Cookbook Done!

Yeah!
You can order here.

Julie's Shop

I took this shot from my friend Julies shop a couple of years ago. I'm quite fond of this picture.
It's a timeless picture, I believe.

Do you know why I'm so fond of this picture?
That pretty pink chiffon dress looked pretty back then and continues to hold it's beauty today. Don't you love that? I do! Isn't that how vintage pieces are suppose to make you feel? Kind of like that feeling you get when you watch an old Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly movie,kinda.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit my little town then you really must stop by Julie's shop, Aggieal's Attic.
You are sure to find the cutest shabby vintage goods you'll ever see!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one, yep)

Vintage Handkerchiefs

I've been pondering some thoughts on handkerchiefs. The mere thought of them brings back memories of my stays at my Grandmother Lola's house. Just as my admiration for fragrance as a young girl, memories of hankies in my Grandmother's dresser drawer softly carry me back to childhood too, as I fondly remember gazing inside her lovely designated spot that neatly housed her beautiful linen and colorful cotton collections.

I ponder the thought of why I was so fondly drawn to them.

Quite possibly just the fact that Grandma used them. Or maybe when I opened that dresser drawer for the first time I was drawn to the colorful petite sized fabric.

H'm......

Such a green thing to do, carry a handkerchief! So way before their time,
and I get that same sweet soulful feeling like I do when I see a vintage apron. You know the feeling I'm talking about don't you?

I imagine there's Lot's of crafty things to do with handkerchiefs.
Personally for me, I like to do just like my Grandma did. Use them, and keep them in my dresser drawer.

Sometimes it's the little things in life that make it so very special.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Colorful Correspondence

Ah, the long lost art of letter writing and corresponding through the mail.. Definitely not lost with this girly girl when there's so many pretty candy colored stationery's to choose from nowadays, h'm.

The one's above from this company.

When I was growing up I remember how much I loved to sit and write letters to friends that had moved away. My best friend Linda would send me letters on smiley faced paper,and I just loved reading and receiving her letters filling me in on all that had happened to her and her family.

Then about that same time, the seventy's, scented stationary, really loved that being a fragrance girl from way back you see.

Now I'm pondering thoughts like, who could I send a letter to right now so I can use this cheery flower petal colored papier? Who??

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Twiggy

When Lennis carried this twig ladder upstairs and showed it to me I thought to myself, it looks like something out of a fairy tale book, simply enchanting.
What a soulful display piece I have now. Thank you Lennis, love ya.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Sassafras

Another sassafras apron completed and many more in production.
I have been thinking, pondering, wondering just how I am going to display these aprons at the upcoming shows I'm participating in and all of a sudden it came to me!
While thinking about it I knew the display piece needed to be different, something that would fit in, but yet stand out from the crowd.
After careful thought it came to me...
A ivy wrapped twig ladder, yeah that will be perfect!
Lennis is constructing the ladder for me out of fallen red bud limbs and I can't wait to show you a preview with all the sassafras's folded over the ivy covered branches.
I think you'll like it!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.


Happily,
Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Marketing the new cookbook

Most cookbook publishers have a publicist to promote their book. I however did not. Well I guess that's not entirely true. I am the publicist!

You see when you write a book, whatever that book may be, the popularity of the book depends on the content, but too, centers around how the book was marketed.

For instance, If Oprah said a book was good on her television talk show, I think you get the point.

If you've traveled over to Bittersweet Blog and read some of my posts, you've heard me talk about the importance of refined marketing.
It's as simple as this..
The more people that pick up your book, usually drawn from the cover by the way, then a look inside, they think to themselves, I think I'd like to add this book to my library, SOLD!

I'll be promoting my cookbook during the market events at Zona Rosa. I will also be doing a book signing in November! I'm really excited about a book signing!!!

The picture above is a postcard. I had postcards made that look like the cover of the book. I'll be handing them out to customers in the next few weeks.

I can't wait to see the finished product!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Summer

During my relax mode I took a few Summer pics. The bumble bee was an added bonus!

