ahhhhh...the joys of self-employment. OK, better don't gloat too much, wait my 9 to 5 friends will hammer me again.

And I blame it on people who don't cover their mouth when they cough in public. They are doing it everywhere, on buses, MRTs, in cinemas, along the walkways, bus stops, hawker centres. EVERYWHERE! Flu virus, deadly or not, I think MOH need to raise the rating again...

Anyway, this quiet allows me to surf the net, update my online beading supplies, look for new products, new businesses, plus...DAYDREAM. (Well, everything starts with a dream right?)

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Make Sure You Know What You Are Paying For

Do you believe in everything the label tells you when you buy something? Well, from now on, be wise. I can't believe when I see shops selling beads proclaiming that they are from Japan when they are NOT.
Firstly, look at the price. Beads from Japan are of higher quality and cannot be sold so cheaply. (Unless someone can tell me which part of Japan sell cheap beads, I like to know). If they sell it so cheaply, they are not making profits, and shops are businesses set up to make profit. Which means...are the beads really from Japan?
Secondly, look at the quality of the beads. Beads from Japan don't LOOK cheap. If they are poorly made, there are not from Japan.
So, what can you do?
Firstly, check with the retail staff, if they insist it is from Japan, don't take it at face value.
Secondly, shop around widely, and compare the prices and quality.
Thirdly, read up more in the internet and from books to increase your knowledge.
That done, you will be wise during your next purchase.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Funny Customers

Calling them 'funny' is an understatement. They are really weird!! I am sure you have come across such customers...
THE NO SHOW - Customer ordered some stuffs online and decided to self collect. Fixed appointment and did not turn up. Did not even tell me she is not coming!!
THE NO SHOW PART TWO - Another customer fixed appointment to buy some stuff from me, claim proudly that she is going to buy 'loads of stuff'. On the day of appointment, surprise, surprise. She did not turn up and did not even bother to tell me she is not coming!!
THE DELAY AND DISAPPEAR - Customer ordered some stuffs from my online shop. When asked to pay, she says she is coming to collect but did not say when. When asked again a few days later, yes, she said she is coming and will tell me when. And then...she disappeared...
I really don't understand the attitude of people nowadays, at least can tell me whether they are coming or not right?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

BIG Day!!

Wow! What a day! I am tired!
The day started with the packing and mailing out of a BIG mail order. (ok lah, to me it is big, don't know about you). Then, the rush to prepare and take lunch before my first workshop of the day at 2.30pm. Before my lesson ended, a BIG customer came, (I don't mean size) and I have to look into her needs.
After a short tea break (yes, tea break at 6pm), I resume my evening workshop with 4 students, luckily, my room is BIG enough.
Everything also BIG BIG BIG...that means wallet also BIG right??
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

World Cup is almost over!!!

Cheers...the World Cup is almost over. Hooray!!! Jump for joy!! (Just trying to irritate my husband)
Yes...the World Cup affects almost everyone, doesn't it? I never like soccer and I can never understand why so many people are crazy enough to watch 22 people chasing after a ball!! But that doesn't mean I wasn't affected for the past month.
My crazy hubby watched most of the matches and even some at 2.30am. There goes my beauty sleep. Although he is kind enough to turn the volume down and not shout 'GOALLLLLL!' in the middle of the night, I still couldn't sleep. I don't know why. It meant that I followed his weird cycle of sleep late, wake up late, sleep late, wake up late...I know soccer fans are going to hate me but I will be glad life goes back to normal after July 11

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Time Flies

Do you realise it is already July??? Half of 2010 is over! SO FAST?!
Do you remember what resolution you made at the start of 2010? Don't be surprise if you have not achieved many of them. For me? I never make new year resolutions. Why? Is it because I won't achieve them too? It is just not my nature to plan or make resolutions. Everyday, I just go with my gut feel and do what I need for the day. Well, it worked for me so far, so why change? Is that why I am not rich and successful? 'Rich and successful' are subjective and differs from person to person. S$1000 may be a household income for some while some will spend it all on one dress! Yes ONE dress.
Oops...doing so much thinking today...but it is a nice cool weather now...and a Saturday...perfect for a nap. Too bad, I have to conduct a lesson now...

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Workshop at Dunman High

Conducted a workshop at Dunman High on 25 Jun 2010. My first impression of this school in Tanjong Rhu is that IT IS HUGE!! Ok...maybe I have been away from school for many years now, but school then don't look SO BIG!!!
Teachers are nice people, I really like teaching teachers. They are humourous, chatty and lots of fun. (Of course, students don't see them that way). After the workshop, they even help me to pack up and arrange the tables back. Our future generation are in good hands. I really enjoyed this workshop. Hope they like the bracelet they made during the workshop.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Flu Virus In The Air

Wow! Just this week alone, four of my students cancelled/ postponed their lessons because they were down with the flu! Well, I wish them speedy recovery so that they can attend my lesson next week.
Ever since the H1N1 was downgraded as harmless, people are getting careless again. Just travel on the bus and you will see what I mean. People are coughing openly, without bothering to cover their mouths!! Every time I travel, I can see 2-3 people coughing while on the bus.
So...Mr (or Mrs?) Virus is certainly back.
For me, I am taking vitamin suppplements daily whenever I conduct lessons or if I am going out. So far, it helps.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Finally, An Off Day!!

