Student-crafted grand designs

Queen Charlotte College pupil Chloe Cameron had to learn how to weld to create her entry for the college's Wearable Designz show which takes place later this week.

Chloe, 13, said to make the music-inspired entry, her dad, a mechanic, taught her how to weld the old fencing wire together to form the basis of the costume.

Many nights during the school holidays were spent welding under the supervision of her dad, and cardboard music notes were then glued to the frame.

"Once I get the hang of it I could do it quite easily," the year 8 pupil said.

"I could still do it, but I would make a messy job."

Two other pupils also picked up new skills while making their costumes.

Bevan Gibson and Billie Coleman-Borwick, both 13 and in year 8, learned how to sew for their entries.

Billie's grandmother, who lives in Christchurch, taught her how to sew and both made trips to visit each other to make the Michael-Jackson inspired creation.

Bevan's mum taught him how to sew his country and Scottish-themed outfit, which was inspired by his parents, who used to be country singers, and his mum, who also plays the bagpipes.

Students were given time during the school term to work on their designs.

The competition, Wearable Designz – Inspired by Music, is compulsory for year 7 and 8 students and also open to primary schools.

Co-ordinator Jann Hook said the competition had 118 entries this year, including entries from Linkwater School, Picton School, Koromiko School and the Picton Early Learning Centre.

Last year's winning designs have been on display at Mariner's Mall in the lead-up to the event from Thursday to Saturday.

This year's winning entries will also be on display at the mall for about two weeks afterwards.

Tickets to the event, held at the college hall, can be bought from the Queen Charlotte College office or from Ken Ham's Music Store in Blenheim.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 13:42 16/08/2011

Creative creations: Queen Charlotte College pupils, from left, Bevan Gibson, Billie Coleman-Borwick and Chloe Cameron, all 13, picked up some new skills while making their entries for the school's Wearable Designz competition this week