I know some of you are experiencing the worst Summer heat and I feel for you because I know what HOT SUMMERS are like, hate em! For those of us in the Midwest though, it's been mild and quite pleasant and almost early Autumn like.
I wish I could bottle up some of our weather and send it your way!

Try to stay cool and enjoy a caring and sharing Summer.

Happily,

Jill oo

Botanical Prints

I believe I promised some vintage botanical prints...

ENJOY,

Jill

Oh Sassafras, I love you!

Move over Pinnie, there's a new girl in town.

I am loving the new style
"Sassafras" apron, just loving making them too. It has a bit of a flirty flounce.




I'll be listing the flirty flounced Sassafras on Calico soon, I hope!

Enjoy caring and sharing Summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Cookbook coming along nicely

I'm so excited to present to you a new cookbook cover. I really wasn't happy with the other. What do you think? Do you like it?

Jill 00

Vintage Botanical Prints cont..

I really like using heat transfer and vintage images. Don't you just love how the muslin bags turned out?

I'll be posting a few vintage botatical images soon so that you can make your own.

Happily,

Jill 00

Vintage Prints

I love collecting vintage botanical prints.

The detail and design are far above most prints made today, I believe.

Thinking about silk screening some vintage botanical designs onto stationary and t-shirts. What do you think, do you like that idea?

Jill 00

Apron Winner!

Having only three friends sign up made it very difficult.

Random number 2 picked though.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,
Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Apron Giveaway

As promised a little apron giveaway, this pinnie, a 1967 patterned pinnnie will be so cute to slip on this Summer.

Leave your lovely comments for a chance to win.

I'll be announcing the winner sometime next week after Memorial Day.

Good Pinnie Luck!

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

A Vintage Tea Towel Apron

I have a large collection of vintage tea towels and table runners, some with stains that I know I'll never be able to remove.

My re-use, recycle, re-purpose remedy.

Simple tie around the waist half apron.

I made a pattern, just straight lined rectangle out of linen, cut out long ties, and attached the piece of vintage cloth to the front of the apron.

It's one of my favorite aprons.

Coming Soon...

An apron giveaway you won't want to miss.

Keep posted.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

See you at "Art on the Hill!"

Happy Champignon

What is it about these Happy Rooms?

I'm having too much fun making them!

If you want an easy Spring project that will surely add some charmingly happy moments then I would suggest making these.

Easy to make:

................

Start by making a round template out of paper or cardstock, this is your pattern.

Place round pattern onto fabric choice and cut around circle.

Cut one more of contrasting fabric for bottom of room.

Sew two circles together leaving a small opening around circle for turning inside out.

Stuff with cotton batting. I prefer bamboo stuffing.

Cut one long strip of muslin approximately 12 inches by 4 inches.

Sew strip together except for bottom.

Turn stem inside out and stuff with cotton batting. I use bamboo.

Place stem on bottom side of room and hand-sew in place.

Sew bottom of stem by hand too.

Now you have a Happy Mushroom!

Place in a sunny window.

.............................

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none, right?)

Vintage Wallpaper Paquets

Vintage Wallpaper Paquets are now available at Calico Petals web site.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

New Pinnies

New Pinnies making their debut at Calico Petals. I've listed two of my favorite's for now.
Hurry, they go quick! Once they're gone, they don't return..

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Spring Thoughts

Having two blogs is proving to be a challenge at times to keep up with.

With the ownership of two hand-made companies and the constant demand for economic change, you'll probably see less and less of me around.

Hand-made business's are experiencing a stunt in growth due to the tattered economy.

Both Bittersweet and Calico Petals continue to evolve and twist and turn during the slow times.

I've always believed the key to operating a successful business depends on your ability to change with the times. You can't continue the same old, same old during slow economic times, you just can't.

You must be creative and resourceful and imaginative and replace the traditional open shut door into an ever changing revolving door, one that's easy to turn and constantly spinning.

