The Vintage Polka Dot

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T08:57:00.001-08:00

I appreciate you following my blog and supporting my business this year! I hope to get back to doll and pattern making in 2012. Let's keep our fingers crossed :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families.

God bless you all,

Brenda

Huge Snowflakes Today!

2011-12-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm now carrying Crossroad Candles!

2011-11-24T09:48:00.001-08:00

We love these candles! Crossroads 16-ounce candles have a burn time of 80-100 hours. Each candle is made with a very clean burning, blended paraffin wax which allows them to add the maximum amount of fragrance. The jar candle features two lead-free wicks.

CLICK HERE for available scents and pricing on my Sanker's Country House site :)

EPatterns on CD - Auction

2011-11-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

This auction is for 15 of my EPATTERNS on CD !!

Below is a picture of each doll epattern (PDF File) that will come on this CD.

In these EPatterns, you will receive very detailed instruction and lots of photographs on how to make each doll.

The Vintage Polka Dot Ebay Auction

Happy Autumn!

2011-10-16T20:08:00.001-07:00

I hope you are having a fabulous Fall! I LOVE this time of year! Next weekend (22nd) is my sister's big Halloween party. Randy and I had first planned to go as sock monkeys. Changed my mind today when I saw Bat wings. I've decided to go as "The Ol'Bat" What is coming to mind is these black bat wings I found, black top/pants and a black tutu, black afro wig with pink curlers, bright red lipstick haphazardly applied, mascara smeared under my eyes, reading glasses hanging off my face, cup of coffee and maybe an unlit cigarette hanging out of my mouth (I don't smoke so I'll have to bum one from somebody :D).
Husband seems to think I'm confused in thinking it's a come-as-you-are party! .....grrrr! :D
Surprisingly I was able to get a couple of owls painted! It has been an unbelievably busy year for us. With our daughter's wedding, my opening a booth at the antique mall, working part time there and now opening a second booth at a new store about 30 minutes away. Busy but exciting :) I'll be setting up Christmas in a couple of weeks and will post photos on my blog.
I hope you have a deliciously spooky Halloween!!! Stay safe!
OH! Speaking of Halloween....be sure to visit my Facebook page (Brenda Sanker) I have photos of what appears to be a ghostly figure on the old gym stairs!!! Freaky!

For the owl painting above, I used acrylics on a canvas panel.
Signed and Dated.
Measures 11x14

For the owl tray, I used acrylics on a wooden tray.
I used glazes to distress the tray and sealed it with a wax sealer.
For decorative use only.
(If used as a serving tray I highly recommend using a glass insert to protect the painting.)

Both are now listed on EBAY! CLICK HERE to view my auctions :)

And the Winner is....!!!!

2011-09-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

Robin B. of Hamburg, Wisconsin!

Congratulations Robin! I will get your Witchy Pumpkin packed up and in the mail on Friday.

I would like to thank all of you for participating in my giveaway and for sharing my links on your blogs, websites and Facebook pages. It is greatly appreciated :)

Brenda

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Pumpkin Owl Doll

2011-08-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! If you are in the path of Hurricane Irene PLEASE be safe!!

Augustus and his cart of pumpkins and good friend Alfred the Owl

Augustus measures 23 inches tall to the top of his hat. I made him from various fabrics and natural elements. I painted his head with acrylics. He is stuffed with polyfil but has natural grass peeking out from his sleeves and pants. Down the front of him he has three paper roses. He is mounted to a painted wooden plaque with felt on the bottom. His tag is attached to him with a rusty pin.
His cart is a nifty little thing I found in one of my treasure hunts. It is filled with grass, twigs and a few feathers. His friend Alfred, the owl, is made from osnaburg that I painted with acrylics. The pumpkins are also made from osnaburg and painted with acrylics as well with natural twigs and raw flax as details.
__________________________________________
This is an original design by Brenda Jett Sanker of The Vintage Polka Dot.
(Notice: This doll will not be a pattern and is not available for copy. Thank you.)
___________________________________________

Augustus and Alfred on EBAY

I hope you choose...

2011-08-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

I love this so much I want to share it here.

I hope you choose..
to live by choice, not by chance;
to make changes, not excuses;
to be motivated, not manipulated;
to be useful, not used;
to excel, not compete;
I hope you choose self-esteem, over self pity;
but most of all I hope you all choose to listen to your inner voice,
and not the random opinion of others." ~ Lily McDaniels

I'm having a Giveaway!

2011-08-16T15:29:00.000-07:00

I am having a Giveaway!

This witchy pumpkin is made by me! She is 16 inches tall including the stem.

Up to 4 entries per person!

One chance to win just for filling out the form.

Another chance to win for posting my The Vintage Polka Dot banner on your blog, website or Facebook.

