When Duan Yongchen and Lu Huiming, from the city of Changchun, Jilin province got a national award for their handicrafts, they decided they wanted to reach a larger number of people and pass their skill on to more people and ultimately they succeeded.

They even received acclaim from abroad and won all kinds of trophies and certificates, which are on display in their home, and their work can be seen in the city's Palace Museum, and sales of their handicrafts are good.

In describing how they got to this point, Lu says, "It's been enjoyable," even though she started out as a fashion designer then turned to polymer clay for her work.

Lu Huimin's works have received many awards nationwide. [Photo provided to chinajilin.com.cn]

She says she became interested in totems of the local shaman religion and used them for her inspiration and devoted herself to creating works of art with a distinct Jilin folk flavor. Some days, she may spend the entire day to drawing one decorative pattern.

Her clay work even had a great influence on her husband, Duan, who decided to change from painting to working together with her, and, over time, their works got the recognition of friends and relatives, then the market, and they couldn't keep up with the demand.

Now, they hope to build a brand and to promote Jilin tourism and its culture at the same time and even teach other people their skills and Lu explains, "I've started a training class for people who are keen to do this and I provide free courses for those with a financial burden."