Bittersweet and the little soap company

The First Day

2008-08-19T06:50:27-05:00

I know it sounds cliche, but it seems as though only yesterday I took this picture of the neighborhood kids off for their first day of school.

Don't they all look like a group of eager learners? A fine looking group of kids. Patrick was entering fifth grade in this picture.

Now he's going to be a sophomore in high school.

One word.... Cherish...

Enjoy caring and sharing back to school days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one, especially for your kids)

If you're interested..

2008-08-18T10:49:30-05:00

My new web site is FINISHED! I began realizing how many products I offer once I began to list them on the new site. Whew, lot's of repetitive motion there! I'm glad it's finished too. I guess you would say it's a mix of Bohemian, Retro and Vintage, and me of course, hopefully.

If your pondering the thought of building your very own web site I would highly recommend using this company.

You can have them host your domain, list your site, and even offer merchant solutions at around $11 a month. That's a pretty good rate compared to most.

I've noticed some web site templates can go for as much as $1000 dollars just for the template. I believe that's a little pricey, and when you're first starting out I wouldn't suggest going in debt to build a web site. I would highly encourage you to build your own and give it a try. Once you begin, you'll soon realize it's not really that difficult. They even help assist you in getting your site out there on the major search engines, which by the way, is the most important thing, otherwise no one will know you have a wonderful new web site.

When I recently built "Calico Petals", I used a ready made template from the company I mentioned above.

With Bittersweet I used a bit more complex ed program, but still offered through the same company. I already had my domain somewhere else, so I left it and just transferred it over to my new server, or the company I mentioned above.

I'm not fond of "Pay Pal's" shopping cart graphics. So I used my own. Really easy to do, just follow the directions on the pay pal web site. Once you get your account set up and you site up and running, you'll get emails notifying you each time you have an order.

I also have a merchant account and have a credit card processing machine that I purchased through my bank.

NEVER purchase the machine on line or set up a merchant account with a processor. I use the machine for phone orders and at the Saturday Stuido. Let me re-word that. I would not recommend purchasing a merchant account on line. Been there done that, and I believe it's a racket business. The bank offered the machine to me FREE, and the monthly fee is minimal. I would suggest calling your bank to get information on your new merchant account rather than anyone else.

On the exception of some of the ready made merchant solutions that you simply cut and paste into your new web site, those are OK, but will still cost you more than setting up your own.

I hope these brief tips help you to get off and running on building your new web site.

Just so you'll know, I knew nothing when I began, just kind of learned as I went along. Looking back, I'm so glad I did. If there are ever any problems, issues, I know what to do, and how to fix them, and believe me, if I can do it, so can you!

Enjoy caring and sharing creative days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Signs of Fall

2008-08-15T08:23:13-05:00

Although subtle, I'm beginning to feel some subtle signs that Fall is approaching on my morning walks through my neighborhood. I say feel, because you can't quite see the signs, but you can definitely feel them.

You know how Fall just kind of politely nudges Summer and reminds her it's time to move further south. That's the way Fall is in the Mid-West and my little town. The early morning air becomes cooler with that soon to be Fall crispness about it, almost like ruffled dried leaves, and the air smells like Fall too. Like a walk in the woods smell. You know how when you take a walk in the woods, and the air is filled with its many foliage aroma's.

I am thinking we are going to have an early Fall this year, by the signs.

Listen to me, I sound like an old timer predicting the weather. Well I have to admit, I do look in the "Farmers Almanac" on occasion just to see how their predictions hold up. It's kind of fun to see if they're right.

While on my walk yesterday too, I had something sweet happen.

Last week I took an early morning walk right after a rain, and as I walked by this one house I noticed a soaking wet long haired yellow kitty crying at the door desperately wanting to go inside. I talked to the kitty assuring her/him that it's owners would soon come and let her inside.

Well yesterday as I approached that house. That kitty came bolting across the street to greet me. It was unlike normal kitty behavior, as I have had many kitty's. She nudged my leg, and I reached down and stroked the back of her neck. I was surprised she remembered me from our brief rainy morning encounter, but I could tell she did .