Another chance to win for posting my Sankers Country House banner on your blog, website or Facebook.

Another chance to win for posting my Handmade Art Fair Open House banner on your blog, website or Facebook.

Drawing will be held September 7th, 2011 !

Button HTML codes listed below. All you have to do is copy and paste the code of each button onto your site. It's all linked up and ready to go :)

THANK YOU!!

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The Vintage Polka Dot

Sankers Country House

Handmade Art Fair

SALE!

2011-08-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Sale on select items going on now in my Sankers Country House store! :)

I'm so excited!

2011-08-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

I am a featured artist on this very cool blog "By Your Hands"!!!Thank you Bette and Deena! Check out their site BY YOUR HANDS. Loaded with information and nifty finds!

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Dolls

2011-08-04T20:05:00.001-07:00

Eugene the Scarecrow

Eugene measures 20 inches tall from the top of his hat to the tips of his toes.
I made him from osnaburg fabric and a bit of crepe paper. He is painted, aged and sealed.
I made his clothing from cotton prints, osnaburg and quilt batting. I used raffia and raw flax around his collar, sleeves and cuffs.
He has two rusty bells down his front and a handmade tag that reads CROW.
I made Eugene's crow from black quilt batting. He has thread eyes and rusty wire for legs.
Eugene's rake is made from a natural twig and rusty wire.

MISS MATILDA

Miss Matilda measures 20 inches tall from the top of her hat to the tips of her toes.
I made her from osnaburg fabric. She is painted, aged and sealed.
I made her dress from cotton prints in blacks and browns with a pattern of fall leaves. I hand stitched a harvest gold thread around her sleeves, skirt and neckline. Her pantaoons are dark gray and black polka dot with hand stitching at the hem.
The front of her dress is embellished with two rusty bells.
I made her hat from black cotton fabric accented with a rusty bell and vintage style tinsel.
Her pumpkin is made from osnaburg which I painted with acrylics and embellished with a natural twig and vintage style trim.
___________________________________________

These are both The Vintage Polka Dot originals by Brenda Jett Sanker. Signed and dated.
___________________________________________

(Notice: These dolls will not be a pattern and are not available for copy. Thank you.)

Listed on Ebay

What's up?

2011-07-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with my booth at the antique mall. Honestly, I never realized how much work it would be. I've opened an Ebay Store to sell some of my wares. I hope to get this done by middle of next week so I can concentrate on making dolls. I'm ready! Dare I say...even ready to do the boring job of stuffing?!!! GASP! I know! I know! I am having major withdrawals! I've got an idea for a squirrel on a pumpkin that is screaming to get out! :D

Visit Sankers Country House to see some of my new wares and visit my Ebay Store :)
Here's the latest photo of the booth. This was taken on Saturday. I've sold a few things and had to rearrange. I'll try to get more pictures soon.

Vintage Door Hall Tree

2011-07-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

Latest addition created by my husband.

74" tall x 30" wide x 18" deep

Vintage door with window. Features a vintage knob, original peeling paint and rusty slide lock. We added vintage style hooks and mirror behind the original glass of the door.
The seat is made from poplar with an iron medallion on the front. Nice storage inside.

Floral, magazines and cloche are not included.

$375
Local pickup only

Item location:Sankers Country House - Booth #64
Spring Hill Antique Mall
Spring Hill, Tennessee USA

My Favorite Store

2011-07-02T07:05:00.000-07:00

My husband and I took a little trip down to Bellbuckle, TN yesterday. It's a tiny little town with cute little shops and antique malls. Here is a video of my favorite shop - Phillips General Store.

Sankers Country House

2011-06-22T03:46:00.001-07:00

Be sure to "LIKE" my new Facebook page for my new site Sankers Country House. It's the name I have given the booth space in our local antique mall. I am carrying home & garden, vintage and handmade items. You can also visit the blog: www.sankerscountryhouse.com

Our Daughter and Son-in-law's Wedding

2011-06-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Me helping get Lauren ready :)

Walk down the Aisle

Kevin & Lauren....The Happy Couple :)

It was a beautiful wedding.
Hot as blue blazes outside but beautiful none the less :)

Now on Ebay

2011-05-30T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have moved the Scarecrow, Annie and Ghost to EBAY.
Sorry but the witch is sold.

Brenda

On Ebay

Wedding Week Ramblings

2011-05-27T08:42:00.001-07:00

My daughter is getting married June 4th which means we have exactly one week to finish up preparations. ACK ACK ACK!

It's not a super formal wedding but is elegant in a shabby chic/cottage kind of way. Very pretty in the things she has picked out. Now to pull it all together and look like the pictures in our head! LoL

It seemed like it took forever to get her dress back. Lauren was in full blown panic last week when then said it wasn't ready. She called Monday and thank God they had it ready. Went the next day to check it out...it fit and looked beautiful. Thank you Lord. Picking it up Friday after it has been steamed.

