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Jill McDowell Lincoln
The Bittersweet Soap & Apothecary Shop is morphing from winter to spring. The changing of the seasons at the shop are gradual and easy going. Shiny new chalkboard art wall and new signs are up!
These little artisan coin purses are hand sewn. I believe a person who loves to sew on a machine should perform hand work every now and then. It helps enhance an appreciation the Kraft. I enjoy the process of hand sewing like tying knots and lining up stitches. It has a humbling effect, I believe. Most folks who learn how to sew, start with hand sewing, don't they? I'm not sure, but can say that I did. In fact, the sewing machine and I did not get along for a very long time. Once I began sewing for a living, all those feelings changed. Isn't that spectacular? I believe it is!
A mix of old and new... I am fond of modern mingled with old. I love chrome blended with chippy and ironstone.
I've discovered over the years, that my mood dictates my creations. That is, if I'm focusing on several different projects at the same time, it is reflected in my work. That holds true for everyone, you say. What I mean to say, my designs are represented by my moods. Sometimes I'm in a modern mood, while other days reflect a days gone by appearance. I believe it's good to have a signature look while maintaining a variety of styles. Sometimes that's tricky to pull off and the entire concept is reflected by my moods. Does that make sense?
Currently my mood is even and in between.
The sunshine peeked out from the gray winter sky and Elle and I enjoyed a quiet walk through the neighborhood. There's still icy clusters here and there along the roadway, but they're fading quick.
We're making these for dinner. My favorite veggie burger recipe!
I love the new chalkboard wall! I'm always impressed with change. There's always room for improvement and usually after I change something I think, why didn't I make this change a long time ago. When you own a shop, change is always good.
I've been spending an enormous amount of time at the shop and I feel I'm needing a break. So I've vowed to spend more time at home the next few days. Having said that. it's been so very cold, below freezing and soap manufacturing has been on hold during the cold blast. Now it's warming up, (really nice today), and I'm heavy into soap making. Every soap maker has a different technique and way of doing things. I have found when it's below freezing the cold temperatures interfere with the saponification process. So when it gets really cold like it's been, I do not make soap. It feels good to be back in the swing of soap making.
I love being at the shop at night. I've told you that before, I know.
We're in the midst of a Winter Dandle...
I'm making Grandma Christine's Chocolate Pie.
Ingredients
1 cup sweetened whipped cream
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups milk
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
1 baked 9-inch pie crust or graham cracker crumb crust , cooled
1/2 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
Directions
1. Prepare crust. Combine cocoa, sugar, cornstarch and salt in medium saucepan. Gradually add milk to dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil; boil l minute.
2. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Pour into prepared crust. Carefully press plastic wrap directly onto pie filling. Cool; refrigerate 6 to 8 hours. Top with whipped cream. Cover; refrigerate leftover pie. Makes 8 servings.
I'd love to introduce you to the artist that helped turn the shop chalkboard into a beautiful work of art. Katie McCoy you are an amazing artist! Thank you for spreading your art love.
It was evening when she finished. Before I turned out the lights, I took one last look and smiled happily. I love it when an idea turns into something you can see and touch. I love it more when that idea transforms into something even better than your imagination envisions it. It's going to be a blast filling the table in front with artisan soap and sundries! I can't wait to stack mountains upon mountains of soap in front of the art wall!
I love being in the shop at night. It takes on an entirely different look. The glow of the fire casts warm cozy shadows on a cold winter's night.
The new clothing line is beginning to take shape. I love this little jean jacket!
The weather is suppose to warm above freezing. Winter soap production will soon be running full speed ahead. I don't like to make soap when it's below freezing. The extreme cold interferes with the process. I've never really figured that out, but it does. New essential oil's and aroma's await for the alchemy process.
The shop is busy most days even when it's cold and snowy. I'm thankful for that.
The new signs should be arriving any day. I can't wait to see them and get them placed in the shop. The new modifications and changes have boosted my excitement and I'm welcoming new ideas and improvements. For there is always room for improvement. One of my favorite things to say.
The new expansion is beginning to be filled with an array of new items. I love the little chain purse! The hand made Italian papers are used to wrap Bittersweet Bars, but may also be purchased at the apothecary shop. The seasons will change and the new expansion will be a reflection of a shiny new season. The changing of the season's is always much anticipated and cherished.
It might be necessary to keep one of these cute little velvet bags! The three tiny glass beads, perfect touch.
