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| Satin Corset solid body fragrance by For Strange Women |
Welcome Friends!
This weekend, I was fortunate enough to sit down with Jill McKeever, creator of the natural apothecary line, For Strange Women and have a lovely chat about her creative process. This collection of 100% natural artisan fragrances and unique concoctions of plant extracts are coveted for many reasons. It’s makes perfect “scents” when you see a glimpse into this fascinating world of tradition infused with modern ideas. Jill clearly does her work from a very authentic place, where all aspects of her life are filled with inspiration that is unique to her as a designer. It was a pleasure speaking with her about her life and work.
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| Jill McKeever
Me (Brehan Todd)-Hello Jill, it’s so nice to meet you. Tell me about your background?
Jill-I am an electronic artist and analogue “craftress” in Kansas City, MO. As an artist my first language was dance, then music, and now perfumery, and although they seem as if they would be very different, these disciplines are truly interconnected. Balance, harmony, acute sensory perception, and creative alchemy will always draw me into their magic.
I have a “professional” background in video, graphic design, screen-printing, and photography. I refuse to work for “the man” anymore though.
No, I am a self-teacher. I experiment a lot and I go with my instincts, always.
The moon and the kitty cats I encounter on my walks around the neighborhood.
How do you know when a scent is complete?
I usually already have the exact scent I am wanting to make in my mind before I begin making it. For this reason, sometimes it takes a really long time to create a perfume. Some have taken as long as a year to get right.
Absinthe seems to be really popular these days in the form of novelty items. We love your absinthe lips at Flutter. Could you describe the taste for those of us who have never tried absinthe?
“Absinthe is a very bright, sharp taste, similar to black licorice but not as harsh or dark. It is often prepared with sugar so when it is sweetened it tastes like a really delicious candy, and almost minty.”
Where do you find inspiration and ideas for new products?
I just make anything that I wish existed (but to my knowledge does not.) I think a lot of people have great original ideas all the time, and the inspiration is not as difficult to harness as the motivation to do it.
My favorite product is always the new one that is next on the list to make. I have tons of ideas lined up and not enough time to make all of them, and when I am working on something new I can hardly stand it because there has been so much thought and anticipation to get to the point where I am developing it!
Yes, I designed it. I have made other websites in the same way, where each page is a “room” in my virtual space. I am a cancer and inviting people to my home is very satisfying to me, as well as working from home. Most of the furnishings are actual photos I took of things around my house and I just arranged them on a lovely vintage wallpaper background. My home does not have lovely vintage wallpaper, though.
What films, music and fine art do you find inspiring these days?
I have been listening to Broken Bells a lot lately… I love music that has texture and organic sounds layered throughout a well developed soundscape. I used to do a lot of audio design and music production so I really have an appreciation for well produced albums, which there are not much of anymore! Everything is done so fast and cheap, and so much has been lost in the digital landscape.
I love documentaries, and am going to True/False fest with my boyfriend next week-ish. We are also working on a documentary that will be out next year. My favorite painters of the moment are Colette Calascione and Swanbones.
Thank you so much to Jill for granting us this interview. Stop in a see, and smell these amazing products at Flutter, or visit our online shop to order. |
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| Unfurl Necklace by Opulent Oddities |
Valentine’s Day is almost here and we can hardly wait! The store is beautifully decorated and and full of gifts as always. We are so excited to announce the newest line of jewelry that has arrived at Flutter. I’ve had my eye on this designer for a couple of years and her talent is amazing. Opulent Oddities, is an exclusive line of artisan jewelry. Each piece is one of a kind, and is hand made from vintage and found materials. The designer has a special eye for whimsical charms and brooches and combines them in such a way that looks like they were always meant to be together. We have several designs available in the shop and in our online boutique as well.
This happens to be my favorite. I’m loving these shades of blue this season and the mixed metals. Here is a peek at some of the line.
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| In Bloom by Opulent Oddities |
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| Blue Birdie Bracelet |
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| The Lepidopterist Necklace |
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| Valentines : A Collection of Valentine’s Day Ephemera by Steven Heller and Jim Heimann It is hard to believe another Valentine’s Day is approaching us! Since it’s one of my most favorite, if not favorite holidays, I’m counting down the final moments until the 14th. After being closed for a few days, the shop is back open with all sorts of new clothing, and vintage curiosities, jewelry and apothecary items. We are so inspired and excited for Spring! This year, for Valentine’s Day, we have a lovely selection of gifts for your sweetheart and everyone you love (which includes yourself, of course).
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We are thrilled to have many new, handmade jewelry pieces from all of our talented designers, including Paper Treasure, Seaworthy and one of our newest designers, Opulent Oddities. When Kalaisha told me Opulent Oddities was coming to Flutter, I could not wait to see what amazing creations she and Cindy chose. I am so inspired by this line of unique, handmade, vintage inspired jewelry. The designer has such an amazing eye for unique pieces and a way of combining them that is brilliant. Here is one of my personal favorite, one of a kind designs, by Opulent Oddities, now available in the shop and online.
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| How My Heart Flutters by Opulent Oddities |
The Spring line of handcrafted jewelry by Paper Treasure, is my favorite yet, by designer, Jess McCloskey. The same classic designs are represented, with a soft color palette and a bit more “bling”. We just so happen to have some wonderful new selections from the line, in the shop and on our web boutique. This designer has such a delicate way of creating very precious pieces, with a uniquely modern interpretation. I can’t think of a girl in the world who doesn’t love heart shaped lockets. The idea is updated as pair of oh so pretty, locket earrings. Here are a few of my favorite selections, by Paper Treasure for Flutter, especially for Valentine’s Day.
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| Sweetheart Locket Earrings by Paper Treasure |
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| The Meteor by Paper Treasure |
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| The Silvia by Paper Treasure
We are over the moon about all of the new fragrances and candles in our apothecary. I’m especially drawn to these new ceramic cased Voluspa candles in such unique scents! I cannot even begin to describe how truly delicious these candles smell, so I won’t even attempt. Stop by Flutter, and smell many new products from this amazing line. As always, but especially for Spring, we are brimming with beautiful treasures and there is always something for everyone and more at Flutter!
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| Voluspa Macaron Ceramic Candle |
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| Pink Glass Bead & Vintage key Necklace by Seaworthy |
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| Classic Romantic Novels never go out of style-Great Expectations |