Polka Dot Robot

Inside Polka Dot Robot's World: Love Me Not Photo Shoot

The Robots have been hard at work making really cute things for our shop update on February 3rd.

San Francisco has been raining non-stop for the past week or so, but today we were lucky--no rain for our photo shoot. Here are some behind the scene photos of the "Love Me Not"  photo shoot.

We had to hold something up because the sun was a little too sunny:)

My cousin Demit came out to help us with the photo shoot. We are wearing some new shirts that will be in the shop update on February 3rd. The shirts are designed by my cousin Lando.  

Sometimes I took photos

but most of the time Erin took the photos
Meg-pie flipping her hair again ;) kidding meg

xoxo,

the robots

Feature Friday: Will Vastine

Each week I will feature my favorite bloggers and some fun & interesting stuff that you may or may not have known about them. If you would like to be featured on Polka Dot Robot, please email us at info(AT)polkadotrobot(DOT).

I am super excited for this feature Friday this week because we are featuring one of my favorite photographers Will Vastine.

Name: Will Vastine
Nickname(s): You know, I don't really have a nickname, and that is kinda sad.
Hometown: Northfield, Minnesota
Currently In: Springfield Missouri
Website/Blog Address: www.willvastine.com or willvastine.typepad.com
Shop Address: thesundaycollective.etsy.com

Favorite Drink: Right now its been a quad shot of espresso over ice. Or Diet Dr. Pepper.

Favorite Show: Well, it's a toss up between Lost and Ghost Hunters. Maybe Mythbusters too.

Favorite Hobby: Being outside. I love to camp, hike, backpack, mountain bike. I love the outdoors.

Where would you like to see your craft, hobby, business go this year: I would love to make it into my full time gig. It's a real lofty goal. But I think its attainable.

Current Obsession: Well, I would have to say... it's a secret. I am helping a friend with a project... and I can't wait to share it with you all!

Secret People Don't know about you: Well, I can balance things on my chin. Like ladders and chairs.

I dream about: Climbing Mount Everest. Its there. Its the highest point on earth. And it makes me feel so small. I want to be on top of the world.

What made you want to start your shop/blog/website: I have always loved photography, and never thought I would have the bug to actually do it full time. But over the last few years, its just gotten so intense, and such a part of me I can't give it up. I have also had the encouragement from a lot of people around me to make it into something more than just a hobby.

How would you describe what your blog: Its my place to share what I am doing photographically, what I am learning, and how I am growing. And through that I hope it can turn into a place of learning for the people that read it. I can share what I know, and people can learn from the mistakes and triumphs that I am making.

Favorite Item in your shop currently: I would have to say it would be Erin's print of the light pole. It looks so real.What are some of your favorite blog, websites, artist:  Zack Arias (www.zarias.com) Chase Jarvis (www.chasejarvis.com) Erin Sunday (erinsunday.wordpress.com)

Guest Blogger: Elsie from A Beautiful Mess

Hi, i'm elsie from A Beautiful Mess! i'm excited to guest blog here today at the Polka Dot Robot blog. I have a hugeeee obsession with Holidays and Valentine's Day is one of my favorites! Here are my random & cute picks from Etsy.com for the day of love..... 

This amazing sweater! i would definitely wear it!

These super pretty bath fizzies! 

 

I have a huge crush on pretty lockets... this one is adorable.... 

Or a pretty print by Ashley G. 

I hope this list inspires you to give (or ask for!) a handmade gift this Valentine's day! Handmade items are not only beautiful, but they are supporting an artists dream! :) Have a lovely day.... elsie 

Guest Blogger: Diana from Our.City.Lights

Hello! I'm Diana from our.city.lights and I'm grateful Viv asked me to guest post. She runs one of my favorite blogs, and I hope to host a great post to her readers as she normally does.

One thing Viv and the crafting community has taught me is the always empowering DIY, at any level. Just like I once had no idea embroidery can be so simple, I hope you find it helpful!

The transfer pen I bought was 3 for $5 on ebay from texpoker. The shop has different variations of the transfer pens but I got the basic black one.


 
Choose the drawing you want. I bought wildolive's Say Cheese Pattern on etsy.

After following instructions on how to get the pen ink going, trace over the item carefully, don't press too hard or you'll have a lovely spot of black ink on your ruined paper >_<

Warm up the cloth with the iron (don't use steam, it will smear your transer ink. I recommend high heat)


 
Once the pen is dry, carefully place it on the spot you want. Remember to give yourself enough room for the embroidery frame.


 
Pin down the item to avoid moving it around. It will transfer even to the most miniscule degree, and mistakes are obvious with a transfer pen.

