Bittersweet and the little soap company

Just for fun, fun, and regular work

I awoke shortly after 4 AM this morning. Between the thunderstorm passing through and the poison ivy at its peak, I traded in my bed for a large pot of black coffee.

I get poison ivy almost every spring. I usually get a shot for some relief, but this time I'm gritting it. The shot usually doesn't stop the itching, just speeds up the recovery process a bit.

In between being uncomfortable, and just for fun,  I made some of Alicia's adorable clothespin dolls. I think these are the cutest, and a lovely idea Alicia, and I had fun with the kit.

I tried to email Alicia. I wanted to tell her how much I was enjoying the country girl kits, but, I am still experiencing problems with my server and once again, have not been able to reply or send any emails. I have another account, but it is a hassle to use, and takes forever to retrieve addresses etc.

Snoody I'm not, and I haven't forgot

The sentiments are sincerely received,

oh how I sigh, when I can't reply

After having fun creating the country girls, I resumed my soap wrapping.

Don't the bars look Springy in their bright colored wrappings?

Time to wrap Oat's and Goat's, and Garden Grove too.

New clip boards being put together..

Enjoy a caring and sharing Spring day.

Happily,

Jill 00

(Two hugs are better than one)

Pinnie tree is full and the berries are juicy sweet

I've had the sewing fever that's going around the past few days. The fever seems to be under control now, but during it's peak I feverishly made a bundle of strawberries, and several new pinnies, oh, and a sewing machine cover.

   

I'm gearing up for a great Bittersweet Spring!

I have a few new things I am anxious to make, but I am still searching for a supplier to complete the process.

I believe I am going to be able to purchase from a local wholesaler, which is always my preference, but not always cost effective, especially with the recent increase in manufacturing items.

I've noticed a rise, in most all of my soap oils, and essentials sometimes fly off the chart.

I knew it was coming, and was hoping the trickle down motion would not effect Bittersweet, nor last very long, and that I would not have to raise my prices on Bittersweet items.

For the time being, I haven't, but if the cost of goods continues to go up, then I will have to do the same.

I've always taken pride in the fact that I could offer a high quality product/s at affordable prices, so that everyone could have the opportunity to purchase good stuff for their body and skin. That has been my focus from day one since I began Bittersweet. I will continue that as my main objective.

The pinnie tree is full of new pinnies. Every time I make one I'm tempted to take it upstairs to hang on my kitchen hooks along with my collection of aprons, but I fight the temptation, and it stays in the studio so that some other apron loving girl will take it home and hang it on her kitchen hook.

Yesterday, I began to think more about May day and why I think so fondly of the day.

When I was little, my Mom and I used to make little May day baskets for some of our elderly neighbors. I remember ringing the doorbell, and waiting for them to open the door.

I also remember the smile and look of cheer happy surprise on their faces as they reached for the May day treat.

I don't remember too much what we put in the containers. I'm sure flowers were included, I remember they had strings to hang on the door, but other than that, it seems there were a few other tokens we stuck inside the caring and sharing sentiments, but for the life of me, I can't remember. Don't you hate that when you can't remember sweet child hood moments like that?

I am happy I have the memories of the May day deliveries, and the sweet smiling faces, and knowing the reason why we did what we did.

I believe I'll make some May day baskets for a couple of my elderly neighbors.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Happy Daisy Pinnie

After filling orders, I took a break from work and dropped by my friend Alan's flower shop. It's always a joy to see my friend in amongst the blossoms, and the smell good greenness all around his shop, and an opportunity for me to visit our little town square.

Alan always generously fills my arms with a fresh bundle of flowers before I leave. Thanks Alan. The small pink roses have opened beautifully and I think of you each time I gaze into the dining room.

I'm  making happy pinnie's. Happy in the sense, that I'm using some fanciful dainty daisy fabric.

I wish I could remember from whom I ordered this fabric. I am going to dig through invoices to see if I can find the supplier and order some more. I'm fond of the celery green spots of color and the petite daisies with the tiny dots of red.

I've always been drawn to these types of prints.

This is fabric is a reproduction from old feed sacks. I'm fond of this kind of fabric too.

I have the aprons listed at Bittersweet.

When I think Spring, I can't help but think about these colorful pinnies!

It is Wednesday, which according to the dishtowel schedule, sewing day.

I'm still in the sewing mood, so I guess I'll travel downstairs to the studio and see what I come up with this morning.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

 

Lavender Hue's.

Can you see the lavender hue's in the chunky bars of soap?

