Welcome to My Stillroom

A Stillroom was a part of large homes of the 10th to 18th centuries where the woman of the house created perfumes, spirits, juices, and other items for the home.  Here she could rest, dream, examine and create recipes, make flower arrangements, and care for her nearby herb garden.  She dried flowers and herbs for use in the concoctions she made there, including tinctures, essential oils, medicines and baked bread.  If
she was so inclined, she made potions and wrote the spells for which they would be cast.  She did needlework, wove fabrics and rugs, read favorite books, and chatted with friends.  She might also write in her journal, or write letters to keep in touch with far away friends and family.

The stillroom was usually off the beaten path of the house, such as in a basement or root cellar, off the kitchen, or perhaps in a small outbuilding.  There were generally brick or stone walls, which kept it cool in the summer and helped seal in the warmth of the fire or stove in the winter.  It may have had a dirt or wood floor, and only necessary furnishings---a few chairs, a work table, and shelves and cabinets to contain her wares.  There was, of course, a large fireplace which heated the still, or distillery, from which the room takes its name.

Regardless of the room’s contents, it was a peaceful, comfortable, relaxing place where the woman of the house could settle back and be exactly who she was, without interruptions from children, her husband, or servants---the only exception possibly being the family cat.

It is with these things in mind that I embark upon my own stillroom adventures.  I will share my thoughts with you, the experiences of my life, and some of the creations I have produced over the years.

So pull up a chair, and join me by the fire.  I have dusted the floor and wiped the cobwebs from the rafters.  I have brewed some fresh tea, flavored with herbs from my garden.  But I have coffee, too, if
you prefer.

Welcome to my stillroom, my sanctuary.  Join me as we embark upon some adventures, here in the quietness---the stillness---of my home.

Peace and Love Always,

Door to Stillroom Photo Credit:  www.ryemuseum.co.uk, Woman Working in a Stillroom Photo Credit:   www.kentwell.co.uk,  Large Stillroom Photo at top Photo Credit: www.Tumblr.com,       1500's book with Cat Paw Prints Photo Credit:  Terri Windling care of www.theendicottstudio.com