Bittersweet and the little soap company

material goods

This week I'm in the mood for fall! I'm sharing some of my favorite finds that will lift you closer to the glorious season. 

If you click on the images it will take you to the source. 

One of the reasons I love letter boards is simple. The lettering that you use on the inexpensive boards may be shuffled to match the seasons. We're into fall phrases and I love the one that we used for this board! Later you can gather fall leaves or pumpkins to sit next to your autumn board. 

Who doesn't love a muslin bag? The cotton sacks have an assortment of uses at our store. We love them and they're available at our web store. 

The Alice Bracelet! Each bead is stranded with memories of my mom, Alice. Each Alice Bracelet is unique and crafted with wood, bone, paper, and glass beads and so much love that when you wear it you can't help but feel it! 

Our favorite season is approaching and we love sharing our ideas and treasures with you. 

Well wishes and happy thoughts, always. 

Jill 

Indian Summer

 

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 
 

opening up...

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it feels to be back at my store working! Even though we're not opening until later this month the mere idea of knowing that we're re-opening is encouraging and motivating. 

Stacks of freshly cut soap sit on the tables and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air. Home away from home has always put a smile on my face. That place is my retreat!

I have a great story for you...

Yesterday several Mother day orders came in and I drove up to the store early to get them bagged and ready for customers to pick up. I came back home after fulfilling the orders and set outside on the porch with Elle. I've noticed something during this stay in place arrangement. It's a challenge to concentrate on one thing before reaching for something else and then I go back to the original whatever I was working on, and then back and forth it, repeat, repeat. Wonky behavior for this soap maker because I'm highly organized at any other time. It's been that way since this all started. The happiness that I usually have is also lacking. Until yesterday...

My website is set up for pick-ups and while I was basking in the sun I received a few other orders that were needing to be ready by 1 pm. I lolly-gagged along and wasn't in any hurry. Around noon or so I finally got on my shoes and headed back to the Bittersweet Store so that I could fulfill the new orders. 

As I was looking at the printed orders and bagging them I heard a little peck on the door. I'm in my "Corona" attire, unshowered, no makeup, dark sunglasses, I walked to the door to open it, and standing in front of the door was one of my dear customers. She said, I know you're not open, but I was needing a few things. I replied, well of course. She told me what she needed and I plucked up her items and bagged them. She waited on the porch as I prepared her order. The whole waiting on the porch thing felt strange but at the same time the peace and joy that I felt before this crisis was back! We chatted at the door as I handed her the bag of Bittersweets.  I realized at that very moment that the sad feelings that I have been encountering during this social distancing were because of the lack of human contact with my customers! 

It's interesting how I couldn't put my finger on my feelings all this time but how at that moment everything became perfectly clear.  

It's no accident that I waited to go to the store at that particular time. 

Thank you God. 

We're joining my family for breakfast this morning. We're practicing social distancing and having our Sunday breakfast on the deck. I haven't seen my brother since this hit. I'm looking forward to visiting with my dad and stepmother, brother and sister in law. Even though we're gathering differently than we did before, we are gathering, and that makes me happy.

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

prelude

The days are becoming crisper! 

Fall and winter spices fill the air, along with the savory wave of pumpkin bread baking in the oven.  

We've been digging through our Christmas stash and pulling out some of our favorite shop displays. 

We grab our inspiration from nature. We make pinecone garland and fill our stockings with everlasting bouquets. The scent of cedar fills the shop and blends nicely with the spicy soaps. 

Fall quickly turns into the gift-giving season at Bittersweet. 

Since we have a four to six week lead time on all of our soaps, Christmas always starts early! I love Christmas! If given the opportunity to extend the holiday season, I'm in!

We're getting ready to put our holiday wrapping order in. Then we'll be wrapping The Twelve Days of Christmas! 

We're introducing a prelude to the Twelve Days and will crown the series with a grand finali soap!

I'm often intrigued about how ideas turn into the actual hold in your hand, smell good, gifts. The process behind it all is mindblowing! It really is. 

