Bittersweet and the little soap company

White Daisy & Hydrangea Hats

Shop talk...

Fall  reminds me of spring in the way that it always seems to usher in new ideas, exciting happenings, fresh thoughts and renewed spirits.

My dear friend Clarice is the foodie editor for a new upcoming magazine. The magazine is called "Gatherings." Up until now the magazine has only  been available in digital format. I'm excited to announce the new magazine will be offered in a printed version starting September 1! The quarterly periodical will leave you drooling! The excitement continues as I'd like to announce that the magazine will also be available at the soap shop on water street! Get your copy here! You won't want to miss this magazine. You'll need to be first on the bandwagon, because I ordered a limited number and I'm keeping one for myself! Pop over to their face book page and give them a like. Please tell them Bittersweet sent you. 

More shop talk...

The soap menu, aka chalk board wall above the table that houses the savon is about to get an update. The chalkboard wall has proved to be a merchandising bonus. If you have a shop and considering a chalkboard wall, I'd say do it. The new autumn soaps will be listed on the wall. Going to go light on the Christmas decor this season at the soap shop on water. I had some pondering thoughts of drawing a Christmas tree on the board. 

Love, love, love the little vintage white daisy dress! Honestly, I can not believe it hasn't sold. It will be making its way down the runway during the fashion show on September 12. Sweet Jamie will be modeling the dress. 

Back... The black and white Bittersweet aprons that my friend Maggie embroidered. Bittersweets old logo on them. The girl in the swing. Always loved the girl in the swing, still do. 

Some new aprons made in pinks and grays. I'm on a pink & gray trend at the moment, at least when making aprons.

The hydrangea hats... I finally remembered my pattern! I made two other hats before getting it. The big wide hat loops, kind of my trademark hat making design. I wish that it could be shared, but honestly, no idea what the heck that stitch would be called. I refer to it as a Jill chain. I'm fond of the hats. Since they're thin they are the perfect little hat to throw on once the air gets crisp. I like them to fit tight. Yesterday while rummaging around the vintage boutique I found an embroidered doily. It was tiny, I'd say only a couple inches, and round. I became excited when I found it. It was the perfect addition to the Gatsby looking hat. It also gave me an idea. I'll try and get a picture for you so that you can see for yourself. 

Fresh bundles of lavender our arriving at the shop today. 

Lots of soap in need of wrapping. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

catching on

So many end of summer things going on today. My friend Clarice is hosting a Tasha Tudor day on her blog. Go

check it out. I always admired Ms. Tudor. She was an independent woman filled with joy and grit. 

Bringing back the ever so popular "Bursty Balls!" I've changed the formulation a bit, fussed up the packaging. Of course I had to be the first person to try one. Oh my! Come on in, the water is just right! The comeback kid, Bursty Ball, aka, and now called "Shower Burst" in a Eucalyptus, Rosemary flavor. Super concentrated. Redundant, I know in my wording, but worth repeating. 

As with any new Bittersweet, a prototype is needed. Then I take it from there. In this case, the first time a charm. I will however be adding menthol to this flavor combination down the road. 

In the creative world, Autumn is a prelude to new beginnings. Just made that up, but it kind of explains how I feel. 

Over the hills and through the woods to the soap shop on water I go.

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Happy Tasha Day! Plant something, go barefoot, turn off the lights, bake some bread, pick a bouquet, in honor of this unique human.

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

staying in

Summer has kicked in, boy it's hot! Not my favorite time of year. My trail is short lately. I run to and from the shop and occasionally wander by the fabric shop, but that's about it. All traveling is enhanced with the power of air. So very thankful for air conditioning. Aren't you? My studio sits below the main level so its nice and cool. It's the place to be when it gets this hot outside. 

The hose hasn't moved. It simply sits in pretty much the same spot so that we can water the plants and flowers.

Inside and the shop is filling with fresh lavender bundles and a variety of dried flower assortments. A subtle transformation is happening. I picked up some lovely organic cotton yarn a few weeks ago and started making fall, winter hats for the shop. I call that one the hydrangea hat since the yarns colors are almost identical to the dried blossoms in the hydrangea wreath.

The soap table is filled with new flavors. Pumpkins and Myrrh's, Vanilla and Chocolate, Plums and Apples, Cranberry and Cinnamon. I can hardly stand it! Excited and thrilled to be creating new soaps for fall and winter. Making the round soap too. You've probably read about my round versus square thoughts. I've touched on the subject more than once. 

At the shop... And the inventory of everlasting.