I'm going going this afternoon to find something for the rehearsal dinner. It's informal but I still want to look nice. Any reason to buy a new outfit is all I need! LoL Actually I think all I really need is a nice blouse. Hubs has lost weight and is going to need pants and shirt. He says the pants he has are fine. PUHLEASE! He is NOT, I repeat NOT wearing those baggy britches to anything related to the wedding! Sometimes you just gotta put your foot down. Oh and shoes...he thinks he can wear his sneakers. GASP! Again, it is not a formal occasion but DANG! He is not wearing his errand running clothes. Sorry Charlie!

I know I sound as dramatic as the bride LoL It's really not that bad. After Lauren tried on her dress she totally calmed down but for me...it made this whole experience more real and now I'm in a stage of panic realizing how little time we have left to get everything done.

I managed to get the deep down house cleaning done this week. I"ll still have to dust and vacuum before Thursday of next week. That's when out of town relatives will be coming in.

Tomorrow, Lauren and I go for a makeover at the Estee Lauder counter at Belks. That should be fun and help me with tips on photography makeup :D I need a ton of it. We had our hair colored and trimmed last week so that's off the list. Hubs was suppose to get his hair trimmed last week....he got busy and FORGOT! (eye roll).

Got her sign made that says "Here comes the Bride" on one side and "And They Lived Happily Ever After" on the other. Two little boys will carry the sign down in front of her then after the ceremony flip it over and walk in front of the couple. So cute! She wants to hang the Happily ever after part in their house.

Tables/chairs rented. Food lined up. Cake ordered. Speaking of cake...we sampled the cake at the bridal shop where she bought her dress. HOLY MOLY! It was the best cake I have ever put in my mouth. Her prices were very reasonable and the gal is local. She is delivering the cake YAY! I forgot to mention the wedding is 45 minutes from here....very glad she is delivering :)

Bridemaids dresses are all in. Randy and the groomsman pick up their suits on Friday.

I am praying my dress is dressy enough. After makeup tomorrow I"m going to put on the entire outfit and take a picture. Then I'll know.......

So...If you don't hear from me in the next week or so it is because I am running around like a crazy mad woman trying to get things done.

Oooh just thought of something else.... car needs to be cleaned out and washed! Oh Hubby.... :)

Spring Hill Antique Mall

2011-05-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

If you are anywhere near me or feel like a quick trip come on over to the Spring Hill Antique Mall Open House, located at 1213 School Street in Spring Hill, TN

It's a nifty place with over 40 booths and all kinds of antiques and treasures.

I'll be there helping out. Be sure to ask for me :)

Simply Precious

2011-05-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

This was last week. They are learning to fly now. It's so darn cute!
Click on the photo to enlarge so you can see it better.

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Dolls

2011-05-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

I know it may seem early for Halloween but I have been in such a mood for creating for the Fall season. We are preparing our booth at our local antique/treasures mall and it has really gotten my creative juices flowing.

I have listed four new Halloween dolls listed in my Prim Nest Shop.
Take a peek if you get a chance.

I hope you have a great rest of the week!
Visit my Prim Nest Shop

Primitive Canny Little Cat Doll makedo

2011-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

I finally got something finished! This cute little cat sitting in a tin can is available as a finished item in my Prim Nest shop and as an epattern on my Website.

Measures 11 inches tall this cute little Halloween cat is made from osnaburg fabric. He is painted with acrylics. His eyes and nose are embroidery thread and his mask is glitter.
He is sitting in a tin can that has been aged to look old peeling orange paint with black in the cracks.
Around the little cat's neck is rusty wire and a rusty bell.
His arms are twigs wrapped in rusty wire.
I embellished around the top of his tin can with black vintage style tinsel.
I stuffed preserved sweet annie in his tin can and added a grungy "BOO" tag to the front.

Surprise in the mailbox!

2011-05-04T07:52:00.001-07:00

A good friend of mine sent me the Corel PaintShop Pro....Ummm HELLOOOOO! I am jumping up and down screaming!!!!! I have it loaded....now to find time to PLAY!!!

Thank you Spidie :)

Grungy Primitive Doll and Raggedies

2011-04-14T14:27:00.001-07:00

This grungy primitive doll measures 25 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
I made her from osnaburg fabric. Her eyes, mouth, shoes and socks are painted with acrylics. I stained her with walnut ink and coffee. I used prisma pencils on her cheeks.
I needle felted wool to her head and tied her ponytails with rusty bells.
Her dress and pantaloons are made from cotton prints.
She is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation by Brenda Sanker.

