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!!

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.

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...

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!!

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?)

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.

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?