One year in the life of Fringe...

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New Year's Day, 11 years ago.

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Hello, lovely friends!  I know it's a cliche, but where did the time go?  Another year gone.  This year has been dramatic for us as a family.  There has been heartache and joy, fear and excitement, challenges and accomplishments.  There is one thing that has left a lasting impression on me and the way I now live my life.  I've truly and deeply learned that life is precious, and I look at each day with my loved ones as a gift. 

For this last post of 2010, I thought it might be fun to look back on the last 12 months through my blog posts.  I chose one post to represent the entire month.  Except for October.  It's harder than it sounds to narrow them down...For the most part, I didn't focus on my Fringe-related posts.  The following posts are more on the personal side.

January ~ What I've learned in 3 years.

February ~ Here's to happy.

March ~ Blog It Forward - Inspiration.

April ~ A whole lotta shakin'...

May ~ The Rose - My Tribute to May Flowers.

June ~ Pin It Forward - What Home Means to Me.

July ~ We're off...

August ~ Happy Birthday, Dad.

September ~ The Nostalgia Series.

October ~ Two years ago today...  and   That man of mine.
                
November ~ A preview and some philosophy.

December ~ An announcement: 

                    Our boy took his karate black belt exam on December 13th,

and he passed!
He now has a black belt in karate.

We are so proud of him. 

What an accomplishment!

I hope you ring in the New Year exactly as you want to.  As for me, I will be here at home with my two boys, sipping champagne.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'll be back in 2011 with my thoughts, hopes and wishes for the New Year.  Until then...

Thank you for visiting. 

Much love from me to you...xo

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Turquoise Tuesday...

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Hi everyone!  Did you have a nice holiday?  I certainly hope it was everything and then some.  We have another holiday coming up...New Years...Can you believe it?  Among other things, it means this is my last Turquoise Tuesday post.  I hope you will enjoy this final feature. 

I just picked some fun accessories that I would love to have.  I wish I could have had more time for this post, but you know, this past week has been crazy!  I do absolutely adore these items though.  I would honestly be overjoyed to have any of them.  I truly hope you get a kick out of them too.

Dan Post Sharon Kay Boots

Distressed Turquoise Leather Belt by fosterweld

Milliner's Hat by yellowfield7

The girl who knitted love.  Sachet by fricdementol

Original Painting. Large Abstract by Aisyah Ang.

Honestly, major pangs of desire!  Aren't they all so perfect?  I hope you enjoyed browsing through them as much as I did.

Thank you all for checking in on my Turquoise Tuesday each week.  It's been such a blast for me to put together these posts! 

Changing directions here...I have to say that I received some extra special, thoughtful gifts this year from darling dear friends.  Each one amazed me and touched my soul.  I plan to do some future posts about those gifts, after I get the okay from each gift-giver...You know who you are, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, here and now.  Also, I will thank each of you personally very soon. 

I will be back this week with my reflections and thoughts about this past year, as well as my hopes for the New Year.  I hope you'll come back and join me here.

Thank you, sweet friends, for stopping by, and...

Thank you for being you...xo

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Laugh it up!

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Hi, lovely friends!  How have you been doing?  It's been a little while since I've posted.  The craziness of the holiday season is to blame for my neglect.  I even forgot to post Turquoise Tuesday this week.  Scandalous!

I just wanted to leave a little reminder for you (and for me).  A tiny little bit of advice from Mama D...

Are you enjoying your holiday season? Are you having fun?  Are you laughing?  Don't let the stress of life keep you from letting loose with some laughter, dear ones.  It's the best medicine.  Even when things seem bleak, a sense of humor will help you through.

Let's remind ourselves of all our good fortunes.  Even the smallest blessings are important.  It's easy to loose track of what's important, especially during the busy hustle and bustle, overly commercialized holiday season.  Taking a step back and remembering that our loved ones and our time with them are all that really matter.

Here we have the boy about ten years ago. 

I wish I could remember what he was laughing so hard about. 

Then again, he was always a happy boy.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve...I hope it's a day of love and laughter for you all.

Thank you so much for stopping by...xo

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Last minute shopping...

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Hello, dear hearts.  I hope your day is going beautifully!  This is just a little tidbit of information for those of you who still need gifts, or perhaps want an extra special accessory for yourself during the holiday season.  Many of my clients are doing both: buying gifts for their loved ones and treating themselves for all their hard work.

At the moment there are 80 Fringe designs available in my shop that can be shipped immediately.  View my "Ships Immediately" section here.

Just a few examples of the items that are ready to go...

