On the Dot Creations

Turning Over a New Leaf

 

It's that time of year again . . . leaf raking time.  Our yard is filled with large trees, so leaf raking has become a family tradition each fall.  We spent about an hour raking this past Saturday, so I've got leaves on the brain. :)

How about some dotty leaf Etsy items today?

1. Circus Dot Fabric Twigs from Jane Joss
2. Luggage Tag from Minmade
3. Cardboard Trinket Box from elheramara
4. "I Know Why the Blue Bird Sings" Purse from Lucky Find Designs
5. Autumn Leaves PORTA-Pouch from alliebeans
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I wouldn't mind if I didn't see another leaf again for a long . . . long time.  But alas, I'll probably be raking again next weekend.  Such is life. 

Happy Monday, friends.

  

My Kind of Halloween Costume

Eeek!  Take a look at this dotty Halloween transformation that I found while surfing the web this week.

Now that's my kind of costume! :)

More pictures here.

Have a wonderful Thursday, friends.

Organize in Style!

Just look what I found while browsing the web the other day!  I've seen this type of organizer before (to store shoes, clothes, etc.), but never in polka dots! :)

This organizer would be perfect to sort the week's outfits for your child or even you!  I also like the idea of using something like this to organize a baby's diaper items when dresser/counter space is limited.

The possibilities are endless!

Do any of you have a system for organizing your clothes each week?  Or are you one who stands in front of your closet each morning with no clue what to wear?

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends.

Color Scheme - Orange and Black

 
Well, Halloween week is upon us.  Whether you celebrate this spooky time of year or not, you will probably be bombarded with lots of orange and black this week.

Why not enjoy some orange and black polka dots? :)

1. Dahlia Mini Skirt from Beta Boutique
2. Black Bat Halloween Mask from The Checkerd Rabbit
3. Halloween Tags from Petite Pear
4. Child's Belt from Boneca Linda
5. Vintage Ceil Chapman Gown from Timeless Vixen Vintage
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Have a wonderful Monday, friends. :)

  

Do the Monster Mash

 

With Halloween quickly approaching, monsters are sprouting up everywhere.  Did you know that during this week (October 20) in 1962, the hit song "Monster Mash" reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard charts and stayed there for two weeks? 

In honor of this song, let's look at some dotty monsters from Etsy:

1. Polka Dot Doll Monster from Mini Monster Baby Boutique
2. Fairy Spot - The Emotionals from Fluffy Flowers
3. Fleece Monster Scarf from Ghoulie Girls
4. Fuse Jelly Monster from Cotton Monster
5. Green Monster Card/Tag Set from A Forest Frolic
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He's not polka dotted, but my favorite monster of all time is Mike Wasowski from Disney Pixar's Monsters, Inc.

His one eye cracks me up.

 

P.S.  Stay tuned for a "clean" giveaway tomorrow! :)

Shoes, Glorious Shoes!

 
Need a fun party favor idea for Halloween?

While reading The Daily Digi blog the other day, I spotted these great party favor boxes and instantly wanted to share them with you.  You can learn more about how to create them by visiting the adorable Skip to my Lou blog. 

I love these shoes, too! 

Have fun!

Happy Columbus Day!

May your Columbus Day be filled with new and interesting discoveries! :)



 Image: The Journey Ahead print from Eggman Studios 

Duck and Goose - A Dotty Tale

How wonderful is the public library!  My son and I are frequent visitors at our city's library (it doesn't hurt that it is located only 2 miles from our house), and we checked out a new batch of books yesterday.

Just look at one of the books we found!

Mason and I both enjoyed the story line:  a duck and goose think that the round object is an egg, and they sit on it for days, dreaming of the day the egg will hatch and a new baby bird will emerge.

Come to find out, the egg is really a ball, and the birds feel embarrassed that they've spent so much time sitting on it.

Before we even opened the book to read it, my son said, "Mommy!  That ball has polka dots!  You like polka dots!"

I've trained him well. :)

Have a wonderful Friday, friends.

   

Lil' Monsters

Looking for some ideas for Halloween treat bags, invitations, or notes?  Look no further . . . Kate Hadfield has created some of the cutest monster doodles you'll ever see!  And what's even better, some of the doodles are polka dotted! :)

These are digital files that you can print over and over again.  Visit The Lilypad for these doodles and lots of other great digital scrapbooking supplies.