 
Iron on gently, and carefully, making sure to not move your pattern.


 

Even if the pattern doesn't come out fully in tact, that's okay as long as it's straight. You can always go over it with a light hand and pencil. 

 

Then show off your new embroidery! This totally saves money and let's you get more creative. You are not limited to expensive transfer patterns but those cute designs you have in your head. 

 Thanks for reading! 

Guest Blogger: Rachel Denbow's Favorite Things

Hi, I'm Rachel Denbow from Smile And Wave!   I spend most days at home with two little beauties and a hard working man and try to make our lives more magical with the inspiration I'm always finding online.  There are so many well written blogs to read, art to discover, textiles to covet, and recipes to pretend I'm going to try!  I'm here to share some of my favorite things in 2010.

Sunshine art from Paperbullet.

Floral prints on everything.

Pretty rooms to play in.

Creux Quilt patterns.

Colorful front porches.

Butterfly Art by Jennifer Mercede.

Vintage dresses with big bows.

Illustrations in muted colors. 

Japanese embroidery books. 

What are some of your favorite things in 2010?

xoxo,

Rachel

Inside Polka Dot Robot's World: Vivianna

I am really excited about this new feature on the PDR blog called "Inside Polka Dot Robot's World" We will post something new every Sunday to share with you. What would you like to see?

There has been this trend going around the blog world called "ask me anything" well, that might not be what its called, but a lot of bloggers are doing it. I was a little standoffish because I felt like no one would ask me questions and then I would feel stupid. Not the case! Here are all the questions that you have asked me ;) 

What time of day do you get the most inspiration?
I get most inspired in the late night hours when everyone else is sleeping. That is also the time that I get most of my work done.

How long have you been crafting for and what got you started?
I have always done some kind of crafting since I was 5 years old. My Nana was a knitter, sewer, painter, she did everything. I started with painting and then tried sewing doll clothes when I was little, but the clothes wouldn't even fit a barbie. :( All through high school I took AP art class and photography classes. Even though I don't paint anymore I still find it the most beautiful craft. Maybe, I will make a painting this year!

What do you do for a living?
I have an office job. Nothing too exciting.

Will there be a real-life store for PDR, or any craft/art fairs in the near future?

My dream would be to open a real life store front. I know the PDR girls and I loved doing the Indie Mart Fair and look forward to doing it again.

Do you teach knitting classes?

I don't teach knitting classes, but I do teach my friends how to knit. I would love to work with children and teach them how to knit.

What are you wearing to Heavy Metal Aerobics in a couple weeks? 

OMG! first, I CAN'T WAIT! I am looking for a band t-shirt and then I want to cut the neck out. I think for sure I will be wearing black yoga pants and a tank-top.

What's your dream job?

My dream job would be to work for myself full time.

What destinations are on your travel dream list?
Pairs
London
Canada
Ireland

How long have you been knitting and what made you want to start?
I have been knitting since 2002. One night my old roommate's friend came over to our house and she brought her knitting. I started talking to her about it- that night I was dreaming about knitting. The dreams went on for a few weeks and then finally I told my roommate, "I need to learn how to knit."

What's your favorite meal?
Pizza

What's your ideal perfect day?
A Wednesday (my favorite day of the week) sitting in Dolores Park reading a good book. Then having a kitchen dance party with friends later that night.

What characteristics are most important to you when dating/meeting a man?

I am not going to lie-- I love boys (men) with tattoos, who ride bikes and like to drink a cold one after a long day. Oh...and have beards.

This guy is perfect!

What's the first thing you notice about a man?
Their eyes! I love blue eyes more than anything ;)

What was your first concert?
Guttermouth (a punk show)

Have you ever sung in public?
Yes, I was in over 30 musicals

What would your "theme song" be?
Pour some sugar on me "def Leppard"
haha! I have always loved that song 

What do you do with all of your scrapbooks and journals and whatnot?
I have a pile of them on the floor by my fake work space

Do they just collect dust, or do you go back to them often to reflect?
They collect dust, but I recently went through some of my art journals when Jari was visiting. It was great seeing how different I art journal now.

If you had to choose a specific age to be forever, what age would you choose and why?

27. It was a great age.

If you chose one thing to pursue that you haven't before, what would it be?

To travel the world.

Favorite accomplishment?

Polka Dot Robot

Favorite foods??!

Sushi, Pizza, pasta, anything that might be bad for you, I love it!

Your perfect date outfit?

Skinny jeans, t-shirt, toms. I hardly ever dress up for anything 

Who taught you how to knit?

