Worn books were the inspiration behind Waimate Museum’s inaugural Paper Dress Competition.
The museum’s popular Bookarama had given the museum staff a problem.
Spokeswoman Karen Briscoe said while unsold books had been stored away for next year, there were some books looking too torn.
For those in a distressed state — with a damaged cover or ripped pages — the museum wanted another way of recycling them.
One of the board members had been involved in wearable arts and they had come up with the idea of hosting the competition, Mrs Briscoe said.
While the competition did not offer much notice before registrations opened, the quality of the entries really showed off the creativity of South Cantabrians.
There were eight entries, some of which were created by groups and some by under 16-year-olds, she said.
While there were some similar themes in the outfits, all creations were vastly different.
Musical notes had been used in two of the costumes, and pleating had proved popular.
An aged pattern of a wedding dress was stitched into a dress with a material bodice.
The museum had supplied contestants with vintage mannequins on which to display their work.
The entries would be on display at the museum until Waitangi Day.
While winners of each category had already been selected and awarded, the public was encouraged to drop a vote for the People’s Choice Award.
There would be a few weekends with free entry over the summer.
To stay in the loop about those times, Mrs Briscoe encouraged following the museum’s Facebook page.