Since Calico is a fairly new company and Bittersweet, her older sister is seasoned and been around the block a time or two, Calico will carefully watch and learn from her big Sis.

I believe storing and keeping a good record of a new business and it's happenings are good practice, blogging offers both opportunity's.

It's very common for me to travel back in time on Bittersweet's blog and explore how I did things back then. As I look back, I can't help but notice the changes in packaging, ideas, thoughts, and so on. It's nice to have an easy reference at my finger tips.

Coming up..

Apron packaging dilemma solved. I'll share that and a few more things.

Enjoy caring and sharing Spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Couture Carton

A few Easter's ago I was looking for some creative ideas for packaging a little sewing kit.

The kit practical in nature, but too, a bit whimsical with bits and pieces of ephemera.

The result, The Couture Carton, better known as the Stylish Sewing Ala cart at Calico Petals.

Busy putting together more Couture Cartons for Easter.
Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Vintage Bunny

Several years ago while flea market shopping I found Mr. Reginald Smith, the vintage bunny in the basket. I fell in love with his simple embroidered face and his feed sack apparel. I would say he dates back to around the 1930's.

I traced around Mr. Smiths body to make Mrs. Smith his companion. The two took an instant liking to one another the first time they met and they haven't seemed to take their eyes off each other, bunny love.

After their meeting, Mr. Smith asked Roberta, Mrs. Smith if she would marry him. Mrs. Smith happily and proudly said, yes!

Enjoy caring and sharing bunny loving days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Wild Strawberry's

I guess you can blame my wild strawberry passion on the long cold drawn out winter.

I'm getting cabin fever too.

These scented strawberry's help to ease the cold Winter blues and they'll add some Spring aroma therapy to your space.

The berries come packed inside a pretty pink desert box along with jute string for hanging. In case you want to hang a berry rather than have it sit.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

My fascination and love for bags and pretty fabric inspired me to make these cosmetic pouches.

The pouch is the perfect size for holding keys, credit cards, cash or cosmetics.

They will be available at the Calico Petals shop soon.

They are $14 each and make a lovely gift.

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Petite Book Box

If you're new to Bittersweet then you probably don't know about our signature hand-made soap boxes.

I began designing these little boxes when Bittersweet was first born some eleven years ago. The "little box" idea originated from my lovely creative Mom's hands and has evolved into a beautiful tribute each and every time I construct a new box.

The "Petite Book Box" is a spin off from the keepsake boxes available at Bittersweet and found at Calico Petals.

They are designed to hold bits and pieces, ephemera, or possibly a bar of soap if you're so inclined:)

The designs are part of my exclusive vintage image collections, I have around a half million images, yes that is a considerable amount but for this graphic loving girl a must when designing and creating for both Bittersweet and Calico.

The designs change each year. I'm now really into a look I guess I'd call it, "Simple Country Cottage." A no frills vintage cottage look.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

In Between

In Between Bittersweet and Calico, nice place to be I think, but of course I'm a tad bit bias!

The new web site is up and running well to most anyway, still having issues with AOL users, darn it! Anyway..

In between painting, phone calls, taxes, I took some time to make more "Love Bird Packets." What are they you ask? Well of course, they are inspired by my love for all things bird or "bird love." Inside, bird labels, vintage style bird images, bits and pieces of vintage ephemera.

Hopefully one-of-a-kind little packet of bird love.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

New Cookbook Coming Soon!

Did I say coming soon? Well, maybe later rather than sooner. I am finding that once I get the ball rolling however it seems to roll faster. The time consuming part is typing the one-hundred and fifty recipes. I've got a good start, ten. Ten of my favorite all time timeless cottage recipes, guaranteed to make the recipients happy content foodies!

Most of the recipes in the book are vintage. Recipes that have been handed down generation to generation, timeless and true. Recipes I've collected over the past thirty plus years, and only the very best ones get listed in the Calico Petal Cookbook.

Calico Petals will also be showcasing their Pinnie Aprons.

The "Pinnie", a classic styled apron, my favorite apron! Not only is the pinnie a practical apron to wear, but too, a showy little apron that's soulful and sweet.

