The 16 leather key chains made by a soccer team captain for her teammates at The Story.PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Xing, the DIY program manager, said: "Artworks are not far away. They are real and practical in our daily lives. When you have tried it, you will have a deeper understanding of the things around you.

"The fast paced working life in cities makes us nervous. But making handicrafts calms you down to feel the pace of life and you can put your feelings into your artwork."

Liu said: "The painting experience makes memories deeper. I even liked the creases left on the paintings due to transportation, because they feel so real."

zhangyi1@chinadaily.com.cn