Double Down Cowl

Hot Toddy Lap Rug

Flying Flower Capelet

Bustle Scarf

Brave Feather Cowl

By the way, I am currently offering Free U.S. Priority Shipping and Reduced International Shipping with each purchase.  Also, each and every item you purchase at Fringe will arrive beautifully gift wrapped.  Why? Because I love you.

Happy Holidays!

xo

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An Old-Fashioned Christmas...

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Hello, angels!  Guess what today is?  The third (eek!) Wednesday of December.  Never mind how close we are to the various holidays...I don't want to throw you all into a panic.  I just wanted to remind you that it's time for my decor feature post on the beautiful Nicole's blog, Lillyella.

This month's post is titled

Old-Fashioned Christmas Decor

I hope you'll take a moment to go check out the post.  While you're there, you'll see there are lots of other fabulous posts by Nicole, as well as other featured guests.

Speaking (softly) of the fast-approaching holidays...

Fringe has a huge selection of items that will ship out immediately.

Check out my "Ships Immediately" section here.

Thank you so much for dropping by, dear ones!

...and...

Thank you for being you...xo

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Turquoise Tuesday...

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Hello, lovelies, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday!  What a day.  My internet has been down for most of the day which was slightly alarming considering how busy my shop is this time of year.  Also, it resulted in a delay for my blog post.  All is well now and so here we are.

Today's turquoise feature is actually a random mix of items I have seen (and love) on Etsy.  It's fun to just go through and pick this and that from my favorites to share with you.  I hope you enjoy this mix...

sleeping chicken on a unicycle. by OhMafelt.

Glowing Forest. by MarcoSuarez.

Farm Skeleton. by AmandaRaeK.

Butterfly Wings Ring. by neile.

Instant Collection. Vintage Christmas Scene. by shavingkitsupplies.

There you have it.  My randomly delicious turquoise collection.  Some have a tidbit of turquoise and some have quite a lot.  Regardless, I think they're all quite special.

I hope your week is off to a wonderful start, dear ones.  Are you remembering to stop and enjoy little moments in your day?  Be sure to do that.  Also, take the time to do something for yourself each and every day.  Even the smallest little treat works wonders for the soul.

Thank you so much for visiting. 

Your comments are little rays of sunshine even on the cloudiest day....xo

Pssst...Did you hear?  Pantone's color of the year for 2011 is Honeysuckle
(a dynamic reddish pink).

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Emily...

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Today is Emily Dickinson's birthday. She is one of my favorite poets. I have shared her poems many times here.  I was reminded today (by Roger Ebert) of a poem by another one of my most favorite poets, Billy Collins.

Billy Collins wrote a mesmerizing poem titled

 "Taking Off Emily Dickinson's Clothes".

I hope you have a moment to listen to this breathtakingly beautiful poem...

My interpretation of this poem?  I see it as a deeply felt love poem from a man living now to a woman who lived in a different time.  I understand it.  I find it so moving.  I sometimes feel that I was born in the wrong era..Perhaps that's why I find this poem truly special.

Thank you so much for visiting, lovely friends.

I hope your weekend is filled with sweet and tender moments...xo

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Holiday momentos, new and old...

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{Here and there...}

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas.

My dad sent me a beautiful Christmas cactus...

Snow globe collection, quite old...

Enchanting ice skating scene, a gift from Ardith...

Sparkly green glass trees, purchased years ago for pennies...

Thank you for stopping in to see me, dear ones...xo

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Turquoise Tuesday...

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Howdy, darlings, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday! 

How's every little thing in your world? 

The days are simply flying by for me...Yes, indeedy.

Today's turquoise feature just happens to be a lovely friend of mine. 

The beautiful Noelle of Xenotees.

If you have not heard of Xenotees,  

I recommend you high-tail it over to her shop lickety-split!

Animal Lover Scarf

Good Luck Fork Tank

Fortune Scarf ~ Try Something New

Isn't the Fortune Scarf such a clever idea?  I love it! 

Well, I love everything in Noelle's shop...

Thank you so much for visiting, dear ones. 

It's hard to believe that my Year of Turquoise posts are almost at an end. 

I wonder what next year's Pantone Color of the Year will be...

Have a beautiful day, and I hope you make some happy memories today...xo

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Last day to vote!

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Hi everyone!  How is your Monday going?  I'm looking forward to a productive week and at the same time I'm sad that Ron is travelling this week.  He's off to Montreal...

Did you know that I entered a creation in the NASA/ Etsy Space Craft?  Well, I did.  I loved every minute of making the ensemble that I entered into the contest.  Today is the last day to vote for your favorite entry.

 

You can vote here. 

I hope you'll take a moment to vote for your favorite creation.  There are so many spectacular choices!

