Summer Studio

I plucked this little vintage apron from my friend Julie's shop.

The petite size apron is very old. I'm guessing from the 1920's, my favorite era!

The delicate embroidery work and satin tie is a delightfully sweet design.

I hung the new apron on the studio door.

One of those simple but satisfying little things that bring joy to my summer. 

I'll be sharing an updated studio soon. 

Happily,

Jill 00 

 

My Creative Space...

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Drop by here too for Bittersweet's creative space...

Where Bloggers Create...

I just completed the tour of my studio/shop for the upcoming Where Bloggers Create! This is a shot outside the studio door.

I'm beginning to get excited about the share & care party.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than none)

Calico Petals will be attending a fun get together, "Where Bloggers Create" party on June 19. 

I think this will be so much fun!

If you're not familiar with how it works...

Each party guest happily showcases their unique creative spaces, and then we all attend the party to share. 

Mine is pretty messy at this moment, so I better get it spruced up for the party!

Hope to see you there!

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)  

Vintage Birthday Cards for you...

Click on this image to enlarge and print & cut.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Happily,

Jill 00 (Two hugs are better than one)

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)