I'm beginning to feel somewhat like Dr. Doolittle. I'm noticing none of the neighborhood dogs bark at me when I walk by there homes, just sit there quietly watching as I walk by. I say HI, and continue my walk.

Enjoy caring and sharing soon to be Fall days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Come & Gone, Gone, Gone

2008-08-14T07:29:27-05:00

This week has blown by!

Birthdays have come and gone, along with email addresses, web sites, printers, computers, servers. Isn't it amazing how tech stuff always happens with one big bang?

This entire week I have been a computer nerd. I can't say that I like it! First the email incident, then having to switch servers, then build yet another web site, then not enough memory in my computer, oh, and a new printer on top of all that!

I decided to sever ties with my web site builder too. I switched to another more recent program, which I'm finding is really pretty darn close to the old one I used, with the exception that this one will be more user friendly and accepted by my new server. Whew! Did you get all that?

I am back in business! Oh well, slowly getting Bittersweet\s site up and hopefully running smoothly. Now I see why some people pay to have all this done!

I am definitely ready to create something I can touch and feel with my hands.

It's also back to school time! I am amazed it's back to school time already! I believe we're ready for high school! I can't believe that either! Look at all those explanation points! What a big building, that high school. I would get lost for the first week, possibly two. We are in the process of building another high school in my little town. So you can imagine the kids are packed into this one. We are very lucky to have a strong school system with great teachers and staff. Liberty marks one of the best high schools around the country. I believe a big part of that record standing stems from responsible parents that are involved in their children's education, on top of volunteering their time.

My version of back to school has left me wanting to skip!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Calico Petals Patterns

2008-08-12T07:45:47-05:00

Congratulations Sue on winning the "Soap Wrapping Kit," I am personalizing it with your favorite herbal soaps.

I've been working behind the scenes on both Bittersweet and Calico Petals. I began working on my pattern collection, and designing the packaging.

Designing packaging is probably one of my favorite things to do. The packaging is in it's beginning stages, but I feel I have a good start.

While pondering the thought on how the patterns should look, I immediately knew that I wanted it to look similar to a pattern you pick out of the pattern bins, but with a personal touch. I came up with an envelope very similar to the patterns that are so familiar to everyone. I don't know, there's something so traditional and comforting for me to pick out those patterns out of the rolling drawers. Maybe it brings back thoughts of seeing my Mom do it, and her Mom before, I'm not sure, but I really like the look of a traditional pattern. There's something strategical about how they fold those patterns to fit perfect in that envelope too. I would like to see that sometime! I would think they would have to have a very large table to do such a task.

When I first design something like this I usually format the bones, and then come back and tweak the font, pictures, graphics, etc. Having the bare bones helps to see what I need to do next.

The paper envelope itself, was made from a 8/1/2 x11 piece of card stock. The weight of the card stock is too heavy, I would say using a 30 lb. weighted paper rather than 48 to be able to fold the corners and attach them neatly.

I also want to incorporate a swatch of calico fabric onto the packaging, so I'm still pondering that and many other packaging thoughts that I have.

I even had the thought of using fabric to make the envelope. You know either apply heavy starch, or use interfacing. Yes, that thought occurred, but I realized quickly that the practicality of that doesn't really fit in.

The pattern collection is from my archives. I have tons of retro and vintage patterns that I feel would be better put to use by sharing.

Still to come, Stuffie the dog, Kanga the Roo, Sassy Apron, Cosmetic Pouch Patterns, but this is only the beginning, I'm planning on also offering my own pattern creations, Zoe Doll, and Garden Mermaid. Oh, and a collection of calico iron on patches, Calico Patches!

I would say that most of the patterns are beginner friendly, which I believe makes sewing fun! They are perfect patterns for young girls learning to sew, and wanting to create soulful hand-made gifts.

I'm also transferring some of Bittersweets creations over to her little sister's store, Calico Petals. I believe she's a better fit for some of my hand-made items.

Bittersweet site is down while I'm transferring her to a new server. Hopefully she'll be up and running again soon!

