Bittersweet and the little soap company

Bittersweet Green Spring

I have some time this morning to share with you things I've been working on for Bittersweet Spring.

I am aware of the fingerprints that my little company leaves behind. I am always on the look out for creative ways to limit extra baggage.

I recycle old labels, use and re-use what I have as often as I can, package products in recyclable containers, and create products that are earth and people friendly.

Whew, I've been a busy girl!

May Day celebration preparations are under way, and while making ironing spray and lavender linen spray I'm thinking about wrapping soap, and addressing invites, and making more strawberries, and, blah, blah, blah, bloom!

I spent the entire day yesterday wrapping soap! Now that's a lot of soap! I love the way the soap rack looks when its stuffed full of fresh Spring Soap

The May Day tokens are coming along nicely, and I dug out the May Pole I made several years ago. It's kind of cool,  a bamboo rod, a top sets a large posy of Shasta daisy's, ribbons of every color hanging down loosely. I'll share some pictures with you later. I need to fill in some small holes with more blossoms.

Todays schedule calls for more green work.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring Green days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*A Glimpse Into Holiday Future*

It looks like a sunny Saturday Studio day this morning as I gaze outside my bedroom window. It's usually dark most mornings I rise, but on Saturday's I have the luxury of sleeping in a bit.

Bittersweet Studio is beginning to look nothing like the balmy weather outdoors on the exception of it's starting to look cheery and bright.

I've even dug out my favorite Christmas CD to play today while working in the studio. I love Blossom Dearies sweet soft voice. I've blogged about her singing talents before. If you have never listened to her, you must!

There will soon be frost on the pumpkins and the days will be spinning closer to the holidays. I'm beginning to embellish some studio corners with holiday sparkles. Remember the little house Bonnie made? It makes a charming setting in the little Bittersweet room.

I've began making festive origami pouches. I love the simplicity of origami! I'm particularly fond of that red paper too. These little pouches offer an adorable presentation, and are perfect for holding bath salts or soap. Or fill them with a few home baked holiday cookies. They would make cute Halloween treat pouches too.

I picked up this fabric in the juvenile section of the fabric store the other day. The opposite side is checkered. I stuffed them with chamomile and lavender. You place the dream pillow inside your pillowcase. The soothing combination of chamomile and lavender will aromatically swoon you into a calming relaxing hibernating winters sleep.

During my trip to Joann's the other day I spotted a scrap booker's haven. An isle filled with Amy Butler paper products that are utterly adorable!

I fell in paper love with these scalloped cards. The sky is the limit on paper ephemeral available nowadays! Love it!!

Tomorrow Julie and I are traveling west to one of our favorite twice a year flea market shows. I can't wait! I always find delicious stuff!

Enter to win the Bittersweet October Giveaway!

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Shades of Pink Saturday

It's been awhile since I've blogged on a Saturday. Usually I'm busy with the Saturday Studio and working at a slower pace than during the week. This Saturday however, I'm caught up with everything and preparation for the Autumn Market is underway.

A few changes here and there, but that is always to be expected.

Over the years, I have hosted a number of events, and have come to realize this. The work involved in planning such an event can be overwhelming, but you must allow fun to take the reign. After all, a party isn't a party if it's not fun! I didn't always think that way. I have learned this throughout the years.

I am so excited about the Autumn Market! I am looking forward to sharing time among friends and making some happy memories too. I believe the list is getting shorter, so that's always a good indication things are running smoothly. A few changes in the color of tents, but hey, don't sweat the small stuff.

The Saturday Studio is a mix of Autumn with hints of a Pink Christmas. This little bag is filled with holiday soap, and will be an item offered during the Giveaway's on Saturday. What fun! I will be giving away lot's of Bittersweet goodies. I mean come on, what's a party without treats!

The goodie bags are put together and awaiting each guest. I have my guest book ready for new guests.

Leigh Ann don't forget to sign the guest book! Leigh Ann is a bloggy friend that I began conversing with when I first started blogging a couple of years ago. She lived in New York at that time, but now has recently moved to Kansas. She's now lives close enough that she can come to the Market! I am very excited about meeting Leigh Ann! How fortunate to have the opportunity to meet a fellow blogger.

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

What We Need Is Lot's Of Soap!

When Patrick was little one of his favorite books was about some pigs that worked and played really hard and then needed lot's of soap. We used to read it over and over, and then I would go in the kitchen and make lot's of soap. I'm sure he associated the book with me making soap.

