Bittersweet and the little soap company

Autumn Bliss

Thought you might like to see the Autumn Flea Market finds I found on Saturday. I have big plans for all of them and I'll be sharing those plans later. 

Working mostly with what I have, but these new pieces will add a punch to my holiday displays.

The vintage embroidery will be used to trim little bags and the trough, well, I bet you can guess what that will be used for. "What we need is lot's of Soap!" a quote taken from a children's book I used to read to Patrick when he was little. Some of you may recognize the line..

I have more pictures and tales of what's hot at Bittersweet this season and some new Christmas package wrappings I think you will really like and that you can easily duplicate and they're not costly. I really did use what I had on that project and it turned out elegantly delightful, if I must say.

Oh, and those containers you see in that bag... A new project I'm working on. I have before and after shots, quite pleased with the look.

It's beginning to all fall together and look cohesive. I really never know exactly what I want until I begin designing, then it seems to all come together. The Flea Market break on Saturday allowed me to refresh.

Thanks again for all you're doing promoting my new Cookbook. Love you all, I really do!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two Autumn hugs are surely better than none)

Old tiroirs and new idee's..

 

Another flea market find and one that I've always been attracted to, old drawers. This one in particular because of its porcelain knobs and the labels and writing on the front. Only paid a few bucks for this vintage piece so that's even more rewarding.

I had thought I might drill holes into the bottom and fill the drawer with herbs, but I really like using it as a display piece instead.

I had mentioned that Bittersweet was getting a few nip and tucks a few posts ago. After the Farm Show I plan to perform the surgery's. Some updates on packaging, studio makeovers,  a few new products, fancy soap's etc. Things that keep me excited about operating my little company and keep my customers happy and content. 

Some things will remain the same, certain labeling like the laundry powder, love these old-fashioned labels and they fit in with the look I'm trying to achieve.

   

When designing new labels, products, containers, etc., I always follow my heart. I know that sounds silly maybe to some, but honestly, I have always stocked the shop shelves, created labels, designs, products, with the look that I like, and I have to really like it. It has to call out to me, then I know and only then, that I've achieved exactly "the look" I intended and desired and will be happy with it long term. 

It's usually a different look than what you see in other stores, simply because I have this thing about designing my stuff to look different and unique. Banking on the hopes that "my look" will appeal to others just as it has with me. 

When I used to rep my products to stores years ago, I remember walking into a store and then entering another only to see the same merchandise scattered here and there. I thought to myself,  what's up with this? I really learned some valuable lessons during those sales rep days.

That's one reason when opening my boutique. I saw a niche that was not being filled so I stocked the shelves with most everything I made, knowing no one else had it! 

I literally yearned for a shop that was different from the rest and products, item's that could only be found there. 

I believe today that holds true too even more. Shoppers are more serious about shopping these days. They purchase item's that are useful and offerings that really catch their eye. 

It's funny too. The soap wrappings at the top, some original Bittersweet wrapping idea's from years ago when Bittersweet was a tender young company. I guess it's true, things always come back around!

Enjoy caring and sharing rainy spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Garden Soap and Fresh Ideas..

  

Fresh batches of "Garden Soap" packaged in small vintage crates and wrapped in burlap. Has a bit of grittiness to it, to get those "green thumb garden hands" clean! I add cornmeal. Scented with lemon and rosemary, two of my favorite fresh fragrance combo's.  The crates are display, but add the perfect touch to the Garden Soap.

I wanted to show you  some more recent flea market finds..

 

I was drawn to this large tin simply by the label. I'm going to use it to place bars of soap in.

 

I spotted this table from across another vendor's booth. A little "telephone table", probably Walnut, I think. Anyway, yes I did notice the table had no top, but I also envisioned this..

 

I placed a vintage tray atop and now I have a unique one-of-a-kind vintage piece for display.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Vintage Flea Love

When I first saw this sitting on a table from afar I just about ran to get a closer look. I am in love with vintage dress forms especially one like this once used as store merchandising. The base of the form is ornate and beautiful. I paid way too much, but did manage to get the dealer to go down to a friendlier price.

I actually left it sitting and walked around to think about it considering it was pricey until I could take it no more. I asked Julie, "what do you think?" Julie said, "yes!" That was all I needed to hear!

 

I found several pieces that day, and will share the others later.

I'm pooped, been digging up peonies, loading up topsoil out of the truck and filling the garden area with the rich black dirt. Planting some fifty or so plants, cedar mulching, and I could go on but I really am tired. I am indeed getting a good workout.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Flea Market S & T

Brrrrr, it's cold again and I don't like it! What happened to our nice warm weather and my thoughts of Spring?

I guess since Winter is back, it would be an appropriate time for Flea Market Show & Tell, yeah.

 

When I spotted this little metal stool it spoke to me, it said, "Aren't I cute and in tip top shape?" I responded yes, and you are priced very reasonable too. Okay, you can come home with me!

Then, I spotted this unusually shaped wire basket. I painted it white. It is perfect for Spring and ideal for holding Bittersweet soap bars.

More flea market find S & T coming soon..

Enjoy caring and sharing soon to be Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*The Thrill Of The Hunt*

Sunday's flea market finds might possibly be small to most, but they are mighty to me!

In fact, one of the thrills I get is going and not knowing what I'll find before I go. I know I'll find a special something, but never know just what it might be. Usually I have a good idea on what kind of things I'm looking for before I leave the house, but sometimes I'm awarded the big Flea Market Prize and come home with a treasured find, thinking to myself when I see it, why hasn't anyone bought this before me?