Her Raggedies are made from a pattern by Crows Roost Prims. They measure 9 inches tall. I made them from osnaburg fabric. I stained them with walnut ink and coffee.
Visit my Prim Nest Shop

primitive bunny rabbit on the move ;)

2011-04-07T06:30:00.001-07:00

I moved this bunny rabbit over to Ebay.

I have a Winner!!!

2011-04-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

I had 301 total entries which included the entries for the extra chances to win that some of you participated in. Without seeing the list, my husband chose the number between 1-301. He chose #61.

#61 is Jenn from Gasport, NY !!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS JENN !!

I have notified Jenn and will get her Harvey Harvest doll shipped first thing in the morning!

Thanks so much to ALL OF YOU for participating! It is greatly appreciated!! :)

New Primitive Dolls and a bunny wreath!

2011-03-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

This Bunny Rabbit Wreath measures 18 inches in diameter including the greenery and is 26 inches long to the tips of the carrots.
I made the bunny from osnaburg fabric. He has been stained with walnut ink and coffee. His eyes are painted with acrylics. His cheeks are wool and whiskers are linen thread. His collar is made from ticking.
His carrots are made from osnaburg and have been painted then grunged with cinnamon.
His tag reads EASTER and is made from manila cardstock stained in walnut ink and coffee.
The grapevine wreath is covered in faux greenery that reminds me of Basil.
The bunny rabbit is attached to the wreath with rusty wire.

Due to the nature of the materials used in this wreath indoor display is recommended.
He is for sale in my Prim Nest Shop.
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This Annie doll measures 22 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. I designed her from my Harvey Harvest pattern. I made her from osnaburg fabric. Her hair is cotton yarn. I made her dress from cotton prints embellished with a rusty bell and a tag I made using threads and rubberstamps. Her tag reads SUNSHINE on the side.
Her shes are painted with acrylics and accented with vintage trim and rusty bells. She is stained with walnut ink and coffee.

Her bear is made from a pattern by Sweet Meadows Farms. I made him from flannel and stained him with walnut ink. His hat is made from vintage paper from an old thesaurus. He has rusty bells down his front and a cotton print bow around his neck. His hat is pinned to his head.
My dolls are not toys and are intended for display only.
This set is for sale in my Prim Nest Shop.
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This bunny doll measures 22 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
I made her from osnaburg fabric. Her eyes are painted with acrylics. Her cheeks are wool and her whiskers are linen thread. I made her dress from cotton prints and her hat from burlap with cotton print trimmings. Her shoes and socks are painted with acrylics with cotton thread as laces. Her tag reads LOVE. It is attached to her dress with a rusty pin.
She is stained with walnut ink and coffee.

She is for sale in my Prim Nest Shop.

I've been Playing!

2011-03-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

I've been playing! I am getting a booth at our local antique/crafts mall. It's a treasure trove place that I've had my eye on for quite awhile. I have been in such a need for a new creative outlet that when a booth came available I grabbed it! It's small, only a 10x10 so it should be fairly easy to keep stocked.
Here are some things I've been working on. I am doing a lot of up-cycling. The wreath and banner are made from a raggedy thesaurus book. The banner has a sterling silver glitter on the edges. Hard to see in the photo. The bird picture and painting are made from canvases I found with ugly pictures on them.
I am so excited I can hardly contain myself most days! :D

I may keep the banner :) and I may keep the wreath :D and maybe one of the bird pictures (there are three each have a different word "fly", "nest", "seed". I need to realize I can make myself those after I get the booth stocked ;)

Ladder Stitch Video by Stitch Lab Sewing

2011-03-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Cool video on how to do a Ladder Stitch!

Primitive Easter Spring Bunny Rabbit Doll

2011-03-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

This bunny rabbit doll measures 22 inches tall from the top of her hat to the tips of her toes. I made her from osnaburg fabric. She is stained with walnut ink and coffee. Her eyes are painted with acrylics. Her cheeks are wool and her nose is wool and cotton thread. I made her dress from printed cottons with a pom poms and rusty pins with bells embellishing her neckline. Her tag reads PRIMITIVES. Her pantaloons are made from linen fabric. Her shoes are painted on with acrylics Little rusty bells are tied to each shoe. I made her hat from ticking with pompom trim.

I have her listed in my Prim Nest Shop :)

Register to Win one of my Dolls!

2011-03-07T14:29:00.000-08:00

In honor of Handmade Art fair I am giving away one of my dolls!

Harvey measures 21 inches tall from the top of his head to the tips of his toes and if I measure to the tip of his hat he is 28 inches. I made him from osnaburg fabric. His eyes are painted. Nose and cheeks are wool felt. Whiskers are linen thread. His clothes are cotton prints. I made his corn from cotton chenille and osnaburg wrapped with rusty wire. His rake is a natural twig with rusty wire. He has a vintage button on his shirt.

