Bittersweet and the little soap company

Spring Inspiration

 

I've been enjoying the recent monthly magazines, and the new book. The pages are bursting with new Spring Inspiring ideas that I'm just dying to try.

That feeling of not quite sure what to do with all this quiet time feels a little odd and uncomfortable to me, but I'm making the best of it. I believe once Patrick heads for college, it will take more than a few days to adjust to the quiet, and the change in routine.

I made the vintage trimmed flower from the magazine. I had on hand, the white velvet flower stems from my millinery collection, so I stuck that into the embroidered blossom.

I've also been seeing the cute covered clip boards for awhile, and really wanted to make them. FYI, there is a bit of tool work needed to remove the clip on the clip board, the magazine failed to explain how that was done. Lennis helped me with that. He took out the old pins, and then I covered the board with some seventies fabric, just as the directions state, then the tool, a grommet devise we bought from the hardware store. We made new holes in the board, since the others are covered with the fabric. I believe this is about the only way to make these considering once you take out the old pins new ones will not fit again.

I believe I'll offer the clip board on Bittersweet once I get everything else listed from the website re-do.

I have some other Spring Inspiration ideas to share, but since I slept in this morning, I'm eager to get started on sorting out all the flea market finds, and make those darling pin cushions I saw in the book I mentioned in yesterday's post. I have a "where to find tip", and possibly a improvised version of the wooden rings that are used to make the cushions, as I traveled here and there trying to locate them.

I am chopping at the bits to make those giant strawberry cushions, too cute!

The eye pillow I saw in the book are very similar to the pattern I use to make Bittersweets, but I believe I prefer the string elastic over the fatter stuff I've been using.

 

Hip pity, Hop pity, off to create.

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Recent Journey

I closed the Saturday Studio for some flea market shopping with Julie. I rarely close the shop, but sometimes I believe doing such things is good for the soul on occasion.

When I had the shop on the square, believe it or not, I used to put this sign on my shop door and wrote, "Gone Fishing", whenever I felt a need to get away from the hustle and bustle of shop duties.

Shop life is demanding, and I never hired anyone else to work, so that was my answer to a little r&r.

Saturday was an all day flea market journey for Julie and I, and we traveled afar and discovered new and interesting flea market's, we never knew existed! We were in flea market heaven!

I picked up lots of little stuff, some of which are treasured finds, and I was proud that I didn't over extend my budget as well.

I spotted these very old Valentine cards at the first stop. The old gentleman that was selling them said they were his Mother's. I told him they were precious, and that I would take good care of them. They look new, and are from my favorite period in time, the roaring twenties. It's always nice to know about the history behind the pieces you purchase. I call that, "soulful flea market shopping."

  The vintage lace and ecru trim are always an item I'm on the look out for, while shopping. I recently saw an article on re purposing one's linens in this magazine, and thought it was a great idea for utilizing my tattered trim collection.

I'm also most always on the look out for old photographs. Certain ones though, I love the photo's of children. These two caught my eye.

Then I found what I believe is my flea market find of all times, these.

   They are 1920 hand crocheted slippers, that appear to have never been warn, but safely tucked away. They are adorned with little hand made silk ribbon rosettes on the sides, and oh so cute!

I have some vintage needlework books that have this pattern. The bottom of the slippers have thin wooden soles, rather than completely made of yarn. I'm going to proudly display them in the studio.

Another treasured find, this little ceramic bird. I have been searching for years for a bird like this, and have not located one until this weekend. I'd say this birdie is from the 30's or 40's. I have one just like it, only it's yellow, but I had broken it one day at the shop, and glued it together as best I could, because of my admiration for its cute design and shape.

I'm also on the look out for enameled dippers. I use them for scooping up bath salt in the studio. This one is in such good shape, it may possibly be new, but the price was right, and I like the black and white, most of the ones I have are red and white.

 

The old wire milk carrier is another cool find, great for holding bath salt bottles.