It happened while I wasn't looking. It's not uncommon for this to occur, but it's such a happy soap making surprise!

The soap has transformed itself into a beautiful shade of violet, I believe "blushing violet" is an appropriate name, indeed.

I noticed the color change while cutting the bars yesterday.

Setting next to the lavender soap is one of my favorite fashion accessories, a blue jean jacket. I've worn blue jean jackets for as long as I can remember, and I plan to continue wearing them as long as I live.

I can see myself as a one-hundred year old woman wearing my blue jean jacket, yep, I see it.

I've purchased quite a few blue jean jackets over the years, since they're my favorite, and I still have each one. Some are a bit tattered from the frequent wearing, but each one has sentimental value attached to it.

One of my favorites is a jacket I purchased in 1985 when I was a bank manager. It's a Levis boys jacket size 16, and I still wear it! It's shabby and chic, and well, I don't really want to admit this, but yes, considered vintage, I suppose. I stand corrected, retro

Any time I have a special event to attend, or lets say when I'm featured on a national television show, I wear my blue jean jacket. When I did the HG TV show, I had one of my favorites on. The producer rolled up my jean jacket sleeves so that I wouldn't get ooey gooey soap on my sleeves while filming. Today I associate the jacket with the fun day I had while doing the show, so it's become an even more sentimental jean jacket. In the Spring, I like adding some of these to the jackets. They make me happy while I'm wearing them.

I haven't made a lot of purchases lately, continuing my green living, but had been on the look out for some lamp shades, but hadn't found what I was looking for until I saw these. It was bird love at first site, and even better, on sale, really chirpy cheap! I didn't purchase the lamp base, a bit too much bird for me, but I love the shades.

I saw some paper parasol lamp shades too, but noticed they had sold out. I have always fancied paper parasols. When I was about twelve or thirteen my Mom redecorated my room as a surprise while I was at school. She made a lamp post out of an old coat rack, and then stuck a paper parasol inside with a light behind. It was the coolest lamp I've ever seen!

  Dish towel schedule today..

I'm cleaning the sweet home.

I'm also dreaming about my flea market journey tomorrow, and thinking about what amazing vintage finds await me.

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

The Smiths, and stuff in between..

I have been making so many different things this past week.

I'm yearning for Spring, and have decided I'm filling a void of not being able to enjoy warmer weather, and having a bout of the Winter blues, and making things helps to cheer me up!

Lennis asked me last night, "does it seem like it's been cold for 6 months?"

I responded, YES!

Just like I mentioned in a couple of posts ago, this Winter has reminded me of the Winter's we used to have when I was a kid, cold and snowy!

What's a girl to do, make things of course!

While making the new bunny pattern , I realized I had mentioned Mr. Smith's wife, Roberta Smith, ( Mr. Smith pictured left, vintage 1940 bunny I spotted at a flea market over a year ago).

Then I realized Roberta Smith doesn't exist! I needed to make her, so with no further ado, please allow me to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Smith.

I need a refresher class in embroidery 101!

Funny how when you don't do something for a long time, it takes awhile to get back into it, but I enjoy embroidery, it relaxes me and slows me down long enough to set and watch TV, although I picked a bad TV night, nothing good on the tube! Mr. and Miss, Mrs, Ms, writers, please come back!

I was drawn to Mr. Smith that day because of his simple little face and body. This pattern, I believe was found on a feed sack bag.

I've decided future bunnies should have authentic feed sack clothes, just as there mentor has.

The cost of feed sack fabric has went up considerably in the past few years. I see it all the time while flea shopping. Even though I love the patterns and the great quality of the cotton fabric, I have never purchased any. I'll l now be on the look out for some feed sack fabric to dress the bunnies, as I feel it's the best way to go.

I have been making new pinnie's too. I'm fond of the newest one!

The pinnie's are popular on both Bittersweet's web site, and the Saturday Studio. I'm trying to get a jump on making new ones for Spring. I love my pinnie, pinnie's!

It's an apron that you forget you have on. It doesn't get in the way, but yet covers you completely, not to mention, you look adorable while wearing it!

I've packaged the tuberose soap in pretty pink! I've always been fond of this look.

I believe it's about time for another giveaway! I'll be posting that soon!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*Kicking Around Those Bunny Making Ideas*

Yesterday I felt I was completely caught up with all the stuff around the house and began kicking around some bunny rabbit creating ideas.