Thank you and Good Luck!
CLICK HERE to register for a chance to win this doll by Brenda Sanker of The Vintage Polka Dot.

Visit Handmade Art Fair! www.handmadeartfair.com

Prim Nest Grand Opening!

2011-03-01T06:25:00.001-08:00

I have new dolls listed in my new Prim Nest shop. Click Here to see :)

Been Busy

2011-02-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Things I have been working on.
I made a huge mess this week in my studio. I should have taken a before and after of the cleanup. yikes!

New Primitive EPatterns

2011-02-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Both EPatterns are available on my website!
www.thevintagepolkadot.com

Primitive Folk Art Easter Frog Toad Dolls

2011-01-31T17:44:00.001-08:00

I created these little froggies from osnaburg fabric. I painted them with acrylics and stained them with walnut ink. Their mouths are needle sculpted. Their dresses are made from cotton prints. I did not add pantaloons to them so they would sit flatter on a surface. The large frog dress is trimmed with vintage pompom trim and linen tread. The small frog dress is trimmed with vintage style tinsel.

The large frog measures 19 inches tall from the top of her eye to the tips of her toes.

The small frog measures 14 inches tall from the top of her eye to the tips of her toes.

I made the flower from heavy cardstock papers, acrylics and inks. The center is wool felt. The flower is attached to a natural twig.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation.
SOLD

Primitive Folk Art Bunny Rabbit Valentine Doll

2011-01-18T17:20:00.001-08:00

Bunny Valentine

She measures 24 inches tall from the tips of her ears to the tips of her toes.

I made her from osnaburg fabric. She is stained with walnut ink. I painted her eyes with acrylics. Her cheeks are wool and nose and whiskers are linen thread. Her dress and pantaloons from cotton prints. I made her valentine from cardstock and crepe paper. The center heart is covered in sterling silver glitter. The Valentine is hanging around Bunny's neck with a piece of rusty wire. I made her hat from paper and stuffed. It is embellished with a grungy pompom and tinsel. Her ears are wired so they will stand up nicely.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation by Brenda Sanker.

She is listed on Ebay.

Primitive Folk Art Bunny Rabbit Easter Doll

2011-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Measures 16 inches tall from the tip of his ear to his bottom. I made this Easter Bunny from cotton flannel. His ears are wired so they will stand nicely. I stained his body with walnut ink. I painted his eyes with acrylics. His nose and whiskers are linen thread. His cheeks and tail are wool. I made his egg from aged cotton prints and rick rack. I used a bit of the fabric for the bow around his neck. The tag on his neck is made from paper and stamped with the word SPRING.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation by Brenda Sanker.

I'll be listing him tonight on EBAY.

What in the world is going on?

2011-01-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

Numbers 6:24-26

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Happy New Year :)

2011-01-02T07:43:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful day. Any New Year resolutions?

Egg Free Cookie Recipe

2010-12-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Have a safe and joyous Holiday season Everyone!

Here is an Egg-Free cookie recipe that we enjoy and for great for those of us with egg allergies. My husband can eat eggs but loves these cookies. These are also low in dairy as we also have dairy sensitivities. The white morsels have milk in them. You can also buy Vegan chips that are dairy free.

Be sure to let these cool COMPLETELY. After about 24 hours they harden up and are delicious!

You know I just got to thinking....it's rare I bake anything and usually when I do cook it turns out like crap. Do you think he's just surprised these turn out half way decent and is thrilled with the idea of home baked goods?! Bless his heart. Well at least he doesn't complain :) BUT....he did tell me last night how much he REALLY liked these cookies. I was REALLY surprised by the expression on his face. I honestly think he was sincere :)

White Morsel Chip Cookies

* 1 cup Vegetable Oil
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar (I use turbinado sugar).
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 tsp baking soda
* EnerG Egg Replacement for 2 eggs (follow instructions for mixing two eggs. I used rice milk as my liquid instead of water).
* 1 tsp vanilla (I always add just a tad more :)
* 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
* 1 12 ounce package (2 cups) semisweet white morsels or Vegan Chips or chocolate chips.
* 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (I use walnuts. You can also use pecans).
* a little rice milk or regular milk.

In a large bowl beat the oil, sugars and baking soda until combined. Beat in the egg replacement mixture and vanilla. Mix in flour. Stir in morsels and nuts. Mix well. If the batter seems to dry add a little rice milk or regular milk a Tablespoon at a time to the batter until it has a nice cookie dough consistency.

Drop by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until edges are nice and brown. After they are finished baking, the cookies are fragile at this stage. Remove cookies from sheet with a spatula and lay carefully onto wire rack. Let cool completely. These taste better if they are left to cool for 24 hours.

