Gubahan Hantaran in the old days.

Mama and Ayah's gubahan on their wedding day, mostly foodies :)

I know when exactly was this picture taken. It was during Mama and Ayah's wedding day. Mama started her gubahan days when she was in her late teens. She would go for classes all around her kampung in Telok Kurau Lorong G. She told me that most of the classes were free but you will have to bring your own materials though. At the end of the day you can just give the "teacher" any amount of cash "ikhlas". Cool right?

See how detailed Mama's work were. Even the bunga pahar were handmade by Mama.

Making gubahan for engagement and wedding events was one of Mama's greatest passion. I used to watch Mama doing her gubahan but never really showed any interest. I was too young then and I guess I was more of a "drawing & painting" kind of person heee.. ;P

I remember the "long" shopping trips with Mama to get her materials. We used to go to Joo Chiat Complex, Clementi and Jurong West.

Check out the prayer mat made into a sofa, towel made into a hat and a bag, prayer dress made into a bed and the lace cloth made into an umbrella.

Mama would give tips and tricks on how to do the gubahan. How to match colours, what type of ribbons she uses and the most important thing was the quality of the materials. "Never settle for the cheapest, add blings and always give your best" she said.

Duit hantaran.

Sometimes I wonder how Mama can sit on the floor, yes! on the floor for hours and hours concentrating on her gubahan. She would do her household chores and cooking right after Ayah left for work and finish them by noon. Then she will sit down on the floor and try to finish at least 2 gubahan on that day. The interesting thing was that Mama used to tell me that there were certain days that doesn't work for her. I can't recall which were the days though. It's like whenever she tried to do her gubahan on those days, it just doesn't work out.

Bath towel made into a basket of flowers and a heart shaped frame.

I never really figured out how Mama get her ideas. She doesn't have access to Google at the time and hardly buy any magazines. I do remember her trying numerous times to get the design right. She would put the design together but if it doesn't work for her she would do it over and over again..phew! That was how thorough Mama was.

Look at all the foodies! Sweets, chocolates, jellies and even prunes!

Mama usually started her gubahan from scratch. She will sew her own alas and laces. She even made flowers from satin and organza fabrics. As time goes by, I began to find her passion is really something. She always seemed to be at peace when she was doing her gubahan. Mama said that she pray that one day I will want to continue her passion but I never thought I could. I may not have the patience haha (just kidding).

I never thought I could do it because I'm not as creative as Mama and I've never attended any classes. Who knows one day Mama's prayer will come true? In Shaa Allah.

Sireh dara

Mama is in her early 70s now and this was the last gubahan she did, about 2 years ago. I did help but I'm no professional. While I was helping her with this, I noticed that Mama was not as thorough as she used to be. There was something different about her. She seemed to be a bit off and unsatisfied. I can sense she was not happy with the finished product. She seemed unwell too. She told me that this was going to be the last time she's doing gubahan and wanted me to take over. I was scared but excited at the same time. Maybe I am afraid that I will not be as good as Mama. Now that I'm trying to continue her passion, I realised that making gubahan is becoming my passion too. It's funny how things happen in life when you least expected.

In Shaa Allah Mama, as long as your prayers are with me and as long as Allah permits. I will continue with your passion and make it mine too. I love you Mama and thank you for passing me this knowledge. May you always be under Allah s.w.t protection and blessings. Aamiin.

I hope you enjoyed reading my very first blog. I will try my best to write more on Mama's passion and hope to continue with mine too :)

#gubahan #wedding #gifts