Poor Mr. and Mrs. Smith! Mrs. Smith has astonishingly held those babies inside her tummy now for almost two years! For a rabbit, that's a very long time!

I am so disappointed in their mid wife. She has not led up to her side of the bargain!

Mrs. Roberta Smith your day has come! Your mid wife, Jill is eagerly ready to assist. I have a feeling by the end of the day, you will be holding your babies!

Here are some more funny bunny rabbit creations I worked on yesterday.

I made these bunnies last Easter and have them as little gifts. They are fun to make and really not that difficult. H'm, my bunnies look kind of scruffy compared to those bunnies. Scruffy Bunnies!

Martha's web site has some cute ideas for Valentine's Day too.

I like the idea of the pink and red felt fortune cookies. Those would be fun for Valentine's Day!

I've also been working on paper cards. I call them "token's of love card's".

I absolutely adore these vintage images! These pictures are some of my favorites out of the collection I have.

   

I've got some other plans for these particular images. The nesting cards go so well with the old fashioned roses, I think.

Today however, stash the thought of vintage images and cards and Think Bunnies!

Enjoy caring and hare-ing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Move Over Pinnie, There's A New Girl In Town!

Move over Pinnie, there's a new girl in town! Her name is Sassafras, and she's determined to take over the territory. Bittersweet territory that is! 

  I spotted this 1970's pattern while flea marketing several weeks ago. Anytime I see apron patterns for sale I grab them, as I love the different patterns, shapes, designs. Within the same pile of patterns was also a pattern for long aprons, or "Maxi", as they used to say in the seventy's!

Do you remember when they referred to the length of your skirts with terms like, Maxi's, Midis, Minni's? Cute little blog and web site, huh?

I've had more than one of each over the years!

I remember each season hearing which length was hot  and shopping for them.

I tend to stereotype each style, or associate the style with people. For instance,  the mini was very much Goldie Hawn, the midi, h'm, don't have anyone for that length, but the maxi has to be, Mary Tyler Moore!

I'm still playing with pictures, as you can see, and my inspiration from the muslin dress has me making these.

A dreaming of Spring pillow case, with a little pocket for safely tucking inside a fresh bundle of lavender.

Packing Bittersweet orders today, and working on more new Spring creations.

The Saturday Studio opens on Saturday, and I'm excited about visiting with my friends.

Another round of the white stuff coming, so maybe a twilight walk in the new fallen snow, if it's not too cold! One of my favorite things to do!

Enjoy caring and sharing days and nights.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*Share The Ware's*

As I stood in my studio the other day contemplating the idea/s on what I shall make next, I was struck with the thought of making these. Not an original idea by any means, as I had seen them in one of my Cath Kidston books, but nevertheless, these simple, but yet practical accessories have intrigued me since the moment I laid eyes on them. It just so happened I have an abundant supply of yellow gloves that a friend picked up for me a couple of year's ago, so yes,  recycling. Possibly even falling into chic re-service/re-purpose category!

Very Chic Indeed, and quite simple to put together. These sassy gloves would make a unique hostess gift along with  a bar of kitchen soap and a  pinnie.  Gosh, I would like to get that!

After I made those I began making these...

What is it about theses stuffed doggies? I love making them, and can't never get enough of them. I've decided I'm going to make an entire family, and it's going to be a large family this time!

They have always sold well at Bittersweet and I always run out, so hey, stuff away!

It was funny. My Step mother stopped by while I was making these and noticed the pattern. The pattern is from the sixty's. She recognized the pattern and said she remembers making these. Gotta love that!

 

Another favorite thing to make are these cotton washing cloths. I use 100% cotton yarn to make these. I like the natural look, and the softness and texture of the yarn. They are so soft on your face, and simple to launder.

Then my grand finale! I saw this at the flea market and immediately knew I would enjoy reproducing them.

They are very much sixty's! The little paper packet is full of body powder. You fill the mitt with the powder and then pounce. Lovely concept!

I must confess!

I had to purchase ink for my printer so that I could reproduce the little powder packets, but that's the only thing I've purchased to make these New Bittersweet's.

I'm sure the packet is filled with talc. Did you know that talc is made up of the same molecules as asbestos? In other words, talc has the same size fibers as asbestos and gets trapped inside your organs.

Most people don't know this, and hey, they make baby powder with talc, so it must be OK, right? NO!!

Believe it or not, they have found remnants of talc trapped inside woman's ovary's after operating on woman for ovarian cancer's.

If you want to use powder, mix equal parts of arrow root and corn starch. If you want an antibacterial powder, mix a small bit of baking soda to the mixture. Please, please, never use talc on your body!

