Fringe Shop Update...

Happy Thursday, lovely friends! This week's shop update is live, and let me tell you, I'm a tad bit worn out. I love challenging myself to these weekly updates, but they tend to take their toll. I've shamefully neglected reading all the blogs I love, to say nothing of my darling brother, my sleep, meals and house. Oh, the Sacrifices for art!

I really am so happy with the seven new pieces I created. They're close to my heart. I took a couple of completely new turns this week. The pillowy fiber brooches are one-of-a-kind and I'm a little crazy over them. It's like I've written before, you have to love your creations. It's the only way they will speak to others, when you truly care about your work.

Here are a few of the new pieces. If you want to see all seven, click here.

Happy Place Brooch

Victorian meets modern. Vintage components. Hand sewn, hand embroidered, hand crocheted.

Cumulus Brooch

Fluffy. Textural. Dramatic. Couture.


He-Loves-Me Capelet

Romantic. Urban and rustic. A gorgeous contrast of chartruese and red.

Pinwheel Shrug

Summer bright. Whimsical. Feminine.


Kissing Cowl

Enchantment for your neck. Periwinkle is for everyone.

Bruised Lariat

Swingy. Sexy. Extra long. Rich colors.


For those of you who haven't seen me around your blog for awhile, forgive me. I'll get back into my routine and come by to see you very soon.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday...any plans for the upcoming weekend?

Thank you so much for visiting me! Your comments are like little messages of happiness...xo

Turquoise Tuesday...

Hello, friends, and welcome to this week's very special Turquoise Tuesday edition. Today I'm focusing on one very special artist and friend. Her name is Kate, and she's the inspired genius behind Girl Savage, The Home of Feltidermy.

Kate has an incredible talent. Each of her pieces are pure magic, with a good dose of whimsy, made with the highest quality craftwomanship. I could easily have an entire wall of her wonderful feltidermy. Not to mention Kate's enchanting little feltidermy brooches. They are simply irresistible.

Since it's Turquoise Tuesday, I'll focus on her turquoise delights. Here are two examples that I'm certain you will fall in love with, just as I have...




Believe it or not, Girl Savage has even developed a desk top version of her feltidermy. She also accepts custom work (I'm thinkin' liger. Awesome, right?)...Thank you, Kate, for being you!

Thank you, everyone, for checking out this week's Turquoise Tuesday post. I'm so happy you did, and I hope you're having a beautiful week...xo


Beauty Essential...



Hello, lovelies. I hope you're having a marvelous Monday so far.

I haven't done a Beauty Essential post in far too long. I don't know why. I adore beauty goodies. I mean, adore. I'm one of those girls that love lipstick and eyeliner (not garish lipstick and eyeliner, just feminine and pretty). I'm going to try to be more faithful in bringing you some of the beauty products that I have tried, really love, and would buy again.

Today I want to bring your attention to this fabulous little tube of lip product. I have several products that I love by Smashbox. This is one of the newest additions to my list. It's just what it says it is. A sheer, glossy lip plumper. It's completely wonderful. I wear it all the time. It adds just a touch of natural pink to your lips and makes them nice and full and conditioned. The pink is lovely. It's like the natural pink you see on the inside of your lips. Ladies, that's the color you want to aim for when you want a natural, sexy lip color.

At $24, you may feel it's a bit pricey. Let me just say that I've had mine for months. A little goes a long way. If you're looking for a full, sexy and natural pout, this is the tube for you...

Thank you so much for stopping by, dear ones....xo

I'll see you tomorrow for Turquoise Tuesday!


A perfectly perfect snippet of time...


Hello, and Happy Saturday, dear friends! How is your weekend going? I hope you all are able to find time for yourselves.

I had a peaceful bit of time to myself this afternoon. It was lovely and I took full advantage of it. The weather is glorious today so I sat outside (allergies and all - I'm brave that way) and read for most of an hour, intermittently inspecting and gazing at my surroundings.

I snipped some lovely roses and arranged them in the house, followed by a big cup of tea and two oatmeal cookies. All in all, a perfectly perfect bit of heaven.

Romeo and Juliet roses from our garden. My husband's favorite rose.
They're floating happily in my bowl of water.


A big cup of jasmine oolong tea and a smackeral of oatmeal cookies.
A quiet moment of respite.

A hodgepodge gathering of blooming roses from the garden, nestled in my small white pitcher. Alongside my son's geode specimen.


The hanging baskets of blooms are flourishing in the California sun.
A favorite snack spot of the resident hummingbirds.


A quick inspection of the boy's raised vegetable bed shows the healthy progress of
the tomato plants.


Atop these maple trees a resident bird sporting the most brilliant orange breast sings and rests.
Our feathered friend was elusive today.


The rest of the weekend can be as busy as it dares to be...I have to admit I have a slightly frightening list of things to accomplish, but never fear, dear readers! I'm ready now. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!

Thank you for taking time out of your day to come visit...I'm so happy you did…xo


What's in a name...

