MIAM

MIAM

Monday 23 December 2013

A Perfect Great British Crafty Christmas

This year there have been more Christmas programmes than you can shake a stick at. First of all we had Sarah Beeny's Great British Christmas revealing how we've celebrated over the last two hundred years.  Next was Kirstie's this, that and the bloody other, repeated every day for the last three weeks showing us how we can have a truly crafty/kitsch/homemade Christmas. Then there was Alex Polizzi's Perfect Christmas.....yeah right!  She presented her great big fuck-off house decorated to the nines in a wonderfully traditional style. 

What!!!  You mean to say you don't have silver chargers gracing each place setting at your table???




  
I can't say I've been inspired by this constant barrage of Christmas craziness. Here is the sum total of decoration at my home this year - the foliage was pilfered from neighbouring gardens!




But I am looking forward to seeing friends and family, relaxing, eating, drinking and laughing.

  To all my readers and stalwart commenters, (you know who you are) your continued support is much appreciated. I thank you all and wish you a very merry Christmas.
xxxxxxxxxxx

Sunday 15 December 2013

Such A Pretty Dress

It's been a while but I've been putting my time to good use, as you do at this time of year.  You know... making lists, buying presents, paying a lump sum off my mortgage and buying a vintage frock.

Yes indeedy and what a beauty...check her out.

 


I found her in a chazza on their vintage rails which are shoved up in one corner.  An elderly couple were dithering about and blocking my way, rather than push them out of the way such was my impatience, I turned my attention to the evening dresses which I could  access.  Not something I would usually make a beeline for (invitations to dinner dances rarely come my way these days) but on this occasion I was glad I did.  I couldn't believe my luck when I saw this sixties stunner so paid the required £22 and ran off with her before someone beat me to it.

 The fabric is taffetta-like, overlaid with georgette and look at the elegant bow detail and 'drapey-ness' on the back! Lush. 


 


I've tried to research Melbray of London with little success,  are you an owner of one of their frocks? 

Fortunately I just managed to squeeze my bulk into it although Magic Knickers will definitely be required. I've nowhere in mind to wear it just now but heeded advice from fabulous fashionista Vix, so when an occasion does present itself I'll be party-ready and won't need to dash around the shops like a greased weasel.  

I must say I do feel tres elegant in it.



Frock - St Catherines Hospice shop 
Beaded satin shoes, had them for years - Debut by Debenhams 
Fishnets - TK Maxx  


My approach to Christmas has never been more laid back, most presents are bought but not wrapped, cards almost written.. some posted, no decorations up at all...still not sure about that one.  Things to do in the coming week - shop for last few pressies and food, wrap parcels, make two dozen mince pies and freeze, enjoy a night out with friends, a pub lunch with relatives and I've even found time to fit in a smear test, yuk. Now I'm 501 I've been expecting the dreaded first mammogram appointment to drop through the door any minute....no doubt something to look forward to in the New Year hey?

I'm at work again tonight so will miss the Strictly dance-off and results show.... bugger.  Fervently hoping that Fit Patrick will stay in but he is the bookies favourite to be voted off. It looks like it could be an all female final. 



Who's your favourite?

Sunday 1 December 2013

Sparklin' Star

Following a recent craft and natter afternoon with my friend Eunice, I was pleased to discover I have now made two thirds of my xmas cards, so whilst I'd rather be scouring the chazza's and junk shops I've been pressing on and here is a recent card of mine which I'm entering in the following challenges.

Less Is More - Sparkle
Just Add Ink - Star
Stampin For The Weekend - Feeling Festive


(excuse the photo quality, the lens on my DSLR is broken so it's back to the point and press temporarily)


I created a star frame with Xcut dies on red card and heat embossed it with red sparkly EP, not satisfied with the resulting sparkle I further added a bucketful of red glitter....man, did it get everywhere! A Hero Art sentiment and a gingham bow completed this simple card.  I mentioned in a previous post that I'm not feeling the crafting love this year and feel totally uninspired. Not that it's just cards I can't get excited about you understand, I've got a Christmas 'do' to attend next week with my work colleagues and I'm trying to muster up some enthusiasm about that too, blimey I sound like a right old misery don't I? Is anyone else feeling a distinct lack of Christmas cheer?

I'm going to bog off now as I've nothing cheerful to say and I really don't want to become one of those blog whingers. A humungous pile of ironing and the Strictly results show await. Have a good week folks.