Bittersweet and the little soap company

trying not to be sad

I'm trying to resume a balance of peace and normal within my psyche. Overwhelming grief has been with me since Friday. Making sense of what happened is far, far away and will never be understood. 

What is normally a happy time of the year has turned into a sad disappointing time for everyone. 

Yesterday I made the Christmas treats for my neighbors and friends. I was hoping some holiday baking would help my mind travel away from the sadness. It helped some. I can no longer watch the news. It makes me cry each time I watch.

Even though I'm sad I also feel it's important to carry on and celebrate the blessing of Christmas. 

I'm praying for the family's every day. I will especially pray on Christmas. I'm praying specific prayers. Praying they will find comfort and peace and that God will share the spirit of love and mercy with each.

Words cannot express my sadness. 

Enjoy caring and sharing holidays.

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

 

kicking it around

I have this unusual feeling of love, hate for the color blue. Cool blues are usually OUT, while warm blues feel just right. Having said that, when I had the shop downtown I painted her walls a cool blue without any hesitation. I thought since the shop housed skin care and natural soap a cool tranquil blue would be a perfect choice for the walls. It was the right choice as I never grew tired of the soothing palette.

Nowadays I'm a bit more fastidious it seems when choosing blue.

What about you. Do you like the color blue? Does it have to be the perfect shade, not to dark, not to light? Maybe a touch of green mixed in or gray.

When I go to pick up paint at SW,  I always watch the machine closely to see which color it dribbles to create the color I chose.  That machine performs magic!

I wish creating color in soap were that simple! I've always been just as finicky about coloring my soap and I prefer no coloring at all. I love the creamy consistent color.

Working on some new Bittersweets. They involve my sewing machine. After I made the prairie quilt a yearning for creating with textiles began to consume my thoughts. I love to sew! It hasn't always been a loving relationship.

I used to not care for sewing at all!  Since I had no formal training as is always the case,  it felt like too much time and effort were involved to reap the reward of the final product. Then the ripping out seams, not calculating fabric correctly, cutting of the threads, producing straight hems, crooked pleats. Good old trials and tribulations from sewing...

I believe I'm not the only one that have, had, those feelings. Frustration wins and the urge fades into the sunset .  

Learning to sew is kind of like learning to play the piano. There is always room for improvement and the learning new clever techniques never ceases.

Maybe that's why my feelings about sewing changed.

I began to appreciate and learn how sewing worked. She was always patient. It was I that became flustered and anxious. 

 When you create you can't allow frustration to win. I believe those feelings will remain forever if not faced.  

Part of creating is accepting and dealing with the learning as you go experience.

Since I'm a self taught kind of person those feelings have always been there, I just did not always recognize them for what they were.

Those same feelings are a metaphor for life.

Oh no! Here I go again! Always bringing in philosophical thoughts.

Something I've learned when creating....

Go with the flow, take it slow, ease into the project knowing it may not come out the way you want the first time. The second time however will be better. You're on your way! Don't give up.

Enjoy a crafty summer.

Jill 00

 

packaging and marketing

Ah yes indeed! Two peas in a pod! What you ask? Packaging and marketing. They play well with one another. First comes the packaging, then the marketing. After all you really can't market something if you don't know what it is or looks like, right?

I have been invited by my bank to attend their customer appreciation day on Friday. Thinking it would be nice to mingle and hand out soap samples to both their customers, some of mine and hopefully some potential new patrons from my home town.

The banks  theme during the event is outdoor fun. I'm hoping I've captured a bit of that in the complimentary soap samples. I'm also marketing the "Country Fair" line of Bittersweet soap. Again, thinking it will fit in with the scheme of things.

I spotted the tiny paper cups while browsing at craft store the other day. Aren't they cute? Martha of course!

The little tags are simply done. I used water proof paper. Great to have around. Folks that make maps use it. Great for taking the maps in the field if it's raining. Waterproof maps, I like that! Waterproof labels and tags, even better!

