...Or at least not until dusk. Jon's banished me from his sight for the rest of the afternoon as apparently my constant chatter whilst precariously balancing on the step ladder is slowly driving him mental. I've strict instructions to shut up, entertain myself and report back to the kitchen in time to meet the gang in the pub at 6pm.
Here's why I've driven him daft. I'd happily go without decorations but there was nothing interesting on the telly and I'd read yesterday's Guardian from cover to cover. The stocking's full of the cats' Xmas presents.
Offcuts of sparkly crimplene stuffed with the contents of an old cushion and stitched up.
I made the patchwork chain from fabric offcuts and iron-on interfacing. The laurel, holly, pine cones and ivy are from the garden and 1960s metallic braid was from my sewing box.
The Vintage Vix fairy was a present from Emma last year. The "tree" is a couple of branches from a fir tree in the garden stuck in a vase which I covered with a Hessian sack I got given by a shopkeeper in Kerala, tied with a length of 1960s braid from my stash.
Total cost of my Xmas decor - NOTHING!
Last night was fantastic, Jesus Jones, PWEI and The Wonder Stuff sound as good now as they did way back when. Miles Hunt did the most fantastic cover of fellow Brummie band, Duran Duran's Planet Earth, which brought the house down.
I went to my first gig over 32 years ago and still haven't tired of sweaty mosh pits, ear-splitting guitars and overpriced lager. I'm not alone, most of the crowd were our age, reliving the heady days of the legendary Grebo scene of the late '80s.
I went to my first gig over 32 years ago and still haven't tired of sweaty mosh pits, ear-splitting guitars and overpriced lager. I'm not alone, most of the crowd were our age, reliving the heady days of the legendary Grebo scene of the late '80s.
This morning, despite the copious alcohol and post-midnight cheese on toast I got up to answer the door to the postman and man, was I pleased that I did. This fab parcel was my prize for winning The Small Fabric Of My Life blog giveaway, a gorgeous Pashmina which I'll be travelling to India in, Barry M and Jemma Kidd make-up, a cool nail file designed by the best Apprentice winner ever and some fab samples. Thanks, Jane!
No prizes for guessing who sent this beautiful card. If you read Edie Pop's Homesick Blues blog you'll recognise her incredible art work immediately and if you don't go there and follow her immediately.
She also sent me a fits-like-it-was-tailor-made 1970s dress (which will be perfect for showing off my post-Goa tan) and groovy floral blouse, some incredible ethnic jewellery and the best tote bag I've ever seen.
It's me, only better! I love her!
I'm off to catch up on blogs and then I'll getting my glad rags on and going to the pub. I might not be a Christmas kinda person but I never turn down a night out.
See you tomorrow with my fabulous eBay find (and if you're not around I'll wish you and yours a Happy Xmas now and see you on the other side!)
xxx
Merriest of Christmasses to you, Jon, the kits and Jacob and I'm glad you had a great night last night xxx
ReplyDeleteHappiest christmas to you, dear Vix and your loved ones! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that you're a chatterbox whose been sent to the naughty step. Still it does mean you are available to entertain the rest of us. Have a good one tonight. xx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! Love your decorations and that 1970's dress and tote bag are awesome.
ReplyDeleteThe tree fairy is so spooky! In a good sort of a way. Enjoy this evening. By the by, I love your coloured chandelier!
ReplyDeleteJust like you - the hous elooks amazing. Glad yu enjoyed your pre-Christmas parcel. So glad you plan to wear the pashmina to India.
ReplyDeleteNice to see the fairy again! That was me that sent her! (Now I'm not just a reader but a blogger too!)
ReplyDeleteYour decorations are lovely.
Have a wonderful Christmas! X
Happy Christams, Vix! I have been banned on many an occasion, for my chattiness. Men cannot multi-task, it seems : >
ReplyDeleteJon is my kind of man!!! He'll do the decorating and you just have to entertain yourself and report back in time for the pub-- sweeeet! The artwork/card is absolutely the best. Love the white dress and the tote looks just like you, so cool :))
ReplyDeleteOmg now I know how Chris feels:) I'm so happy that the concert was a blast, you and Jon totally know how to rock! That card from Edie is magnificent but the picture she did f you is just gorgeous! Wow! She is so incredibly talented! I just pictured up my stuff from her yesterday it's all framed and will get hung today! I can't believe the end of the year is right about here, this year just flew by!
ReplyDeleteXxxxoooo
Lotsoflove
Yeah, to make it yourself Christmas crap! I'll be stealing the garland idea. Fabric and interfacing scrapes? Where will I ever find those?
ReplyDeleteGlorious decorations, and of course far more frugal and fabulous than buying them in the shops!
ReplyDeleteThat tote bag totally rocks xxx
I love your tree and your creativity. You think of the coolest things to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pic of your and your sweetie; you guys look adorable together. I'd love to revisit concert-going 80s style.
