Wearable Arts Competition

Children will be creating their wearable art using only materials they can find onsite. Encourage them to scavenge safely and creatively. You can help by pointing them toward:

• Recyclables: cardboard, paper, newspaper, clean plastic containers, bottle caps, egg cartons

• Craft cupboard scraps: fabric offcuts, wool, ribbon, buttons, string, pegs, paper clips

• Natural items: leaves, sticks, flowers, feathers, shells, grass, pinecones

• Stationery: masking tape, glue sticks, scissors, felt pens, staples

• 
  

• Kick-Off & Theme (10–15 mins)

  • Gather the group and explain the challenge: create a piece of wearable art using only materials found around the programme.

  • Introduce a theme (optional but fun!), such as:

    • Eco Warriors

    • Space Explorers

    • Wild Things

    • Future Fashion

    • Under the Sea

  • Explain that wearable arts are clothes or accessories made out of creative or unusual materials.

• Design Time (10–15 mins)

  • Give them time to sketch their design or just talk it out with their team.

  • Kids can work solo or in pairs/small groups.

• Construction Time (30–60 mins)

  • Set a timer and let the creating begin!

  • Encourage problem-solving, creativity, and reusing instead of wasting.

  • Staff can assist with cutting, stapling, or tricky bits.

• Runway Prep (10–15 mins)

  • Create a fun “runway” using gym mats, chalk lines, or masking tape.

  • Let kids pick music or create a playlist.

  • Optional: make signs or name tags with their outfit’s title and designer.

• The Show (15–20 mins)

• Time for the big reveal! Let kids walk the runway while a staff member describes the outfit and theme.

• Big cheers and photos all round.

• Awards Ceremony (10 mins)

  • Celebrate everyone’s efforts with fun award categories like:

    • Most Inventive Outfit

    • Best Natural Materials

    • Most Colourful Creation

    • Fiercest Runway Walk

    • Best Teamwork

    • Most Likely to be in a Real Fashion Show