SHARJAH, UAE- Everyday kitchen ingredients became an artist’s palette at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), as children discovered how familiar materials can be transformed into colours during a hands-on activity.
Led by Palestinian workshop facilitator Hamza Al Nassr, the ‘Organic Colour Making’ workshop introduced young participants to the process of creating pigments from everyday natural materials, including turmeric, paprika, beetroot and charcoal. The children mixed the ingredients with water, experimented with the resulting colours and observed how their consistency changed as other materials were added.
Water was chosen to keep the process simple and easy for children to handle, Al Nassr explained. Participants could also combine the colours they created to produce new shades before putting them to use on paper.
“We have different colours, and we can mix them, so we have things to discover with the kids today,” he said.
The workshop ended with each participant using the handmade pigments to create a painting they could take home, turning the process of learning where colour comes from into an opportunity for artistic experimentation.
For Indian mother Sabah Khan, whose daughter participated in the activity, its appeal was in giving children a sensory, hands-on way to explore something they already enjoy.
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“This one is really hands-on, trying to make colours on your own,” she said. “It will be really interesting for her to find out that she can make colours from her kitchen cabinet as well.”
Khan said this was the family’s fourth year taking part in SIBF activities since her children became old enough to participate regularly. Previous workshops had introduced them to other materials and forms of art, giving the children opportunities to experiment with creative techniques beyond those they encounter at home or school.
“It’s lovely to discover new forms of art, and they get exposure to different mediums,” she added.
Through the Organic Colour Making workshop, a handful of familiar ingredients became both art supplies and a starting point for curiosity, showing young participants that creativity can begin with materials already around them.