You must however, visit Calico Petals and check out the new stuff.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

And The Winner Is!

2008-08-11T10:56:27-05:00

I picked a name from my magic hat this morning for a winner.

The winner of the "Soap Wrapping Kit" is number 16, Nicole Ikkinlala.

Nicole, send me your address and I'll send you your favorite herbal soaps and kit.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Thoughts of Harry

2008-08-10T17:51:20-05:00

Lennis and I attended a memorial service for a dear man today. His name was Harry.

Harry and his family own an auction house in my little town. I met Harry's family, wife Gail, son, Joey, and Joey's wife Ann when I was opening my little shop some seven or eight years ago. That's a picture of Harry on their web site.

The first time I visited the auction house I immediately noticed this place was indeed a family affair. I could sense the close connection these four people had just by my first brief visit. I liked that! They made me feel comfortable and right at home.

The auction house was filled with tons of antiques. Large wardrobes, beautiful old vintage pieces everywhere you looked, packed in the huge warehouse as far as the eye could see.

After opening my shop I quickly realized I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew as my shop was in a huge old historic home, and I needed lot's of stuff to fill it up. After all, who likes an empty shop? I was on a very strict allowance, and had exhausted most of my capitol purchasing what I could.

This is where this story gets good!

The thought occurred to me that I might ask my friends from the auction house if they would be interested in housing some of their beautiful pieces in my new shop. In return, I would mark up the pieces enough for both myself and them to make a profit. Kind of a showcasing of their stuff without customers really knowing the pieces were on loan.

OK, maybe this is where the story gets good!

I entered the auction house really nervous about my proposal thinking how on earth should I expect them to even consider such a thing. As I entered Harry greeted me with a smile, as he most often did. That's one of the things I liked about Harry. I very seldom saw him without a smile. I approached Joey, Harry's son and proceeded to talk my talk about how I was in desperate need of furnishings for my new shop. I'm sure I went on and on the way I usually do, declaring my desperate desire for a verbal partnership with the four of them. I had no sooner explained my circumstance, when Joey interrupted me and said, YES, we would be happy to oblige. I could almost not believe my ears! He then said, "pick out whatever you want". Needless to say, I was flabbergasted! I quickly shopped around picking out prime antique pieces to showcase in my new space. I was so excited!

Lennis helped unpack the antique furniture and I carefully placed each piece filling my many empty spots with the timeless treasures.

I have thought about that day often. I think about how generous and kind this family was to accommodate me in such a touching way.

I think about Harry and his smile. I think about Harry's son, Joey and how proud both Harry and Gail must be in having such a fine son.

I think about how Harry drove by our house honking each time he saw Lennis walking Lily. Harry just lived down the street.

I thought about a young Harry fighting for our country as I watched the two Marines fold the United States Flag during the Memorial Service we attended.

I thought about Gaile speaking about how Harry never talked about his two terms of battle in the Vietnam War, but often spoke of the little children he encountered, and brought back hundreds of photographs of them, as told by Gail.

I thought about how Harry will be missed.

I thought about how Harry must be fitting right in with the big guy, because he had such a huge heart.

These are my thoughts of Harry.

Today at the service they asked if anyone would like to say something they remembered about Harry. I'm not very good at such things with a live audience, but prefer sharing my thoughts of Harry in writing.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) Here's a couple for you Harry!

Wham Bam Thank You Mam and The Big Bad Wolf!

2008-08-07T18:36:25-05:00

These words best describe how I've felt the past two days. I'm sorry if they offend you, but after receiving over 10 thousand emails in the last two days that best describes how I feel at this moment. Actually I feel better than I did yesterday! My house is built out of bricks! Oops, that's the three pig story.

You see, some sweet spam mer soul has used my email address, you know, the one I've had for eleven years, to send out spam to over 10 thousand people. What amazes me is that I have no recourse, but to just grin and bear it! So now, I have to change my email, change all of my correspondence, web site, blog, on and on and on. Once the spammers have your email address they never stop using it, and then eventually your email address becomes what they call "a black hole", and it is worthless.

