3D jelly-making improves self-esteem by being creative

KUALA LUMPUR: “So beautiful! Must have been hard to make,” this writer thought to herself as she admired the three-dimensional (3D) jelly art by Roslinah Daud, 49.

“It really isn’t that hard as long as you know the technique. Anyone can do it,” she replied as if she was able to read minds, too.

The Lynn's Creative Kitchen founder explained that 3D jelly art requires dedication and precision to make it look remarkable and realistic.

“Uniquely, it has to be done with hot jelly and upside down (to start designing) using special needles, milk jelly and colouring.

“You can create anything, whether it be flowers, cute animals or scenery. It all depends on your creativity and skill,” she said while adding that she takes seven to eight hours to finish a 3D jelly depending on its size.

Roslinah, who has been doing 3D jelly art since September 2016, said she is proud of her work and sees the art form as therapy for building self-confidence.

“I like sharing my knowledge with people who are interested. This is why I conduct classes on request.

“Usually, those who attend are nervous and lack confidence. They say they are not creative or gifted, and are afraid they will flop. But when they see the end result they are amazed and thrilled,” said Roslinah, who is developing a 3D jelly e-learning package on Facebook.

In the meantime, those who have learnt the skill can earn an income because there is rising demand for 3D jelly creations, she said.

“Since posting images on social media, some of my students have been receiving non-stop orders for 3D jelly creations.

“Think about it, if a 3D jelly creation can fetch RM100 and the average number of orders is 10-20, they could make between RM1,000 to RM2,000 per month,” said Roslinah, while revealing she made two 3D jelly creations for a reception thrown by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah last year.

Another talented 3D jelly maker, Boon Siew Heng, 37, said that to be successful, one needs creativity, patience and practise.

“I got into it after joining a two-day course in 2016. After that, I practised a lot to get good at it.

“In the beginning there were a lot of problems but I always try to think outside the box in coming up with interesting designs and patterns,” said Boon who is from Petaling Jaya, Selangor but has lived in Sydney, Australia since 2001.

Due to her expertise in 3D jelly art, she was offered a teaching job at the Australian Patisserie Academy in Sydney this year and has also collaborated with ‘Masak Apa Tak Jadi Hari Ni’ to conduct lessons on Facebook.

“I hope that more people will get to know this art because I believe it can spread so much joy to many people,” said Boon, who won a bronze medal in the flower design category at a 3D jelly art competition in Hanoi, Vietnam last year.

-- BERNAMA