This soap maker stands tall and feels blessed each day. It's an honor to share my ideas and creations!

Our series of the Twelve Days of Christmas Soap always shines brightly at our store.   

It's a labor of love to make this special soap! From the first moment, I choose the fragrance, and pour the liquid soap into molds, until the day it's cured and ready to be packaged, one thing is as solid as our soap, and that's the passion wrapped into each bar!

Cinnamon Sticks, Essential Oil Candles, Wool Mittens, and Tapestry Scarves. We're in love with those scarves!

We're anticipating a joyous season!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

   

feeling it!

Welcome, September! I'm so happy you're here!

The soap chronology is completed and the introduction of our popular Pumpkin Spice Soap is just a few days from today. 

September rolls in birthdays, cabin getaways and favorite fall scents. We've added a variety of yummy new fall scents to our perfumery. There's really nothing better than blending ones own perfume. At least in this soap maker's brown eyes. 

Speaking of brown, I'm drawn to all shades lately. Without fail, every fall, a color pops and this season it's brown! Not just dull old fashioned brown, but coppery and red browns, even black browns have my attention. Who knew?

The other day someone that knew my mom asked if I named these after her? Yes, and it's soul-satisfying to create something and then name it after a loved one. It really is. 

What was is once again...

Our favorite line up!

Pure Clean Simple Skin Routines really work, don't they?

Two new soaps released the week before last that is ushering in the first glimpse of a changing season. 

Bittersweet is expanding our Pumpkin Spice line and in addition to our offering of delicious smelling soaps, we're creating a Pumpkin Spice Collection that we know you will love. Just like our other collections, it will be around for a short time. Drop by our brick and mortar and check out this yummy new PS Collection. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

bluebirds and dads...

It's hard to put into words the gratitude and thankfulness that I feel today, but I'm going to give it a shot. 

Many of my friends have lost both parents and sometimes I feel guilty posting on social media pictures of my dad because I know my sweet friends are missing their dads. Father's day is a gentle reminder of our father's unwavering love that they unselfishly share throughout their lives.  

So often daughters and sons speak highly of their parents both living and passed and I believe it's good for your soul to do this. 

I think about how our parents are very much like us, their children. They too were once young. Isn't it odd how when your parents were young you never saw them like that? You see them as your parent.  

When I was growing up my dad was the king of my world! Present day and those thoughts are stronger than ever.  My dad has taught me numerous things, too many to count, but lessons that have guided me throughout my entire life. 

In turn, I have passed down some of those teachings to my son. The good dad trickle down effect...

When I was younger it was hard to imagine my dad being the age that he is and me the age that I am. You just don't stop and ponder those kinds of thoughts when you're young. But as you age, you begin to think about things differently. In turn, you see things differently. 

Today I'm thankful for many things. 

I'm thankful for the young bluebird family that moved into my dad's hand made birdhouse that he recently made. Little things really translate into meaningful ones. 

I'm also thankful to God for giving me the best father in the world! 

I'm thankful for my family and our health and strong minds. 

Putting it simply, I'm thankful for bluebirds and dads...

 

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Jill xo

 

lilac and lemon...

The little web toe lemon yellow duck was a visitor last Easter. Such a treat to have a duckling visit your shop on Easter! 

The lilacs are in bloom! We have several mounds of lilac bushes painted with purple and white. Both varieties have an amazing perfume. The lilac season is a short one, and I cherish their brief beauty by cutting as many bouquets as I possibly can.  

We've introduced a new Lemon Tree soap last week along with a Lemon Home Cleanser. Both smell amazing, and my lemon admiration continues.  

We're hosting our May Day Celebration this Friday and Saturday. May Day at Bittersweet is always a special day. This May Day we'll have live music and serve hand pies and lemonade. It's a big deal, May Day!

If you're new to reading The Soap Maker's Blog then you probably don't have a clue about what I'm talking about. If you would like to explore our past May Day Celebrations and the story behind them, simply type the words May Day in the search box on the left sidebar. 