The Glorious Mustache

 

Mustaches seem to be quite popular these days, so let's join the mustache craze today.

1. The Moustache mixed media painting from The Vintage Sister
2. The Most Awesome Moustache t-shirt from The Bold Banana
3. Moustache Applique Onesie from Chicken Tattoo
4. Mustache Necklace from Modish Mayhem
5. Mustache Mug (sold) from Bread and Badger
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So how do you spell it:  mustache or moustache?

 

Fungus Can Be Cute

Mushrooms, anyone?

Thanks to all of the rain that we received this summer, my front yard has become a breeding ground for mushrooms.  My little boy and I have such fun examining them, but we never touch them.  Can't be too careful with fungus, right? :)

Today's lovely Etsy items:

1. Toadstools Ribbon from Mountain of the Dragon
2. Mushroom Clothespin Set from Miss Macau
3. Folksy Mushroom Collection from C. Bunny Binx
4. Woodland Tale Baby Shoes from Flip Skip Jump
5. Mushroom Wall Hanging from Farm Fresh Designs
6. Wool Felted Mushrooms from Stemellina's Supplies
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So, what is your favorite mushroom dish?  I like spaghetti sauce with mushrooms . . . yummy!

Happy Monday!

Necklace Swoon

Just look what I found while browsing through Etsy for polka dots!  What gorgeous necklaces!  I'll take one of each, please. :)

Visit the Boutique Kokosh for more beautiful accessories!



P.S. Speaking of necklaces, there's a fun necklace giveaway here tomorrow.  Don't miss it!

Early Bird

Good morning, friends!  Today's cliche is easy to say but hard to put into practice: "The early bird gets the worm."

I just love this pink color palette today!  How about a closer look?

1. Swinging Bird Yarn Wreath from Knock Knocking
2. Lavender Sachet Ornament from Trinkets NH
3. Reversible Coffee Sleeve from The Doe and the Mouse
4. High Maintenance Handbag from Oh Sexy Girlfriend
5. The Feast Necklace from Beth Millner
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So, are you an early bird (i.e., "morning person")?

Happy Thursday!

 

At the Drop of a Hat

 

Welcome to the second installment of Cliche Week!  Today's cliche is "at the drop of a hat."

Etsy is filled with lots of great hats!  Let's take a closer look at a few:

1. Party Hats from Picks & Posies
2. Rachel Beret from Enjolive
3. Baby Hat from Dragonfly Creations
4. Bucket-Style Sun Hat from Elephunk's Trunk
5. Lilly Dache Vintage Hat from Callooh Callay
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Which of these hats is your favorite (and why)?

Have a wonderful day! :)

 

P.S.  Have you entered this week's giveaway yet?

Cliche Week

Welcome to a new week!  This week's theme is going to be lots of fun.  I've called it Cliche Week, and each day's post will feature items associated with a particular cliche. 

Today's cliche is "the grass is greener on the other side."

Here are today's lovely Etsy items:

1. Seashell Grass Shawl from Sweet Knitting
2. Swinging in Polka Dot Land Artwork from Bear Chick ART
3. Blown Away Print from Painting Prints
4. Egg Sprouts -- Porcelain Egg Shells from Revisions
5. Lil' Bunny Baby Announcements from Earmark
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Happy Monday! :)

 

Bert, Ernie, and Mason

Today's color inspiration comes from one of my favorite pictures of my son.  This was taken two years ago, and it's amazing to see how much he's changed (sniff).

1. Submarine Pillow from Serendipity Decor
2. Lightswitch and Outlet Cover from Lindsay's Lights
3. Reversible Car Seat Covers from Amy Rose Designs
4. Flower Power Cookies from Cakebox Cookies
5. Onesie with Necktie Applique from Zingo Tots
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So, who is your favorite Sesame Street character?  I've always liked The Count.  His laugh makes me smile. :) (ahh, ahh, ahh)

Happy Thursday!

 

Denim n' Dots

 

Today's color swatch is inspired by this dotty brooch from the Pampering Beki Etsy shop.  It looks so charming on this denim jacket, don't you think?