Remember when I said I would be looking for soap storage space? It's began! The last few bars of Peachy Cilantro set on my table and the Cinnamon Swirl and Goat Milk will soon be taking it's place in the cabinets. I'll soon need room for Velvet Spice, Cranberry Spice, Oat's and Goat's, Vanilla Mint, and Patchouli Musk, oh my, oh my! I love it!

Last night while watching a bit of television I began crocheting the vintage style hats for Fall. Doesn't Loralie look stunning in her new hat? The hats will be available on Vintage Two.

Here's what I did with the vintage labels I shared with you the other day.

I transferred the design onto muslin bags. They make a great little bag for holding rose buds, or lavender sachets. If you decide to transfer one of the designs, don't forget to reverse it before you print.

One of Bittersweet's most popular products is the Lemon Nail Creme, and I had been out for some time so I whipped up a fresh batch. The dental assistants at my Dentist office love this stuff and buy it on a regular basis. If you put in on your nails and then go outside on a sunny day it naturally bleaches your nails and leaves your cuticles soft and pretty. I will be putting the Lemon Nail Creme on Bittersweet's web site soon too.

We still have HOT weather, but I can feel that it will soon cool off and I can't wait! We could use some rain, everything is shriveling up, including my flowers. I am still yearning for my hydrangeas, so to satisfy my yearnings I'm posting another picture of them so I can at least dream about next Spring.  

I think I'm ready for a little break...

Monday a group of girlfriends and I are going on an outing to a small little country town north of my little town for antiquing and flea market shopping. One of the friends I'm going with, her sister owns one of the antique shops and I always look forward to seeing her and browsing her delightful shop.

It is a welcome break and I'm looking forward to spending time with friends. Plus I will probably have new stuff to share with you, and I'm taking my camera so I can take pictures.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*Work & Play*

Last nights get together with friends was delightful. We had a great time! Peachy Mango Sunset Sangria's were served and the jalapeno popper dip was yummy! I'll be making that dip again. 

Now it's time to get back in the groove of working. The little break allowed me to re-focus on some things. Saturday Studio and it's a scorcher outside. I do believe I will stay inside the studio for most of the day. I'm working on some new Bittersweet projects. Maybe a day of this and that.

This hot sultry weather really makes me yearn for Autumn. I'm jazzed about the Autumn Market Saturday and can't wait for it to happen. I'm gathering local artists for the event that I believe will be a good fit with Bittersweet, and also offer them an opportunity to share their creative talents. You gotta love creative talents!

I'm working on a new soap for my friends at 242. A complexion bar, fragrance free, packed with oatmeal and goat milk. I can't wait to disclose the name I've chosen for this soap!

Allrighty..... I'm headed to the cool Saturday Studio to do some work.

Enjoy a caring and sharing summer weekend.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)      

*The calm of the early Saturday morning, and a giveaway*

The calm of the early Saturday morning. Patrick's still sleeping and Lennis had a job to do  today, so it's a quiet calm throughout the house. It's even calm outside, cloudy and not one tree limb moving.

The Saturday Studio has some new little corners, and I have been sewing and making new things for Fall, and yes, even working on holiday stuff. Some of the items aren't new, I am simply giving them a new look.

The tissue pouches make a great little gift, which by the way, I got the pattern on Belladia's blog. The weather will soon be damp and cool in my little town, and I will definitely have a tissue pouch handy in my purse, as my nose is always running when it turns cold.

I chose this black rose bud fabric to make the tissue pouches. It's kind of Mary looking, but I don't believe it is one of her fabrics. I just remember liking the contrast of the pinkish red roses on the black when I saw it in the fabric store.

     

I'm also sewing new heat pillows with fanciful jackets. Being the fabric loving girl that I am, I usually sew tons of different patterned jackets.  I am re-thinking sewing different styled jackets and have decided to choose just a couple of favorite fabric designs for the jackets. I like the red blossoms and the Frenchy stripes together.

One of my favorite areas in the studio is this cozy corner, which is also my laundry area. I love the wicker mixed with the vintage. It's forever timeless.

 

By the way...

Next week I am launching my first bloggy giveaway and will continue launching one each month until Christmas.

Since the weather will be turning cooler soon, I believe a gifty bundle of hand~pecked soothing warmth goodies would be appreciated. A package filled with a soothing heat pillow, a tissue pouch, lavender dream pillow, and some aromatic surprises.

Send your e-mail address, along with your name and I will enter you in the Bittersweet giveaway.

I will draw names at the end of each month and post the winner on Bittersweet.

I love giveaways!! Good Luck..

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Sweet Saturday*

Most shop proprietors refer to people that come into their shop as customers or patrons. Bittersweet however has always been a little different than most stores.

