Recently, workshops on making ceramic vases, seashell mirrors, designing night lights, scented candles, painting on shirts, making bracelets and hot-chain key chains, have been held regularly, creating an interesting playground for young people in Da Nang.

Workshop programmes are increasingly attracting young people because of their creative, intimate and connected space. Photo: H.L

Diverse creative spaces

Sitting in the middle of a room filled with the scent of seashells and snail shells, Nguyen Ngoc Mai, a student of the Faculty of Literature, University of Science and Education under the University of Da Nang - UD meticulously adjusted before gluing seashells, tassels, beads onto the mirror frame. This was the second time Mai had participated in the workshop ‘Fairy Seashell Mirror’ organised by the ‘Vuon thong dong’ (Garden of Leisure) in Lien Chieu District.

“The first time, I only chose basic colours, but this time I tried mixing colours to create a softer colour transition effect.”, Mai shared.

Not simply a manual activity, the workshops help participants practice patience and meticulousness. To complete the mirror as desired, Mai spent about two hours coming up with ideas and choosing suitable accessories. Small details require attention, from harmonious colour combinations to arranging seashells to create unique shapes. Such wordshop programmes help her relax and feel excited when making a small, pretty item by herself.

In addition to students, many young people also come to workshops as a stress-relieving therapy after work. Le Thao Vy, 27, an accountant at a business on Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District said she has a special love for scents.

According to Vy, candles made from natural ingredients are safer for health. For example, people can choose beeswax, soy wax or vegetable oil and combine them with pine essential oil, lavender, coffee, green tea, vanilla, sweet orange, cinnamon, sandalwood and herbs...

Joining the workshop, besides the guided recipe, Vy likes to mix cedarwood scent with vanilla, or a little musk with jasmine to make the scent more harmonious, the scent lasts longer.

Opportunity to develop skills

On average, each workshop programme has a price ranging from VND100,000 - 200,000 /person, depending on the ingredients, accessories, techniques, seating and quality of drinks. In addition to the fixed workshop series, some creative groups also organise thematic programmes, suitable for each season of the year.

For example, at Christmas, participants can make their own laurel wreaths from dried pine leaves, decorate scented candles with winter motifs or create handmade vintage-style cards.

During Mid-Autumn Festival or Tet (traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year), these venues often focus on the techniques of making lanterns, ‘tien li xi’(lucky money) envelopes, writing calligraphy on Do paper or drawing folk paintings on wood.

The intimate, cozy space, gentle music and enthusiastic guidance from the organisers are also attractive points that make young people want to come back.

Ms. Nguyen Vo Y Van, a representative of the workshop chain at the ‘Vuon thong dong’, said that the programme is organised continuously and each course usually limits the number of participants to ensure the activities take place in tranquil space with quality.

“We want to bring an interesting space for everyone to freely create, connect and relax. Many people participate in the workshop come back to this site many times to challenge themselves with new or higher techniques. Along with the spiritual value, young people can take advantage of the workshop to develop skills and find opportunities to start a business.”, Ms. Van added.

As reported by Mr. Rustam Sultanov, one of the founders of the Labroom, a unit specialising in organising workshops in Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang, in addition to the creative playground, Labroom also aims to build new and unique scientific experience programmes.

The special feature of Labroom is the space designed in the style of a laboratory with warm light and shelves displaying full materials. After more than 6 years participating in the Da Nang workshop market, Mr. Rustam Sultanov believes that from a relaxing activity, workshops have gradually become a part of the lifestyle of young people. In reality, it helps people reduce stress, increase creativity, and is an opportunity to develop skills and open up new directions for the future.

Reporting by HUYNH LE - Translating by A.THU