Sorry to interrupt the regular scheduled discussion, but this information is important and I wanted you to know.

I'll be stuffing more of the little doggies today, and I want to make some pretty pillow cases out of my fabric stash. I'm always changing our bed linens with pretty pillow cases.

Enjoy caring and sharing Winter days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Old Stuff/New Stuff

I'm still making New Spring Stuff with Stashed Stuff!

I did have to purchase some Martha paper at my local craft store for a Bittersweet order for my friends at Steeple Inn.

I was in need of a certain spa' E green paper for packaging their order, and Martha's paper fit the bill , but that's the only purchase in weeks!

I have never done private labeling, nor will I, except for my friends at Steeple. I won't go into the topic of private labeling today.

Matthew is offering Bittersweet Soap and bath salt in his spa so that his customer's may have the opportunity to purchase the regular sized immunities after receiving their complimentary toiletries during their stay.

I love this tone of green, and the blocks of bath salt setting a top one another!

Back to the day I was looking for the paper...

I had a strange feeling come over me while shopping for the paper. They had gobs of new Spring items on the shelves, and usually I get excited and anxious to see the new merchandise, no excitement! I looked at all that stuff and then made a bee line for the paper and was out of there in five minutes! That's an all time record for me! I'm detoxing myself from manufactured mass merchandise, and it gives me a warm feeling inside.

I'm having so much fun using what I have it's become even more soulful of a feeling to create!

The apothecary cabinet is packed with Bittersweet.

This Saturday marks the first day the Saturday Studio has been open this New Year, and I expect a large crowd.

The complimentary soap samples await my customers, and I have new creations in every corner! 

The Sweet Valentine Gifts are throughout the studio.

I'm working on new ideas for Spring and having fun creating.

Everything is magically recycled into new Bittersweet ideas and creations, and the projects I'm working on are bringing joy to my heart!

I'll have lot's to share with you in the next few days.

Enjoy caring and sharing, soon to be Spring days.

Happily,

Jill (Two hugs are better than one)

 

*I Must Explain*

Every year about this time HGTV reruns the soap making segment that I did several years ago, and after it appears on television  I am flooded with emails asking how I make my soap. I spend a good part of my day answering their emails and politely explaining how and why I cannot share my soap recipe.

I am feeling a need to blog about this and hopefully clear the air on the reason why I can't share my recipe.

Firstly, I must say, television makes soap making look very easy! It's actually not that easy. It's very dangerous. You use harsh chemicals such as sodium hydroxide that can easily burn a hole into your skin if accidentally splattered on it, and it reaches over 200 degrees instantly once in contact with moisture. We have this saying around our house when making soap, "Lye Alert", so that no one enters the kitchen during this process, as the lye and water mixture produce caustic fumes which if inhaled gets trapped inside the lungs and can cause death.

Secondly, I could easily tell you how to make soap, but what's the fun in making something for the first time, if you know all the answers? To me, soap making is a personal soulful experience.   

You know, when I first began making some over ten years ago, there was one book referencing soap making, which by the way is the recipe I shared on HGTV. I would highly recommend this book over all others, as it contains wonderful soap recipes with easily found ingredients you probably have in your kitchen already.

Since that time some ten years ago, I've invested hours upon hours of research to develop my own soap recipe that contains a large amount of olive oil compared to other hand made soaps that are available. Yes, it is indeed a secret recipe, kind of like Colonel Sanders and his fried chicken!

I have no chemistry degree, so it took a considerable amount of time for me to tweak the final recipe and get it just right. It's become my baby, so to speak! Something that satisfies my creative side deep down inside my soul.

Oh one more thing I must mention in reference to all the emails I've been receiving about wanting to make soap for Christmas presents. After making soap, you must allow it to set for at least 4-6 weeks as it has a very high P.H. when first cut, and would melt very quickly at this time, it will become harder and milder each day that it cures. I have the very first bar of soap that I made over ten years ago, and it looks unchanged after all these years.

This was not meant to intimidate or discourage you from soap making. I would highly encourage you to experience for yourself the soap making magic as it will be unlike any other craft you've ever made! As long as you research a bit before making it you will be fine. I did however want to convey the fact that it is a craft that should be handled carefully and cautiously.

Happy Soap Making!

