An innovative, child-friendly approach to string art brings the UAE’s map—and a powerful message of unity—to the fore at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
Sharjah, April 30, 2025
The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is offering young attendees a creative lesson in belonging through a hands-on workshop titled Threads of Unity. Led by acclaimed string artist and educator Serge Gemayel, this child-friendly activity reimagines traditional string art to celebrate UAE culture and unity.
Gemayel, the creative force behind Nomad Workshops, has tailored string art for a younger audience. “Traditional string art uses real wood, nails, and hammers, which isn’t ideal for kids,” he says. “For this workshop, I’ve adapted it with foam boards, coloured pins, and mini wooden hammers to make it safe and fun.”
The workshop, a hit with children from various schools, begins with a foam board shaped like the UAE map. Each child is given anchor points marked with boundary dots, ready to fill with pins in their choice of colours. Many chose the red, green, white, and black of the UAE flag, while others opted for more vibrant colours. “It’s about their imagination and how they want to create,” says Gemayel. “No two pieces are ever the same.”
Twelve-year-old Aseel embraced a colourful design, while her friend Zainab opted for the UAE flag colours. “I like it colourful,” said Aseel as she carefully cut and tied threads. “I’m using different threads to make it pretty.”
Gemayel explains, “Children decide whether to use one thread or more—it’s all about their individual style.” The workshop fosters creativity, while also creating a personal connection to a national symbol.
The final step of the craft involves using a wooden hammer to tap down the pins, adding the finishing touch to each piece. “String art isn’t complete without a hammer,” says Gemayel. “Each child has the chance to complete their artwork and feel a sense of pride in their creation.”
Open to children aged eight and above, Threads of Unity is just one of the four workshops Gemayel is leading at SCRF. In the festival’s Comic Store section, kids can also create superhero emblems like Superman and Batman using the same innovative, child-friendly string art technique.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 12-day festival is free to attend and runs until May 4. For more information, visit www.scrf.ae.
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