It's not too early for this soap maker to be contemplating fall thoughts! In fact, our store has remnants of autumn shining through the new product creations and accents. Although I love and appreciate each Missouri season, Fall definitely glows and carries with her much anticipation. Tones of terracotta and spicy soaps and sundries begin hitting the shelves. A vision of soaking in a tub with yummy flavored bath salt, or tearing off the paper of a pumpkin spice soap comes to mind. That perception all of a sudden begins to comfort me during this time of uncertainty.
We welcomed the introduction of yet another new soap, Pineapple Mango this week and we're spinning out our latest and greatest during our Saturday Apothecary.
Late summer is rolling in and we're dipping our toes ever so softly into cinnamon and cloves along with the rustling of auburn hues of an Indian summer.
My admiration for this mobile apothecary cart continues to grow! What a nifty piece for a shop owner to have. We have it filled with a display of macrame and Grandma Lucy Homekeeping Essentials. Around the holidays I think that it would be a great piece to hang tiny lights and make it festive looking by offering a cart filled with smell good candles and such. By the way, you won't find the cart anywhere. My sweet husband made it.
Speaking of sweetness...
While on a social media page I discovered this amazing company!
I also received an email from a honey farm asking if we'd be interested in their honey. Between the two local businesses, ideas begin to float and I followed the idea of thinking that it would be quite nice to offer fresh vanilla and honey at Bittersweet! That thought was woven with another thought that during the holidays I would love to be gifted with fresh jars of honey, aromatic vanilla beans, and handcrafted soap! Yes, I thought, the best gift ever. Not to mention it's all locally sourced by other small businesses such as Bittersweet.
Doesn't that look good?
I believe the bees are making us wait a few weeks, but always remember good things come to those who wait!
One more thing to add to this homespun line would be the Lucy Apron! You've read about Grandma Lucy. I love gathering inspiration from family members! When you make use of your hands by crafting something your soul is fulfilled in ways I can't describe. There have been many things, too many to count that I've gathered inspiration from loved ones and family members. Another great example of such is The Alice Bracelet.
When I was a little girl, my mother, Alice, made necklaces from wooden beads. Ever since that time I've had a tender fondness for wooden beads. Making something and naming it after a treasured person makes it even more special and the time spent stranding each bead with my hands becomes delightfully gratifying.
Summers end Lake House Collection was inspired by summers spent at the lake. Halter tops and cut-offs come to mind.
Don't be hesitant to share some of your family's inspiration. By doing so, you change the dynamics and you become even more passionate about your creation. You will also find that others do as well. A hand made object always has a story that is attached to it. You might have never thought about it that way, but I assure you it is true.
Keep the faith.
Jill