Here's a glimpse at my entry, Cassiopeia A Supernova Ensemble , along with a snippet of the description:

As an artist who happens to have a degree in science, I found the Etsy/NASA contest quite exciting. Not only is it exciting, it makes perfect sense, in my opinion, to combine art with science in this way.

I believe artists and scientists are very similar in a most basic way. Both need to have a great deal of imagination, an open mind, the heart of an explorer, and big dreams.

“There can be no understanding between the hand and the brain unless the heart acts as mediator.”

~ Metropolis (1927)

This ensemble is named after its inspiration, Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant. Cassiopeia A is the remnant of a once massive star that died in a violent supernova explosion 325 years ago. I have included the inspiring and stunning photograph of her remnant which I found on the NASA website: http://www.nasaimages.org/

Cassiopeia A Color Story:

Blackened plum
Cobalt blue
Black
Rich purple
Navy blue

So, there you have it, lovely friends.  I hope you'll check out the wonderful artists who entered this fabulous contest.  To me, it's not about winning, it's about inspiration.  That's what is truly rewarding for me.

Thank you so much for visiting.

You are my shining stars...xo
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Pssst...Don't forget about my special sale at Fringe just for my cherished blog readers.  Find out the details here.

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Why? Because I love you...

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F R I N G E

a crossroad of old & new, proper & defiant.

original. wearable fiber art.

what's new | scarves | cowls | capelets | lariats

Baby, it's cold outside...

Wrap yourself in warmth.
Romance is alive and well.
Kick up your heels.
Victorian meets modern day.
Larger than life.

No matter the occasion.
Treat yourself or someone you love to a handmade Fringe creation.
See what's new at Fringe here.

Free U.S. Priority & Reduced International First Class Shipping.
Save 10% on your order through December 10th.
Enter this coupon code at checkout: BLOGLOVE1210

"My love for yarn and design are intertwined.

Together they weave a story that I then write
with my knitting needles and crochet hooks."

~ Dennice Mankarious of Fringe

{ With the holidays sneaking up on us lickety split, I thought now would be a great time to offer an extra special Fringe deal to you, my cherished blog readers.  Whether you're looking to freshen up your own winter accessory wardrobe, or you're looking for a gift for a loved one...You may find just what you need at Fringe. ...xo}





 

Turquoise Tuesday...

Hello, friends, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday! 

Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of December?  Good grief!

I apologize for my brief absence from my blog.  Last week was a whirlwind...

In the spirit of the holiday season, I've decided to focus today's post on turquoise themed holiday decor.  Talk about fun, cheerful and beautiful...

I hope you enjoy these fabulous photos and perhaps you'll be inspired to add some turquoise to your holiday decor...

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I especially love the branch hanging above the dining table in the third photo. 

Talk about inexpensive decor that really packs a punch. 

I'm always looking for a good excuse to bring

yet another piece of wood into my home.

I love it!

I've been busy at Fringe and have a holiday special to tell you about next time...

Some special savings for my lovely blog readers. 

So stay tuned...I'll be back tomorrow!

Thank you so much for visiting, dear ones.

I hope you're having a beautiful day...xo

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Turquoise Tuesday...

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Hello, dear friends, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday! 

I hope you're having a beautiful day...

Today's feature is just plain fun girl stuff.  Blatant feminine beauty. 

From some of my favorite artists. 

I think this little ensemble would look perfect all together, don't you?  

We have the grit and sparkle combined with vintage components

from Leaves of Glass.

The fabulous versatility and sexiness of FantasyWorldHeroes' snowskirt,

complete with turquoise lining.

And last, but certainly not least, the enchanting and magical cookoorikoo ring,

also made with vintage components. 

I want all three! Le sigh...

Reconstruction Earrings by Leaves of Glass

The Hearbreaker SNOWSKIRT by FantasyWorldHeroes

tailfeather ring by cookoorikoo

Are these items fabulous or what?  I'm in love with them!

So.  What do you have planned for the Thanksgiving holiday? 

Whatever your plans may be, I hope your day is filled with love and laughter,

and I hope you make many happy memories.

We're having both families here for the holiday. 
It's been a few months since we've done that. 

Father's Day, to be exact. 

I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone, and having lots of delicious food. 

I'm also looking forward to doing lots of baking before the big day. 

I love to bake...

 

Thank you so much for dropping by, lovely friends.

I'm very thankful that you did...xo

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Warm thoughts...

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Happy Saturday, dear ones!  Are you having a lovely day?

So far, my morning has been about:

 coffee

 cinnamon cookies (I know, I know)

 watching the rain fall softly

laughing with R and the boy

 a load of laundry

and writing this post

  Not necessarily in that order.

