I’ve been creating things since I was a little girl. Whether it was sewing alongside my Mom, crocheting with my Grandma or building something with my dad in his shed, I’ve always had the need to create. It's like breathing to me; second only to thrifting- something else I've been doing since I was a little girl. To me, digging through racks of discarded junk is like going on a treasure hunt. Primitive Fringe is really a marriage of these two longtime hobbies-creating and thrifting.

Shopping at thrift stores and upcycling old things into something new has always been more appealing to me than buying new from a department store. Maybe it's the combination of growing up in a family of do-it-yourselfers, never having a lot of extra money, and wanting to deviate from the fashion norm. But whatever the reason, I LOVE IT!

Finding out there was a market for upcycled clothing was like a dream come true. I knew I had found my niche. My slight ADD also makes this a perfect vocation for me. I've never been able to stick with one thing for too long. But making one-of-a-kind clothing never gets old to me. I have so much fun working on each design, but when I'm finished, I'm ready to create something different.

My only rule when it comes to designing is- there are no rules. To me, designing clothing is like creating a piece of art.

My inspiration for my designs comes from many places, and since my mind seems to always be in creative mode, it’s pretty easy for me to get inspired. One thing I don’t do, is focus on the latest fashion trends. I’m much happier creating something that speaks to me personally rather than creating what someone else has decided is “in style” at the moment. I feel that as long as I’m being true to what I enjoy, I will never lose the passion for my work.

There are so many reasons that I love what I do. Creating unique one-of-a-kind items, helping the environment and being able to support local charity thrift stores are just a few of these reasons. But knowing that I'm using a gift that God has given me and utilizing that gift to glorify Him brings me the most joy.

I hope to pass along a little piece of that joy through each item that I create. If I can do that, then I will have succeeded.

Deanna