Awesome gifts and art. Are you sure you don't enjoy celebrating the holidays just a little bit? :)
I absolutely love love love Edie's bag portrait. She's fantastic. I can't wait to see you model that beautiful peasant dress with all that jewellery. I can imagine you teetering up a step ladder nattering away. Fab decorations but that doll is just terrifying. Even for me. I've got to pop out into the wood and get some greenery too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas lovely. You pass the festive test in my book, especially with your amazing chandelier.
ReplyDeletexx
Banished huh.......
ReplyDeleteThat cracks me up!
Have a great Christmas holiday!
BTW...love the chain.
Jesus Jones, what a blast from the past. I still remember one late night watching MTV (Music Television) and hearing one of their bit hits. I remember vividly the images in the video and how groovy the sound was. I had no idea they were still active.
ReplyDeleteYour house looks awesome in a non traditional way of course.
Hope you had a great night!
A woman after my own heart with all those DIY decorations made from refuse. I used a tea bag box turned inside out and some discarded legal tape to wrap a friend's present last night. As someone else who pulls other peoples wrapping paper out of the trash and saves every bit of ribbon she happens upon, she appreciated my recycling effort. Love the crimplene mini-cushions and the hessian-wrapped pot.
ReplyDeleteYou get the best presents! Your tote bag image is as beautiful as you are.
Your home is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHave a great Christmas! I wish you and Jon all the best! xoxo
Love your patchwork fabric chain decs - brilliant idea.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and Jon a very merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday in Goa - what a fab way to start the new year.
It is very festive at your house and you just reminded me that I haven't yet shopped for the dog's stocking!
ReplyDeleteVix, Your decorations are wonderful, frugal and stylish. Top marks.
ReplyDeleteI'm so envious of you off to Goa. I would love to be heading off there. I'm excited for you, because only someone who is hooked on Goa could understand the excitement you must be feeling. Have a lovely Christmas and i look forward to seeing your Goa pics in the depths of January.
Bahahahaha, you've been an annoying wench! Sometimes I quite enjoy being annoying! You have been rasther industrious, though, and the place is looking very festive indeed!
ReplyDeleteHurrah for prizes and Parcels of Joy!!! I'm amazed and comforted at the amount of parcels getting through;I'm too nervous to post at this time of year!
Frigging excellent that you had a grand night out!!! I avoid the mosh pits, mostly because I get aggro and attack people, but G still loves getting hot and sweaty in them!!!
Talk later,baby!
Love Helga xxxXXXxxx
Oh yes, that was the other PWEI number. Love the decs, well done you! I like decs that don't cost. Enjoy your night and Xmas too. xx
ReplyDeleteOh Vix your mail always leaves me green with envy!! I LOVE the bag from Edie Pop and that white frock is just darling, I can so see you wearing it. Love the Christmas decor, I often tell myself I should decorate the flat at Christmas....but I never get round to it:p
ReplyDeleteYou are so creative ! Love your presents . Have a merry christmas !
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas Vix. It's been another fabulous year of reading your blog. I'll not be around much now until New Year so wish all the best to you and Jon. Xx
ReplyDeleteLove the decs, and I often get told to make myself busy as my chatter drives Andy mad. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a fantastic Christmas Vix. xxx
Love your homemade decs, much more personal than shop bought and how resourceful, recycling stuff to make them. Glad the gig was enjoyable and the the pub too I hope. Do you ever have a day without a parcel I wonder? It's testament to your generosity.
ReplyDeletexx
must have been a great concert ... merry christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteamazing Christamas decorations!
ReplyDeleteLove your very Vix decorations, looks fabulous. Love that tote too x
ReplyDeleteThere is No Love Between Us Anymore - the soundtrack to my teenage heartbreak!
ReplyDeleteI bet it was a fantastic night, I'd have loved it. I was moshing last night in a grotty pub in Barry. A grunge covers band who made up for a dearth of talent with plenty of enthusiasm.
I'm blown away by that tote - such amazing talent. The dress certainly will show off our tan.
Your trimmings are excellent, and that rebellious looking fairy takes pride of place,
I'm off for a can of lager, and suppose I'd better tidy the house a bit. Roll on Spring, I say!
Merry Christmas Vix, hopr to see you again very soon, and meet even more great ladies.
Lucy x
your house looks fabulous and so Vix for the holiday!! The postman certainly brought you an awesome batch of goodies (the vix tote is gorgeous)
ReplyDeleteA happy holiday to you, Jon and the kitties!!
{{{{Hugs}}}}}
Your place looks so much more festive than mine! LOVE the card from Edie and the gorgeous tote bag with your lovely face on it - what an awesome gift!
ReplyDeleteGlad the concert was a blast - let me know if you can skype sometime this week.
Your house looks fabulous even if you are not totally keen on Christmas. =D I love your fabric chains (NOW THAT'S something I can make myself and woun't screw up on. At least I hope!)
ReplyDeleteYour bag from Edie is fantastic.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to You, Jon and all your cute pets. "OH AND TO COUSIN POODLE" ;)
Merry Christmas and all the best for 2013! I've only recently discovered your blog and think it's fabulous :o)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness ... I laughed at the fact that you were banished due to your good cheer chatter! Sounds very much like things around here at times.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with the decorating.