Larkspur, Lavender, Star Flowers, Snow Berries, Straw Flowers, Baby's Breath, Seeded Eucalyptus, Hydrangea. Kind of resembles a flower shop, but some of you already know that if I didn't have a soap shop girl I'd have a flower shop, restaurant next on that list. 

I'm happily content having my little hand made shop. Thank you God for blessing me more than I deserve. 

Hot outside, hot inside.

Not really hot inside, thank goodness, but some of the hot numbers being snatched at the soap shop on water street, aka, the hand made shop.

Hydrangea, Dry Oil flavored with Lemon Verbena, Soap of course, Honey Peach Lip Balm, Original Lemon Rosemary Sugar Scrub, Aprons, Room Sprays and Bath Salt. Not in that order, but a run on all. 

It takes some getting used to I believe. Most folks are accustomed to purchasing items, gifts at a shop and then returning to purchase more of the same item. A hand made shop is somewhat different from other shops in sometimes the last creation is purchased and it is never again seen. Oh no, say it ain't true! Our soap menu is a perfect example of that philosophy. Each season the soap menu changes. What was once available, may not be the next time you visit. The hats, aprons, wide leg pants, shorts, bags, sachets, are hand made and one of a kind. You won't find them in other stores. I believe that sets my shop apart from others. Another perk in the hand made business... If I do happen to run out of something, I can easily make it and have it the next day. Which means, my little hands are spinning, turning and whipping out almost 24/7. Really. I'm not complaining. I conclude that this life is the one meant for me. I love making things, always have. Once again, but not saying it lightly. Thank you God for blessing me more than I deserve. 

Having explained that, it's time to put those thoughts into action. 

Making a new soap today. Although I haven't decided which flavor yet. So many choices, it's hard to choose. Apple or pumpkin. What's a soap making girl to do?

Enjoy caring and sharing days. .

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

the hand made goods

Some of my newest wrinkles, above.  Herb Garden Savon wrapped in organic paper, pinnie aprons assembled and artisan made from hand picked textiles. The voluminous chunky hot pads, (that's what my grandmother called them.) Some folks refer to the handy kitchen accessory as pot holders. I'm going to stick to the name my grandmother Lola called them simply because I think of her every time I say it. You may recall me chatting about my grandmother. She was a restaurateur after the depression. 

It was before my time, I'm afraid. However my uncle shot some wonderful images that detail the period. That's my grandmother standing behind the counter. My dad sitting, his faithful companion requesting a treat. My grandfather, whom I never met sitting in the chair. He passed before I was born. Treasured pictures that remind me of where I come from. The picture represents determination, hard work and passion, at least that's what I see. 

Back to the new hand made goods goings on...

Lavender sachets made from stash linen tid-bits and wrapped with a piece of my favorite vintage wallpaper. Two sprigs of lavender. A trio of paper mache covered boxes. Shabby pillows all dressed in cream and white, vintage embroidery trims and lace. 

Welcome to your new home vessels. They're filled with soap, linen spray, sachets, etc. I tried to fit a lavender laundry soap in them, but the container was too big! Thinking a wide mouth jar is in order. Aren't prototypes grand?

My summer white phlox is blooming! My friend Gayle gave me a starter before she passed. Everytime I pick the clusters of white I think of her. They smell divine. A soft floral scent. I recently learned that they need to be dug up and separated. They're considered a vintage flower. 

It's been life in the fast lane since I opened the shop. However, there is a lane restricted to slow laid back drivers. That's the one I'm taking. In my dreams... Creating makes me happy no matter what speed I choose. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

bloom ditto

Hydrangea stems in hues of sea foam and celery mixed with pink larkspur, lavender, button flowers, baby's breath, straw flowers, snow berries, star flowers. You see, I'm obviously obsessed with everlasting flowers. By love for the faded flowers seems to catching on. We've been packing and shipping the berries and blooms, and bagging them at the shop. Happy you like them too!

A customer came in on Saturday and purchased a stunning vintage pitcher etched in pastel roses from the vintage boutique. Then she plucked a bundle of lavender,larkspur, and a few hydrangea blooms. The trio of stems created the loveliest  bouquet. 

High speed ahead! That's what it feels like around here lately. 

The plums and chocolates, apple flavor soap ideas rolling around. Soon to be a transformed into a touch and feel, smell concept. 

Snow berries shipping to Ireland and new pinnies hanging. Over sized bag label design, love em! Chunky over-sized hot pads to go with the aprons. Sty-lin in the kitchen! I'm also fond of the pink posie Japanese pinnie fabric and in love with the narrow ruffle. My latest thing. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

I'm down with that!