Now this is the hard part....TRY not to eat them all in one setting :)

Think you can't make a fabric doll? by Plum Thicket

2010-12-19T10:19:00.000-08:00

Edna of Plum Thicket is offering a FREE online tutorial on doll making!
I believe I counted 16 videos!
"Think you can't make a fabric doll? by Edna Bridges"

Santa and his Gingerbread man EPATTERN

2010-12-16T12:27:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure I would get it finished! I finally got the instructions done last night then I went to scan the pattern pieces and ACK! my printer would NOT scan! I did everything to try and make it work. Went this morning and bought a new one. Took me longer than I thought it would to figure out how to use the darn scanner. Once I did it...a few times...I got the hang of it :)

I hope you enjoy this pattern :)
Visit my website for more information.

www.thevintagepolkadot.com

Holiday Decorating

2010-12-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with my Holiday decorating. Here is what I've done so far. Seeing the pictures I realize I need to do something with the big wall over the sofa. It's the wall above the old windows. Looks NAKED! One thought I had was lining a collection of old wooden soft drink boxes. I have 3 so far. I think my fear is it will look cluttered but the natural wood is what would show the most.....what do you think? OR I am thinking about a big old wooden ladder with faded green paint hanging horizontal????

The two old windows you see are some we had left over from another house. We removed the glass to make them lighter weight and so it would allow for air flow into the kitchen. We hung them with chain. It's hard to see in the photo but I have a gold snowflake hanging between them. The shovel on the wall is one I bought to use in a doll design but I can't part with it! It's old, rusty, small and so cute....so I hung it on the wall :))

I bought the ornaments from Edna of Plum Thicket. Aren't they gorgeous! There were 5 but my daughter nabbed one of them :))

I bought the sign on my fireplace from "catsdesigns" on Etsy. It's the perfect shade of apple green!

Santa's Busy Day

2010-12-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Santa measures 27 inches tall from the top of his head to the tips of his toes. I made him from osnaburg fabric. His features are painted with acrylics and prisma pencils. I needlefelted wool roving for his beard. I made his clothing from various fabrics including ticking, cotton batting, wool felt and corduroy. His socks and hat are embellished with rusty bells and his suspenders are attached with vintage buttons. His tree is a vintage-style bottle brush tree and I made his gingerbread man from osnaburg fabric, threads, acrylics and stain. The tree and gingerbread man are attached to Santa's arm with rusty wire.

This item has been distressed with walnut ink and coffee.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation by Brenda Sanker.

Now on EBAY

Primitive Folk Art Snowman Christmas Dolls

2010-12-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

These are new dolls I listed on Ebay tonight.

JOY the doll in green is made very similar to my Sallie Snowbells EPattern.
Abbott the Snowman is made from my Abbott Punkinman EPattern wearing Harvey Harvest's hat and Elvin Elf's candy cane. Oh and Sallie Snowbells nose :)

The Vintage Polka Dot on EBAY

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T10:37:00.001-08:00

Sallie Snowbells Primitive Christmas Doll

2010-11-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Sallie Snowbells is 21 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. I made her from osnaburg fabric.

She has been painted with acrylics. Her dress, hat and pantaloons are cotton prints trimmed with wool felt that I hand stitched to her clothing.

Her neckline is trimmed in vintage style tinsel with the front of her dress, hat and shoes are embellished with rusty bells.

She is holding a vintage style wreath.

This item has been distressed with coffee.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original creation by Brenda Sanker.

On EBAY

I also have her epattern available on my website.

www.thevintagepolkadot.com

Something different for a change.

2010-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

I needed a change of pace for just a little while today. After digging through my favorite decorating blogs I decided I needed a pillow for my chair. I made the little pillow from ticking fabric and a rubber stamp of a bird. Easy easy.

BEFORE

AFTER

And the Winner is.....

2010-11-08T11:00:00.001-08:00

The Winner for my giveaway of the new Autumn 2010 issue of PRIMS magazine that has my Feature inside is....

Diane of Phelan, California

Congratulations Diane!

I have your magazine ready to ship. Enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who entered!
Happy Holidays!

New Primitive Handmades

2010-11-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

I have several new things listed on my website and ebay.
Take a peek :)

www.thevintagepolkadot.com

Giveaway!

2010-10-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Did I happen to mention I'm having a Giveaway on my website? I have it listed on my website and can't believe I didn't post it on here! I'm giving away the new issue of PRIMS that has my doll featured!

Drawing will be held November 5th, 2010!!

Click Here to visit my website and enter!

Handmade Art Fair

2010-10-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Click on the banner to visit our website!

SPAM!

2010-10-12T03:42:00.001-07:00

I received an email in my spam folder yesterday that appeared to be from one of my customers.

It said "HI I HAVE JUST PAID BY PAY PAL FOR THE ELLI PATTERN. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS AS FOLLOWS-(then her email address) and it was signed with her full name.