What a lot of work, and at a time when I believe I had plenty of work to do, thank you. I was not grinning, and instead of bearing it yesterday, I was a bear! I'm OK now, what you gonna do when they come for you?

So the first thing I've done is changed my host/server. I haven't been happy with them for while, and since all this is bad karma spam spoof stuff is going down, now seemed to be perfect severing the ties time.

Change host, check, change email on blog, check+, oh it goes on and on.

You won't see this girl around on the computer for awhile, No Sir Ree! I'll be working on birthday gifts, piecing the quilt I'm working on, sewing some yo-yo-s and sitting outside enjoying some of these cooler summer eves.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days too.

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Summer Birthdays Are Pretty Darn Fantastic!

2008-08-06T08:55:48-05:00

Summer birthdays, lucky girls and boys!

I guess because my birthday is in the winter, kind of that curly hair, straight hair feeling I get. You know when you were a kid you had straight hair, but wanted curly, or vise versa.

Or maybe it's because two of those summer birthdays are the two people I think so fondly about, my husband and my friend Julie. In any case, I haven't a clue as to what to get either one! So today I'm pondering , simply because I do want to put some thought into what I get them both for their Summer birthdays.

While I am on the simple subject of birthdays. I have a couple of really cute vintage birthday cards to share. I transformed the file into a PDF, Portable Document Format, which by the way, my abbreviation for the "Pretty Darn Fantastic!" Yep, I figured it all out, and girls let me tell you it's a snap. Actually it's easier than a snap! Those snaps I put on the cosmetic bags are tons more difficult that turning a file into a PDF.

Download cute_little_birthday_cards_for_you.pdf

I'll explain in Jill's terms how to transform a file into a Pretty Darn Fantastic File.

First you must have the right software to perform the task. New Apples already are loaded with the program, but most later versions of Personal Computers don't, so you need a little program to assist you. I mentioned the one I'm using yesterday. So, download the program.

Next open the document you want to turn into a PDF. OK file open? Now hit the print button, see your printer that comes up? Don't hit that one, hit the new program option instead. Wait a few seconds, it will transfer your document to its formatting page. Follow the prompt, save file, and that's it. You now have a Pretty Darn Fantastic file.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

It's The Green Thing To Do

2008-08-05T08:25:42-05:00

I am still tweaking. I wanted to show you an insert from the catalog, cause I think the pictures are so pretty !

I am in the process of transforming the catalog and the price list into a PDF version so that customers can view it on line through requests. It's the green thing to do, and will save my little company money considering I receive daily catalog requests.

The program I'm using is a trial run program for thirty days. The program itself seems very easy and I would recommend it it you're trying to get patterns on line, catalogs, etc. I played around with it for quite awhile yesterday, trying to figure out how to get my catalog and wholesale price list on one single file rather than individual files.

It's always a little frustrating at first when you're trying to figure out something like this, but perseverance pays off! It's the little things like this that help save you money. Each catalog I send cost around $3 dollars, and if I'm sending one, two, three out each day it can add up very quickly.

I didn't used to put much thought into such things. One day while filling a wholesale order years ago, one of my sales reps was actually helping me fill the order because I was so busy. I was cutting ribbon to wrap around the soap bars. She noticed I was just cutting randomly and not paying real close attention to the amount of ribbon I had in access.

After wrapping one-hundred bars or so, she said, "do you know how much money you are wasting on these ribbons?" I of course looked at her in utter confusion, and replied, " uh no!" She gathered the excess ribbon pile I had cut off of the soap bars, and to my amazement it was a considerable amount. I began to think more about things like that after that day. If everything is wrapped, made, sent, without a thought on how much waste is left behind , it will indeed cost your company more! I'm not compulsive about it , just more conscience of the way I manufacturer and work my little assembly lines.

For those of you that want to make your own catalog. I used an older version of Microsoft Publisher. I have other programs, but always go back to publisher. You can easily modify backgrounds, font, format, etc. When you get ready to start, choose catalog, and pick the format you so desire. Then you can delete, change, and tweak the bones to your preference.

