Crafting calmness: why DIY workshops are a hit with young adults

Handicraft workshops (short practical courses) are becoming increasingly popular, with many young people choosing them as a way to regain balance amid the pressures, stress, and fast pace of digital life.

There’s a variety of experiences for participants. Photo: Thuy Tien

From candle-making and jewelry design to pottery and painting, these workshops are giving youth in Dong Nai Province new ways to explore their creativity. Beyond learning new skills, the real joy comes from crafting something with their own hands. 

Immersed in the world of craft, Nguyen Ha Giang (right, Tran Bien Ward) finds herself more focused. Photo: Thuy Tien

For many young people, workshops offer a rare chance to escape the fast pace of city life and reconnect with their inner selves.For Nguyen Ha Giang (19, a resident of Tran Bien Ward), these workshops have helped uncover hidden talents. “They help me focus and unwind after work,” Giang shared.

Abundant materials let participants create in their own style. Photo: Thuy Tien

 Crafting demands patience and meticulous attention as the artisan must carefully select materials and colors to achieve artistic harmony. Each finished piece bears a personal imprint and can serve as home decor, a gift for friends and family, or simply a well-earned token of one’s own effort.

Participants carefully select materials for their projects. Photo: Thuy Tien

Ngo Gia Bao (27, resident of Tam Hiep Ward) has been attending workshops for over two months. “At first, I just wanted a weekend hobby, but after a few sessions, I found it really engaging. Even if my creations aren’t perfect, it feels great to make them myself,” he shares.

Workshop creations, from bracelets, pottery fragments, to colorful paintings, all carry a personal touch. Photo: Thuy Tien

More than just a relaxation hub, these craft workshops offer young people a chance to meet others who share the same passion for clay, paint, and DIY.  These gatherings provide a rare space for real connection, especially in a time when scrolling and double-tapping often replace face-to-face interaction.

Handicraft workshops are gaining popularity among youth. Photo: Thuy Tien

Sharing tips, collaborating on projects, and laughing over imperfect creations turn the workshop into a warm, inviting environment where creativity and friendship naturally flourish.

At a painting session, young creators carefully perfecting every stroke. Photo: Thuy Tien

Tran Nga, a workshop instructor at Tho May Art Club in Tam Hiep Ward, shares, “Many participants come in feeling unsure about their skills and that they’re not crafty enough. By the end of the session, they’ve growned more interested in arts and crafts, and would like to join again. That enthusiasm is the biggest motivation for me to keep growing the workshops.”

Each workshop session typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours, with fees ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 VND, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the project. These hands-on activities have proven highly appealing not only to young people but also to families and children across Dong Nai. 

Lovely finished pieces after a pottery session. Photo: Thuy Tien

As pressures from society, work, and personal life continue to rise, creative handicraft activities have become a natural form of therapy, helping young people reconnect with themselves and find joy in simple things.

By: Thuy Tien
Translated by: Le Hung- Minho