Small ribbons, big pride: Reedhwah’s handmade tribute to Malaysia

Reedhwah Reef'ah Abdul Rashid combines her IT skills with creativity to produce these vibrant and eye-catching National Day ribbons. (Bernama pic)KOTA BHARU: In the weeks leading up to National Month, Reedhwah Reef’ah Abdul Rashid’s home becomes a hive of colour, fabric and careful handiwork.There are felt pieces to cut, ribbons to assemble and tiny Jalur Gemilang decorations to pin into place before each piece is sent to schools, government departments, companies and individual customers.For Reedhwah, the finished ribbon may be small, but the feeling behind it is anything but. Seeing her creations worn during National Day celebrations brings a particular sense of pride.“Seeing people wear ribbons made by our own hands during National Day events gives me a satisfaction that is difficult to describe,” she told Bernama.“I feel proud and grateful that our craft has become part of the celebrations.”The 37-year-old owner of Ridh Leo Craft in Kampung Paya Senang here began making handicrafts in 2014.

She introduced her National Day-themed ribbons about three years ago after noticing that patriotic accessories on the market were limited and often lacked a distinctive identity.“I thought, why not create accessories that are more attractive, neat and exclusive so that people would be more excited to celebrate National Day?” she said.From sketch to ribbonA graduate in information technology programming, Reedhwah puts her graphic skills to use in designing the ribbons. She has created 18 designs featuring hibiscus motifs and elements of the Jalur Gemilang.Each design begins as a digital sketch before being printed onto special paper using a sublimation technique. The pattern is then transferred onto felt with a heat press, cut into shape, and assembled by hand with pins and flag decorations.“Although machines help speed up the process, the handmade touch remains important because it determines the neatness and quality of each product,” she noted.“I believe handmade products have a value and personal touch that cannot be replaced by mass production.”In the early days, Reedhwah cut every piece with scissors.

Over time, she invested in machinery and taught herself how to operate it by watching YouTube videos, gradually improving both the quality and efficiency of her work.Making all these ribbons is hard work, but Reedhwah says seeing them being worn during National Day …