First, since I make everything that I sell I have a great reason for conversing with my customers and explaining my different products. Second, I love to talk to people! Maybe those two should be switched around. At any rate....

When Bittersweet was fresh and new I immediately noticed that talking to people was one of the things I enjoyed most about owning my own business.

Saturday was a Sweet Saturday to talk and visit. Shea and Susanna stopped by the studio. I met them both when Bittersweet was on the square. They are the nicest people I believe I shall ever know. Their energy feels the air with sincere kindness.

I also had a friend of my Mom's stop by, Janice. I had not seen Janice since I was around 8 years old. Janice sat and visited most of the day in between visits from other friends. Janice is an attractive older woman. She is seventy-one, but you'd never know. She's a hip seventy-one!   

Nikki stopped by to show me her new baby. He is so cute! Her other two kids are cute too. In fact, her entire family including Nikki, CUTE! Not just cute, but sweet.

Sweet Saturday indeed!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

**Steamy Lucky Hot**

It's both Steamy & Hot outside my adobe. Inside the Saturday Studio it's nice & cool and it smells like Lavender, as I have been making lavender filled pillows for my friends at 242.

It's getting cluttered in the work room, I believe I'll do some de-cluttering.

I have piles of stuff setting in every corner. This girl can only make one thing at a time, so no since in having all the clutter cubbies filling the space. Clutter really bugs me! I have the beginnings of clutter piles on my desk too.

Back to the air conditioning for a moment. I remember the day when I had no air conditioner in my home when I first flew my parent's nest. I also remember that same summer riding the bus to work, and of course the bus did not have air either. Baby that was HOT! I've grown to appreciate air conditioning over the years.

Isn't that the way it works? When you do without something and then get it you seem to appreciate it more. OK, don't want to get to far along and get philosophical again and bore you with my goings on..

I plan to make more penny's in between helping customers.

I'm waiting on some beautiful fabric I ordered from here. I ordered one of these patterns.

I am going to make penny's and tea towels with that fabric.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Sunny Saturday

It's a sunny Saturday morning as I look outside my kitchen window.  We have been having unseasonably mild summer temperatures. We've only turned our air on a few times so far which is very unusual for this time of year in Missouri.

The shop will probably be busy today and tonight Lennis and I are going to my friend Julie's for a barbeque. They're having the get together on Julie's huge front porch at her shop. It's perfect weather for grilling and mingling and having some good summer fun!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Flowery Studio Saturday

The Studio Saturday is over stuffed with new Summer creations for both Bittersweet and Vintage Two. I found these darling little bottles for packaging a small bit of bath salt. The salts are being offered as a complimentary gift to my studio customers today.

New soaps are curing in the apothecary cabinets and fresh picked flowers are stuck here and there in between cracks and crevices among products.

The smell of Sage and Orange Blossom fills the studio as the fresh batch of Clarity Soap sets to cure.   

Since it's officially summer at Bittersweet we've introduced a new cool relaxing summer bath salt fragrance, Summer Rain. 

I love the Studio Saturday Summer it's fresh and bright and full of surprises each summery week!    

I wish my bloggy friends could visit the Bittersweet Studio Saturday. I would honor you and treat you to my aromatic gifts. 

Enjoy a caring and sharing weekend.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Shades of Orange and Springy Saturday..

I'm packaging my last batch of soap this morning. Nag champa is packaged in the bright orange paper. I have always liked the color orange. It's a great spin off to red.

Studio Saturday and it's bright and sunny outside as I look outside my kitchen window. Everything is green and blooming and I just love this time of year!

This spring we have some new tenants in the back yard. Miss Bunny and Mrs. Wren. We have enjoyed watching both the bunny and the little wren. The bunny doesn't seem to be bothered by us. Last night while we were outside she came within touching distance while politely eating her nibbles of grass. 

The wren I'm finding is quite an interesting little bird. How does such a small bird sing so loudly? I love listening to her song. She must have some amazing vocal chords!  Wrens are also aggressive while they have little ones. We watched as a squirrel got close to Mrs. Wrens nest, and that little wren started swooping down at the squirrel and pecking at it's tail until the squirrel ran off in fear of the wren. It reminded me of an old cartoon. Our family watched the entire episode. 

Isn't Spring great!

Today is Liberty's Heritage Festival. The event is located on the Liberty square. Patrick received the honors of being the announcer for the children's section. The Heritage Festival is mostly catered to kids. Mr. Stinky Feet will be there as well as our Farmers Market and crafty tents, and we mustn't forget the corn dogs and funnel cakes, of course they will be there too.