So much going on and coming up at the soap shop on water street. Farmers market is in full summer speed offering fresh melons, tomatoes, corn, Peg's organic gourmet garlic. Grab a cuppa of that fresh ground coffee from the coffee shop below Bittersweet. Stock up on some natural, good for your skin soap. I also made fresh lavender laundry soap for you this morning. At three o'clock you can indulge your taste-buds with a variety of beers. We're having a beer crawl. Why the heck do they call it that? Bad wording, I believe. How about beer tasting adventure! Tonight the fun continues with a Samantha Fish performance. The shop won't be open because we'll be at the concert!

The shop is taking on some autumn hues. Adding new things for fall. 

Hope to see you on this beautiful day. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

a bountiful crop

When I came back from Washington my hydrangea were perfect for picking and drying. I've really been wanting to make wreaths from the blooms. This one was the first wreath made. Having no idea how many hydrangea blossoms were needed I picked oodles. As I began cutting and poking, tying, oh I used those little stick picks with wire to wrap each stem too.  Little did I know until digging in that it would take a peck of hydrangea to make a wreath!  However, the hydrangea wreath tuned out stunning, don't you think? All of the blooms will dry within a few days. I tied a burlap slip knot for hanging. I'm taking this one to the shop. If you're new to Bittersweet blog and would like to learn more about drying hydrangea, type in hydrangea in the search box on the left side bar. I've touched on the subject many times. 

Seriously, I can hardly stand it! I'm holding back like you wouldn't believe. What the heck? I'm not sure how much longer this can go on. The summer shop will soon be laced with autumn hues. Can you tell how anxious I'm feeling about it all? The plum and chocolate soaps, golden yarrow, cranberries, burlap, vanilla bean, oh my!

For now it's only a dream...

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

grandiose camellias

Isn't that butter-cream camellia stunning? Shot in Port Gamble while on our recent getaway. There's no way I could walk by the beautiful bloom without capturing an image. Then Julie took this photo. 

Flowers and pretty wrappings. They seem to go together well, don't you think? New soap wrappings inspired by those camellias. 

Nice on the eye and splendid for the skin. 

New pretty paper packets at the soap shop on water street. Folks fancy the assortment of hang tags and doilies, brown paper bags, etc. The perfect topping to a gift. 

New fall, winter soap flavors arriving to the current menu. Ponder plums, chocolates, cranberries, vanilla and musk. Yummy! Especially excited like always when new seasonal soap idees begin to emerge. 

Burlap mixed in with dried yarrow and brown button flowers. A splash of blush and champagne top the autumn tone arriving soon. I can hardly stand the excitement I'm feeling!

I prefer an almond flavored fall.  Mixing in some vanilla bean. 

It's rainy and a cool front is moving through this morning. We're having unseasonable cool fall like weather this week. Quite early, but well received. 

Swaying my mood even more.

I adopted thoughts of gray and cream colored fabrics while at the fabric shop yesterday. Red ticking too. 

The soap shop on water street is participating in a fashion show Septemberish and I'd like to showcase our pinnies and this vintage dress. 

Enjoy caring and sharing days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

L is for lovely...

We had the best time in Washington! So many beautiful things to see and visit. Our friend Clarice from Story Book Woods tossed out the red carpet. She and her sweet girls prepared a stunning picnic lunch upon our arrival. We traveled here and there, everywhere. The ocean, our cottage, my favorite woody ferns everywhere. Aromatic roses that blew their heavenly perfume in our direction during lunch, heaven on earth vacation, really. 

Thank you to our friend Clarice for ushering in the grandest of vacations for both Julie and I. 

Honestly I feel like selling all my stuff and moving to your beautiful state. 

Much work to do today, but it will all be done with a restful soulful new skip in each step. 

More to come...

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00 

In with it...

How would you describe the soap shop on water street? It's a handmade shop where new ideas are extracted from old ones then topped with a avante-garde frosting. Yeah, that's it! 

Several baskets of hydrangea are in drying mode. Those fat bundles of lavender are dear to my heart. I recently ordered lavender bundles from a different company and I was totally dissapointed. The bundles, if you can even call them that were twice the size of the ones that are currently in the shop but at the same price. No, no, no. Needless to say, I'll stick with my local lavender supplier and NEVER stray again. 

Beer soap anyone? 

 Although I've not made beer soap to date, it will definitely be on the soap menu this time next year!

The snow-berries, lavender and hydrangea, so summer nice at the soap shop on water. 

The little white pinnies aren't lasting long at the shop. I'm eager to make more. 

Spindle legs... Why do I love you?

Wire baskets and calico wrapped olive soap, so nice. 

Running late and need to whip up a fresh batch of face creme.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days. 

Warmly,

Jill 00