I felt that particularly about Sunday's sale, since Julie and I were going on the second day, and always feel the good stuff will get taken. In my instance, not the case, I found those special little vintage items that are special to me and even gave me a few ideas.

Perfect example number one..

A 1950's hat stand that will be perfect for displaying the crocheted hats. $10

Perfect example number two

A Pink Calico Pinnie in perfect condition. $10

Perfect example number 3, 4, 5, and 6.

A wire basket for displaying soaps. $4 

A vintage garden tool for photo shooting garden soap this Spring. $7

A tiny posy of millinery flowers, my absolute favorite find every time! $3

A precious tea towel, tag still attached. $10

Perfect example number 7

Adorable vintage paper cards and stickers, the kind you lick! $4

This was my favorite find of all!

I thought I was purchasing the box alone, and then I look inside and see this darling assortment of tiny cards. 

When I went to pay for the box of cards, Claudia, remember Claudia? Well Claudia says, " I have some old stickers that go with the box of cards too! I absolutely love these tiny little good wish cards! So much that I made my own. But before I show you that, I need to finish my finds...

Perfect example number 8

A hand made wooden folk art bird. A gift from Claudia!

I was drawn to these little birds the moment I laid my wondering flea market eyes on them. Maybe because they're birds, and I love birds, or possibly because I know the work that it took to make them. Not sure exactly, just knew I liked them!

These are the little birds I mentioned in yesterday's post that Claudia's husband makes.

I couldn't believe they offered me one , two as a gift. A blue one, and a green one, both having the polka dots painted on the breast, another reason I was attracted. Claudia, thank you for the gift!

Flea market finds are as unique to the person as the person is to the find.

What a wonderful hobby, flea market journeys. The anticipation of finding that perfect treasure never grows old. Anticipation, at its highest form, and the thrill of the hunt is  always fresh and exciting!

Oh, I almost forgot to show you the little cards..

I loved those little cards so much, that I thought it would be fun to reproduce them. I had boxes that were the perfect size for holding the petite cards. I used my collection of vintage greeting cards. A mix of baby, birthday, wedding, Valentine, and anniversary. They will soon be available on Vintage Two. I am wanting to make a box filled with just Christmas cards, so I'll be working on that before listing them.

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Semi back with summer breaks in between.

I'm semi back to blogging. Summer is always a busy time for Bittersweet and I often find myself getting overwhelmed with so much going on. The little coupure was most appreciated.

I have been breaking from work to go treasure hunting with Julie. Last week we went to a tag sale my friend Dana and Bonnie were having. What a sale! Dana's garage was filled with vintage treasures. The two gals out did themselves. Not only did they have great stuff at their sale, they also offered  a refreshment table with hot dogs,  home baked cookies, and cold lemonade to quench your flea market thirst. You know, a girl can get thirsty traveling to all those flea markets and estate sales!

I'll be sharing some of my finds during the weeks to come. Here is one of my favorite purchases from Dana and Bonnie's tag sale. This little daisy dresser is an adorable size and fits so well in the Bittersweet Saturday Studio. Thanks Dana and Bonnie for sharing your treasures. Back to work for now....                   Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)                                                                     

Do you get the notion?

I'm always on the hunt for sewing notions while flea shopping. Whether the item be vintage or retro I don't much care, I love finding soulful sewing items.  

Maybe that's why I am attracted and fascinated by those notions.

Take a hand made strawberry pin cushion for example. Set aside the fact that they are sewn to resemble a a favorite, not only yummy fruit, but a pretty red fruit that's shape is unique and kitschy.

I remember when I was a little girl our neighbors had a huge strawberry patch. My brother, only around two at the time would sneak over into the patch and pick and eat the neighbors strawberries. I can still remember looking out our kitchen window and seeing him knelt down seeing only his head sticking out of the strawberry patch, his face covered with red strawberry juice.

Do  I associate those fond child hood memories with this pin cushion, or do I just fancy its size, shape and color?

Here I go again getting Jill philosophical.

"Well I'd like to know, do you get the notion?"

From ribbons to trims, I've got a notion for those too. Could it be that velvety ribbon reminds me of candy colored birthday packages and little girls hair bows?

The trim reminds me of bell bottom pants and daisy power!

Then I think about what shall I do with these wonderful flea market finds? What does their future hold?

Fifty years from now will someone pick up this same daisy trim and feel the same passionate way that I feel about it?

Yes, I believe they will. Vintage and hand made items have soul and personality and depth. They will live a happy long life. Each season that passes will add seasoning, and refine and define their own uniqueness.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

 

Trade -A- Card

When I spotted this little blue stationary box while flea shopping, I knew it was indeed a special find. I didn't know exactly what was inside by looking at the box cover, but was curious to find out. The box was printed with the words Trade-A-Card on the cover.  

As I opened the box, I see little note cards approximately 5x7 in size each one delicately embellished with indigo floral designs and words that say, "Mine to you", printed in the top left corner.  There is another note in the middle of the card that says, "detach...Here...to...Answer. I was not able to locate a date on the box, but the card also is stamped with a "Reply One-Cent Stamp, so I would say they are pretty old.

This would be another item I would love to reproduce.

Gosh if gas goes up to $6 a gallon, I believe mail correspondence will make a major comeback.

The soap I made yesterday is ready to be cut. It is appropriately called Peachy Cilantro as it smells just peachy!

Another soap making day for me, only today sunny skies above and mild Spring like temperatures.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)