Thankfully, I did not click on the link in the email to send her a reply but instead hit "reply" which put her email address in the address bar. She emailed me back and said she had bought the pattern in May and that she had received it back in May and that this email was not from her.

I have sent the emails and Full Headers to spoof@paypal.com.

If you get any of these emails DO NOT click on the link inside them.

Like I said the only two things I found odd were that the email went to my spam folder but that happens on occasion so I dismissed it and the FOLLOWS- was part of the email address in the body of the email.

Busy-ness

2010-10-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

First off I was in the mood to create an Etsy Treasury : click here to view

and I have several new dolls on my website that I totally forgot to tell you about AND I have a new tutorial.

My Frog is Featured in PRIMS!

2010-09-29T15:38:00.001-07:00

My Frog is featured in the Autumn 2010 issue of PRIMS magazine! I can't believe it!

They had told me it would be but an email is one thing...seeing it is another! The magazine will hit the stand October 1st. Visit their website to purchase or you can also find the magazine at Joanne's.

I've got a surprise! I will list it on Friday October 1st....be sure to visit my website! :) www.thevintagepolkadot.com

Now I have to go bounce off some more walls! YAY! Thank you Stampington!

Getting a little more ready for the Season :)

2010-09-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

I added the Crow and Moon to my mantle today. Really didn't want to drive a nail into my mantle but hey! Glad I did! We won't be building a fire before late December anyways.

My husband Randy designed the crow and moon.

Bargain Friday!

2010-09-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! We were strolling through Target this afternoon and came upon their whopping clearance aisle. Saw this black/white damask wool rug rolled up and thrown in with all the other clearance items. Got to looking....it was regularly $99 and they had it marked for $12.97! I couldn't believe it. I had my husband double check in case my eyes were fooling me.

Woohoo! Bargain Friday!

545 People Are Responsible for Over 300,000,000

2010-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

I got this from Edna of PlumThicket blog. I asked permission to post it here. I find it amazing that we as a nation walk around feeling powerless when WE THE PEOPLE are the majority. Yes indeed, WAKE UP AMERICA!

In plain english, 545 politicians CONTROL and make decisions for over 300 million people in the United States of America! We the people send those people to Washington, DC to make the stupid decisions that have this country in the mess we are in. WAKE UP AMERICA!

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18568.htm

I re-arranged my studio...again!

2010-09-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

This time I moved my studio to the other bedroom with more natural light and bigger closet ;)
The picture hanging above the television is one my daughter did last night at a painting class called Sip and Stroke. She and a friend of hers went and had a ball.

That's my dog's bed under the table. I made it from washed ticking and added an extra piece large enough on the top so he could crawl into it.

On the table I have some Santa's I'm working on and by the television another elephant in progress.

I use the basket by the television for shipping/office supplies like tape, etc. I use the cabinet for my jars full of "things" I use on dolls like rusty bells, etc.
The closet! DREAMY! The other closet was so much smaller.
and I can close it all off when I've called it a day.

Primitive folk art Halloween Fall Annie Doll

2010-09-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have a new doll listed on Ebay this week!

Annie is made to sit. She is 10 inches tall sitting from her bottom to the top of her head) and 15 inches tall to the top of her umbrella.

I made her from osnaburg fabric. Her eyes and mouth are painted with acrylics. Her lashes and brows are thread. Her cheeks are blushed with prisma pencils. Her nose is thread. Her hair is wool roving. I made her dress from cotton prints and her coat from wool felt.

I made her umbrella from yellow ticking trimmed with rusty bells. Her owl friend is made from dried walnut shells and rusty wire. The owl is attached to the umbrella with rusty wire. The umbrella is attached to Annie's coat/arm with thread. The umbrella's stick is made to sit on the table beside Annie. This helps the umbrella to stand nicely.

The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and coffee.

Visit her on Ebay

Owl Bracelet by Elzy Studio

2010-08-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

My daughter Lauren of Elzy Studio has made this adorable owl bracelet and let me tell you it's even more gorgeous in person! Those little owls melt my heart!

Visit Lauren's Blog

Visit Lauren's Etsy Shop

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Witch Doll HAFAIR

2010-08-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

Primitive Witch Doll
This little Witch measures approximately 29 inches tall from the top of her hat to the tips of her toes. I made her from osnaburg fabric. I painted her eyes, nose and mouth with acrylics and prisma pencils. Her hair is wool needled felted to her head. I made her hat from wool felt and embellished it with vintage style tinsel and a flower made from tulle and vintage beads. Around her neck is a tiny pompom trim, Her dress bodice and pantaloons are made from cotton prints. I hand stamped the polka dots on the skirt of her dress. Around her neckline I hand stitched vintage seam binding and added rusty bells. Her wand is paper mache with black glass glitter on the star. Her handmade tag says "All Hallows Eve" and is attached to her dress with a rusty pin.
This doll is not a toy and intended for display only.
The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and coffee.
_______________________________________
This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original created by Brenda Sanker.