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

A Pink Daisy Pinnie and Some Pretty Wrappings

Yesterday afternoon I spent a good part of the day addressing and stamping the seven-hundred Autumn Market invitations.  I did however welcome a break and worked on some new soap packaging and made another pinnie. My plan was to have the pinnie's on Vintage Two, and have several to offer during the Market event, but I have been selling them in the Saturday Studio, and have not been able to keep up with supply and demand.

I absolutely love this style and pattern of apron! I'm planning on offering the pattern on Vintage Two, but it may be awhile before I get around to that. The pattern is a 1960's pattern my friend Sharon shared with me from her vintage apron pattern stash. Sharon, thanks for the wonderful care and share apron pattern. 

I used some vintage style feed sack fabric to make this pinnie, and then trimmed it in ivory eyelet. It will only be hanging around in the studio for a short time, as I know someone will fancy Miss Pink Daisy and take her home.

I have began wrapping the third holiday soap, Velvet Spice. The wrapping is simple, but yet different than most soap wraps. I like the look! It's festive wrappings will bring cheer and aromatic pleasure to the recipients.

   

I also designed some new wrappings for the lavender mint soap. Most soap companies stick to the same packaging. I enjoy scrap booking the soap. I am constantly on the look out for different looks, designs, textures, materials to package soap.

French Wrap... 

  I'll be mixing up some fresh batches of Foo Foo Daisy Par-fum Spray. Do you like that name? That's a name that was chosen by the winner of Bittersweet's Name this Soap contest. I used to have the contests at the boutique. It became quite a contest! People were scrambling in to smell the soap, and write the name that they thought fit the fragrance. An 11 year old thought up the name Foo Foo Daisy. As soon as I heard it, I knew that was the name for the new soap. Since that time, my manufacturer has discontinued the fragrance. Wouldn't you just know that would happen! I have just enough fragrance stashed to make body sprays, but not enough to make soap.

I had made body sprays for Saturday Studio, but sold out last Saturday. Get them while they last, as they will be gone forever!

Lastly, a stack of vintage style cards. I am reproducing the cards and selling them on Vintage Two. Again, not sure when, but soon. The stack of cards contains a variety of vintage style 1940's/50's note cards.

Don't forget the Pretty In Pink Bittersweet Giveaway through the month of Happy October.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Lists

I have my little large to-do list setting by the computer. I'm marking stuff off as I finish each one. I have to have a list or I would forget things. I did go to Leann's yesterday afternoon and cut some Bittersweet. It's not quite ready yet, as the orange blossoms have not popped open. After cutting it, the blossoms open within a few days. Some people leave the green foliage on the stem, but I prefer to strip the leaves and expose the brown twiggy vine. Usually the cold air forces the blossoms to open, but if our weather continues in this hot pattern, It may be awhile before they open on their own.

This morning I'm making lip balm. I always offer white chocolate lip balm this time of year in addition to the other two, brown sugar and cherry almond. I have found that everyone has their own personal favorite, and it's nice to offer more than one.

Then I will mix up some Sugar Baby. Have I told you how much I like this stuff? I like this stuff!!

The other day I was cutting some soap sticks and used a different soap cutter then I usually do to cut the sticks. I accidentally cut the soap to look like French Fries. Normally I would not compare my soap to any kind of food item, but I could not resist these! I already had little French Fries bags that I used to wrap customers soap. I realize French Fries are not French, but at any rate, I liked the idea and the packaging. The Soap Fries are available on the web site.  

I also updated Vintage Two with some items. I will be putting the Pinnies and Morning Trousers on the web site soon. I plan to make more of the trousers. I love those wide leg pants!

Orders are being shipped today.

The Cinnamon Sticks are going quick! Thank you for your patronage. I am really excited about the sticks! They will make a wonderful stocking stuffer or hostess gift especially around the holidays. The holiday soap is going very quickly, as it always does. I hope to have enough holiday soap's to last through October, November, but you just never know. The sticks come inside a take out box, so your wrapping is even done!

Heading for the work room to get lip balm making supplies.

Enjoy caring and sharing Autumn days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

*A Pinnie For Your Thoughts*

Today marks the first day of school. It's still hotter than a fire cracker, and why is it 5am seems so much earlier than 7? I'm a little groggy this morning. I've got my big Luke's cup filled with black coffee and I'm kind of excited about having the entire day to myself. I love my family, but cherish my time alone too.

I decided to go with the mojo of making more pinnies, as I was really getting in

to sewing both the bunting and the aprons. Hey, I say when your on a roll, go with it!