The search for vintage millinery flowers is always on my list of things to look out for. You don't often see them, but when I do, again, bonus find.

I couldn't resist the little Easter postcard. I paid much more than I normally would for a vintage postcard, but once again, swooped up by the pale yellow chick, and the pink rose blossoms. The rose bud backdrop is a darling petite pillow case made from soft flannel, another find.

Ah, the enjoyment I get when I  find old hat boxes, particularly ones with this rosy and silver pattern.

 

I found these tiny vintage stamps for printing too.

   The box is filled with very small individual letters. A small tweezer type devise is used to pick up the letters for stamping. Another wire basket, like the old "in and out" baskets that set on office or school desks was yet another find. I like using these wire baskets for housing fabric swatches, as you can easily see the contents.

One more thing to share with you.. Julie picked up this cute ceramic doll for me. Her back has a small hole for holding spoons, make up brushes or other useful accessories. I really like her uniqueness, and I have her setting in my kitchen pantry across from my office. I love looking over at her, as she reminds me of my friend Julie, and how sweet she is to think of me while she's out and about.

ONE MORE THING.. I'VE EXTENDED THE MARCH GIVEAWAY TO THE END OF THE MONTH!

Don't forget to enter.

I've finished the new Bittersweet web site too!

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Vintage soap, pretty repackaging and a pattern.

Saturday before opening my shop, I dropped by my friend Jules shop for a visit. Were planning our annual flea market trip this weekend. I get so excited about this journey. I always find stuff I'm looking for, and even more pleasantly surprised and flabbergasted with the little unexpected things I find. Can you feel the excitement? I'm on the look out for specific things, especially since I'm Vintage Vamping the Sweet home, and making room for more cozy corners.

While I was at Jules, I spotted this. I couldn't resist purchasing this little pink powder tin, for a buck twenty five!

This was my Moms favorite soap, before I began making soap that is! I have to admit, I always liked its soft unique floral scent, my memory has triggered that fragrance within my mind. The soap itself, not too bad, compared to other synthetic bar soap. It seemed gentler than most. If you haven't ever tried it, I would suggest purchasing some , if not to try, but too, because its a vintage soap. Wow, it's been around since 1872, that has to be considered more than vintage!

Speaking of soap, I'm making the purple chunky bars of lavender soap this morning. It's been years since I've poured my soap into cardboard boxes, but believe it or not, that's what I'm using today.

I usually use soap molds that yield a specific size and number of bars, but in this case, I want large irregular chunks, and the cardboard boxes are ideal for achieving this result. 

When I fist began making soap, I poured the soap into shoe boxes and then carefully sat the boxes under the bed and covered them with wool blankets.

I resembled a mother tenderly placing her child to bed, only this case under the bed, I would never do that, covering them tight, making sure they were safe and warm, and free from any drafts. It's the same with soap, and although I no longer place the soap under the bed, I do continue to keep it warm and safe by covering it with Lennis's grandmothers quilt.

I've been saving my oatmeal containers, recovering them with shelf paper and using them for storage bins around the sweet home. I like the size of the cardboard boxes, as they house lot's of stuff.

I'm attempting to share the Download chinese_pot_holder_by_bittersweet.jpg  for the Chinese lanterns. You may want to tweak pattern by adding on an extra inch to allow for sewing, depending on the size you want. Depending on which program you use to open this file, you may or may not need to choose paper size, 8x10 before printing, as that is the actual size for cutting the pattern. Hope that makes since.

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none) 

Sew Sunday and some Monday Mojo.

I took a  break from painting to do some Sunday Sewing. I couldn't wait one moment longer to make those lanterns. Every time I walked by the newly purchased quarter fabrics, I became anxious and excited, and eagerly wanted to get my scissor blades to work cutting that fabric!

