Multimedia

Handmade crafts offer Vietnamese artisans creativity, income and balance

E-magazine Handmade crafts offer Vietnamese artisans creativity, income and balance

Nguyen Thi Thu Thao, 35, from Tuy Phuoc Tay commune, began crafting clay flowers in 2022 after discovering them online.

Each piece requires meticulous steps, from rolling and molding clay petals to painting and assembling branches.

handmade-chi-thao-2.jpg
Ms Nguyen Thi Thu Thao (right) and some of her clay-made flowers. Photo: D.L

While a small arrangement takes about two days to finish, larger ones can take up to five.

Her dedication allows her to produce lifelike lotus, lilies, tulips, and succulents, often fooling viewers into mistaking them for real flowers.

Thao spends around two hours daily on her craft and earns an additional 2–3 million VND ($80–120) per month.

hand-made-chi-thao.jpg
Thao is decorating the lotus flowers. Ảnh: D.L

Similarly, Pham Dinh Trong, 37, from Phu My Bac commune, found inspiration in the landscapes of his hometown, channeling it into intricate dioramas.

handmade-anh-trong.jpg
Trong and his handmade model. Ảnh: D.L

Using simple, low-cost materials such as foam, wood scraps, plaster, and dried leaves, he recreates rural scenes including rice fields, bamboo groves, and village courtyards. Each model can take between a week and a month to complete.

handmade-anh-trong-2.jpg
Anh Trọng luôn dành thời gian với "góc trưng bày" sa bàn tại nhà. Ảnh: D.L

Though initially a personal passion, Trong now considers selling his works for both income and motivation.

For Pham Thi Tuyet Nga, 32, from Quy Nhon, crafting flowers began as a school hobby and evolved into a small business in 2020 through Facebook and e-commerce platforms.

handmade-chi-nga.jpg
Nga and her handmade colourful flowers. Photo: D.L

Starting with small decorative pieces, Nga gradually developed skills in color coordination and material handling, enabling her to fulfill large-scale orders of up to thousands of flowers.

handmade-chi-nga-2.jpg
Nga is finishing one of her works. Photo: D.L

Depending on the season, she earns between 3-10 million VND ($120-400) monthly.

Her creations range from miniature flowers just a few centimeters wide to oversized designs reaching 1.5 meters, crafted from fabric, felt, paper, or foam.

Across Vietnam, artisans like Thao, Trong, and Nga demonstrate how handmade crafts can enrich lives-providing not only a creative outlet but also a practical means of support.

You may be interested

Tranquility in Nhon Ly fishing village

Tranquility in Nhon Ly fishing village

Located about 20 kilometers from Quy Nhon, the fishing village of Nhon Ly exudes the rustic charm of a tranquil coastal region. Not only does it preserve the distinctive cultural features, captivates visitors with its poetic natural scenery and the simple, peaceful rhythm of local fishermen’s lives.

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square - The heart of Quy Nhon

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square - The heart of Quy Nhon

Nguyễn Tất Thành Square (Quy Nhơn Ward, Gia Lai Province) stands not only as a modern architectural landmark but also as a symbol of the culture, history, and dynamic life of this seaside urban area. It is a must-visit destination for tourists coming to the beautiful coastal city of Quy Nhơn.

Kỳ Co - The seaside paradise in Gia Lai

Kỳ Co - The seaside paradise in Gia Lai

Dubbed the "seaside paradise of Gia Lai", Ky Co, nestled at the foot of Phuong Mai Mountain, is renowned for its crystal-clear, two-toned waters and long stretches of white sand. This is an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling among coral reefs, and a variety of other exciting experiences.

The tranquility of Ngo Son fields

The tranquility of Ngo Son fields

Nestled among majestic mountains, the Ngô Sơn fields emerge like a poetic natural painting, with golden rice paddies, imposing peaks, and the tranquil rhythm of highland life. This area is fast becoming an attractive destination for visitors who appreciate the serene beauty of unspoiled nature.

Thông Viu – A relaxing retreat in the heart of Pleiku

Thông Viu – A relaxing retreat in the heart of Pleiku

In the heart of Pleiku city, a lotus pond nestled within Thông Viu Café is creating a buzz with its vibrant and poetic beauty. This lush, green space has quickly become a favorite check-in spot for both locals and tourists, who flock here to experience its charm and unwind in a relaxing atmosphere.

Thac Mo

Thac Mo - A masterpiece amidst the vast forests of Gia Lai

Nestled along a branch of the legendary Pô Cô River in Ia Krái commune, the Mơ Waterfall cascades day and night amid the pristine, majestic wilderness of the Central Highlands. Its breathtaking beauty has become a powerful draw, attracting large numbers of visitors.

World News March 26: US Warns of Stronger Response if Iran Refuses to Accept Defeat

Essence Converges – Flavors Spread Far and Wide

The Gia Lai Culinary Festival 2026 will be a highlight of the opening week of the National Tourism Year, featuring the essence of local cuisine alongside renowned chefs, culinary instructors, and businesses. The event will take place from March 27 to 29 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square (Quy Nhon Ward).

Red Bridge, Bien Ho Lake

Check-in at Gia Lai’s “one-of-a-kind” bridge

Amidst the vast Central Highlands, a newly opened road winds gracefully through tea hills and coffee plantations. Along this route, a uniquely designed bridge stands out against the natural landscape, becoming a popular check-in spot and contributing to a new highlight for tourism in Gia Lai.

Crescent moon beach in the heart of Quy Nhon

Crescent moon beach in the heart of Quy Nhon

In the heart of Quy Nhon, a crescent-shaped beach stretches for about 5 kilometers, captivating visitors with its fine golden sand, crystal-clear blue waters, and gentle waves. More than just an ideal stopover, this place enchants tourists with its poetic beauty...

Gia Lai Tourism Poised for Breakthrough in 2026

Gia Lai tourism poised for breakthrough in 2026

With comprehensive preparations, a series of vibrant cultural, sports, and tourism activities, and impressive figures in both visitor numbers and revenue, Gia Lai is demonstrating a promising transformation from the very first days of the new year.

Visiting Thap Thap ancient Pagoda

Visiting Thap Thap ancient Pagoda

Standing in quiet contemplation for nearly 400 years in An Nhon, Thap Thap Pagoda is not only a national historical and cultural relic, but also a place where architectural, historical, and cultural imprints are deeply intertwined with the memories and lives of generations of local residents.

Gia Lai in the 1960s: The Neu Pole Welcomes Tet

Gia Lai in the 1960s: The Neu Pole Welcomes Tet

Erecting the "cây nêu" (New Year’s bamboo pole) during Tet remains a traditional custom preserved in many localities. Today, families have added creative touches to the decoration of the cây nêu, creating a festive Tet and spring atmosphere and imbued with spiritual significance.