Lot's of projects swirling around. I'm determined to begin sewing some new summer skirts and blouses. I have the patterns and fabric, just need to find the time!

Oh and these... I really want to make some of these. Another smart tool, elastic thread. I don't even need to attach my ruffler. Easy breezy. Like that! How cute little ruffle scarves. I want to make tons of them!

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

 

my sweets...

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Warm wishes and kisses and hugs xo

Jill

Media Kits for your business or blog

I've been researching some blog related topics the past few days.

The research has been spent pondering the ins and outs of having a media kit for your blog or business.

After reading more than several articles on the subject of media kits I decided Bittersweet should indeed have one in their possession. In fact, after reading the numerous articles it seems we're long overdue.

I can best describe a media kit by referring it to a resume for your blog or business.

In the olden days before Internet a media kit consisted of a handy file folder that was neatly filled with a companys bio or information along with a business card and contact information. Nowadays an electronic media kit better fits the times.

How do you know if you need one?

Good question. If you own and manage a small cottage business like myself chances are you would benifit by having one.

If you're interested in offering advertising on your blog, you need one too. A blog media kit contains different information than a business one. You will need to include your advertising rates, page hits, social network resources, etc.

I believe a person with both a blog and business should possibly have more than one media kit. 

You will need a media kit if you're interested in finding a publisher or have a desire to have your work published in a magazine. At least you'll be ahead of the crowd if you have a media kit.

As you can see by the Bittersweet media kit example it's really no biggy.

A short bio about your company or blog, contact information and anything else you feel would be an easy read for a first time reader.

 Do you have a media kit?

What's your take on the subject?

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Warmly,

Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one) 

 

Pro's and con's of temporary shows...

 
This photo was taken three years ago when Bittersweet participated in a three day venue at a local Vintage Market. I believe it was around this time of year. For those of you that do shows, I need not tell you  how much work is involved to prepare a display at an event such as this.

 
I would consider myself to be a seasoned show vendor. In fact, not only am I experienced, but when it comes to setting up these once upon a time temporary spaces the term, "lone contractor," should be taken literally.

 
Preparing a temporary merchandising boutique for soon to be shoppers does have it's glorious moments and offers sweet memories. The joy of meeting new kindred spirits along the way, priceless, and when it's slow, you're offered the best picks from the entire show!      
 
Ann, Heather, Toni, Jill

 That's a favorite show picture above. Can you tell what we have in common? 
 
Customer wearing her new pinnie apron from Bittersweet

 

Steven from ReDeux 

 
The occasional slow spell when you get the tripod out and get silly.

 
Farm Show, can't remember what year? Christi, Jill, Julie

Bittersweet no longer particpates in shows nowadays. The time and attention once spent to prepare and focus on preparation for such an event has gradually turned our marketing into a much different direction. The lumpish economy and high unemployment has definitely effected profit margins for those hosting these type of events. 

What's your take on this topic?

Have you ever done a show?

If yes, do you enjoy them?

Are they worth the time and effort involved to prepare?

If you're not a vendor, but rather a show groupie, would you miss these temporary events if they were no more?

Do you prefer shopping a temporary show or do you prefer browsing a vintage market that's open year round?

I'm really interested in your response to those questions.

Thanks for taking time to answer them in advance.

Warmly,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)   

  

favorisez

 
Question...

Did you read that in its entirety?

Do these things matter to you?

Promoting can be tricky...

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Warmly,

Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)

fastidious in choosing

 
Typically I'm darn right fastidious when it comes to choosing decorating books. I generally flutter through their pages within a few minutes. It seems the anticipation of not knowing what's in the book is much more exilarating than seeing the actual pages and pictures.

Magazines or periodicals same thoughts. Thanks, I feel so much better for saying that!

Magazine frustration sets in when I see the same ideas and looks over and over again. 

I haven't always had those feelings!

Then...