And what lovely gifts you received. You sure have sweet friends who really seem to know exactly what you'll love.
xo Lou
Ho,ho,ho. Being banished can be fun after all. I couldn't imagine your home being any more decorated than it is, but you have outdone yourself with yuletide spirit, Vix-style. Happy days to you and yours as you countdown to India.
ReplyDeleteJesus Jones! I have heard that name in ages. Sounds like fun!
ReplyDeleteLove the garland, did you stitch the loops together ? glue them or staple them ? I have tons of fabric scraps so I will make some of those ready for next year.
ReplyDeleteYou and The Phoenix would get on like a freaking house on fire - 'cept I'm not sure either of you would actually "hear" each other, you'd be too busy yacking and cackling :)). I love your beautiful Christmas decorations lovely Vix, your home is so glorious! Edie is my idol - I love her like water and oxygen - I NEED her! Every single one of her gifts are amazing **sigh**. You must be beside yourself with excitement over your upcoming adventures - you've both worked so very, very hard for this trip! Sorry I haven't been around much love, I still love ya! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteI believe your 'Holy Grail' is an Ossie Clark dress, so I'm making a wild guess that was your eBay win?! Your house looks lovely decorated and I hope this year is happier than last x Edie's gifts are great, especially the bag.
ReplyDeleteI love Edie too, wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove your Christmas deco.
Have a lovely time, my dear Vix.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Have a good one Vix! To you and to Jon. Love your decorations they look so cool and go with your lovely home so well.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it was a blast at the gig the other night. Ooo would of love to of heard The Wonder Stuff.
P x
Oh Vix, I do love your xmas decs, and I love your goodies, you seem to have great blogging pals!
ReplyDeleteHave a very happy xmas! xo
Fabulous decorations!!! Men??!! Hey you and Jon have a lovely Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteHello gorgeous Vix!! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! xxx
ReplyDeleteThat gig sounded great; I remember seeing both PWEI (Def Con One still sounds full on turned up loud) and Wonderstuff back in the day. Yup, you still can't beat live music. Loving your tasteful homemade decorations too, our tree is decorated with Monkeychild's current and previously made toilet roll Santas, fairies etc.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Can't wait to see your eBay find.....
xxx
What fabulously frugal decor, and I love that you have a stocking for your kitty too. :) Wonderful pressies too - the tote is beautiful and of course a faithful likeness. Happy holidays to you and yours, Vix! xoxo
ReplyDeletevery cool items! thanks for sharing and... Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
merry christmas, vix! i so love your patchwork chain - i made some with old musical sheets this year! xx
ReplyDeleteI love that you made your decor, so creative & pretty! We were the maniacs yesterday (okay Sunday NIGHT) getting things up (hence why I won't feel like taking them down until late Jan!) but it was kind of fun for a change. Calliope has decided the best seat in the house is under the tree curled up on the skirt! Right with you, I'm usually the maniac up front dancing and grinning ear to ear (even tho years of either being on the side of the stage or in front has caused some hearing damage... What? Oh hell, its *supposed* to be LOUD!) Ok, now you have me thinking when was the first gig I went to... oh too early for maths, but it was a few years short of 40 friggin years ago, YIPES! Screw it, it makes me happy and keeps us all young! So nah on any little brats who don't like it! So glad you had a fab time! XXX still trying to figure out that Jesus Jones guy, its driving me even battier than I usually am!
ReplyDeleteYour house looks wonderful and I just love those decorations and the chain! Sending big hugs to you, Jon, the kitties and the tortoise!
ReplyDeleteHow DID I miss this post? Lovin' every ONE of your no-cost decorations (though I can kind of understand why Jon might have banished you.....).
ReplyDeleteHappy Xmas! xo!
ReplyDeleteLove the Holiday decor-very festive and no trees were harmed for it.;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of the fabric link chains. I made one way back as a teen with my mother, but haven't thought of it for a while. Yours is so great-like you could stitch it up for a cute patched maxi skirt after.
And, LOVE that Edie Pop, if I can ever figure out how to follow people I would her for sure. I love her blog and art, she is one very talented gal and has captured you to perfection!:)
Fark, I love pics of your house! What spectacular parcels - I especially love the gorgeous summer frock from Edie and of course, the divine Edie Pop tote bag - I love it! And I love Edie. And you're alright too. So glad you had such a fab night out - I wanna come too!
ReplyDeleteLove you more than your amazing chandelier! Sarah xxx
Your decs looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOw that bag is so cute! What a lovely gifts you've got. And that card is amazing. I will pop by Edie's blog later and look for her artwork. I love it.
ReplyDeleteLove your xmas decorations. This was our first xmas in our new place, so it is all over xmas here. :D
xxxx
Loving your tree and christmas decorations i think having a vintage home really suits all the christmas trimmings i love it at mine with all the ceiling trims at this time of year ;-) Gorgeous prize and goddies those pictures are stunning, dee xxx
ReplyDeleteI like way you two decorate for Christmas. I want to know your secret for enjoying alcohol and staying so slim.
ReplyDelete