I'm making keepsake linen hearts. I always look forward to this time of year, simply because I get to make linen hearts. The hearts are a custom design.
Speaking of designs...
I met Katie, (the artist), at the shop last evening and she started her art magic on the chalkboard wall. I can't wait to share her work with you! It looks amazing! She transferred the design onto the wall with an overhead projector and now it's ready to be filled in with paint. Katie suggested the new design be permanent. I took her advise, and I'm happy about that art decision. Some memories were made last night as the curtains were drawn and the lights turned out so that Katie could get a sharp impression on the wall. While she was performing her magic, I answered phone messages and brushed Aggie Cat. I would never imagine walking around in my shop, twilight hour, dark, curtains drawn. Did I tell you the century old home my shop resides in was a funeral home for fifty years? Having just told you that, nothing out of the ordinary has ever happened. I have a different take on ghosts and such. I do believe in a spirit world, but I don't believe if they're here among us, they should be! I'll leave it at that!
This is a busy week! New signage is arriving. The Jill & Jules Show on Thursday and open late on Friday. My dads birthday is on Saturday. In between all that, winter storms, and layers. Lots of layers. I've concluded it's a challenge to be a stylish chic when more than three layers is involved! I've been wearing tights, and tall socks, boots, under layer, middle, top, coat, hat, scarf, gloves. It takes a good five minutes to remove the top layers! All kidding aside, I appreciate winter no matter what. We are suppose to get some snow, and I'm feeling it will be accumulative. As I was laying in bed last night, I had a thought of walking to the shop in the snow. Will need to of course, add more layers, if I decide to hike to the shop!
I'm anxious to read the Parfumerie article that comes out this week in the paper. The new Parfumerie is dear to my soul, and my passion overflows. Thank you Kellie for doing an article about the new Parfumerie. I am much appreciative.
The frigid arctic air has moved its way through my historic town. I'm always reminded of my blessings when the winter turns brutal. I'm thankful for my warm home, quilts, flannel pajama's, and wrap's. My Grandmother Lola always called outer wear, WRAPS! I've never heard a single soul other than my sweet Grandmother Lola refer to warm gear as WRAPS. Simple soulful memories...
The parfumerie is stocked and equipped with an array of essential and perfume making oil's.
One of my customers, friend, shot this while we were formulating her perfume.
A perfume has many layers. Typically a top note, middle, and base. Possibly a variety of each, that when layered create a beautiful blossom.
When I was a little girl my mom's mother, and my other Grandmother lived in Las Vegas. She worked at perfume department located in a large department store. My family would travel through the Midwest to the desert tumbleweed part of the country to visit my Grandmother. One particular visit stands out. My Grandmother Christine had a large stash of perfume she had taken home from the department store. She kept the perfume bottles in two large built in drawers. She asked if I'd like to go through her collection of perfumes. I remember sitting on the floor with my legs crossed sniffing each perfume. I recall feelings of happiness as I sniffed the expensive perfumes. There must have been one-hundred or so bottles of perfume. I remember thinking, I must smell them all, for if I miss one, it could be the one that I admire the most. I spent most of the day sitting and smelling and as I sniffed each one, my fondness and an appreciation for fragrance began to grow. Present day and those memories feel fresh and new and even inspiring.
The local paper editor dropped by the apothecary shop on Thursday. She is working on a little article about the new Parfumerie. I told her that story because, without those sweet memories, I can safely say, things would be different and more than likely, the word Parfumerie wouldn't be spoken. magical memories like those of my Grandmother's perfume drawer are what mold and shape us to who we are, and our passions are guided by such memories.
That's a picture of my Grandmother Christine, (center) My Great Grandmother Lucy, and my lovely aunt Vivian. I'm the little girl standing next to my aunt.
Sweet memories and soulful seeds from four generations of soap maker's.
I've been capturing images in reflections. It's kind of cool.
The Vintage Gatsby Hat! The downtown has a Derby event in April and I'm thinking that hat is calling my name!
I've been waiting on a truck shipment of goods that seems to be in la la land. Translation: I spent the entire day at the shop (seven hours) waiting. It was suppose to arrive between 10 - 2, but did not. Issues with the truck line. Issues...Life goes on.
The lesson I've learned... Do not plan delivery's or anything for that matter on days off. Do not!
Modern Vintage Heart Sachets. Only a few left.
