DIY projects entice many to pick up

Liu walked around the 200-square-meter space and saw many handmade items including ceramics, leather wallets, ornaments and oil paintings. There were tables where people sat quietly sewing wallets, while some were holding painting palettes in front of easels.

"I immediately liked the feeling there," said Liu, who long had the idea of drawing stick figures to record some interesting moments in her life.

Encouraged by teachers in the store, Liu decided to try out oil painting. At that time, Liu and her boyfriend had been together for 13 years and were planning to get married.

Her goal was to draw 10 paintings of 10 photos she had taken with her boyfriend. She chose many photos and discussed with her teacher which 10 photos best suited a beginner to paint.

These 10 photos included the first picture they took together, the first time she went to the sea with her boyfriend and the hot air balloon where her boyfriend proposed to her.

She also drew a building of an Australian university where her boyfriend did his graduate degree, representing the period of their long distance relationship.

Liu started painting buildings at first, as they were easier to master. It took her about 20 hours to complete the first painting, and about a year to finish 10 paintings. She would spend three to four hours painting each time.