Let's take a look at today's pretty Etsy items:

1. Tractor Pillow from V for Violet
2. Babushka Bunting from Beaky
3. Retro Pendant from Sailorgirl Jewelry
4. Denim Wallet from Olive Designs
5. Tags from Ellie Cate's
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By the way, happy 9/9/09!  Wow!

 

It's Right There in Black and White

 
 

As much as I love bright colors (hot pink and orange, particularly), I am always drawn to a black and white color combination.  Simple, elegant, and classic -- love that!

Don't you just love today's items?

1. Little Doodle Hand-Painted Flats (reserved) from Craft-tastrophe
2. Slip Skirt from Deciduous Soul
3. Everyday Satin Necktie from Me and Matilda
4. Vintage Girly Skirt from Tennyson Vintage
5. Designer Vintage Shoes from Allison Bean
6. Sweetest Taboo Dress from Pondhopper Originals
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Which of today's items is your favorite?  Mine is the slip skirt.  I just love the feminine look of it. :)

Happy Tuesday, friends.

 

Color Swatch Week

 
 

Welcome to Color Swatch week! Today's colors are near to my heart, because I plan to decorate my brand new kitchen in this color palette. In fact, here's a picture of the kitchen globes that will hang from some pendant lights:

 

Now, on to the specifics of today's featured Etsy items:

1. Reversible Headband from KitMit
2. PAON Necklace from La Mia Casa
3. Guinea and Peacock Feather Clip from Elizabeth Sorrey
4. Peacock Peeper Feather Headband from Lotus Lulu
5. Peacock Clutch Purse from Clutch That
6. Peacock Blue Tote Bag from Bags by Baton
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I hope you're having a wonderful Labor Day! :)

 

P.S.  Stay tuned for a big announcement later today!

Back to School

With mixed emotions, I sent my little boy off to his first day of K-4 today (sniff).  He didn't hesitate one bit.  In fact, when I first woke him this morning, he said, "First day of school!  Woo hoo!"

How is it possible that kids grow so quickly?  Just one of many "firsts" in my little guy's life.  Excuse me while I go find a Kleenex now. :(

P.S.  The adorable t-shirt pictured above is from the Polka Dot Monkey Etsy shop.  So cute!

A Dotty Tutorial For You!

 

Just look at what I found while browsing the Web for polka dots!  Blogger Steph of Steph's Closet has graciously allowed me to post her image here and direct you to her great tutorial.

Of course you could try this tutorial with different colored nail polish, if the blue and black is too bold for you.  Oooo!  This would look fabulous on a pedicure, too! :)

Here's a link to the tutorial.  Have fun!

 

Fun with Chalkboard Paint

Eeek!  I discovered a new blog this morning, and just look what a fun polka dotted item I found there!

Chalkboard projects seem to be quite popular lately, and the Hudson Paint company allows you to order chalkboard paint in a variety of colors.  How fun!

While we're talking about chalkboard projects, take a look at these wonderful chalkboard items I found on Etsy this morning!

    

Top row, left to right:
Itty Bitty Chalkboard from Funkie Finds
Magnetic Chalkboard from Shabby Vintage Mom
Red-framed Wood Chalkboard from Rowan's Room

Bottom row, left to right:
Recycled frame chalkboard from Posh Pilfer
Chalkboard Labels Set from Off the Wall Expressions
Writing Slate from Bliss in a Teacup
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Have you ever experimented with chalkboard paint?  Tell us about your experience, will you?

 

P.S.  Stop by tomorrow for a fabulous children's clothing giveaway! :)

Happy Anniversary, Singer!

 

Did you know that today is the anniversary of the patent of the Singer sewing machine way back in 1851?  Some of you OTDC readers are wonderful seamstresses, and I'm actually a bit jealous.  My mom tried (in vain) to teach me to sew when I was a teenager, but I was completely uninterested. Just another one of my regrets. :(

My lack of sewing ability aside, I am still intrigued by sewing machines.  Let's take a closer look at a few sewing items today:

1. Paper Mache Sewing Box from Frippelous
2. Matchbox Style Stamp Set from Karaku Style
3. Vintage Style Fabric Pincushion from Cherry Pinks
4. Sew Now, Sew Wow Wristlet from Art by Jess
5. Apple Pincushion from Posh Plushies
6. "Obsessive" Print from Tiny Art by Yael Frankel
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So, do you sew?  Did someone teach you, or are you self-taught?

