22/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 22, 2026 theSunday Special IX

the intricacy of the pattern, can be quite HDV\ WR PDNH 7KH )OXLG %R[ R̆ HUV WKH experience of creating this art on gift items like coasters, phone cases, wine glasses and even furniture. There is a large sign on the wall at The )OXLG %R[ VWXGLR WKDW UHDGV ³6SDFH WR ¿QG your inner child”. Beth Teo, founder of The Fluid Box, said she hopes people who come into the space and participate in KHU ÀXLG DUW ZRUNVKRS FDQ UHFDSWXUH WKH carefree innocence of being a child again. “Fluid art is very therapeutic and relax ing. It doesn’t require any special skill. It is basically a layered water-based paint WKDW LV WKHQ SRXUHG RQWR GL̆ HUHQW PDWHULDO surfaces. It can be metal, wood, plastic or even glass. I name the workshop “Art of Letting Go” because I want everyone who comes here to feel free and leave behind their concern about making a mess or making mistakes. “The process of fluid art, especially when intended as a gift, is an experience one should fully immerse in. Once the gift item is ready, it will be one-of-a-kind because fluid art cannot be replicated. Personally, I tend to appreciate something if it is handmade,” said Teo.

Terrazzo is a versatile material used for a range of home decor items.

coaster, along with other home decor items such as a candle holder, a card stand and a trinket dish, using terrazzo. These terrazzo items make perfect gifts as they are functional, colourful and will brighten just about any space. “Making your own gift with terrazzo is a process that involves both the hands and the heart. Every item is made to order and is one-of-a-kind. I will guide my workshop participants to create a colour combina tion that works perfectly for their piece. “So many participants come to my workshop to make gifts for their loved ones and I will assist them in choosing the right colour and designs based on their description of the person that they are making the gift for,” Tan shared. Art of letting go Fluid art is so versatile that it can be used RQ MXVW DERXW DQ\ VXUIDFH IURP D FR̆ HH table to a picture frame and a daily journal cover. It is colourful and, depending on

Fluid art is a therapeutic and relaxing process.

Wong … “Handmade wax sachets blend scent, creativity and thoughtful gifting.”

Scented space A scented candle is readily available everywhere, even at the RM2 stores. But KLJK TXDOLW\ FDQGOHV ZLWK JRRG EHQH¿WV for the mind and body just cannot be compared. Candle-making has been a popular activity, with many local brands organising workshops and classes to teach people how to make customised candles. /LOLQ 6FDSH R̆ HUV VRPHWKLQJ GL̆ HUHQW WR those who sign up for its workshop. Lilin Scape’s wax sachet makes a per fect gift because the design and scent are customisable. It is basically a block of scented wax adorned with a mini dry ÀRZHU DUUDQJHPHQW WKDW FDQ EH KXQJ LQ the closet, the bathroom or any part of the house, as it releases scent from the essential oil blend. “Our wax sachet is like a visual art with scent. Those who attend the workshop not only learn how to make their own wax sachet but also participate in a therapeutic experience as they inhale the relaxing scents of the essential oils we use. “Making something with your own hands adds another layer of thought to the act of gifting. It is hundreds of times better than commercial products. For me, it is an extension of love to the receiver of the gift,” said Jingle Wong of Lilin Scape.

Making your own gift with terrazzo is a process that involves both the hands and the heart..”

Tan

Home made T HUUD]]R ZDV WKH ÀRRULQJ RI FKRLFH IRU ROG houses back in the eighties and nineties. Tan Xin Lin, founder of Shi Terrazzo Atelier, said she immediately thought of “grandma’s house” when she heard the word terrazzo. But that was five years ago. Now, terrazzo has become a versatile material that she turns into home decor items, from wall art and trinket dishes to tabletop and soap holders. From one day of searching for the perfect coaster to purchase to actually making it herself, the former architect now teaches people how to make the same

Teo … “Fluid art workshops focus on relaxation, creativity and the joy of handmade expression.”

Tan … “Hands-on terrazzo workshops focus on personalised, one-of-a-kind gifting.”