HeARTwork

Participant Art Guide: Expressing Your Journey Through Art

For Children, Families & Friends

Each of the following project types invites you to express a part of your experience with Thalassemia—whether it's a moment of strength, fear, resilience, or joy. Choose the method that feels most natural or exciting to you. You may work individually or collaboratively.

 1. Collage: Mapping Your Emotions

Theme: Telling Your Story Through Many Pieces

What to do:
Gather magazine clippings, printed images, fabric scraps, or personal photos. Arrange them into a visual "map" that represents your emotional journey—your fears, your hopes, your happy moments.

Focus prompt:
What does your story look like when made from pieces of many things?

Materials: Paper base, scissors, glue, recycled materials, printed or drawn elements.

2. Mask Creation: Hidden Strengths

Theme: What We Show vs. What We Feel

What to do:
Design and decorate a mask that reveals how you feel on the inside—your hidden strengths, worries, or the person you become when you're being brave.

Focus prompt:
What do you show the world… and what do you keep for yourself?

Materials: Paper mask forms, cardboard, paint, feathers, yarn, markers, found materials. 

3. Journaling, Storytelling & Scrapbooking: My Story in Words and Pictures

Theme: Memories That Matter

What to do:
Write a short story, journal entry, poem, or create a scrapbook page that captures a moment or emotion from your Thalassemia journey. You can use photos, stickers, drawings, keepsakes, and writing to build your page.

Focus prompt:
What memory, moment, or feeling do you want to share with others to help them understand your story?

Options to explore:

• Write a diary-style entry about a hospital visit or a day you felt strong.
• Create a “memory page” about a person who supports you.
• Make a scrapbook layout using drawings, photos, and captions.
• Add dates, song lyrics, quotes, or fun stickers that mean something to you.

Materials:
Notebook paper, glue stick, pens, printed photos, stickers, magazine clippings, washi tape, markers, etc.

4. Abstract Art: Feeling Through Color

Theme: When Emotions Have No Words

What to do:
Create a painting or drawing using colors and shapes to represent your feelings. There doesn’t need to be a clear image—just the energy and mood you want to express.

Focus prompt:
How can your feelings take shape or color without using words?

Materials: Paint, pastels, markers, paper or canvas, music for inspiration.

5. Superhero / Cosplay Themes: Becoming the Powerful You

Theme: Imagining Your Bravest Self

What to do:
Design a superhero version of yourself—someone who fights for healing, kindness, or hope. You can draw this character, create a costume, or build a prop (like a shield or cape).

Focus prompt:
What powers would the bravest version of you have?

Materials: Drawing tools, fabric, cardboard, scissors, glue, costume elements.

6. Jewelry Making: Symbols of the Journey

Theme: One Bead, One Memory

What to do:
Create a necklace, bracelet, or charm that holds personal meaning—each bead or object can represent something: a transfusion, a family member, a wish, or a strength.

Focus prompt:
If your journey were a string of beads, what would each one mean?

Materials: Beads, string, buttons, charms, meaningful found objects.

7. Microscopic Giants: The Power of the Unseen

Theme: How Small Things Make a Huge Impact

What to do:
Explore the world of blood cells through a microscope—or printed microscope images—and choose one that speaks to you. This could be a red blood cell, a white blood cell, or even a damaged cell affected by Thalassemia. Enlarge and recreate the image by hand onto a giant canvas (approx. 3 feet x 6 feet). Use your choice of color and style—realistic, abstract, or expressive.

Focus prompt:
How can something so small have such a big impact?
What does this cell mean in your story?

Why it matters:
This project helps others see what Thalassemia patients experience on a microscopic level. It’s a way to show the hidden heroes and struggles in your body, and how much they matter.

Options to explore:

• Trace or sketch a large outline of a blood cell image to paint or color in.
• Add text, labels, or storytelling around the artwork.
• Turn the cell into a character—a quiet warrior, a tired traveler, a glowing healer.
• Work with a friend or family member to co-create the piece.

Materials:
Microscope images of blood cells (provided or printed), large paper (3’x6’), paint, pastels, pencils, markers, brushes, rulers, tape for hanging or stabilizing.

8. Music: Voices of the Journey

Theme: Healing Through Sound

What to do:
Create a song, melody, rhythm, or soundscape that tells part of your Thalassemia story. This could be a new composition, a rewritten version of a favorite song, or even a simple rhythm using everyday objects. You can work solo, with family, or as a group.

Focus prompt:
If your journey had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?

Options to explore:

• Write lyrics about your experience.
• Record simple beats using clapping, drumming, or tapping.
• Play or sing a favorite song that gives you strength.
• Work with family or friends to create a short group performance.

Materials:
Musical instruments (if available), household objects for rhythm, voice, recording devices (optional), paper for lyrics.

9. Dance: Moving Through the Journey

Theme: Telling Your Story Without Words

What to do:
Use movement and dance to show how you feel about your journey with Thalassemia. Your dance could be joyful, strong, slow, or energetic—whatever best represents your emotions. Perform alone, with a partner, or in a group.

Focus prompt:
How can your body express feelings that words can’t?

Options to explore:

• Create a dance that shows a day of challenge and hope.
• Use scarves, ribbons, or props to add emotion to your movement.
• Dance to music that inspires or comforts you.
• Invite family or friends to join in for a group piece.

Materials:
Open space, music player or instrument, scarves/ribbons (optional), comfortable clothing, optional video recording to share.

Closing Note

There is no “right” way to create art—only your way. Each project tells a unique story. Let your voice, your heart, and your imagination guide your hands.