 Along come a few, that like a good wine age to perfection and keep me coming back.

That's the kicker you know! A book or magazine that keeps you coming back...

  Christina Strutt books seem to capture those coming back thoughts. The photography in her books is divine. The fresh ideas float freely throughout. If you're not familiar with Christina's books you can visit her blog or website. Both are an interesting read just like her books. She has a new book out! You can learn more about it on her web site.

A couple of months ago I signed up for a seasonal on-line gazette presented by Heather Bullard. The periodical was delivered in my in box and was delightfully presented.  Most of you are familiar with Heathers gifted design abilities. Heather is the chief editor of Flea Market Style magazine. By the way, that magazine makes my survivor list too!

Heather has fastidiously chosen a  posse of talented contributors that deliver the goods in a seasonal gazette cleverly named, "Souvenir." It too is a come back to me read.

You can read more about Heather on her blog.

If you haven't signed up to receive her gazette I would recommend that you do! She has a sign up link on her blog.

I've attached a link below of the latest issue.

 
http://heatherbullard.com/souvenir/SOUVENIR_SUMR2011.pdf

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Warmly,

Jill 00 (two hugs are better than one)

Passed Down

 

This corner of my dining room is filled with pieces passed down to me. The golden pie cupboard, that's what my mom always called it,  aka, pie safe, once warmed pies in my great grandmothers home. The piece was custom and I'm now wondering if it was a wedding gift made by a handy carpenter family member.

The cupboard was later bestowed to my grandmother, then my mom and now me. I've actually had it for many years now. It has been moved many times over the years, but still remains in perfect shape. It even has the original glass.

It's warm patina and little holes in the sides make it one of my favorite antique pieces.

Knowing warm homemade pies once sat on its shelves while little boys and girls sneak by to take a peek possibly thinking they could get a tasty sample while still warming.  I'm sure my great grandmother always placed them on the top shelf!

I have never used it for cooling pies. I appreciate its functionality for storing my china and odds and ends.

The little wooden safe is one of my favorite things in my home. In the weeks to come I will share a few more favorite corners of my home.

PROJECT MANY at Bittersweet. Translation: Numerous ideas and mind spinning with those thoughts that my hands can't possibly keep up!

I'm creating a new line of products, but it's hush, hush until the final prototype is finished.

Next post The new ruffle attachment I purchased for my sewing machine is ronderful! Definitely need to share the highlights with you. It took me several hours to figure it out and I found little help on the Internet. So I believe there's a need for good instruction and tutorial on the subject of ruffles.

Here's a picture of the ruffle testing facility.

 

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Jill 00

Winters Way

 
a sunrise shot from across the street

Old man winter is definitely having his way lately. Snow, rain and unseasonably cold all predicted in the next few days, then 70 degrees by this weekend!

 If you would pardon me sir, but Miss Spring arrived at my door last Sunday and the three day rule has expired for you. I do believe it's time for you to quietely move on, possibly and if I may be so bold, it might be a good idea to consider taking up a hobby. Thank you.

Missouri weather can sometime be unpredictable especially this time of year.

The wishy washy up and down tumbles will soon be a distant memory once the brown eyed susans and queens anne lace begin to bloom. We have some of the most beautiful woods and wild flower fields in the world.  

My little basket of hand selected flower seeds sit on a table right off my kitchen. A pleasant reminder spring will most certainly be here soon.

 
I don't plant until Mother's Day. My mother always followed that schedule. Most old timers do the same knowing it's a safe bet free of frost.

I was suppose to speak tonight at a friends shop but it had been cancelled due to the fact she's decided to close her shop. I am saddened by the news, but realize the reality of knowing how diffucult it is to maintain a small business during this extremely poor economy.

Small business such as myself are taking a big hit with the consistant negative numbers of the current economy. 

Believe me, it will be an even more negative impact on our economy if small business is no more! Knowing this makes me very sad.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Jill 00