Keepsake Box

I began making these little boxes some thirteen years ago when Bittersweet was first founded. The original idea came from my creative Mother. She said I needed a little box to hold a bar of soap. She was right, I did!
The original prototype was made using left over wallpaper pieces.

Today the box is embellished with vintage pictures.
Over the years I have made thousands of these little boxes, and continue to make them. They have become somewhat of a trademark item @ Bittersweet.
Every time I paint and create a little box I think back those many years ago when the first one was made. How they've been tried and true. The different paths they've crossed. How they were once the hot item lined on store shelves.

Then how when I had my own store, customer's purchased the little boxes, picking and choosing their perfect little box, and filling their baskets.
I guess you would categorize the keepsake box as folk art, but for me they're a timeless treasure.

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

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

Cottage Spring...

Sprucing up the studio with remnants of spring.

I picked up this cute sign the other day for hardly nothing.

I made this little bird house a few years ago. I had no idea how time consuming to cut the fabric to fit the odd shaped bird house.

I sprayed it with some glass glitter and have it resting next to the lavender bundles.

This is a picture of my laundry area/studio. As you can tell by the picture it's both functional and resourceful.

Don't you love the Cami? I have had that for a very long time. It looks nice atop the sassy aprons, I think.

I hope you're enjoying a nice Spring. 

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one) 

To my bloggy friends...

Bittersweet celebrates May Day!

Visit our blog for more information...

The Vintage Market

Isn't this round ottoman the cutest? I just love it!
The ottoman is a piece I fancy from the Vintage Market.

What is the Vintage Market?
A flea market style boutique located in Kansas City. It's filled with layers of not just old, but new & unique too.

Vintage Market is owned and managed by my friend Kim.
Kim and I met years back when I had the shop downtown. Now, I do the design work for her unique business. Funny how that kind of stuff happens, isn't it?

What can I say about my friend Kim?
Let's see if I can give you a description of my friend.

She's a go getter for one! She's also honest, stuffed full with integrity and kindness, and sincerely cares how others feel. I believe those are rare traits rarely found in most serious minded business woman. If you know what I mean???
For most it's difficult to balance and mix those qualities with real business, and it takes a special person to pull it off in a feng shui kind of way.
There's more...

She's also the hardest working woman, this side of the Missouri River!
I thought no one had me beat on high energy, but Miss Kim does!


So my Calico friends, if you're ever in KC, don't forget to stop by the Vintage Market. I know you'll find a treasure or two.

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Spring Forward...

This time of year inspires me to create more than any other time of the seasons.
I'm working on some new spring creations I think you will like.
One of them, I know you will, and you can make them yourself!

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Spring

Spring is my favorite season.
Lilacs, snowball bushes, tulips, daffodils, they're some of my favorites.

Tuberose blooms later in the season, but a favorite also. It's pungent aroma is sweet almost jasmine like with lily like blooms.
Spring soaps are curing, French Clay and Lemon Verbena are the perfect fresh scents for spring.

I bet you're planning your garden, and picking your favorite plants.
The beginning of spring, and the anticipation of its arrival is beyond words.

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Blue & White String Cards

I had several of you contact me about the blue & white string that is included in the ephemera kit.
It is bakers twine and it is a wonderful crafty tool to have around.
The string cards I designed on the computer, and then cut them out making little slits for the ends of the string to be pulled through.
You can purchase a large block of it here. You may find some other cool things there too for your crafty projects.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.
Happily,
Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

Practical Pinnie...

What is it about these pinnies that draw me in? Could it be their style, practicality, design? Yes, all that!
I sew as many pinnies as time allows. I usually make at least two with the same fabric, sometimes keeping one for myself.

My kitchen is filled with pinnies hanging here and there. I think they add a certain charm.

When I gaze over at the hanging pinnie I can't help but think about baking,and creating, and home keeping and experimenting with new recipes.

Occasionally, I even ponder new soap formulations while wearing the practical pinnie.
Soap making is very similar to baking.

The pinnies will be premiering for a limited time @ Bittersweet.

Warm Thoughts,

Jill 00

another time, another place

You've heard the phrase before. Maybe if I were in another time or another place.

I'm constantly pondering creative changes within my mind, thinking how would that look in another time and place? H'm...
My other time and place prefers pink, red and blue.

What's not to like about that trio?

Pretty girly colors with pretty spring blossoms and little blue birds poking their heads into another place and time, all along knowing it's the perfect place to roost.

Jill 00

Cookbook Done!

Yeah!
You can order here.