I taught myself how to knit from the Stitch n' Bitch book

What is your most favourite place you've travelled to?

Hawaii- for the surfing.

North Carolina was so beautiful when I was there last May. 

When are you coming to London?

I hope very soon!

Who's your celebrity crush?
Don't have one.

what's your favorite store to shop at?
I don't really shop that often, so it's hard for me to have a favorite place to shop.

Where do you picture yourself in 10 years?

Living in New York City and having my own store front.

I was asked about art journaling (I think scrapbooking/journal making is the only craft i've never tried. any tips on where to get started?) I am going to do a whole post on this topic on Wednesday. If you have any other questions about art jounaling, please leave them in the comments and I will answer them on "Please Don't Read Unless You Ask" post.

Feature Friday: Inspired Mess

Each week I will feature my favorite bloggers and some fun & interesting stuff that you may or may not have known about them. 

I am so happy to start this Feature Friday off with one of my favorite friends Jamie!

Name: Jamie!!!

Nickname(s): J
Hometown: I grew up in Fredericksburg, VA

Currently In: Southern IL

Website/Blog Address: www.inspiredmess.com & http://happymaillove.blogspot.com

Shop Address:www.etsy.com/shop/inspiredmess

Favorite Drink: Lemonade, green tea

Favorite Show: American Idol, The Soup

Favorite Hobby: making things!

New Year Resolution: I made a list of 20 goals but the only resolution I made was basically to not waste time on people that don't seem to care if I'm in their life and to spend time on the ones that do.

Current Obsession: I'm learning to crochet so I'm obsessed with yarn! & Happy Mail!

Secret People Don't know about you: I'm a pretty open book. While there's probably plenty of things people don't know about me, it's no secret. Just ask! ;)

I dream about: making a difference in the lives of others & living at my full potential
Secret Crush: Kevin James =)

What made you want to start your shop/blog: I started my blog because I was blogging on myspace (you know, back in the day, ha!) and I wanted to add pictures. So I started a blogger blog and would copy and paste it into my myspace blog. Ha! Eventually I got bored with myspace & started focusing on my blog. I started a shop just to try and raise some extra money for medical bills when I got sick last year.

How would you describe what you sell/blog: My blog is full of family stories of life with 3 young boys, lots of humor, things I make, inspiration, stories of dealing with life after a diagnosis of a chronic illness and making life fun because sometimes the things we have to deal with in life are definitely NOT fun! My "motto" is Create Adventure and Live Inspired.

How long have you had your shop/blog: I've had my etsy shop for about a year and my blog for about a year and a half.

Favorite Item in your shop currently: My shop needs an update of goodies soon! Right now, my favorite item in there is my housecleaning excuse embroidery:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33419957

Happy Friday

photo found on We Heart It

It has been raining here in San Francisco for the past week or so and I am ready for some sunshine.

I would really love to go to the park and lay in the sun with someone special and take a nap. Since this is not going to happen, here is my to-do-list for the weekend.

The to-dos

1. Post Feature Friday on Saturday morning
2. Finish red Haberdasher Beanie/ mail it
3. Go to yarn store
4. Start writing a pattern for Feb 3rd shop update
5. Coffee date with the girls
6. Take photos of some of my tattoos
7. Do a little dance 
8. Go on a bike ride in the storm
9. Send Vivi Dot an email 
10. Finish answering question for Sunday's blog post
11. Plan out PDR year
12. Go to gym
13. Go on a photo Shoot 
14. Make new playlist

What is on your weekend to-do-list

Meet Me on Thursday: Monster Hoodies Preview

Hi Everybody!

It's Laurel, writing for the first installment of Meet Me on Thursday, our new Thursday feature where the other Robots take over the blog.

I am so excited for our mini winter line of products, I'm hard at work on a couple of new monster hoodies and.... hey, what's that over there, behind the tree???

 

Oh My goodness! It's MAX

A Monster Hoodie inspired by Where the Wild Things Are!

Viv is modeling one I custom-made for a lovely PDR reader last year. I loved the movie so much that I thought it would be awesome to make some for you guys! Right now I have a pile of ears, claws and tails sitting on my work table, but pretty soon....

You could dance the wild rumpus! And be the King of the Park!

Or King of the Whole City!

Sigh, these were taken in the park by the Robots' house, right now it is pouring rain outside, but look how gorgeous the city is! I love living here. I can't wait for the rain to ease up a bit so I can go outside and stomp in puddles!

Anyways, I'm hoping you guys are as excited as I am for PDR's new products! They will be out on February 3rd, rain or shine!

Go check it out

I was featured on Janels blog yesterday!

