Celebrate Red Ribbon Week with this heart-shaped ribbon drawing lesson that teaches line, value, and meaning. Includes a tutorial video + PDF download.

Finished red ribbon week drawing shaped like a heart with shading and color

Red Ribbon Week Drawing Art Lesson

This project offers a simple but meaningful twist on the classic remembrance ribbon by turning it into the shape of a heart. Made from one continuous ribbon with a crease at the center and two curved sides, the design comes together to form a full heart that gently overlaps at the bottom. It’s still very easy for students to draw, but the final result feels elevated and symbolic.

The subtle 3D effect gives the drawing a sense of realism, making it a great introduction to shading and form. Students can explore how light and shadow affect a curved surface while also creating a compelling image that sparks conversation about healthy choices and self-care during Red Ribbon Week (October 23–31).

Symbolism and the Red Ribbon: A Teaching Opportunity

Red Ribbon Week, observed each year from October 23–31, was established in 1988 to honor DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and promote drug prevention education and awareness. Today, schools across the country use this week to encourage students to make healthy, drug-free choices.

In this art project, the red ribbon takes on a heart shape, offering a beautiful visual connection to the themes of love, self-care, and responsibility. It’s a simple twist on the traditional remembrance ribbon, but one that opens up meaningful conversations in the classroom about how we care for ourselves and others.

This lesson is also a great opportunity to explore symbolism in art — how artists use images to represent big ideas. Here, the ribbon forming a heart becomes more than just a shape on paper; it becomes a symbol of support, positivity, and personal choice.

From a teaching perspective, it’s also the perfect time to revisit core art elements like line and value. Students learn how to use curved lines, overlapping shapes, and shading techniques to create form and dimension, giving their ribbon a realistic, 3D effect that feels both engaging and rewarding.