New Cleansing Cloths and I love the new packaging!
Home Sweet Homing it today... Gooey Fudge Brownies in the oven and a crock of pinto beans simmering on the stove. Kind of a sunny gray day and it feels good to be inside warm & cozy.
Having lived in the Midwest most of my adult life I've learned to appreciate each season, including winter. Even cold, Missouri January and February. We dig out the stashed quilts, and bake and prepare winter soups and hearty butter biscuits and cornbread. It's a Winter thing. I've always found it to be interesting how our meals reflect around what the weather is doing. When it's hot we eat lighter and yes, you guessed it. When it's cold, (and it's really cold now), we prepare comfort food. I'm guessing that's why they call it comfort food. Preparing a warm savory meal does add comfort to the soul on a cold Winter's day. I love that! The little things are much appreciated. Having the luxury of shopping for groceries, riding in a warm car, and nestling up under a hand made quilt to read a book or watch Downtown Abbey. Simple pleasures that help me to feel appreciative and thankful for everything. This is on the stove simmering. Simple pleasures, and Winter lust.
I was reminded of such simple pleasures on Saturday. As I drove to the shop and passed the little park, I noticed a man huddled upon the picnic table. He looked cold and sad. I couldn't get him out of my mind. My thoughts turned towards the many blessings I encounter each day. Some of which are small, but each little one considered a blessing.
Saturday morning I received Bittersweet's year end reports. I was in awe as I read the reports. My brick and mortar shop picked up five-hundred and fifty six new customers in 2015! Since the shop is only open sixteen days out of the month, that's a phenomenal increase. The New Year is glowing! Having said that, I have a different take about that report than most shop owners. I believe my business is a gift from God. It can be taken away at any moment. Simply saying, you never know what the future holds. I have strong business ambitions and take those feelings seriously, but I also know that each day is a gift. Having this thought mind, helps keep my psyche in sync and balanced. Steve Jobs comes to mind...
Next week marks the beginning of soap production. Typically, I'm already knee deep into manufacturing but the expanded area, parfumerie has been occupying my time. It's a happy occupy and I believe we're ready to roll! No pun intended as we'll be offering roll-on custom perfumes.
The shop expansion is in finishing mode. The parfumerie is constructed, just waiting on sign, and the new apparel items, jewelry, accessories are trickling in. Manufacturing supplies are taking their sweet time to arrive. I noticed during the holiday season that it took an extra long time for items to arrive. Some of which, have not arrived, and are in limbo shipping land. Wherever that is? At any rate, life goes on and the New Year brings with her, exciting new beginnings that I believe to be sometimes so exciting, I can't put into words.
Speaking of no words, the prints were a gift from dear Heather. Her talent never ceases to amaze me! She was so kind as to give me two prints. This soap girl couldn't decide and was going back and forth with no avail. Heather kindly gifted me both prints. I placed them in frames with matting but no glass. I accidently broke the first picture frame glass, only to realize I preferred the beautiful prints in no-glass frames. So I intentionally broke the second frame to match the first. I found this perfect new spot for them and tied a bow around them as a second reminder of how special the moment was. Thank you Heather! Check out more of Heather's lovely art here.
My 1921 Singer fits in. Don't you think? I can even sew at this cozy shop spot. Lovely...
The rustic leather band necklaces, love those too! A new line that I'm excited about! I have a feeling the new items will make a brief appearance. The white prairie dress, to die for! The chocolate leather necklace shines against the white.
Between the apothecary shop and the vintage boutique we have a collection of large lamp shades to choose from. I thought rather than putting the shades on lamp bases, it would be cool and kind of Bohemian to hang the shades. I placed these bulbs in the hanging lamps. My latest obsession, this light bulbs. Maybe because they're round. I'm a sucker for round décor.
I'm not sure I've captured a shot of the hanging shades. Let's see...
Maybe one of them. Here's the fringed shade, hanging. The hanging shaded lights offer a variety of , shapes, styles and a warm hue of light. They also offer an inexpensive almost no cost decorating item. What if you were to hang twenty or so? Would it be too much? I don't think so either. I know I've mentioned how rewarding if feels to use what you have when decorating. There's always a way to transform an item into something useful, but different. Put your brand on it!
Lastly, the vintage metal tray. I had an empty wall spot and thought this would fit well. The preserved roses are amazing! I browsed through Jules collection of old postcards and stuck them in between the wire frames.
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