I really like the polka dots with the floral fabric on the apron pocket. These aprons will be a new Bittersweet item available during the Autumn Market and Saturday Studio. I love using this pattern and I adore this style of apron. It's a practical apron, but yet it's also a pretty apron to wear.

Soap making shall begin this morning. I'll be wrapping, mixing, and measuring for the next few weeks. I feel like a bear before hibernation, only instead of food I'm gushing over soap, and as much soap one can possibly have stashed in their home. I'm already looking for a good place to store the soap as it cures. I will soon have thousands of bars and need to find a place for the soap to set. Before the Saturday studio, I had the extra space for storing soap, now I'm limited, hmmm, my neighbors offered their home as a soap station. Hey, I like that, "soap station"!

Lisa at Pink Paint and Roses awarded me the Schmooze Award. Lisa, thank you. I visited your beautiful web site and read your definition of the Schmooze Award and am quite honored by not only the award, but even more honored by your sweet kind description of this award. MERCI! Hugs and kisses to you!!

I'm headed for the soap making supplies. I'm mixing up some Patchouli Musk soap, one of my favorites!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are surely better than one)

*Sunday Sewing*

It's hotter than a fire cracker out there! When it gets this HOT outside it's a great time to sew. That is indeed how I spent my Sunday. Indoors in cool cleaner air, setting at the sewing machine making floral bunting. I'm making them to hang around outside during Autumn Market.   

There are some things you just gotta love! This cabbage rose bunting is one of them, I believe.

I can't keep the pinnie's in stock.

  The Bittersweet items that I sew take considerable more time to produce than other things that I make, for instance, soap or lip balm. I can whip that stuff right out, but sewn items take so much time. Still love to do it though! I am relaxed when I set at my sewing machine, and it offers me a balance between making other things.

This week marks the busy production line for soap making. I will be mixing up batches of Patchouli, Patchouli Musk, Lavender Mint, the holiday soaps, Velvet Spice and Cranberry Spice, and the new complexion bar, Oats & Goats! In addition to these, I will also be creating a few new soap fragrances. One using cinnamon leaf essential oil, maybe a bit of fennel, and orange mixed in, I'll be using my nose a lot this week. I guess that means sewing more pinnie's will be on the back burner for the time being.

I am sooo excited about the Autumn Market. I had been thinking about my friend Heather and wanted to call her to see if she wanted to participate in the market, but I could not find her number or a way to contact her. Yesterday as I was leaving the market, she walked in. I am really excited about Heather's creations. She makes some really cute stuff. She told me she has expanded her line. I can't wait to have her here October 13th!

I'm headed out this morning before it gets too steamy. It's Lennis's Birthday today, and I'm going to pick up some balloons, and a few little surprises for him. I'm also baking Ina's chocolate cake, ymmmm!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

*Frilly Pinnie*

I am sewing more Pinnie's and adding some Frilly Lace Hems for my fanciful flower blossom girls.

I like the added lace trim. It adds a bit of fanciness to the penny.

 

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

**Summer New**

Oh what fun I've been having creating new Bittersweet stuff. Well I guess some items are new and some are makeovers. Like these Lavender filled pillow puffs for example. I gave them a makeover. I really like the crisp white linen and the red Frenchy style ribbon.

The petite book boxes are semi new. They are so cute! I can't wait to make holiday petite boxes. My paper mache supplier had these on back order, so I was anxiously awaiting them to come in. I'm really drawn to the vintage butterfly and bird pictures.

My great Aunt Enid had a large collection of butterflies in her home. She was quite the collector. She also had a rare collection of pill boxes. I remember as a young girl gazing in awe at her collections. She was a pioneer woman too. I'll tell you about her in another post.

I also put together some special little bags of soap, "Summer Soap".

If your interested in any of these Bittersweet creations you may find them at Bittersweet. 

I put glitter on most of the keepsake boxes I make. I ordered some German glass glitter from here. I believe this a very reasonable price for glass glitter. I purchased a pound. A pound of glitter will dust hundreds of little boxes.

I needed a model to wear my newest apron, and I could not talk Patrick into doing it, so my husbands friend Joe was kind enough to allow me to photograph him with the Josephine Penny Apron. Can you tell by the photo he's a man? I kind of can. Hey a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Can you believe I'm already thinking Christmas? July always marks the beginning of planning for new holiday soaps and products. I usually make about three-thousand bars of my holiday soap, so I need to begin making it early and planning ahead as that's my busiest time at Bittersweet. Production usually triples +, and I have to be ready for the crazy non-stop holiday season, open house, etc.

