Bienvenidos North Carolina!!

After a travel-filled weekend, I finally landed in Charlotte.  The first thing that welcomed me to the south...

...Christmas Town USA!!  (aka McAdenville, NC)  We're going to be doing a full drive through this land of lights later this week, but I just got a little taste upon arrival.

I cruised out of LA, matching the color scheme of American Airlines jet bridge...

...got an amazing seat to check out the other planes taking off...

...and then when I arrived, I didn't realize that I had taken something with me from the plane...

I mean, seriously Marisa???  I had it wrapped around my shoulders and then just buttoned my coat not even realizing.  My excuse:  "It totally matched my jacket."

I had the most lovely signing at Park Road Books where I got to hang out with friends I haven't seen since 1991!!!

I went to town with my 80s glam magenta marker too!!

I have a slew of projects on the agenda today so project posts are back on track this evening!!  I just might hop out with my mom for a little thrifting action too!  She was so blown away by all the amazing comments you all left about her remake last week that I think she's ready for round two :)

PS, thanks to all of you guys who entered the pre-holiday giveaways last week - we'll just have to keep these guys coming!  The winner of the Tuesday pink necklace/owl purse giveaway is Laura Wilson and the Gatsby prize goes to missawag!  Another fab prize will be up shortly!!

Kathy's NDAD Creation

The holidays are right around the corner and I was super inspired by this piece that Kathy sent in!

I am so grateful for your book.  It has inspired me to recreate a $1 dress that I got at Boomerangs in Cambridge, MA.  They have a huge dollar rack every day where you can find fantastic pieces.  I wanted something simple, but I don't sew…

I decided to come up with something for the holidays, but not something that you can wear…

Wonder what this "not something you can wear" piece is going to be??

…I set out to make a board to display my Christmas cards!  First, I cut the dress in half.  

I heard you in my head saying, "don't be afraid to cut"  (Um, I love that I was speaking in your head!!) My cat wanted in on the action too!

I took the bottom half of the dress and cut it in half vertically.  I wrapped this part around an old cork board and with my hot glue gun, I glued down the back. 

I added some shiny ribbon to make sections and completed my first re-make without a lick of sewing!!

I bought some Liquid Stitch and am planning on making a shirt with the remainder of the dress!!

Yes!!  What a great idea, using an old garment to cover a board for your holiday cards!  So smart, and totally practical!!  I'm looking forward to seeing that next piece complete with Liquid Stitch!

Amanda's NDAD Creation

I loved, loved, loved this costume that Amanda put together.  It kind of made me think about all the ugly sweater parties going on right now - the costumed element of Halloween continues into December!

The Legwarmers are this awesome 80's cover band and everyone dresses up in their best 80's garb to rock out.  My boyfriend's mother found an original 80's dress of hers that she gave me to recreate for the show.

With the help of my lovely mother, we got to work!!

What shall Amanda do to this lacy piece to make it perfect for The Legwarmers??

We shortened it and used the extra fabric as a hair bow, and then made lace gloves. We also took in the sides and removed the sleeves. It was a great free costume...

...and a great night!

There is nothing better than an 80s cover band and an 80s cover band called The Legwarmers!! (Best Name Ever!!!)  I loved how the dress turned out Amanda - you look super Desperately Seeking Susan!  What fun getting to use your boyfriend's mother's dress and getting to have a crafternoon with your mom putting it together!  You can wear it again without the bow and gloves, pair it with some heels and a big rhinestone, costume jewelry necklace and have a chic cocktail dress!

Way to go lady!!