Oh, and I must not forget about the twice a year tribute to our very own outlaw, Jesse James. The Heritage Festival marking our first tribute, and the Fall Festival follows.

Liberty is home to the first day light bank robbery. The story is quite interesting. Jesse was actually not there the day of the robbery. His brother Frank and Cole Younger robbed the bank that cold February day escaping with some sixty-two thousand dollars. Frank standing some, six feet something, and Cole standing some five feet two, I believe. A young Wm. Jewell student was standing outside the bank, and while the bank robbers were escaping gun shots were ramp-id. The young seventeen year old college student was hit and killed.

Another interesting story. I've heard from several volunteers that work in the bank museum say that teh bank is haunted.

Well I believe I've worked myself up while talking about my little town. I believe I'll shower and walk to the square and check it out before opening Studio Saturday. How could I not! I'll take my camera..

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Spring!

Every month Bittersweet offers two new bath salt fragrances, one fragrance available at the studio and another available on the web site.

This month.... Spring Blossom in the studio and Lily Of The Valley on the web site.

I plan to enjoy a caring and sharing "Studio Saturday".

I hope your weekend is filled with aromatic delight!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Thinking French

Well, let's see, I have been building a new web site for one & 1/2 days now, and already I feel like my eyes are bugging out. Just kidding, it's not that bad. It's coming along nicely. I keep changing backgrounds and colors, and can't seem to get what I want yet, but it's coming. I am going back and forth with the different ideas in my head, and sometimes those floating ideas, outrun my physical manual fingers. Not sure if that even made since, but that's kind of how I feel. Do you like the copy of the French postcard? I'm considering using it as a border on the new site. I really like the colors, and the flowers, I believe they are bachelors buttons.

I am envisioning a French motif while working on the web site. Not necessarily the commercialized pink and black French, but rather old world French, like my Great Grandmothers French. Like the postcard.

Building a web site or blog is kind of like decorating a room. You choose a design, and then the colors, and then the furniture, and then when you have the room exactly the way you want, you add little bouquets from your flower garden and set them throughout, and then you step back and admire the work you've done.

I'm pretty happy with my work so far. I'm not stopping though until I'm completely happy with the finished product. I can't wait to send you girls some little Spring  packages. I will try and get those going this weekend. It will be a welcome break from working on the web site. 

What the heck is going on with our weather? My goodness, it was all Springy, and then all of a sudden back to blah, blah winter. Most of  our flowers, blooming trees, and just about  everything else has wrinkled up and turned a not so flattering shade of  brown. The grass is still green, as I look out my kitchen window, that's good!

I'm putting the new natural cleaning line  products on the new Bittersweet web site. Patrick did  a great job creating the selection of home keeping essentials. Hey, I like those three words together, must put that on the web site.

Shop Saturday, and it should be a busy day. I have several people coming by, some of which I haven't seen for awhile, so it will be nice to visit.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

   

Blunt~Fully Boasting!

This morning I was thinking about yesterday's blunt~fully boasting blog. I must apologize. I get like that sometimes. You were very sweet to overlook such nonsense, and your kind comments and e-mails were comforting and warm. I think I had a  work over-load yesterday. I began bringing up all the pictures of the stuff I make, and something weird began to happen with my mental thinking. OK, enough of that!

Studio Saturday and it's rainy, and the birds are singing and talking to one another. One little bird in particular was just singing to his hearts content outside my bedroom window. I believe he was saying "rise & shine"!

Hey, where did that phrase come from? I'm curious..

I managed to get the catalog finished yesterday:) Then I moved onto working with the paper mache. I'm not exactly getting what I wanted out of the mache. It's not very stable, and difficult to work with after I paint it and varnish,  but I will continue to work with it, and possibly come up with some other ideas. It's hard when you envision and idea in your mind, and then it doesn't come out the way you'd like it to. While lying in bed this morning listening to Mr. Song Bird, I thought of an idea that I think will be cute.

I've been marketing Bittersweet in a different direction the past few days. Well, I guess it would be considered more of an extension rather than a different direction.

My focus has been on B&B's. I already have several accounts selling Bittersweet Soap to local B&B's, but now I'm thinking I'd like to have several more accounts. Well, let's see, several means four, I'm going higher than that! Selling to B & B's is  a great way to get my product out there and let people try it, and then hopefully they will  visit my web site and order more. Since Bittersweet is my livelihood, I always have to be thinking about new marketing techniques to help Bittersweet grow and to be a thriving company:)

Happy Saturday bloggy friends. Hope it's a Saturday filled with love and laughter!

More photo's from yesterday's, I make all that!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day too.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)