Bittersweet and the little soap company

Bittersweet Saturday Studio Winter Opening...

 

Totally into it...

I dropped in on Vintage Market yesterday and left some of the New Bittersweet, 2010 Spring Collection. I can't wait for spring! This winter, not over, and I realize that, but has however seemed to bring with it extreme cold, and I really don't like cold that much.

  

My Sweet Valentine...

 

My friend Kim picked,  spotted those cool bins while out and about. Aren't they just perfect for soap?

 

I watched Emma, part two last night. I was totally engrossed with this film and the actors. Wonderful acting, and their characters are a delight to watch. 

That Mr. Knightly, what a man! I am so hoping that Emma realizes this is the one! Don't you? If not, I believe I will be forever disappointed! 

Saturday Studio re-open this Saturday.. This week will be full of  wrapping and preparing for what's believed to be a busy Saturday.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)
 

 

For Every Season, Change

 

Strange how you seldom never plan change, it just kinda happens. I always welcome it, without it, my life would be boring! Odd too, I have found, most men do not like change. Have you noticed that? Women on the other hand, speaking for myself though, seem to challenge it. Once it's here, and I've changed whatever it is I'm changing, I'm always happy with the results. This could turn into a heavy philosophy topic. On to the less human superficial aspect of my change discussion....   

It is about that time of year that I often get into the changing packaging mood. I'm doing a major overhaul on all Bittersweet's packaging. How often have I done this? Too many times to count! I'm constantly looking for different creative ways to package Bittersweet products. I will soon be making some changes in marketing and I need to have everything kind of look like it belongs to one another, brother or sister, at least cousins.

I have such a weakness for graphics, and love to incorporate them into everything I make, but quite simply , less is always more when it comes to designing packaging labels.

I've talked about packaging before too.

A recent issue came up last week that forced me to change packaging. Remember the "Martha" containers I told you I used for holding Bittersweet's laundry powder? I called the manufacturer to order. What a mouth dropper when she told me what the shipping charges would be! Don't understand the high rate either, they only weigh around 2 pounds per case.  Anyway, by purchasing them I would have to raise their price to my customers. I am proud to say, I have not raised my prices in 10 years!

Back to laundry powder packaging. What do you think? Not sure I like the clothespin, and I need to stick a little wooden scoop inside. Then the soap, and the Linen spray... 

No matter how many times I change packaging I find myself drawn to the old apothecary French style labels. Enough is enough! I'm giving in! Graphic girl is sitting in the corner watching my every move tempting me with her candy colored graphics.

Speaking of change, I am in desperate need of a new camera for taking product photo's. I happened upon Alicia's blog about picture taking. She explained it better than any manual Iv'e ever tried to read, and made it sound so simple. What a wonderful writer that girl Alicia. I love reading her blog! 

Today will be filled with more change and probably some things that I won't  or don't want to change, but it's a day that I will embrace regardless, and be thankful for being able to change the things that I can.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none) 

Holiday Treats

Here's a tiny glimpse of this seasons holiday treats from Bittersweet. I will be adding this collection to the web site soon. I've bottled the holiday room spray. It's available in two aromatic scents,"Velvet Spice", and "Cranberry Spice".

"Velvet Spice" is a spicy warm fragrance, and contains tincture of cinnamon, cloves, and orange. "Cranberry Spice" is a sweet fragrance with tincture of cranberry, jasmine, and a hint of orange. I prefer both ,and use them to add mood ambiance holiday aroma into my home during this favorite time of year.

I love fragrance!

I also made fresh batches of Bittersweet's "Brown Sugar" lip balm. This is my most popular lip balm at the boutique and on the web site. In fact, I'm shipping cases sold this week. It too, is very strong in fragrance. It's all natural, and contains good for you things, like vitamin e, and lanolin. If you suffer from chapped lips during the winter months, or if you prefer soft smell good lips, this lip balm is for you, you'll want to try it!

The little boxes I make special for the holidays are coming along nicely. This year I'm using more creams and soft pale colors. I can make these little boxes with virtually anything on them, so if you would like to have something special, like a fairy, or Santa, I can do it. I don't do custom orders, but if you drop me a line before it gets busy, I'll make you a special little box.

The "lavender dream pillows" I mentioned in another post, I believe will also be on the  top of the Christmas list. Fresh batches made, and I packaged them in little retro origami pouches for the gift giving season. I have one of these in my pillow case, and I love it! It's soft soothing scent helps me sleep like a baby.

Off to the shop, and taking the new holiday treats.. Visions of Pink, Red, Silver, and Creamy White dancing through my head.., and Mr. Braun's Santa's....

Have a four bell day!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Seasons change and so do you....

Over the years the boutique window has changed many times.Even though decorating the window is one of my favorite things to do, it is also what I feel is the most challenging and intimidating.

Not only are you showing the world a little glimpse of what's inside... You usually have an audience watching while indecisiveness takes over...

What I've learned?

Well, less is MORE! Yes, the less I put in the window the better it looks. Keeping it simple, and focusing on maybe one or two items.

I remember the first day I opened and thinking I would leave the window for last, knowing the impact it has on window shoppers, and a sneak preview of what's inside.

It was a surprise to me how difficult it was to merchandise the window. So many things come into play... Scale, Colors, Depth, and on and on, and each one as important as the last.

After decorating a few and having a couple under my belt, I started to feel more comfortable and have since been less intimidated. Nevertheless, merchandising and marketing are probably the two most significant factors when launching a new business. When displaying an item it should look the best it possibly can, and packaging is an even more important factor.....

Sometimes I can drive myself crazy displaying merchandise. I have talked to other store owners and they have told me the same thing. It sometimes takes awhile to get the right look your trying to achieve. Once you achieve it though, it's most gratifying, and you have a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

Another way to get a closer look is to take a picture of the area. Things look different in a picture, and you can view the entire area rather than a small corner. This technique also works well when redecorating, and if you have a camcorder, that s even better.

My favorite window is Christmas! Patrick took this  Christmas picture a couple of years ago.

The angle is great! Another favorite is the picture Linda took...

Summer is also a favorite time of year to decorate the window. This summer I'm using bright colors and a beach theme with buckets of bath salt and paper parasol's.

So if you stop by, your sure to see Bittersweet's window all summery looking..

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Boutique is stuffed full...

The boutique is stuffed full of new exciting gifty things for summer .... and the soap table is especially nice with the new packaging..and those little bags that we like to fill with soap and bath salts...

You wedding  gals out there... The wedding room is open. Isn't it pretty in pink?

Don't forget now. We create the perfect wedding favors. I am working on June and July wedding gifts. They are so so elegant!

We match colors too!!Just drop me a line and I'll fill you in on the details. Mostly I need your colors and theme, and from there, I can make you your very own favorable favors. Your guests will be most appreciated. Don't forget to check the web site for new things, like our "bug off", bugs do not like this stuff at all! ... Talk to you soon..

Happily,  Jill 00