I have received a number of queries on how to start beading, where to get courses, etc. I should repeat that I am really just a beginner too. Nonetheless, I have done some on-line searching, and found some useful links. I would also like to thank the various individuals who have left comments or emailed me and given tips, some of which I've included here.
So here are some beading resources which other beginners may find useful:
i) Mini-tutorial by Craft Passion. There are four parts to this tutorial in total, so here's the link to just the first one. This provides a good overview and introduction to how to make kasut manek.
ii) Article (from The Star Online) on Ms Khoo Lay Imm, from Penang. Ms Khoo is willing to teach people how to bead, and her email is provided in the article.
iii) Video featuring Mr Robert Sng of "Little Shophouse" in Bussorah Street, Singapore and giving some background on Peranakan beading.
Beads, patterns, thread and other bead-making apparatus can be purchased from Little Shophouse.
iv) Last but not least, Rumah Bebe website. Bebe Seet has been teaching Peranakan beadwork for a number of years and has written a definitive book on the subject: "Peranakan Beadwork: My Heritage" which I mentioned in an earlier post. Her shop also sells beadmaking stuff.
I do hope this is useful to all. I do apologise that there is not much on Malaysian-based shops or resources, if anyone would like to add on please do feel free to do so.