 

On the Dot Cake

  

I was delighted to receive an email from a former English student of mine this evening, and even more excited to see the link that she shared with me!  Take a look at this awesome cake!  And it's even called the "On the Dot" cake!  How cool is that?

Parents.com has all sorts of fun birthday cakes on its website.  Check out the other yummy delights today!

Happy Friday, everyone!

 

Polka Dot Trees Fabric

I just love this Polka Dot Trees fabric combination from Olive Manna, and I wanted to share it with you!

Designer Natalie Jost creates such beautiful patterns, and what's even better, she has transferred some of them to fabric!

Her shop is filled with all sorts of patterns that I love.  I'm quite fond of the downloadable argyle patterns too. :)

Take a peek at Natalie's beautiful website today!

 

Desk Organizer Tutorial

While browsing through my Google Reader recently, I came across this wonderful desk organizer tutorial from the Gingham Cherry blog.  I thought you might enjoy it too! :)

What's even better, this organizer is created by recycling food cans/tins and transforming them into a very useful (and cute) item!

Visit Catherine's blog to download the PDF instructions.

 

Head to Toe

 

Etsy has got you covered from head to toe!  Take a look at these fantastic designs!

1. Sun Hat from Pox Couture
2. Vintage Scarf from Bird Trouble
3. Black/White Stripes Headband from Blue Bird Bows
4. School Bus A-Line Skirt from Simple Song
5. Vintage Neiman Marcus Heels from Le Tablier
6. One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress from Coco Cherie Vintage
7. Small Shoulder Bag from I Sew
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While I love each of these items separately, I'm not sure that wearing them all together would be a good idea.  Talk about polka dot overload! :)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, friends.

 

A Sunny Disposition

 

Hot, hot, hot.  That is the perfect word to describe the weather in NC recently.  Oh, let me hasten to add humid to the list of descriptive words as well.  (sigh)

What better theme today than the sun?  Sunflowers, sunglasses, sunsets, sundresses -- all are quite nice. :)

1. Sunflower Print from Accents by Lori
2. Bifocal Sunglasses from Funky Frames Eyewear
3. Fluffy Sunflower Onesie/T-shirt from Polka Dot Pumpkin Patch
4. Daisies and Dots Pillow Case from Janel's Sewing and Stuff(Nelly23)
5. Magic Sunflower Earrings from Papillon Jewelry
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So, are you a sun lover, or do you prefer the shade?

Have a bright, sunny day!

 

You've Got Mail

 

Yesterday, July 26, marked the birthday of the US Postal Service.  Did you know that Benjamin Franklin was the first postmaster general way back in 1775? 

You won't have any trouble finding polka dots when you search stationery shops for cards and envelopes.  Let's face it . . . what better way to brighten someone's mailbox than with a dotty card? :)

Let's take a peek at these dotty Etsy finds today:

1. Kawaii Envelopes and Mail Set from Chi Chi Memories
2. Got Mail Messenger Bag from Hoot n' Annie
3. Personalized Stationery Set (Melon Balls) from Freshly Skweezed
4. Kawaii Wall Pocket from Petite Maison
5. Polka Dots and Gingham Envelopes from humblechan
6. Felt Post Box Set from Little Pixie Shoppe
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Happy Monday to you all!

 

When Life Hands You Lemons . . .

 

. . . make pink lemonade!

I'm so excited to be back blogging this week after a great family vacation last week!  I had absolutely no Internet access last week (which was good and bad), so I'm looking forward to catching up this week! :)

One of my favorite summertime drinks is pink lemonade, so let's see what pretty items I found on Etsy today.

1. Burp Cloths/Onesie Gift Set from Bellflower Textiles
2. Wristlet Key Fob from Not a Potato
3. Pink Lemonade Hand-Painted Scarf from The Lucky Fish
4. Pink Lemonade Baby Quilt from Mom N Mia Quilts
5. Pink Lemonade Bunny Shoes (adult size 9) from Em & Sprout
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Have a wonderful new week! :)