To soft music, participants of the workshop started by young Hanoian Quynh Nhi immerse themselves in creating 3D artworks.
Nhi chose an art form that’s still relatively new in Vietnam. Epoxy resin art combines clear resin with natural materials such as sand, stones, seashells, and wood to create 3D seascapes, landscapes, or animals.
"Epoxy resin art has developed significantly in other countries, but in Vietnam, it has yet to be widely embraced as an art form. It's relatively easy for beginners to create a painting with epoxy resin, so I decided to start this workshop to give people a chance," said Nhi.
Workshop participants learn step by step how to mix colors, create a design, and incorporate natural materials into their artwork. They can choose from a variety of themes. Seascapes are particularly popular, Quynh Nhi said.
"I looked for materials that would bring epoxy paintings closer to nature. For seascape pieces, for example, I traveled to coastal areas to collect beach sand that can be embedded in the paintings, giving participants a more authentic experience. Seashells, clam shells, and other natural elements can also be incorporated."
Before getting started, participants receive detailed guidance on the properties of epoxy resin, how to use the tools, and the steps involved. For ocean-inspired pieces, they learn specialized techniques for creating layered waves that add movement and depth.
Each session starts with a simple foundation – a wooden board, a few colors, a few decorative materials – and within a few hours, it’s transformed into a personalized artwork.
"After the session, everyone feels satisfied because it's a novel activity that doesn't require advanced technical skills. You can take home a finished piece after just one session. People of all ages can join, from young children to older adults. It takes between 3 and 5 hours to complete a piece, depending on one's style and choice of decorative materials," said Nhi.
DIY crafting activities are becoming increasingly popular on social media, particularly among young adults.
Thao My is a regular participant in epoxy resin workshops she finds online, hoping to create pieces that reflect her personal touch.
"I was guided carefully throughout the process, which helped me complete my piece satisfactorily. I realized that you don't need to be naturally artistic to create something beautiful. I came alone the first time, but I've since introduced my friends to it. For busy office workers like me, having these quiet moments boosts creativity and deepens my love of nature," My said.
Another young participant, Thanh Hung, came to the epoxy resin workshop in search of a slower pace in an artistically rich environment.
"Attending the workshop helps relieve my stress. It requires concentration, from mixing the materials to carefully selecting and arranging them on the artwork. When you're used to a fast-paced life, I feel that time at the workshop slows down, allowing you to enjoy life's small pleasures. It's a rare experience that's not easy to find elsewhere," said Hung.
By creating a sanctuary where people can temporarily escape the rush of urban life, the workshop aims to give every visitor a new artistic skill, a handmade work of art, and a moment of peace and creative expression.
