Creativity and self-expression: how the New Year workshops went at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The New Year holidays at the National Centre RUSSIA were celebrated on a grand scale. Among the brightest events were creative workshops for the whole family. Guests decorated Christmas gingerbread, created New Year candle holders, snow globes, and other masterpieces. The workshops took place in an atmosphere of creativity and joy, bringing together parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren in an engaging activity.

The first New Year workshop turned out to be not only creative but also truly appetizing, as participants decorated Christmas gingerbread, transforming treats into unique edible masterpieces. For decoration, they could use sugar beads, colorful icing, and even tiny "gingerbread men." 

"We painted ready-made gingerbread with special paints, and it turned out very festive and beautiful. We really got into the New Year spirit," shared young participants of the workshop, Daria and Artem from Moscow.

The next workshop was held on January 4 and was dedicated to decorating mittens. Guests learned several simple yet impressive techniques for embellishing them with beads and sequins. 

The result of their efforts was unique designer mittens that will add a special touch to winter outfits and keep hands warm in the cold. Many participants admitted that they would continue experimenting with warm accessories at home to create new masterpieces and surprise their loved ones. 

On January 5, a workshop on making New Year candle holders was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. Participants glued a candle onto a special platform and then decorated it using various materials. Beads, rhinestones, New Year ornaments, fir branches, cones, and even walnuts came in handy. Additionally, the finished piece could be adorned with gold and silver ribbons. 

To make it easier for participants to choose a design, the instructor first showed reference photos and assisted his students in selecting decorations. The resulting candle holder can be reused multiple times: once one candle burns out, it can be easily replaced with another without altering the structure. 

One of the most enjoyable workshops was the snow globe-making session, held on January 7. On Christmas Day, guests of the National Centre RUSSIA created unique souvenirs for themselves and their loved ones, letting their imagination run wild. Participants filled the globes not only with beauty but also with personal meaning.

"I never thought making a snow globe could be so fascinating! It's like a little fairy tale I can take with me," shared 11-year-old Sasha, gazing at his masterpiece with excitement. 

By the way, the day before, participants also created unique New Year baubles — tree decorations featuring photos or interior decor.

At the final workshop, participants made beautiful carnival masks, choosing colors and decorative elements to their liking. The idea was for everyone to express themselves and create their own unique mask. As a result, each creation became a reflection of individuality and inner world.

The National Centre RUSSIA was established by order of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the International RUSSIA EXPO and to showcase the achievements of the country and its citizens on a permanent basis. Federal government agencies, state companies, corporations, and regions take part in the Centre’s work.