You may or may not have noticed that I’m trying to keep things seasonal around here with some semi-scary (or seasonably appropriate) movie posts, drink recipes, and now some fun costume ideas for the up-and-coming holiday we all fear and dread. Just kidding, I know you’re looking forward to it! Excuses for binge candy eating and dressing up in crazy clothes? Yeah, I’m in.

If you follow me on Twitter, you might know what I’ve been cooking up for this year’s costume. But don’t think that I haven’t considered being Tippi Hedren’s Melanie Daniels every. single. year. Maybe one of these days I’ll actually do it. But in case you’re interested, here are some ingredients I found available online for your very own costume from The Birds.

See Part II: Annie Hall | Part III: Anna Karina | Part IV: Veruca Salt

wig | birds | skirt suit | shoes | blood paint | purse

screenshot: fanpop

Inspired by this Kate Spade necklace, and my inability to part ways (just yet) with my mantel garland, I devised this special holiday decor that I can leave on my fireplace mantel through the whole month of January.

Here’s what you need to make your own:

• a mirror (or a wreath or empty picture frame)
• posterboard or paper
• marker
• 12 gauge wire
• fabric scissors
• wire cutters
• tacky glue
• fabric remnants (or thin rope or yarn)

First I drew out the words in the same size I wanted the finished wire to be. Then, I bent the wire around (using my hands), using the written words as my guide.

After the words were complete, I wrapped them using fabric remnants that I cut into half-inch strips. To secure the beginning of a strip of fabric, I used tacky glue. Works wonders.

After the words were wrapped, I used double-sided foam tape to attach them to the mirror. I was going to use fishing wire and hang them, but the double vision created by the mirror wasn’t the effect I was aiming for. So, tape it is. I think this project would also be nice hung inside a wreath or an empty picture frame.

I just experienced my very own Christmas miracle. My camera died this week, but a friend is letting me borrow his Canon T2i until I buy my own in a week or two. So I will be back with regular posting next week. Whew! I hope you have a magical time creating new memories and enjoying old traditions with family and friends this weekend!

images: 1: girlhula; 2: wood & wool stool; 3: lakbdesign; 4: three red apples