After I made several, I decided to display them as wall art in my kitchen. My lanterns are a bit quirky in design, but I love em! It had been so long since I pieced fabric, I had forgotten that warm soulful feeling I experience while quilting.

I don't believe I'll offer the lanterns at Bittersweet, this was simply a fun project I was eager to try. They are truly an inspiration for hunting more flea market vintage pieces to use as prototypes, and for creating modern versions. I will be on the look out for some feed sack fabrics, as I believe that will add to the look I'm trying to achieve. Both the Smiths, and the lanterns require such minimal amounts of fabric to make. 

I'm feeling some Mojo feelings from adjusting our clocks to day light savings time. I'm curious, does everyone set their clocks up, how does that work?  Well, that's interesting isn't it?

I wanted to tell you about this darling little blue bird that flew in late last week all the way from Canada.  She flew right to my front door as if she knew exactly where to go. Isn't she just the sweetest birdie you've ever seen?

 

I found her here. Hazel has a knack for creating the sweetest tiny creatures. I sat Miss Bluebird next to my collection of birds. She seems to be perfectly content in her new nest.

Here's a shot of the dresser that sets in the bathroom, and the picture my Aunt Enid painted, I wanted you to see that!

   Isn't it a stunning picture? Notice how she captured the shadows of the boats in the water, and the bright blue sky above. I wanted you to see this picture, as I'm building up to tell you Enid's story.

This morning and the rest of this week will be a soap making week, as I'm running low or out of soaps, and I am excited about making the new purple lavender soap!

We have a saying around our household. "What we need is, lot's of soap!" The phrase comes from a book I read to Patrick when he was little about some not so bright mischief sheep.  I remember we would read this book, and then I would make soap. Lets see if I can remember, "sheep in a jeep, that's cheap!"

Enjoy caring and sharing SPRING DAYS!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

Vintage Purpose

Most often when I purchase a vintage item, its sole, soul purpose is to either inspire me or to be put to practical use. I guess that's how most people feel about vintage. It's nice to have some idea of what you're looking for before heading out on the hunt, at least for me. It adds to the excitement, and thrill of finding that special item. Case in point..

I'm always on the look out for Bakelite, buckles, or mother of pearl jewelry. I don't have a large collection, but enjoy adding bits and pieces at a time. The buckles make sassy belt buckles, and scarf ties, and for adorning gifts, simply wrap buckle and ribbon around your package.

I also like to collect containers. I most always use them for organizing my stuff. This old milk bottle carrier is perfect for holding rubber bands, tags, and string. I've also used it as part of my table setting to hold silver ware, napkins, and what not.

Then there are the times I see things that inspire me. Like this quilted pot holder I found during my flea market travels with my friend Julie. I'm fond of this piece, not only from its shape and design, but too, its quilted & pieced feed sack fabric that was used to create it. The choice of fabric is a perfect fit, and compliments the design wonderfully. When time allows I would love to reproduce this design. I guess this is another reason for collecting some feed sack fabric.

Funny too, I always remember where, when, and why, I purchase vintage items like this. I associate each piece with the feeling I had when first laying eyes upon it. Do you do that?

Finally, a picture of a favorite desert, which I made last night!

Gooey Butter Cake

It's already Wednesday, and I'm behind on filling Bittersweet orders, and working on another Caring and Sharing Giveaway that I plan to announce on Friday.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Soaping, Sewing, And Those Beautiful Roses!

Yesterday morning I began making more Patchouli soap, my favorite, only to discover that when I opened the new batch of coconut oil it was red! Oh my, I can't have red coconut oil in my soap, just can't! You know what they say, mistakes happen. I sat everything aside and began working on the NEW PROJECT while waiting for my kind sweet husband to exchange the oils.

I have been wanting to make these for a very long time. I began pondering the thought of making them after watching the movie "The Color Purple." That's a hint..

