When I think of Post-it Notes, the first thing that comes to mind is organizing. I use them for memos, to flag pages in my design books and even for to-do lists.

However, on March 10 as one of the final six contestants on Project Runway Canada, I walked into a room filled with thousands of these tiny, colourful pieces of paper of various shapes and sizes and found an entirely new inspiration for my art and a positive outlook on both fashion and life.

Being more versatile than I imagined, these repositionable pages became the fabric for one of my most prized designs to date: an evening gown modelled by an inspiring breast cancer survivor.

After 48 hours, 3,000 Post-it Notes and re-starting my dress half-way through, I ended up winning the design challenge on the show. Although thrilled with the results, knowing the dress was auctioned off to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, a cause close to my family, makes me even more proud of this piece.

I had so much fun making my dress, I thought others would like to give it a try. If you haven't worked with paper in the past, make yourself familiar with how it works. Unlike fabric, paper tears and crumples easily, and with Post-it Notes in particular, there is an adhesive strip to consider as well.

To make your own masterpiece, follow these 10 steps.

1. Design – Sketch a creative idea or use a pattern to determine the shape you want the dress to take.
2. Fabric - Select a sturdy fabric to support the weight of the Post-it Notes and to keep the dress' shape. Hint: pick something less attractive so you're motivated to cover it entirely.
3. Understructure - Sew the fabric to make the dress' form; add zippers or snaps and place it on something like a stand that is easy to work on.
4. Fitting – Ensure the dress fits exactly before applying any notes; it holds its form when it's done.
5. Toolbox – Arm yourself with different tapes, adhesives and Post-it Notes; take into account how they will work together. I found Super 77 spray adhesive worked well for the larger notes and Scotch Quick Dry adhesive for smaller, intricate pieces.
6. Plan – Choose a colour palate and determine where the Post-it Notes will go. My spectrum ranged from earthy green to bright pink to represent the triumph of my model's life.
7. Prepare – Complete any rolling, folding or cutting of the notes and organize them. This will add texture to the dress and make your job easier as you apply the notes.
8. Create – Apply the Post-it Notes. For a shingled effect, work from the bottom up. Secure the notes with an appropriate glue.
9. Embellish – Create any final additions to enhance the base of your dress, add some spray paint or cover it in shellac to make it shiny.
10. Wear – When the dress is dry, it is ready to wear.

My best advice is to be creative with the Post-it Notes; this inexpensive medium is both beautiful and limitless. A dress like this would be a great statement to make at a prom or wedding, or even just for fun.

Project Runway Canada airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on Global TV.

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Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
jnewell@mmm.com
519-451-2500 ext. 2564