Unique craftworks are being spotted at an eatery in 10th mile. The artist, Joanne Chang, tells the author about her experience dabbling in art and her future plans.
Craft hobby turns business opportunity
An awestruck moment will befall you as you come across Joanne Chang’s artwork, as each piece of memorabilia she creates is unique in its own way.
Whether it’s a resin keychain or a garden planter, Chang’s signature of exclusivity is etched in every piece she creates. Her desire to create never-before-seen craftwork inspired her to pursue her ‘DIY’ arts and crafts endeavour.
Chang developed a hobby after moving into her new home in 2017, when she was inspired to decorate her garden with one-of-a-kind works of art.
“I’m always looking for new things to put in my garden. I would search for ideas on Google and YouTube on how to beautify my garden.”
Chang first discovered cement garden planters during the pandemic. There, she unleashed her artistic side, focusing on creating art pieces to beautify her garden.
As she became immersed in the world of arts and crafts, Chang also began exploring various forms of art using resin, waste materials, and others, depending on what she saw and what inspired her.
“My ideas usually come to me while I’m scrolling through social media, watching random art videos, or going for a walk. To be honest, an idea can strike at any time when the time is right. When it comes, this is when I sketch the design out and plan on how to build it,” said the 40-year-old.
Chang revealed that the challenges come from experimenting with new materials.
“When I experiment with something new, it is possible that it will fail since I am unfamiliar with it. Because failing is not budget friendly, I would try to overcome it by conducting more research, identifying and resolving problems.”
Sharing her craft with the world
Chang would listen to calming instrumental music while working on her next greatest. While she listens to the soothing sounds, her hands work their magic, and when she finishes with success, she feels a sense of achievement.
As a therapeutic activity, Chang would also record her progress via video to be uploaded on her YouTube channel — ‘JJ Craft & Style’.
“Back then, my husband encouraged me to upload my videos on YouTube. He said it would be a shame if I didn’t share my artistic talent.”
The crafter launched her YouTube channel in 2021 and now has over 15,000 subscribers. Chang expressed her delight at the achievement, especially when many people emailed her about her videos.
“Some inquired about issues with their craft. Also, I would get feedback on what I shared on the channel.”
Chang used to upload one to two videos per month. Once she realised there was a demand for her channel, she started devoting her time to creating and uploading a video every day. Despite shooting, editing, and writing descriptions can be time-consuming, Chang, who is passionate about the task, said she is used to it.
She added that the duration of the entire process is determined by the amount of labour involved.
“I can shoot and edit videos in a single day. However, more difficult crafts can take up to a week to complete.”
Chang has shared tutorial videos on YouTube showing how to build a planter from scratch, how to make an epoxy resin book cover, how to repurpose cardboard boxes to make a cabinet, and many more.
Using her passion to earn money
Chang is a full-time stay-at-home wife, but that does not stop her from earning an income. Each time she creates resin keychains, she would put them out for sale at an eatery in 10th mile, Kuching or upload them to her online shopping platform Shopee account.
Chang would occasionally receive commission work to create a planter or resin keychains. There was a time when she would use her talent to make a gift out of waste materials.
In the future, she hopes to open a cafe and gallery to display her creations.
“By having a space for them to eat among the crafts, people can go about and enjoy the sight of art. I also intend to sell my handmade items in a physical shop.”