The project involves sewing, which as you all know, I'm not at the top of my game. I'm sure you remember my little problem with patterns. With the help of my kind sweet husband, he aided me in deciphering the pattern, and surprisingly, once I figured it out, it was super easy! Gotta Love It!

If you really want to make something bad enough, you rally on, and eventually everything comes together, and when it does, it's pure joy and satisfaction! Not everyone is going to feel comfortable making the same thing. I've learned that over the years.

Gosh, when I first began making soap I had gobs of batches that did not turn out. Did that stop me? No sir reeeee.... I kept trying, and tweaking, and experimenting until I finally got it right. Again, pure joyful bliss, and utter satisfaction! That's what crafting is about. That's why it's called a craft!

So you crafty boys and girls, hold your head high, and be proud of you accomplishments, whatever they may be!

Are you wondering what the NEW PROJECT is?

Drum roll please.....

I proudly call them, "Morning Trousers." They are the ideal lounging pant to hang out in while reading the Sunday paper, or fixing brunch for friends. I love the wide legs, and the low waist. I want to wear them everyday! In fact, I'm wearing them this morning as I write. Watch out Yoga Pant, there's a new kid in town!

I'm going to the fabric store to purchase more fabric, so I can make more "Morning Trousers." They take a little more than two yards of fabric to make. They will preview at the Autumn Market along with the other new stuff. 

Yesterday, while taking a break, I watched a bit of Martha and caught a glimpse of this. I really want to make these too. I would like to give each vendor a pink one during the Autumn Market. What a clever girl! Busy girl too!

Still making lot's of soap, and searching for more little corners and cubbies to store it. It smells like cinnamon in the studio from the fresh batch of Cinnamon Swirl Soap. It's a warm comforting fragrance while I set at the sewing machine making the Morning Trousers.

Oh my gosh! Only two more days until I unveil the winner of the Bittersweet Giveaway!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill oo (Two hugs are better than one)

 

*New Girl In Town*

I spent most of the day working on Vintage Two. Sandy has had some major life changes and no longer had the time to make and sell stuff on the web site.

I decided Vintage Two would be a wonderful little sister for Bittersweet, and spent a good part of the day introducing VT to Bittersweet. I believe the two will get along wonderfully. I placed the bunting, pinnie's and little tissue pouches on the site. I will be adding more items later when I have more time to spend on the project.

Have I told you how much I love to make soap? Of course I have, and I bet your getting tired of hearing about it! I can't help it, I am a happy soap making girl!

Yes, I am making soap today. I'll be cutting the soap I made yesterday, and wrapping the soap I have setting in the apothecary cabinets, so that I can make more room for more soap. I'm stocked up on Olive Oil and essential oils and I'm ready for the production to begin. I'm actually behind on the holiday soaps, but will catch up within the next few weeks. I want to offer the fragrant holiday soaps earlier this year, and especially have them available by the Autumn Market, so I can hand out samples.

Here's a little secret that my customers only know...

One of Bittersweet's specialties is the fact we make gifts under $10 and also offer FREE GIFT PACKAGING. It's a rarity for any company to offer free anything! Bittersweet has been doing it for 10 years, and feels it's one of the perks that sets us apart from a lot of other companies. Let's face it, we all love affordable unique gifts, especially at Christmas time. Your dollar goes a very long way at Bittersweet's little shop.  Shut up Jill!

I don't like to plug Bittersweet, but feel sometimes, it needs to be plugged.

Happy End of Summer Day to you...

Enjoy a caring and sharing one.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

   

The Bunny/s Are Coming!

Yesterday afternoon after getting caught up with everything I sat down poured myself a cup of tea and visited some of my favorite bloggy friends blogs. H'm, say bloggy friends blogs three times fast!

I visited Posy's blog and saw and read about the adorable little bunny Alicia and her niece made. I had also seen Jennifer making them on Martha, but had forgotten about them until reading Alicia's blog.