Here is a glimpse of Pinnie Rosalie, I like naming the pinnies! I only make Rosalie once! She's truly a one-of-a- kind. Her rosy disposition will help to assure you're a happy girl while wearing her! I assure you, your pies will come out perfect and you'll carry a smile on your face.

Enjoy caring and sharing winter days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Little Bag Love..

You've probably heard me talk about my passion for little cloth bags at Bittersweet's blog.
I know, I know, why go on and on about a fabric bag!

With Valentine's Day soon approaching I thought that mentioning the little bags might spark a heart felt flame to make some.

I'm also including a list of ideas, some of which I have used for filling the bags.

1. Fill the bag with fresh lavender. Tuck a few sprigs of lavender under the ribbon for an extra sweet sachet presentation.
2. Make home-baked goods and place inside a plastic bag and then insert the bag into the little bag. You could even include a heart shaped recipe tag.
3. Make a fresh batch of bath salt using Epsom salts or sea salt. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil, jasmine, or any other aromatic oil. Place bath salt into plastic bag and then insert into cloth bag. Again, add a hand-made Valentine card if you wish.
4. If you know someone that likes tea, the little bag is a perfect spot for housing a bit of tea. Include sugar cubes, organic honey or an infuser if you want.
5. Fill the cloth bag with vintage handkerchiefs. Especially nice if you can find Valentine hankies to place inside.
6. Stick an assortment of votive's inside the bag, include a box of matches.
7. Fill bag with an assortment of spices. Vanilla beans, ginger crystals, cloves, allspice, etc. The recipient will not only enjoy the bag, but have useful baking essentials.
8. Place relaxing tools inside bag. An eye mask, lavender sachet, bath seltzer, aromatic soaps, candle and dried rose petals.
9. Insert a hand-made coupon for a complimentary back massage or foot rub. How about a free night of baby sitting or dog sitting. An inexpensive alternative and a lovely presentation in the bag.
10. Fill the bag with love! It doesn't matter what you place inside the bag really, it's the thought that counts!

Enjoy caring and sharing winter days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

French Reproduction Notebooks

Recently I found these French reproduction notebooks that tempted me with their intense designs. They are available at Calico Petals if you're interested.

Enjoy caring and sharing winter days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Layering Graphics

I've been having some fun with the layering of graphics. I'm finding it's very difficult to mess things up when you layer. You can easily layer images that reflect a total look or you can mix it up a bit. Either way, I am enjoying my play time with graphics.

Simply copy and paste images side by side or on top of each other to achieve a professional looking banner or design.

Enjoy caring and sharing winter days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Stuffies

I have always held a passion for making stuffed animals. Even when I was a young girl I would sit for hours making yarn haired dolls. I can still remember my excitement as I stranded the last piece of doll hair, awaiting the final look at the completed doll.

Not much has changed. Today I still enjoy making stuffed creatures. I prefer vintage patterns, as they seem to capture the cuteness at full capacity.

The above patterns are retro rather than vintage.

The two stuffies were both made using a 1964 pattern. I purchased the patterns on EBay several years ago. Since the time of purchasing them, I have been on the lookout at flea markets for more of these type of patterns, but they are very hard to find.

Calico Petals will be offering both patterns along with a kit filled with fabric, embroidery thread, and ribbon, so that you can make your very own stuffed doggies and kanga's.

If all plans fall into place, the kit will be available in early Spring.

What would the world be without stuffed animals? Not the same I assure you!

Enjoy a caring and sharing day.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

The Calico Petals Story

~Welcome to Calico Petals Blog, A Blooming Cottage Vintage Design Studio~

I have always been inspired by my French Grandmothers passions. I admire and cherish their tenderly hand-made designs. This inspiration guided me to launch my blooming cottage creations.

Calico Petals is fresh and new. Her items are still being listed. She is proud to be a little sister to our eleven year old company, Bittersweet and the little soap company.

Merci,

Jill xo