Please Don't Read Unless You Ask: Happy Birthday Polka Dot Robot!!!

One year go today I started a dream. Happy Birthday Polka Dot Robot!

***********************************************************************************************

I'm a damaged doll

no one wants to change

I'm a bunch of flowers

that need to be arranged

careful what you wish for

careful what you say

I've lowered all my armor (spelled wrong on my page) ha!

risking all the pain again

~SIA

I made the project from LA TV a little mini to keep all your favorite photos taken throughout year.

 

 

Blog News

Monday: I think I love you and Lists

Tuesday: Shoebox of Photographs

Wednesday: Please Don't Read Unless You Ask

Thursday: Meet Me on Thursday (the other PDR girls will blog)

Friday: Feature Friday (get to know other bloggers) if you would like to be featured, please send me an email to Vivianna(AT)polkadotrobot(DOT)com with "Feature Friday" in the subject

Saturday: off

Sunday: Sneak Peak (inside Polka Dot Robot world)

Ok, I have been standoffish about playing along with "ask me anything" that has be going around the blog world,  but since you said you would ask me questions- go ahead and ask me anything! please keep it clean and nice.thanks! I will post my answer this Sunday

PDR News!

I know, I know, Polka Dot Robot has not done an update since our online doors opened on September 15, 2009.

Oh, don't worry--we have TWO updates coming in the next few months. We are so excited!!!!

Our first is going to be a mini update on February 3, 2010. Just in time for Valentine's Day! Think red and pink and hearts, oh my!

On April 16, 2010 we are having a BIG Spring update!! Expect lots and lots of new items in the shop.

 

I will be back later today with blog news.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!

Cover

I started a new journal last night. It's called "Life is a Journey" 

 

Love Comes to Me

Jari helped me fix my planner that Elsie gave me.

I am working on a wall calendar for my work space in my room

Something Hiding in There offers a free calendar download

I can't get this song out of my head

Please Don't Read Unless You Ask: New Start

image from We Heart It oops! this is not a photo of me. This photo does not even belong to me.

I have been feeling a little stuck for the past few months and last night I realized what would help me get out of this funk-- art journaling. Last night I went through some of the pages I made when I was in AZ for the holidays. I also, made a few new pages.

"on the road again"

I will be writing photo shoot ideas on this page

This page is for all new list of things I love.

This page is about one of my best friends. I wrote about him before here

I hope it is not too late for us to-> work this out. You are my family and I can't see my life without you. We have been through so much together and this can't be what breaks us. can it? I am here when you are ready to talk.

I also, worked on a project from style school.

I get to see Jari tonight! I can not wait!!!!

Janel do you remember this...

My playlist

click on image to read playlist

Five things I will admit

Here are five things that only my friends know (maybe)

 

1. I love reading fitness magazines. I always buy them every month; read them and do nothing. Sometime they make me feel like I worked out- ha! (Ok, that was a joke)

2. I love the Olsen Twins. Not sure why I do not talk about this one, I guess because it makes me feel funny.

 3. I love designer handbags. I don't like buying clothes or shoes, but I love buying $$$ bags

 

4. I do not eat green M&M’s

5. I do not like to be touched by people I do not know. I have never and will never get a massage!

A Stronger ME

 

12 days into the New Year and I am just now getting around to writing my goals out. This year I am focusing on a stronger me! I want to grow creatively, but first I need to work on having a stronger core, physically, mentally and emotionally.

I have big goals, but I have learned from LA that I need small goals too, in order to reach my big goals

I am breaking my little goals into months. So, first up is January!

 

January Goals:

• Get a physical-always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
• Change my eating habits. no junk food!
• Drink my 8, 8oz of water a day
• Workout 3 times a week
• Start a fitness, diet log

I know that this is many people’s goals for the new year- to join a gym, get fit, eat better, and then they give up after a month or two, but for me it needs to happen.

• I have a workout playlist that Erin made me, but I will make a new one that I will share on the blog.

What is one goal you have that will make you stronger this year?

To-Do- List

I am a procrastinator. I still have not taken the time to sit down and write my 2010 goals.

 

This week’s to-do-list

 

1. Knit Mittens for Diana
2. Catch up on emails
3. Write thank you cards and send them
4. Clean house (get help from roommates)
5. Write 2010 goals
6. Go to bed early
7. Workout
8. Set-up a girl’s night
9. Call my mom and dad
10. Make a new play list

What is on your to-do-list this week?

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

I have a weekend filled with...dancing, bike rides, coffee dates, knitting, reading, and sleeping.

What do you have going on this weekend?