Guess what? I have a new design in my shop that I want to show you.  It's the first of many Fringe home accessories.  I've been threatening to add home decor to my designs for some time now.  My beautiful brother has been encouraging me to do so for probably two years now...It's hard for me to put aside one design I'm working on for another, but I simply had to make at least one of these lap rugs before winter set in. 

To me, it's a nostalgic piece.  I envision how this lap rug would be used.  Or should I say, the settings in which it would be used.  Like a movie scene, I see Hot Toddy draped across the lap of a beautifully bundled woman who's being swept across a white winter wonderland terrain by a man who's madly in love with her.  Yes, I am a true romantic, but hey, it could happen, right?

I can also envision Hot Toddy in a mountain cabin, complete with crackling fireplace, window seats, large windows, steaming mugs of something or other, big fluffy chairs, shelves of books, soft music, soft lighting, and...well you get the picture.

I really do see scenarios in which my creations will or may be used.  It makes me happy to imagine...

Hot Toddy Lap Rug

Vanilla cream

Soft and chunky

Warm your toes

Sleigh ride visions

I plan to make this design in a number of colors.  So many plans, so little time. 

Which lead me to pen this request:

Dear Father Time,

Please won't you slow down?  Even just a little?

Much love,

Me

{What do you think?  Will he favor my request?}

So, lovely friends, what are your plans for this weekend? 

I have lots of things on my list, including:

~Tackle my studio (it's literally buried in yarn and such)

~Open the package from sweet Joanne that has been sitting on my desk for two weeks*

~Lots of chores. I won't bore you with details.

~Bake golden cupcakes with lemon icing (the natives are restless)

~Walk, walk and walk some more

~Finish a collaborative piece I've been working on for weeks

~Add my first entry in this (more details later. I'm so cussing excited about it!)

...and more...

I'm actually looking forward to everything on my list.  Even the chores and studio tackle.  It's living life, which is a wonderful thing.

I seem to have chattered like a magpie so now I'll say goodbye.

Until next time.

I hope your weekend is filled with little miracles.

Try to remember to begin your day and end your day with a smile...

Thank you so much for visiting...xo

* I have this weird thing (ok, I have many) about packages.  I have to be in the right mood to open them.  Sometimes a package will sit for weeks.  

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Mad-Men-esque...

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Hi there, lovely friends! 

I hope your day is going along in the most fabulous manner.

Can you believe it's already the third week of November? 

Honestly, this month is going crazy fast for me...

The third week of every month is extra special for me.  Why?  Well, I do a guest blog post on the beautiful blog, Lillyella, about home decor.  Each and every month.  I absolutely love doing these posts!

This month's post is titled

Fresh Vintage ~ Mad-Men-esque

It was a complete delight doing this month's feature.  Now tell me. Who wouldn't like to spend a little extra time gazing at photos that remind a girl (or guy) of Don Draper...? 

I hope you'll take a minute or two to go check out the post. While you're there, you'll see there are lots of other wonderful features and posts by Nicole as well as featured guests.

Enjoy your Thursday, dear ones!

Thank you so much for dropping by...

You really do bring little bursts of happiness to my day with your comments...xo

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Turquoise Tuesday...

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Hello, friends, and Happy Turquoise Tuesday! 

 Are you having a good day?  I truly hope your week is turning out beautifully.

Today's turquoise theme is photography. 

There are so many breathtaking photographers out there. 

I've chosen just a few gorgeous examples here. 

I hope you enjoy looking through them...

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Self by Lola's Room

Loop Motel by Roadside Photographs

Coney Island by depuis

searching by inspired imagery

Last Colour by Micheal G. Magin

It's interesting.  I thought my choices were just random photographs that I found appealing. That is, until I uploaded them for this post.  Once they were all together, I noticed something...

I think I'm dreaming of a getaway. 

Can you see the theme of these photos? 

I think they point to the fact that I need a vacation....

Thank you so much for stopping by.

And thank you for being you...xo

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Let me weave you a tale...

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My love for yarn and design are intertwined.

Together they weave a story that I then write with my knitting needles and crochet hooks.

This particular design has seen flurries of concentration followed by days and days of languish.  It's about three hours (of undivided attention) away from fruition.  What you don't see are the long tails of yarn waiting to be cared for as well as other unattended, unfinished areas.  This is a small section of what this design will look like when it is finally completed.

Do you have plans for the weekend?  Wherever you may be, I wish you
treasured moments,

time spent with nature,
the laughter of loved ones,
and a warm cozy bed to sleep in...xo

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