Tomorrow~ Making a large batch of Peppermint Foot Creme. I'm completely out. I don't have it listed on the web site. It's only available at the Saturday Studio. I will also need to list it on Bittersweet's web site soon.

I've ordered new fragrance samples from my supplier. I'm always anxious to experiment with different fragrance combos. I'm going to make a cinnamon soap. I have to be careful with the amount (ratio), as cinnamon is a skin irritant. As long as you don't add a large amount, your OK. Hm, cinnamon and what else? Any suggestions....I'd be happy to hear your fragrance suggestions.

So there you have it. Christmas in July!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Rainy Days

We are having unseasonable cool rainy weather for the past few days. Very weird weather compared to what we normally experience during the summer. The cool rainy days have triggered me into a mood to make things.

When I visited Clarice's blog last week she had posted pictures of the cutest little frog that she had sewn from a free pattern provided from PURL. I love the Internet! I have blogged about PURL before. I get excited every time I visit this web site. Soooo many divine fabrics to choose from, I tend to get overwhelmed. Thanks Clarice for sharing, and thanks PURL for offering the cute free pattern. Don't forget to check out everyone's frogs on Flickr.

I have been wanting to make more penny aprons for such a long time. The rainy days encouraged me to do so. This is a picture of the Josephine Apron. A simple straight lined penny, one of my favorite styles in aprons. You know, simple girl, simple apron! I believe I prefer this penny over all my other aprons. It's a practical apron. It's comfortable and can be worn in the kitchen or the garden. I absolutely love the re-pro fabric! It's a copy of vintage feed sack fabric. I purchased it here. After making the apron, I had a bit of fabric left, enough to make a couple of little bags.

I dug through my fabric stash and found this cherry fabric I had used to make peg bags and decided to make some covered hangers, and while I was on the cherry kick I also covered a journal with the same fabric.

I had customers asking for patriotic keepsake boxes, so I made a few of those too. I have a great collection of vintage patriotic images. Love to make these! Need to make more, I sold most on Saturday. 

I even managed to bag up some soap ends, another request from my customers. This is a great deal! I just offered them on Bittersweet.

Wow, I got a lot of things made. Sunny skies above today.. Time to change the pace a bit.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

The Three Notes

Before making a new soap considerable research has to be done to determine the perfect blends of fragrance. That's where the three-note scale comes in. The concept of mixing aromatic oils onto a three-note scale provides a structure to build a balanced and aromatic blend. Just as a composer creates a piece of music, mixing fragrance is similar in mixing aromatic notes.

The top note is the first fragrance your nose notices, and then vanishes within a few minutes. Then the middle note, somewhat balances and lasts for hours. Finally the bass note provides fragrance depth and this note might possibly last for days.

The reason everyone smells perfume different is because we all smell different notes. Some smell the top note while others notice the stronger middle note or bass note.

I personally usually notice the middle note, or what most perfumers refer to as the heart.

Isn't this note thing interesting? I love fragrance!

Over the years I have developed a routine when it comes to mixing and creating perfume fragrance and new products. I combine the three notes that I believe compliment each other on a little perfume stick. Over the course of the day I continue to take in it's fragrance, and each time I sniff I usually pick up on a different note. I continue until I'm able to smell all three notes, assuring they are each compatible with one another.

There you have it, the Fragrance Note story.

The two new soaps and fragrances I made a couple of weeks ago are ready to wrap. I wrapped all day yesterday. The Clarity Soap contains ginkgo extract, which really doesn't have any thing to do with the notes. I simply included in this soap for it's memory inducing qualities. The three notes used in making the Clarity Soap were Rosemary, Sage, and Sweet Orange, and in that order when I combined the three. The results are music to my nose! I shot this picture in our ginkgo tree that sets at the side of our house. Lennis and I planted this tree when it was just a few inches tall, and now it stands around twenty feet. Did you know that ginkgo trees are one of the oldest living species of trees? I love their fan shaped leaves and the beautiful form of the tree. It's one of my favorite trees.

The second new soap, Peachy Cilantro was made using a pre-mixed fragrance oil. I know the two sound like a weird combination, but it smells out of this world. This fragrance is mostly peach with a hint of cilantro, and the two aroma's compliment each other extremely well.

It's a busy day again. I'm delivering the order to the woman that has cancer. I am up to my ears in wrapping soaps and planning on sewing some new little bags for the lavender laundry powder.