Well, I couldn't resist trying to make these darling little creatures. Alicia was so kind as to offer a link with the instructions for making them.  I made two, a little sister and a big sister. The first one took me awhile to construct, but the second one only took about twenty-five minutes. I didn't purchase anything to make them with, just used what I had, which made making them even sweeter. I used some chenille yarn to construct the body and head. 

I am giving the two sisters as Easter gifts.

M.P., Patrick's Aunt, is flying back to K.C tonight is receiving a sister bunny. I was amazed on how easy they were to make, and so cute! If you get started now you can create an entire family by Easter day.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

I will be taking an Easter blog break for a few days.

Bloggy friends... Have A Sunny, Funny, Bunny of an Easter! Blessings to all of you.

Love,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

VINTAGETWO

Well, I published VINTAGETWO yesterday afternoon. I published it in when no one was looking.  It's only in the beginning stages, and needs a lot of work. We have only yet to begin placing items, and I need to fix some broken links, but all in all I'm pleased with the bones. It has good bones! I really needed to publish it to be able to see exactly what I had. Don't you just love Sandy's Memory Boards? Wait until you see her charming paper weights! We have quite a large selection of Vintage Items too that will be listed under Old Vintage Finds.

One of the things I'm really excited about is the Flea Market Journeys. During our outings to flea markets, estate sales, and auctions, you will have the opportunity to meet shop proprietors, market vendors, auctioneers, and other colorful humans that Sandy and I come across during our journeys. We will have pictures, and little interviews with some of these people. You know what they say, "everyone has a story to tell"! Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy! Enthusiasm runneth over again!

I told you I'd share my Saturday few flea market finds, and here is one of my favorites. Do you know what she is? Hint.. Her little bonnet comes off. She was once found in vintage kitchens, but not so very long ago. Now this cute kitty is a real find! You don't see them very often, as they are quite the collector item. She is missing her wire handles, but I have some that will fit perfect. This is when I really wanted to do my little flea market excitement dance when I found her.

Then I went around the corner and found this little guy.

I am naming him  Mr. Reginald Smith, both he and his wife Roberta are expecting quads soon. He was very thankful that I purchased him when I did, for as he welcomes his new family, he too welcomes a new home. I guess I would be considered to be the mid-wife, as I will be assisting in delivering the new little members to Mr. Smiths family.

I'm sewing the little one's new baby attire made from old feed sack sacks just like their Daddy is wearing. The family will debut on VINTAGETWO just in time for Easter.

Now this is not all the cute things I found Saturday, but I just felt if I showed them all I would not do justice to the two treasures above. So, I will share more this week.

Busy day planned..

Enjoy a caring and sharing happy day:))

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

New at Bittersweet!!

I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things after the long week of moving and entertaining this past week. I feel as though I've just returned from a long journey, and have a lot of catching up to do.

I've began working on some of the new Bittersweet stuff last night. 

I'm excited too! I finished the first vintage clip art collection CD. The CD contains fifty vintage graphics, from beautiful flower graphics to women of the twenty's and thirty's. They will be a great tool for crafty girls and guys when creating scrap books, decoupage, cards, etc.

Just pop the CD into your CD ROM drive and you'll have access to hard to find copy write free images for your creations. I always print multiple images using a label format. Depending on the size you want, you can create small or large images.

UPDATE!! The CD will, is available on the web site, and I havn't have figured out how to override shipping charges yet, so if you want to order one you can send an e-mail or give me a call.  I'm excited because it's the first of Bittersweets new line of products, and I will be adding more to the collection. I included some samples of the images, and the CD.

I am bursting at the seams to get my studio and sewing room finished. I have so many projects that I want to get started on. Lot's and lot's of sewing projects, including some new little bag ideas that I just can't wait to show you.

My plan to take January off will allow me to create new things for Bittersweet, not to mention, maintaining a healthy mental attitude. I blogged about my overwhelmingly feeling of doom in yesterdays blog. (Just kidding), but, so many things to do, and not enough time to do them. Blah, blah, blah!