Our home projects are running at a snail's pace. I have yet to experience the bathroom remodel fever. Once it hits, putty knife in hand, I'll be removing the old tile and anxious to put up new. We're also in need of a new front stoop. I've contacted a contractor to do the work, but in all honesty, if both of us weren't so busy with our shop work we'd tackle the project on our own. In the early days, we would always do the work ourselves. There's no better feeling of satisfaction than doing the work yourself. When the project is completed you can stand back and admire your handy work. A sense of pride and accomplishment follow. 

Those were the days...

Now that I am a shop owner such things are usually better hired out. Simply because I have very little spare time. 

We've had a quiet Easter. This morning I ran out to the nursery and picked up some potted plants and transplanted them into prettier pots. There are certain things that I can't get enough of, flower pots are amongst the list of pillows, rugs, and green foliage plants. 

When I was young and living in an apartment I had eighty-seven plants happily residing in my small adobe. We used to have the coolest little plant shop a few miles away, and I remember being able to spend hours studying and admiring the unique varieties they carried. I wish we had a plant shop again! Such a cool thing to have. 

I saw that little phrase on Pinterest and it really caught my attention. The words allow you to stop and think about how as humans we can absorb so easily, and if you ponder this phrase it really does help you keep your focus on remaining true to you. 

We made a dish of chicken enchiladas for dinner. I always make this recipe. In fact, it's not really a recipe, just something I made up years ago. 

One Rotisserie Chicken cut up in small pieces

3/4 cup sour cream

1 tsp. of cumin seeds

A dash of garlic powder

2 small cans of green chilies

2 cups of raw cheddar cheese, grated

Mix and blend all this together and then roll up in corn tortillas. 

Top with more cheese and either taco sauce or Picante sauce. I just use what's in the fridge. 

You could also replace the sour cream with real cream. I've made them this way and they are rich and savory. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

blossom bird

Bittersweet is happy to be offering a new line of candles. We've been searching for a clean vegetable oil candle for some time and we believe that this California manufacturer has ended our search. We love everything about this candle! The pure essential oil candles are available in a variety of blends at the apothecary shop. 

I've finalized and perfected the formulation for the new Hand and Body Lotion. Bittersweet is excited to bring to you a rich concentrated lotion in a handy squeeze tube. We're in love with this ultra-moisturizing creme! The cardamom creme is available in a four-ounce tube, and we plan to down the apothecary road, also offer an eight-ounce package. The new body creme will hit the shelves as early as next week!

This picture was a prototype. I've since changed the label and introducing the yummy thick creme as a hand and body. 

We'll be getting in a new line of pillows that will be available at the shop. I'm a pillow hoarder! There I confessed... We're especially excited about this line because so many customers inquire about our shop pillows. Now we'll offer them to you!

We're also working hard to develop new "zero waste" products. Shampoo bars, Dish soap, are just a few of our latest -0- line. 

It's an exciting time for Bittersweet. We're expanding and handpicking our favorite things to stock our store. We plan to offer unique and one of a kind items, clothing, accessories and home goods that stand out from the crowd. 

Our Facial Serum is one of those favorite things! This golden oil is a skin game changer! We're in the process of changing our labels and the serum was the first to get a new look. There's really no easy way to incorporate new labeling on bulk products. When we sell out of a product we take that time to make the change. It throws our customers off, and we completely understand this, so we're here to assist and eager to help. One bottle at a time. That's how we roll. 

New Blueberry Lip Balm. We're beginning to introduce the summer flavors!

Our annual May Day event is approaching! This will mark twenty-one years of hosting this Bittersweet event. 

I'm really into the color plum! Not only is it a great spring hue, but it's also a color that glides gracefully into autumn. Not that we're ready for Autumn, right?

There you have it! The spring blossom review. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

grandma lucy

The first generation soap maker in my family was my Great Grandma Lucy. I never knew her but my Aunt Vivian, (the third generation soap maker in my family), has shared many soulful stories about my great Grandmother. 