Ah, morning walk before the triple digits get here.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Hand-made essentials for the fastidious

2008-08-04T07:56:04-05:00

Well it was pretty much work all weekend to meet my deadline of finishing the wholesale end of things.

I was disappointed that I didn't go with Julie, my printer broke smack dab in the middle of building the catalog, and wanted to fulfill the wholesale requests. So I spent most of the day yesterday researching a new printer, then I went and bought this one.

Before I ever purchase a printer I always check to see how much the ink refills cost first. I print every day, so I go through a considerable amount of ink. I've printed the new catalogs on the new printer, happy with its performance so far. I like being able to pop photo paper into this printer to print pictures, and the print quality is Outstanding! It was on sale too! Ink cost around $25 - 30 to replace the two cartridges, good too. I'm ordering mine here. So if your in the need for a lovely little printer, I would recommend this one sweets.

Back to flea market talk.. The big annual flea market in Sparks Kansas is coming up the end of August. Broken printer, extreme heat, hungry family, oh well! I'll be going to that one with Julie. We have so much fun. This year we're even traveling north a bit to another huge all day flea gathering in addition to the one in Sparks. It will be a flea market fun cart packed day I'm sure, and the anticipation is building!

Would you like to see my wholesale catalog?

The first two are befores.. This is the after. Do you like the little red bows? There's a story behind them.

When I was around 12 or so, I was going to modeling school, and I entered a scrap-booking contest. I remember my Mom helping me with the book, and we tied little bows like this. The scrapbook won first place! I was so proud! I could have cared less as to what outfit I was going to model next, just the fact that my scrapbook had won first place was perfect. I was a crafty loving girl back then too!

Inside, a little bio about Bittersweet, colorful pictures of all my products, prices, and order form, and a separate wholesale price list. Just like the big guys do it, only I'm just a small one woman company. Reminds me of this old song!

"Hand-made essentials for the fastidious"

I am placing them in catalog size manila envelopes that I lined with matching paper from the border of the catalog, also included, a friture sample of soap.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Working on Saturday

2008-08-02T18:32:42-05:00

I'ts Saturday afternoon and I normally don't post anything this late, or on the weekends, but I'm still sitting at my computer working after a busy day at the studio, and couldn't wait one minute longer to tell you about the vintage ephemera kits I just listed on Calico Petals site.

The ephemera kit is designed for the fastidious girl! That's my new favorite word, I'm using it on my new catalog. "Vintage Inspired Handmade Essemtials For The Fastidious." I like that!

Here is a link to the ephemera kits, cause I have only a few and I wanted you to be the first ones to see them before I ran out! The 1900 newspaper pages are huge! I wish we still made newspapers that size. The advertising images, logo's and jingles on these pages are phenominal and the "trade a card" postcard size correspondence notes are too cute. I have never seen anything like them before.

I used this graphic on my new cataog. She fits in with the look I'm trying to achieve.

It's a scorcher here! Hitting the triple digits in the next few days, and Julie and I are headed out tomorrow for a flea market journey. Lot's of water, and hopefully the big red barn has a large fan/s.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Thanks for the love..

2008-08-01T07:49:02-05:00

Thanks for the love! I could never put into words how much each kind comment means, and how I'll treasure it within my heart.

It's been a little hectic the past few days. Revving up a new company, preparing to make both companies wholesale friendly when they aren't , atop normal daily duties has filled my every minute. I get somewhat spastic.

I am very happy with Calico Petals look at this point. I still have tons of items/entry's to add to the site, but it's coming along nicely. I'm real excited to offer patterns, and will be adding a considerable collection to Calico.

I really like my logo design. I kept it simple. I couldn't help but think "Calico", should be in colorful letters. What do you think?

I love my soap wrapped in the calico wraps, always have!

The big fat round labels, love them too!

I am quite ready for a break. Julie and I are traveling to a large flea market this weekend close by is Nell Hills. I know some of you have heard of Nell Hills. We probably won't journey to Nell's, but I am so ready for a flea market shopping break! I am going to make me a new flirty frock to wear on Sunday!

I awoke in the middle of the night thinking about what made me happy?

What makes you happy?

After running through the list in my mind, I began to realize the things that make me the happiest are not complex ed at all, and usually don't cost a dime.

Here's my list...and definitely not in order, just random thoughts.

1. Sleeping on the crisp clean sheets that have been hanging on the line.

2. Spending time with my friends and family.

3. Putting on my swim suit and catching some sun for a couple of hours.

4. Talking with a friend, I haven't talked to in a long time, and picking up right where we left off from the last conversation.

5. Eating Cake!

6. Watching my son grow to be a man.

7. Opening the mail box to find a mysterious non expected package.

8. Receiving emails from bloggy friends that I've never met, but feeling like I've known them for years.

9. Morning Walks.

10. Having a clean house! I know that probably sound hideous to some of you, but I always feel better when my house is clean, and have always felt that way, please don't hold it against me!

11. Saying HI to a stranger.

12. Picking cucumbers from my little rock garden.

13. Bathing with Patchouli Soap!

14. Tossing in free samples with orders.

15. Talking with old people, they're usually very smart!

16. My first cup of coffee!

17. Getting up at 4 am on Saturdays traveling downtown to drop Patrick off for his farmers market job.

18. Making Soap

19. Discovering something new or learning something new.

20. A clean car!

Well, I could go on and on, and on, and I know you would stop reading at some point.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Blog Therapy, and life is good

2008-07-31T09:09:06-05:00

Do you know what I love about blogging? Yes I said the love word! I love the soothing therapy like fix feeling I get each time I sit down and write a new post. I imagine those feelings are egotistical and even selfish somewhat, possibly border line, addictive personality too, I can't help those feelings, and I must admit one more time, I love to blog! Most posts are written with what I feel at that moment in time, and hopefully contain substance, while others are simply written from my heart, probably most of the time the majority are written from my "open book" personality. I read other posts in blog land and see some of the "open book" writings too.

There was a time, and not too long ago, when I felt bewildered and offended by the large amount of hits I received on my blog, but yet only a very few comments left. My thoughts were, I have been blogging now for almost three years and still only receiving less than a handful of comments to the hundreds of hits a day, and most of the comments I receive are from the same loyal bloggy friends.

Question is, how do I feel now? Honestly, and written from my heart, I feel totally different now, and I am no longer offended by the small number of comments. Do you know why? Well of course you knew I was going to tell you! The answer is written in the first paragraph of this post!

I guess the reason most of us blog is really quite simple, we love to write! Does a newspaper writer care about how many readers reply to his articles? I think not! He simply writes from his heart and knows that when people open up that morning paper they will read his article. Most of the time he doesn't have a clue on how many people have read the article, if any, but he/she continues to write his/her articles because that's what they love to do.

Oh no, I'm getting off on another one of my philosophical discussions.

I felt a need to clear my air on how I feel about this topic. I feel better now, thanks!

To the many readers that drop in and read my blog. Thank you for making my blog part of your day. No comment required.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Times they still are changing

2008-07-30T07:51:39-05:00

Times continue to change at Bittersweet. One very important thing I've learned in the past day, "never say never!"

I'm referring to my thoughts on selling wholesale, and how I remember saying I wouldn't do that!

Well, times they are a changing my friends, and once again, I've decided I'll jump on the bandwagon and become a sales rep, manufacturer, and marketing director, once again.

I'll sell my hand made products to stores and boutiques the way I used to market Bittersweet when it first began some eleven years ago.

I'll be searching for good sales reps, making tons of stuff, and selling my products to retailers all over. Because, times they are a changing!

Calico Petals will be selling to the trade too.

This means oodles of work to get things wholesale ready.

Things like, creating a wholesale price list including, minimum order, terms, sales slips for reps and myself, shipping information, etc. Create a wholesale catalog for the sales reps to show their clients. Make tons of product so that I can fill orders, most stores want at least 4 or 5 of everything so that they offer a nice display in their shops.

I'll be very, very busy in a different busy kind of way, because, "times they are a changing!"

QVC here I come! Well maybe not, you are required to have thirty-thousand dollars of wholesale merchandise to sell your product at QVC! You have to think big when you sell wholesale though! The sky's the limit! QVC really wouldn't be a good fit for my hand made creations, oops, never say never!

I'm moving up the Giveaway for a couple more weeks, so that I can not only allow a few more people to join in, but too, begin my wholesale marketing. I'll be sporadic during this time, in and out a lot. I'll keep you posted on what's going on. You can bet, I'll have stories to tell!

I am looking forward to this new adventure, although I will admit, I had to re-think many things within my mind, some being negative. I'm not a negative kind of girl! I quickly turned those thoughts to positive! I'm adjusting well to the change. I think back when I used to sell wholesale and how so many wonderful friendships were created with my retail customers and sales representatives. I keep in contact with some to this day.

I'm slowly adding things to Calico Petals, and will continue. I want to offer some of my vintage patterns on Calico. I have to work on packaging, etc, before offering the patterns, but it's on my to-do list. Hey, that just gave me an entire new marketing idea!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Calico Petals, Returns

2008-07-29T07:36:02-05:00

I believe it was about this time last year, or maybe it was the year before that I introduced a new line at Bittersweet, "Calico Petals". I really liked the line, it consisted of soap wrapped in calico fabrics along with little bags, and other calico creations. I really wanted to expand and add this line to my other packaging, but was so busy with Bittersweet that I just couldn't find the time to accommodate both, and felt overwhelmed trying to keep up with the different packaging.

After some rather impulsive thoughts yesterday and a quick flick of the keyboard keys I decided to bring the line back, only this time I would devote an entire collection to its very own shiny new web site.

Calico Petals is back and it's blooming, cottage, vintage!

I envision a moss covered cottage deep in a pine forest, with a cobblestone walkway and brightly colored hollyhocks lining its path and "calico petals" popping up every direction. As you enter and open the heavy wooden door, cozy corners and shelves are stacked with hand made creations. Candy colored toadstools pop up overnight, and yo-yo covered calico pot holders hang from the old wood stove while the freshly made ones are tied and bundled with jute, awaiting their new homes. Hand milled soaps are wrapped in calico cloth and stacked in large round baskets every where you look.

It's in bare bones state, but check out NEW "Calico Petals"!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Vintage Pattern Love

2008-07-28T07:47:45-05:00

I love digging through my old patterns. The directions are simple and easy to read and the words used to describe each creation is most always a vintage word that catches my pattern loving attention.

The illustrations are divine.

I've really been getting into patterns lately. I have a pile of patterns that I'm eager to transform into garments. My only hurdle keeping me from cutting, piecing and sewing, is time, just not enough of it to go around.

Isn't this little silk "trifle" cute? Such a simple pattern, with no frills, and the finished clutch, vintage cute!

I'll be offering my collection of vintage patterns soon. The pattern kit will include the patterns, pattern paper, and directions.

Don't forget to enter to win the "Summer Soap Wrapping Kit"! I placed a link on the top right side bar.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Times, they are a changing....

2008-07-25T08:54:21-05:00

I guess my routine of making things has always been a little compulsive. I can't just make one of something. I have a yearning need to make many. I cook the same way. I didn't come from a large family, so I don't understand the cooking thing, but nevertheless, making one, two, or three of the new object of affection is never enough for this girl!

When I had the shop downtown, I made everything I sold, and usually sold most items I made within a week, sometimes within a couple of days. For five years I had the opportunity to indulge in my compulsive creating until my little heart could indulge no more. After five years of making stuff non-stop, I needed a break. It was fun while I lasted! Hey, I'm a type A, but even type A's need a healthy break every now and then. Please, please, don't hold my work personality against me, I was born this way!

I am planning Christmas in July. I've always said I was going to do that, and this year, 2008, yep, I'm planning my tree decorations and gifts. Friends and family receiving simple soulful hand made gifts, with the exception of tossing in some of my favorite herbal teas along with some vintage flea market tea cups and saucers.

I haven't began making Bittersweet's holiday soaps yet and probably won't start until sometime in middle September. Things have slowed down a bit at my little company. I've noticed a decline in sales for awhile. Slow allows me to take a break from the busy manufacturing so much, and concentrate on things I want to make, rather than things I have to make. Times, they are a changing!

I still need to make a living, so lot's of marketing. Marketing like I did when Bittersweet was new.

Well enough of that boring business talk...

I can't seem to get away from the mushrooms. They are popping up everywhere throughout the studio. I think these plump toadstools would look darling in a little girls room sitting on shelves here and there.

Actually I had some fabric left over after making the new cosmetic pouches. I cut out the flaps of the cosmetic bags, they were to plump, and used the half moon shapes to make more mushrooms, so that I didn't waste anything.

I started with one, but ended with many...

I think these will make lovely holiday gifts. They hold two bars of soap, perfect. Each pouch is lined with wool felt and contrasting liner.

This is the first time I used snaps. They were not a snap! A bit of a nuisance, but I like the end result. I ended up wasting a few snap heads before I got the hammer hitting tension, precision right.

It's cloudy and a tad bit cooler this morning, I'm headed out for my morning 1.6 mile walk. Clears my head, and keeps me in shape.

Enjoy caring and sharing creative caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Yo-Yo

2008-07-24T10:34:40-05:00

I've been digging through my archives, books, notes, searching for new ideas, fancying the older ideas over the new ones. Taking basic tried and true objects of affection, and adding some modern twists.

What about those yo-yo's! Don't you just love em, don't you? I would like to crawl into a fluffy soft bed this winter and wrap my body around a weathered old/new, yo-yo- quilt.

I believe I'm a bit yo-yo- obsessive compulsive at the moment, but loving every moment of this yo-yo love!

My intentions were to create a pot holder that compliments my homemade cranberry chutney, and to give both as Christmas gifts neatly packaged inside a little red and white hand sewn bag. Yes, Christmas planning in July!

Well, I am digging making theses so much that I'm making an army of them. Yeah baby! OK, maybe not an army. How big is an army anyway? Yep, they stand and salute their Captain yo-yo standing firm and tall. I like using strong new linens and mixing worn old linens.

I'm totally wrapped up in holiday creations.

Wait until you see the cosmetic pouches, so cute!

Don't forget about the "Summer Soap Wrapping Kit" Giveaway! I'll announce the lucky wrapper late next week.

Make sure you're enjoying caring and sharing Summer days, yo-yo!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Summer Giveaway

2008-07-22T12:24:24-05:00

It's been a long time since we've had a giveaway, and what better time than late Summer to host a little Bittersweet caring and sharing memento. The lucky good karma deserved winner will receive a Bittersweet "Soap Wrapping Kit"!

There is a catch... Along with your comment, you must also include your favorite fragrance. I want to know, are you a flower girl, spice girl, or maybe both, simply jot down your fond fragrance along with your comments and I'll enter you in the Summer Giveaway. Yes please, I'm doing some market research.

I'll announce the winner sometime next week.

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

P.S. I wanted to let each one of you know I probably won't reply to your entrys, although I wish time allowed me to. I'm tied up with Bittersweet holiday planning. I wish each one of you could be a winner, I truly do! Good luck, and don't forget to spread Happy Karma wherever you go!

Bittersweet and the little soap company

The First Day

If you're interested..

Signs of Fall

Come & Gone, Gone, Gone

Calico Petals Patterns

And The Winner Is!

Thoughts of Harry

Wham Bam Thank You Mam and The Big Bad Wolf!

Summer Birthdays Are Pretty Darn Fantastic!

*It's The Green Thing To Do*

Hand-made essentials for the fastidious

Working on Saturday

Thanks for the love..

*Blog Therapy, and life is good*

Times they still are changing

Calico Petals, Returns

*Vintage Pattern Love*

Times, they are a changing....

*Yo-Yo*

*Summer Giveaway*

It's The Green Thing To Do

Blog Therapy, and life is good

Vintage Pattern Love

Yo-Yo

Summer Giveaway