The telephone man or women is coming today to add my Bittersweet line to my studio, and I have a huge stack of paper work that I need to get organized, yuk! I dread paper work!

I've ordered new cocoa brown card stock and some frosty vellum that I plan to use to create new business cards and catalog.

I feel as though I am starting a new company, and in a way I am. I am completely re-vamping the old, and creating new on most everything.

I have been getting a number of calls asking about new products, and hours, etc.... So excited!!!

Better get started...

Enjoy a caring and sharing day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

 

 

Frivolous Little Things

I've been digging through my pattern archives and discovered some new inspirations. I love the gingham! Another one of those vintage  words too.

Has gingham ever not been popular? It's popularity might have slowed down for brief moment during the nineties, but even then,  I believe it's always been a staple at fabric stores. I can't remember a time when I didn't see it there.

The "Calico Petals" table is looking so adorable! I will show and tell soon. Oh my gosh, the gingham tea towels would look so cute with the calico! Will have to be awhile though before I get to the towels. That would be a great New Spring Item at the boutique.

While rummaging through these old designs patterns, I couldn't help but notice the caption that read

"Frivolous Little Things". We're these items really considered frivolous? By the way, the dictionary meaning of frivolous says, of little importance. I have always been extremely attracted to these so called frivolous items of affection. Why? Do you really want to get down to the nitty gritty inner most gut feelings I'm experiencing . OK, I will continue... Keep in mind, I do not hold a degree in psychology.                  

When I was a  little girl  growing up, some of my favorite summers were spent with my Grandmother Lola. Grandma Lola loved life! She reflected her love of life directly to her Granddaughter Jill, (me). Part of her love of life consisted of hand  making things. She made so many beautiful things, and she would patiently share her knowledge and techniques with me. She taught me to sew, although I remember lacking patience with this one. She taught me to embroidery, and paint, and the list goes on and on.

My .

These things that my Grandmother taught me will always be treasured memories that I hold very dear to my heart. Every time I make something new for the shop or my home, it fills my soul with life, and allows me to honor those cherished memories I had with my Grandmother. Gently hugging that little heart space that surrounds my soul.

That word I mentioned before. It looks different now. The dictionary's meaning somehow seems irrelevant. I know the true meaning!

Passion.. That will have to be another blog.

Have a Wonderful Passionate Day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Funky Chunky

Here is a NEW bag with funky chunky handles. I love this vintage fabric! I picked it up at my friend Julie's shop, Aggieal's Attic. I have been eye balling this fabric for awhile and am so glad I bought it to make these bags.

I have some handbag ideas floating around. One, making bags using vintage scarf's and jewelry with the chunky handles. I was going to sew scarfs on this one, but didn't want to cover up the lovely fabric. Keep posted I can't wait to make one!

Before going to the shop today I stopped by our quilt shop. I am sad to hear that it will soon close.

I will really miss it! I purchased all my Amy Butler fabrics there. Bummer... I'm not sure why they are closing but I am very sad.

It is always sad when a local business has to close their doors.

This is a tough time for specialty shops and retail, and especially hand made item shops. I could go into it, but I won't. It will just depress you as it does me, and I don't feel like being depressed. So Sad though......

Tomorrow, Sunday, suppose to be rest day, but I am so so anxious to make those scarf bags so.....

In between painting the dining room, soap making, sewing, cleaning, laundry, and on and on.....list goes on and on.... Don't think about. Just tackle one at a time and enjoy, enjoy. Am I repeating myself?

Have a great weekend!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Dainty Little Tea Towels

Dainty little tea towels that are almost too pretty to use..

I chose the  prettiest eyelet trim with little scalloped edges and vintage inspired fabric of course.

Drying dishes seems a little more  pleasurable while using these towels.

Oops, I forgot to make little hooks on the back of the towel so that you may hang them in a fashionable way...