Spring into Summer at Bittersweet

There’s a quiet shift that happens this time of year. The air softens, the days stretch a little longer, and inspiration finds its way back into the rhythm of everyday life.

At Bittersweet, spring moving into summer is one of the most creative and fulfilling seasons. The studio is alive with fresh batches of soap—new scents that reflect the brightness and ease of the months ahead. Light florals, soft citrus, grounding herbs… each bar thoughtfully crafted to bring a little piece of the season into your daily routine.

And a favorite has returned—Oats & Goats Soap. If you know, you know. This bar has always been a quiet staple, loved for its gentle, nourishing qualities. It never stays long, and I’m always grateful to bring it back again.

Alongside soap making, I’ve found myself returning to another kind of making—Market Bags. Each one is stitched by hand, taking time and intention. They aren’t quick to produce, but that’s part of their beauty. In a world that moves fast, there’s something grounding about creating something slowly, piece by piece.

That same feeling carries into the kitchen this time of year. I’ve been making homemade butter—a simple process that feels almost nostalgic. Just cream, transformed into something rich and satisfying. From there, it’s only natural to fold in fresh herbs—rosemary, thyme, a bit of sage—creating a soft, fragrant herb butter that tastes like the season itself. While the herbs are doing their thing, make some Herb Salt. Both Butter Making and Herb Salt Making are easy crafts. 

The herbs are growing again, just as they do every spring. A few are within arm’s reach on the deck, ready to be clipped and used. It’s a small thing, but one that adds so much to everyday living.

This season is a reminder that the best things take time—whether it’s a bar of soap curing on the shelf, a bag being stitched together, or butter slowly coming to life.

I've been digging out my zinnia seeds from last year. Zinnia is an easy flower to start from seed, and the super great thing about them is that last year's blooms produce this year's. No-cost gardening seems to bring even more joy into the process. Make sure that you get Giant Zinnia Seeds. They're sometimes referred to as California Giant. You'll need to baby those seeds after you first plant them, making sure that they stay moist. I usually give mine a spray each day until they begin to pop, and then reduce the watering to maybe every other day until they get a foot tall or so, depending on how hot it gets. One of my favorite things about gardening is that it's a learning as you go along. If something doesn't work out this year, there's always next. I'm getting ready to stain my deck. Trying to get it in between spring rains. Lots of digging is going on, too. Not my favorite thing to do, but part of it all. 

Thank you for being here, for valuing handmade, and for continuing to be part of Bittersweet.

— Jill