Bittersweet and the little soap company

*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)