The poem below is what inspired the name of my latest creation,



Why Wear a Poppy
by Don Crawford


"Will you wear a poppy?" the lady said
And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched to see how she’d fare
Her face was old and lined with care.
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street
Bouncing along on carefree feet.
His smile was full of joy and fun
"Lady’, he said, "May I have one?"
As she pinned it on I heard him say
"Why do we wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered, "This is ANZAC Day.
The poppy there is the symbol for
The gallant men who died in our war.
And because they did, you and I are free
That’s why we wear a poppy you see."

"I had a boy about your size
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to jump and play and shout
Free as a bird he would race about
As years went on he learned and grew
And became a man as you will, too."

"He was fine and strong with a boyish smile
But he seemed with us such a little while.
When war broke out he went away
I still remember his face that day.
When he smiled at me and said 'Goodbye
I’ll be back soon so please don’t cry.’"

"But the war went on so he had to stay
All I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight
I can still see it in my dreams at night.
With tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire
And mines and bullets, the bombs and fire."

'Til at last the war was won"
And that’s why we wear a poppy, son."
The small boy turned as if to go
Then said, "Thanks lady, I’m glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight
But your son, did he come home all right?"

A tear rolled down each faded cheek
She shook her head but didn’t speak.
I slunk away, head bowed in shame
And if you were with me, you’d have done the same.
For our thanks in giving is oft delayed
Though the freedom was bought and thousands paid.

And so you see, when a poppy is worn
Let us reflect on the burden borne.
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country’s call.
That we are home in peace may live
Then wear a poppy, remember and give.

~Thank you for visiting, friends. I hope your Friday is fabulous! I wish you a magical weekend, filled with simple pleasures and lots of love....xo

Fringe Shop Update...

I did it, friends! My Fringe shop update is live.

I'm in love with my newest designs. They're very dear to me. I guess that happens, as a designer. We have to love the pieces we create and feel passionate about them.

It was a fabulous challenge to get six new designs ready in a week. I'm so happy I went for it though. I hope you enjoy my newest creations....

Vibrant red. Sexy. Swingy. Vintage accents.


Larger than life. Fun. Funky. Vintage accent.


Extra long. Swingy. Sexy. Urban.

Fabulous state of disarray. Vintage accents.


Countess Olenska Capelet
Elegant. Playful. Feminine. Vintage brooch design.


Urban prairie. Sunshine yellow. Flutter as you move.

Happy Earth Day!
In case I haven't mentioned it lately, thank you for being you....xo





Turquoise Tuesday....


Blue-Butterfly Day
By Robert Frost

It is blue-butterfly day here in spring,
And with these sky-flakes down in flurry on flurry
There is more unmixed color on the wing
Than flowers will show for days unless they hurry.

But these are flowers that fly and all but sing:
And now from having ridden out desire
They lie closed over in the wind and cling
Where wheels have freshly sliced the April mire.


Framed Peacock Swallowtail from Bug Under Glass


Butterfly Vase by Red Hot Pottery

Urban Butterfly Necklace by BN Design


Butterfly Flower Headband by Lupin


Vintage Paper Butterflies from The Gilded Bee


Beaded Butterfly Garland from Meggan Colleen


Attraction Art Print by Heidi Burton


Hello and Happy Turquoise Tuesday! Today's theme is butterflies. The perfect spring theme, is it not? When I decided to make today's theme about butterflies, I was a little concerned that I would find enough items combining the winged beauties with turquoise. My concerns were for naught. I had to cut down my choices because there were so many gorgeous pieces to choose from. And that was on Etsy alone....I really and truly love all of these butterfly charmers. I think they are all just enchanting, and I hope you do too....

~ Tidbit Reminder ~

I will be updating my shop with new goodies on Thursday. I hope you'll tune in to see what I've been working on.

Also, in case you didn't notice, I have added a newsletter sign-up on the left sidebar of this blog. I will be sending out newsletters each month with Fringe news and special deals just for you. I am excited about this new feature, and I hope you will join in the fun too...

Thank you so much for visiting, darling dears. You make me smile and add a sparkle of happiness to my day with your wonderful comments...

Have a beautiful day....xo




A very special day...


A Birthday Poem
By Ted Kooser

Just past dawn, the sun stands
with its heavy red head
in a black stanchion of trees,
waiting for someone to come
with his bucket
for the foamy white light,
and then a long day in the pasture.
I too spend my days grazing,
feasting on every green moment
till darkness calls,
and with the others
I walk away into the night,
swinging the little tin bell
of my name.

Happy Birthday, dearest, sweetest brother...I love you.



Fresh Fringe...



Prairie Sky Cowl


Purple Heart Scarf Set


Fringeification Necklace No. 003

These four new pieces were just a joy to make. I loved working with the different colors and textures.

Two happy tidbits:

I'm excited to announce that I will be updating my shop with new goodies on Thursday. I hope you'll tune in to see what I've been working on.

Also, did you notice I have added a newsletter sign-up on the left sidebar of this blog? I will be sending out newsletters each month with Fringe news and special deals just for you. I truly look forward to this new feature, and I hope you will too...


My wish is that your week is off to a magnificent start! Some feel that Mondays are not so great, but personally, I love Mondays.

