Sweet little memories of childhood
Snack-based miniature keychains and earrings a tribute to carefree days
KUALA LUMPUR: Childhoods spent snapping up snacks and “jajan” (loose candy) neatly packed in oversized containers at sundry shops or night markets are fondly remembered by those who grew up between the 1960s and 1990s.
Those childhood memories inspired Joyee Tan to start a business in February selling miniature keychains and earrings in the shape of keropok roda (wheel crackers), iced gem biscuits and fish-shaped biscuits.
The 3cm-long miniatures, which are moulded from clay resin or soft clay, are packed into tiny plastic containers with red lids like the ones used to store the snacks in sundry shops.
“The idea came about after my mum brought home some iced gem biscuits and a rush of childhood memories flashed through my mind.
“Many of us miss those moments, especially now that life is tough. Back then, we had no responsibilities. We were free and happy,” said the 25-year-old in an interview.
Tan said time was her biggest challenge because it took two to five hours of patience and accuracy to complete a batch.
“First, I will mould the clay according to the required size. Then, I will bind it into an object using epoxy putty, AB silicon liquid, mould putty, shaper brushes and craft knives,” she added.
Tan and her close friend Renee Wong, 23, also make other miniature food items like croissants, onigiri and kuih kapit (traditional love letters).
“Initially, we produced a lot of foreign-based miniature food items. But when we realised that such items were commonly sold, we moved on to making local foodstuff,” she said. Tan operates from her home in Setapak. Under the brand name 1/12, she sells her products online at prices ranging from RM12 to RM127.
She gets an average of 40 orders a month. — Bernama