By the way too,,, I don't believe it to be proper to thank a thank you, but I have never been one to worry too much about such silly things so... Thank you Susan and Carol for your recent thank you blog posts. Sweet souls you are!!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

Round Or Square

I picked up these little snow cone holders quite awhile back. As soon as I noticed them in the store I knew exactly what I wanted to use them for.

One of the best selling items at Bittersweet Boutique were the bursty balls. They weren't exactly my favorite thing to make though. You have to get the formulation just right and they are temperamental in the fact that when you are forming them into a ball they crumble and fall apart and make a big mess, and then you have to start all over again. Imagine making hundreds, setting them on the table, come back, and half of the balls are crumbled and broken setting amongst a few happy good ones. Kind of like bad children, that's it! Hmm..

Believe me I tried different formulations, different molds, setting them in foam cartons after I made them.... the list goes on.....

You know the saying, "don't stop a good thing". Well, I actually stopped making the balls when I moved into the studio. I felt they were taking up to much of my time fiddling around with their indecisiveness and poor performance.

I've since replaced the ball with fizzy in a bottle and it seems to be working fine, but there is definitely something about those balls that customers really liked.

Did you know that research has found that people prefer setting at round tables rather than square?

Star bucks knows it, as they only have round tables. Now that I think about it, I prefer a round table over a square, at least at restaurants and coffee shops.

Could that be  the reason customers liked the balls? I believe it is.

What do you think?

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Grab your bag!

Grab your bag and let's go!

I'm back in swing for Spring. I absolutely love this fabric of Heathers. So Mod/Vintage looking.

While I'm on the swing of Spring, why not think about springy little tea towels trimmed in ivory eyelet.    

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Shades Of Blue..

I have been drawn to shades of blue while creating lately. Whether it be pale sky blue or cyan bold blue, I noticed while working in the studio I was surrounded by blue hues everywhere I look. The blue penny apron I made in blue , and my favorite soap adorned in blue and the little book box, what other than blue.  

I'm looking at the color wheel and which color stands out? Blue, of course!

Enjoy a caring and sharing colorful blue day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Tea Towels and Aprons, Vintage Syle of Course..

Can a girl ever have enough tea towels or aprons? I think not! I believe the two compliment one another quite well indeed.

What mademoiselle would not be thrilled to receive either as a gift?

I'm headed to my studio downstairs this morning and plan to get knee deep in sewing both, tea towels and aprons. The tea towels have a jump on the aprons, as I already have a few made for Vintage Two, but the aprons, I can see how I might never come upstairs once I get cracking on these aprons.

Bittersweet phone line will be on answering mode as well as residence line, and if the door bell rings, sorry, I'll be in my sweats and tee and just can't be bothered at this time. Orders will have to wait, and dinner will be late.

I laid out the pattern last night and found I only need a yard to make the aprons, yeah! I mentioned putting this pattern on VT, and really think  that's a great idea. I have no doubt, you would get this apron making fever too!

I'm also going to make garden aprons. You know, the short little apron with three big pockets in front. I envision linen and calico together when making them. Oh my gosh, how about a bar of aromatic garden soap tucked inside the pocket!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Tiny Blossoms

I've noticed while making the new Spring Totes that I lean toward tiny blossom prints when making them. I like large blossom prints too, but the tiny blossoms are my favorite. When I choose real flowers, I believe it's the same. I prefer tiny blossoms over big floppy blossoms, although who could resist a large pink cabbage rose?

The week of Mother's Day is a busy week for Bittersweet. I'm packing this weeks orders, and building my inventory for Studio Saturday.

I have had several requests for Garden Mermaids. I have a limited amount, in fact I only have three left. They are available on Vintage Two. I plan to make more but it will probably be a few weeks before I do. I am seriously thinking about finding an illustrator and writing a little book to go with the mermaids. I have the Garden Mermaid pictured in my mind exactly what she looks like.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

"Tote Me"

I absolutely love tote bags. I prefer them over a regular size bag. What's not to like about totes? They're versatile, handy to get in and out of, and large enough to hold your pajama's inside as well as a couple of good books. They're also a great bag to take to the market to fill with produce or chocolate candy bars. I prefer the chocolate!

I've had this brown daisy fabric for quite some time. I left it setting on my sewing table on the top of the fabric pile because I really liked the brown daisy pattern. I enjoyed looking at it while it was nothing.

It is a copy of feed sack fabric. Wow, wasn't that a ingenious idea, the feed sack fabric?  I would have liked to have known the person that originally thought of that idea. You know, I bet it was a woman, do