One of the stories that stuck out and soap maker to soap maker was how grandma Lucy made soap in a large black kettle and then just like I do allow it to cure and go through the process of what soap maker's call, saponification.  I know exactly how she felt once the calendar rolled over to that final day of curing. Her excitement of finally being able to cut the soap into chunky bars after a month of waiting. Then she would stash them in her pantry so they would be readily available for bathing, laundry, and home keeping duties. I can almost see my great grandmother stacking her bars in a neat and orderly fashion. She might have placed the soap in a large basket for safe keeping too.  I love hearing these stories and know how precious that soap was to my great grandmother.  Just to think they practiced zero waste and did it so elegantly so long ago!

This soap maker was inspired by those stories and my great grandmother Lucy. That inspiration guided me to launch a new Bittersweet line called "Back to Basics." The line is molded by those long ago good habits. 

The line is in its beginnings. Although we've launched the two new products earlier than expected. Always good, because it allows me to move onto something else.  

The "Grandma Lucy" collection contains a wood brush and soap dish. I'm excited to announce it's flying off the bittersweet shelves! It seems what was always comes back.

While pondering product ideas another favorite ingredient came to mind. Beeswax... Years ago we made a  beeswax wood polish. I loved it! I slathered it on our kitchen cabinets, wood tables, and cutting boards and once buffed it left a unique shiny finish that can't be reproduced with any other products. Kind of like tung oil. I love that too!.  Back to beeswax. I have always loved working with beeswax and incorporating it into Bittersweet skin care and a variety of products.  

The polish comes with a unique cloth that helps the wax to easily rub into the wood and offers the perfect buff. 

Soulful inspiration produces feelings, unlike any others! I'm thankful that the stories haven't gotten lost and are living on through the products that I'm making. It's part of what makes my passion flow and grow. 

Next to come... Shampoo Bars. 

It's always a gamble when you introduce new products. I never second guess it. I wait, keep my eyes and ears open and let the people decide. I know that sounds a bit corny, but that's how it works. It's always a delight when a new product flies out the door! All away around it's a great feeling and one that can't be compared to any other. Soulful and sweet, I'd say. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

Scratch + Sniff + Work + Rest

I love introducing new scents at the shop. We're introducing several new ones on December 1.  Believe it or not, planning is already being pondered for new spring soaps and sundries. What? It's not even Christmas! I know dear friend, that's the way we've rolled for twenty-one years. 

This season we're seeing a large surge in soap sales. The holiday soap flys out the shop door. I'm cutting and taping, wrapping and rolling, twisting and pulling out all kinds of packaging tidbit tasks. 

If you're new to Bittersweet products or have recently visited the shop I'd like to take a moment to thank you for your visit. I take great pride in not only making the products that line my shelves but too, the pleasure it is for me to also be present at the shop to answer your skincare questions or inquiries about the products I manufacture. The latter is very important to me, and I'm fastidious and a perfectionist when it comes to creating everything that is offered at the Bittersweet Shop.

One little teeny tiny thing can be off, and I'll notice. Quite possibly I suffer from OCD, but nevertheless, I'm a stickler for things to look their best. 

Our Holiday Jubilee started today and runs through Saturday the first day of December. 

I made homemade cocoa and hand-picked some of these. This is a great bakery! There was a day not so very long ago I'd have a baking marathon for days preparing for an open house. Nowadays, there's little time to bake, and the time I do have is restricted to, well you guessed it, making the shop merchandise. What we need is lots of soap! If you're a regular you will recall the book I used to read to my son when he was little. In the book, the sheep got stuck in gooey mud, and they all said, What we need is lots of soap! We both would get a kick out that sentence because mom made soap. Now she makes lots of soap!

I can't believe the shop is only open for thirteen more days before we close for our annual Winter Break! Where or where does the time go? 

This year and I'm just now looking ahead on the calendar, but I'd say Bittersweet will be breaking from December 22 - January 11, 2019, and returning our shop winter grand re-opening on Saturday, January 12.  That's a three-week break! Yippie Ki Yay!

Wishing you the best of the season. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill