LEATHER STRAP

Here we learnt how to make a LEATHER HANDLE for a bag.

I was surprised how simple it was to make a LEATHER HANDLE. Simply cut out the shape of the handle in leather and then glue rope securely onto it...

and the stitch it shut; trapping the rope inside. 

We also got to experiment with the embossing tools.

LEATHER STITCHING SAMPLES

 In this session we focused on how to stitch leather together and what different stitches there are that can be used. Throughout this process we also learnt how to use leather tools correctly.  

From this session I can now choose what stitch will be most appropriate for my end product. 

 I think this stitch above is one of the easiest stitch and would be used for most leather products for a secure joining.

This stitch above in the middle is one of my favorite stitches.

BELLE VUE MANCHESTER.

We visited Chatham Library where we saw a Belle Vue archive, this consisted of newspaper cuttings about the events that took place there, photographs of celebratory visitors, and also photographs of the animals of Belle Vue zoo and circus.

 Above is a birds eye view of Belle Vue

 Consul the Belle Vue chimpanzee was a huge attraction as he smoked a pipe and drank beer daily.

 Above- this image really interests me and makes me wonder who the 'STRANGE GIRLS' were? Whether they were 'CIRCUS FREAKS' for example. I like the idea of 'CIRCUS FREAKS'.

I love this picture of a clown.

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH

WILLIAM G BEAN was the founder of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1896. 

He wanted to 'create a place where adults could be children'. The Blackpool Pleasure Beach was full of exciting new rides that were mostly bought over from America that attracted and bought tens of thousands of people to visit for their summer holidays via the railroad. 

LEONARD THOMPSON took over Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 1930.

THE GEOFFREY THOMPSON YEARS then began in 1976 introducing the new rides such as 'Revolution' and 'The Pepsi Max Big One'. 

Below is the 'Big Dipper' which was built in 1923. It is a traditional wooden roller coaster and was extended in 1936 by Charles Paige and Joe Emberton.

AMANDA THOMPSON is now currently in charge of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach also has 'The Globe' which was built in 1991. It was built to represent a circus 'big top'. Many people would travel to watch all different types of shows in 'The Globe' which had impressive effects built into the stage such as flames and water falls. 

Below is a picture I took of 'The Flying Machines' at Blackpool Pleasure Beach today.

Here is a painting of the rides in 1896; including 'The Flying Machines'.

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH: FABRIC AND COSTUMES/FABRIC INSPIRATION.

FABRIC IN BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH- SEQUINS, ANIMAL PRINT, VELVET, PVC, LEATHER, VELOUR. 

SEQUIN TRIM

DISCO BALL

PVC AND WITH ENCRUSTED RHINESTONES AND GEMS 

COLOURED ANIMAL PRINTS