Sharjah International Book Fair delights with workshops celebrating sustainability, creativity and innovation
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) once again proved its allure, attracting visitors of all ages and backgrounds from the UAE and the wider GCC. Among its vibrant offerings, the “Framed Paper Dresses Workshop” stood out, sparking creativity and sustainability lessons in children aged nine and above.
Travelling from Oman for the event, 14-year-old Alnawar Alansari expressed her enthusiasm: “I enjoy designing dresses. Maybe one day, I’ll pursue it as a career.” Spending two days immersed in the festival, she shared her gratitude before heading back home, her designs a testament to her imagination.
The workshop, led by instructor Lotorieva Valeriia, provided participants with crepe paper, glue, scissors, and recycled materials to craft framed paper dresses. “We want children to enjoy this creative process while learning the value of reusing materials,” Valeriia explained. “Some recreate references we provide, while others bring their unique ideas to life. One participant even made a dress inspired by her own outfit today!”
This focus on sustainable crafting allowed children to explore the circular economy while fostering artistic expression. Ten-year-old Khatija Mohammed, for instance, designed a black-and-white dress inspired by the character Wednesday from the popular horror series. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Aseel carefully worked on a kimono-inspired creation, blending four vibrant colours to reflect traditional Japanese design.