Lavender Days...

While the studio re-do continues I'm slowly working my way out of the working part to the merchandising area's.

Lavender has always been a main staple to create Bittersweet and Calico creations.

Sachets, Soaps and Laundry Essentials are all flavored with  tincture's of Lavender.

This is one of my favorite pinnies! It reminds me of summer and lavender.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00

Saturday Studio changes under way...

Well I've began the re-do on the studio. I guess the word re-do isn't an accurate description of the task. Maybe the word restructuring is a better fit.

I have however began the very long process of sorting, separating, putting away items that aren't used regularly, unless their cute of course, then I want to be able to see them.

Since my studio is also my shop, and a small space, I wobble back and forth with practicality, functionality and merchandising. All of which, reflect my personality and feeling of well being. 

 

This is the working room part of my studio. I very seldom share. This is where I create. I guess the reason I don't disclose is simple. It's usually a total mess! I make over one-hundred hand crafted items! There's no way it's going to be orderly. Usually stacks of freshly cut soap bars line the walls, and fabric stacked high from work in progress and new designs.

This little corner of the work room however usually stays the same. I think it's good to have a corner that never changes. 

My Mom's wooden bench fluffed with softness. My favorite little lamp. All my baubles and bows in clear glass jars so that I can see what I have, cause I sometime forget!

 

It's the best of both worlds I believe having your shop in your home. 

After all, home is where the heart is!

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

Happily,

Jill 00

 

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...