My off day today, after six days of continuous work. It is a weekday and I treasure every moment I have with my family. I love to go out during weekdays. You don't get caught in traffic jams, you don't have to 'chop' your seat when you eat, you don't see queues at the cashier. (oops, better stop here, wait I get 'hammered' by my 9-to-5 friends). But it is fair right? Cause I work over the weekends...

I went to Spotlight today and bought some nice laces. The lady serving me at the cashier was very friendly and nice (see? weekday afternoon la, less crowd, no stress, so can smile a lot) Oh yes, soon I will decorate my home again, bit by bit, to get the Shabby Chic look. When I am done, I will post more photos for all to see ok?

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Everything Begins with a Dream

Do you like my Shabby Chic collection? I am simply madly in love with them now. This is my dream. To fill my entire home with Shabby Chic collections, the furniture, the sofa, the book shelves, and EVERYTHING!!

Ambitious? maybe? Dreaming? maybe?

Shabby Chic is not part of my business, it is just another of my hobbies. But everything begins with a dream, just like my beading business. If I did not have this dream six years ago, I would not be where I am today. You don't have to do everything at once, I believe in taking baby steps, with each step, you move closer to your dream.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

more Shabby Chic collection...

Recently bought some cushion covers, bed linen ( more like a blanket), floor mat, door knot cover, basket...
more to come :P

Handpaint wall deco


"Growing Strong in the LORD"
Bought the wooden board from Daiso, paint the roses with arcylic paint, but need to practise more....

Shabby Chic collection

Got these two flowers collection from Lim's Art @ S$10.00 each !! what a good bargain.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Home Business and Social Life

The biggest benefit about running your own home business is being able to spend time with your family whenever you want. This is something no company or organisation can give you. But do I miss the daily interaction I used to have with my colleagues?
Fortunately for me, my business allows me to meet new students quite frequently. Over the years, during my interaction with them during the workshops, some of them actually become my friends. Many people fear that home business means working alone and being detached from the outside world. However, the opposite is true. With flexible timings on your hands, you can arrange to meet old friend for lunch.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Home Business - Flexible Working Hours

First, let me start off with what home business is not. Many people, including my best friends, have the impression that home business is about lying on the sofa, slipping tea and watching Korean dramas. How then, my dear friends, do the money come in if I do not work?
Well, let me set the record straight that, in reality, the opposite is true. Working at home doesn't mean that you work less hours. You still work 8 hours a day, just that one of the greatest benefit is that you chose when you want to work, not governed by any corporate structure that insist you work from 9am to 6pm (and you cannot always leave at 6pm, otherwise your Boss thinks you do not have much to do).
So this means I can work 2 hours in the morning, 2 in the afternoon and 4 at night. On another day, I might wake up late and work 4 hours in the afternoon and 4 at night. Get my point?
Yes, I can watch Korean dramas anytime I want, but first, I have to work hard to make sure the money is coming in first right?
Do I miss the structured office environment? More on that in my next post...

Friday, June 11, 2010

Home + Business = Home Business

I have been running a home business for several years now, conducting beading and polymer clay workshops in the comfort of my home and managing an online beading supplies business. People asked, "Home business got business meh?" I believe it is the way you brand and market your home business.
First of all, to show that I am serious about my business, I have dedicated one entire air-conditioned bedroom (of my 4-room HDB flat) to conduct my workshop, complete with a full size table that can seat 4 students comfortably. I have also partitioned half of my living room to display and store my beading supplies.
Secondly, it is important to get licensed too. My home business is approved by HDB.
People asked again, "Home business can make money meh?". Well, that is my business secret...
But seriously, what do I like about my home business?
Read more...in my next posting...

Thursday, June 10, 2010

How I Got Started With Beading

In 2004, I was a bored full-time homemaker looking after my lovely 2-year-old girl. She's such a lovely girl, well-behave and that left me with plenty of time on my hands. I took up beading as a hobby. I tried to sell my ready-made designs but sales were slow. I found out that I was pretty good at it so much so that I started teaching people how to bead.
ViVE Creation was born, one thing lead to another and now six years down the road, I am pleased to have shared my knowledge with hundreds of students since then.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

My new Shabby Chic collection

if anyone have any ideas on how to decorate home with Shabby Chic decoration, please email me or leave a comment here... Thank you !!