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