Thank you so much for visiting, dear sweet friends. Your comments are a joy to read...xo





Hang 'em high...

I sometimes feel that I should be living in a different decade. So many "old-fashioned" things make me happy. I long for them. I envision myself living in a simple house in the country...growing lots of vegetables, feeding the chickens, wearing those flowered house dresses from the 30s...then I realize I love my life right now, just as it is. I love the modern conveniences. I do think they should be mixed with some of those wonderful, simple things of the past. I fantasize about living out on a prairie, but with modern technology....

One way we can live in the past, enjoy the simple pleasures, is by hanging our clothes out on a clothesline. I love to do that. There's nothing like the smell of sheets that have been dried on the line. Or a sweet little summer dress...It's really quite romantic. And basic. I think I could write an entire story just by starting out with a scene of a woman hanging clothes out on the line....


Champion Clothespin Bag and clothespins from Sweet Love Vintage


clothesline ~ painting by mscott67


Set of Eight Worded Clothespins from The Robin and Sparrow


Vintage Metal Retractable Clothesline from Pirates Booty


on the line ~ photograph by sheena lu

Aren't all of these items just perfect? I love each one. It makes me want to go hang some clothes out on the line right now! Well...almost. It does remind me of my grandmothers and my aunt each time I hang things on the line. I feel a little connection to them. It may sound silly, but it's true.

I hope you are enjoying your Saturday, dear ones. It's overcast and a little chilly, but the birds are tweeting, and I had a lovely little walk this morning with the boy. I'm getting ready to put a ham in the oven. Hams are great on the weekend. You can use the leftovers for sandwiches or a ham and egg breakfast, nestled inside a soft little roll with some spicy mustard, and any number of other dishes during the week.

Thank you so much for spending some of your day with me. I so appreciate it...xo



Mama D's Comfort Food...


Warm, crunchy, fruity...the ultimate comfort food. Mama D's Apple Crunch. This dish doesn't last long in my home. Perhaps only one night as dessert with a smackeral left to have with coffee in the morning. And there are only three of us here.

This apple crunch recipe is so easy you'll fall in love with it. It's the perfect last minute treat to whip up. You can substitute the apple with peaches, berries, pears, or a combination of any of those...it always comes out beautifully. Completely divine with ice cream, as I'm sure you've already thought of! We have this sweet treat quite often. I swear it takes no more than 20 minutes to prepare, and the house smells heavenly while it's baking.



Mama D's Apple Crunch

3 - 4 medium apples
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 egg
1/3 cup melted butter

Pare and slice apples. Mix with brown sugar in baking pan; set aside.

Mix flour, white sugar, salt and cinnamon; set aside.

Beat egg, add vanilla; mix with flour mixture. Spread over fruit. Pour butter over top. Bake at 375 degrees about 45 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve warm. Yields approximately 6 servings.

Give this one a try. It's a real crowd-pleaser. Super simple, you don't even need to get out your mixer, but it tastes like you've made something special for your family and friends.

I hope you've been having a lovely week, dear friends. It’s sort of been a whirlwind week for the boy and me. R returns from his business trip on Sunday. It's been a long one, but the boy and I have had fun and kept busy. Today he has his buddy coming over for the day. The same pal that shared the In-N-Out dinner with him earlier this week. Wish me luck!

Thank you so much for stopping by, lovelies. I’m truly grateful to have you as friends...xoxo

Turquoise Tuesday...

Happy Turquoise Tuesday, dear friends! Today's theme is vintage. Personally, vintage is one of my very favorite things. So it only seems natural to combine turquoise with vintage, right? I found all of these fabulous pieces on Etsy. I would love one of each...especially the typewriter...

Vintage can be old, worn, rusted and busted, or sleek, chic and oh so sophisticated. Or somewhere in between. Whatever vintage style you prefer, it's a guarantee that the treasures you find have a history. They have secrets. And for me, they have a great deal of personality.




Vintage Match Holder from Simply Stephy



Vintage Ball Jars from Haven Vintage



Vintage Olivetti Typewriter from Nick and Nessies



Vintage Wooden Rocker from Rhapsody Attic



Vintage Togographical World Globe from South Rose Window


I hope you enjoyed this week's edition. I could have easily made this collection twice as big. A girl really has to practice restraint on Turquoise Tuesday!

Wishing you a terrific, wonderful day!

Thank you so much for visiting, darling dears. You make me smile, and always make my day happier with your comments...xo



Fresh Fringe...

Brand new at Fringe today. A sexy sense of disarray in true Fringe urban prairie style.

Fresh citrusy, summery colors to brighten your day.

The Gorgeous Honey Scarf


This rustic chic design includes a vintage skeleton key and a vintage brass tag #198.




The Gorgeous Honey Scarf is actually two scarves, a lariat, and an oversized posy brooch.

These pieces can be combined in any number of different arrangements.




I hope you had a beautiful start to your week today...

Thank you so much for stopping by, lovely friends...xo

P.S. Don't forget that tomorrow is Turquoise Tuesday! I hope to see you then…sweet dreams!