We were lucky to catch up with Amy Delp recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on began in a corner of my garage, with a dim light and a space heater. It was December in Indiana. I decided to tap into some creative juices and trim out new Bible’s for my daughters for Christmas. This is not a gift they had asked for. It was more of a stirring in my own soul, in the wake of a global pandemic and world-wide fear, to equip and fortify them in something unchanging, steadying and True. I began to discover the power of The Word of God when I was a young woman, gripped with anxiety and cluttered by the conflicting messages all around me. It has transformed my life and continues to direct me each day. I wanted this artisan gift of fringed trim and tassels to delight and draw them inside, to the real beauty. I did not intend to start a business! As it turns out, my daughters loved their new bibles! They took pictures and posted them to their social media accounts. Pretty soon, their friends were asking if I could “fringe” a bible for them, too! The name, “Living in the Fringe” was born from the story in the Gospels of the woman who touched the fringe of Jesus’ robe and was instantly healed by His power. Since those cold nights in December, I have had the honor of designing hundreds of Bibles and tassel bookmarks for people. Apparently the stirring in my soul was a deeper stirring in many. People are desperate for Words of Truth and Life. I get to play a small, creative part in their journey to deeper meaning, purpose and transformation.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a wife of 29 years, a mother to three adult children – plus two more by marriage that feel like they’ve always been here, and a huge fan of our Aussie-doodle named Chip. I enjoy writing, speaking, leading worship, bible-study, acting, investing in people, travel, great food, functional health and movement. Being an entrepreneur has afforded me the ability to set my own schedule and prioritize the things that fuel my passions. One of those passions is getting people excited to explore the Word of God through tangible, creative ways. In 2022, I began a small business from my home called Living in the Fringe. It began by creating custom bible designs for individuals. It has expanded to much more. This includes Bibles, journals, devotionals with intricate, “fringe” + trim work around the binding. I also create tassel bookmarks with various yarns, ribbons and beads, customize them by color, added features like bows, velvet, pearls, flowers, and finish them with meaningful charms. I work one-on-one with individuals to ensure that their custom creation is something that fits their style, and delights their soul. I also have several pre-designed, ready to ship gifts available on the website. I’ve been fortunate to partner with other artists to offer hand-painted and laser options for custom gifts. Last year, I collaborated with my sister, a breast-cancer survivor, to release a cancer-care gift called “Infused”. I also offer “fringed” earrings on the website from Alamko, which is a give-back organization I’m proud to partner alongside.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I believe one of the best ways to build an audience on social media is through authentic relationship and trust. This is the slow and steady process of loving people well and helping to connect them to what they need. Once that trust is developed, those people share testimony and connect their circle to you.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creative ideas and solutions “drop” at the strangest times. I’ve lost sleep or have had to get out of bed to create something that I need to pull from idea to reality. It’s amazing when a creative idea surfaces, but it’s also very frustrating when there’s a block. You cannot force creativity. That is a challenge when you are trying to create a gift within a timeline (birthday, holiday, wedding, etc..). Many “creatives” I know, including myself, work better in open schedules and environments, not governed by the clock, calendar or constrained by a cubical. :)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livinginthefringe.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/living_in_the_fringe?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
• Facebook: Living in the Fringe
• Linkedin: Amy Delp
• Other: Pinterest : Amy Delp

Image Credits

Reese Media, Lacie Fouts Photography