She is now on Ebay.

God Bless America

2010-08-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

This was in an email I got. I enjoyed it and thought you might too.

Pray for our Nation

I created this banner. You are welcome to snag the banner for your blogs.

New Primitive Halloween Doll EPATTERN

2010-08-19T18:35:00.001-07:00

Harvey Harvest Doll EPATTERN
Harvey Harvest measures 27 inches tall from the top of his hat to the tips of his toes.
This pattern contains approximately 33 pages of instruction and photos. I give you the steps in painting the eyes and instruction on his ear of corn and rake.

Visit my Website to purchase this EPATTERN :)

New Items on Ebay

2010-08-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sir Vincent Moon

Mummy

I had too much fun making these guys :)

I have them listed on Ebay.

Primitive Blessings Pilgrim Doll

2010-08-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this piece turned out. I love her so much I am keeping her. She sits perfectly on my kitchen ledge and is a reminder to me that when I am feeling stressed to say a prayer and have some faith.

I made her from a epattern by PlumThicket. An easy fun pattern to make.

Give a Hoot!

2010-08-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

My daughter Lauren of Elzy Studio made these adorable push pins! I want a set for myself! She also has some beautiful jewelry in her Etsy shop.
Below is a picture of the necklace she made for me. It is even more beautiful on. It's like having just a bit of sparkle on without being overdone. Perfect!

Primitive, Folk Art Halloween Bunny Rabbit Doll HAFAIR

2010-08-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Harvey Harvest

Harvey Harvest measures 27 inches tall from the top of his hat to the tips of his toes
I made him from osnaburg fabric. His cheeks and nose are wool. His eyes, nose and ears are painted with acrylics. On outside of his cheeks I used prisma pencils. His whiskers are linen thread. I made his hat from osnaburg and painted it with acrylic. His shirt and pants are cotton print fabrics embellished with rick rack, rusty bells, wool felt and a vintage button. His shoes and sock are painted with acrylics. His laces are cotton threads.
I made his rake from a natural twig and rusty wire. His ear of corn is made from chenille fabric and osnaburg both painted with acrylics and wrapped with rusty wire.

The entire piece has been made grungy with walnut ink and coffee.

_______________________________________
This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original created by Brenda Sanker.

Harvey is now on Ebay :)

Heat Advisory for anyone who lives in Tennessee!!

2010-08-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

Near 100 degrees today and tomorrow with a heat index of 103-110 degrees. Stay cool and hydrated. Don't forget your pets!

NewsChannel 5

Progress of the Ugly Kind

2010-07-26T06:00:00.001-07:00

This is what I've been working on. He's creepy but I think he'll be so ugly you can't help but love him...at least that's the plan.

This is a technique I am learning from Dan Reeder's book "Paper Mache Monsters". I love the creative process but I'll tell ya the paper and cloth mache parts are MESSY!

I had a difficult time with the feet and legs. The wire inside would not hold him well. I think mostly because he does not have a tail thereby making him top heavy. I used small dowels in his legs and believe I may have to mount him to a stand. I will know more once I get the cloth on the wings.

I have brag a little....his mouth, tongue and teeth turned out so cool! Took me all day but I finally got it :)

I'll start the cloth mache on the rest of the body today.

Thank you Lord!

2010-07-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

It has not rained in almost three weeks. This afternoon it rained for about 15 minutes :)!!! 60% chance for rain tomorrow. Yay!

Notice the dead grass :(

I think we've lost at least three shrubs. We are allowed to water new plantings. My rose bushes are looking good. Not blooming very well though. Might need some fertilizer?

New Primitive Folk Art Halloween Ghost Doll EPATTERN

2010-07-06T18:43:00.001-07:00

Miss Gwendolyn is now an EPATTERN!

You can find her on my website :)

CELEBRATE!

2010-07-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

A Prayer for the USA - Free Banner

2010-07-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

I decided to bump this one up above all my rantings to wish you all a very happy Independence Day! God bless you!

I created this graphic. You are free to snag this and use it on your blog or website. (Right click on the banner and click "save as" then save it to a file on your computer.)

It is 225 x 225 pixels.

New Primitive Folk Art Halloween Ghost Doll

2010-06-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Gwendolyn

Little Miss Gwendolyn measures 20 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

I made her from osnaburg fabric. I painted her eyes, nose and mouth with acrylics and prisma pencils. Her hair is wool needled felted to her head. I made her headband from vintage seam binding with tulle and vintage beads. Around her neck is a tiny pompom trim, Her dress bodice and pantaloons are made from cotton prints. I hand stamped the polka dots on the skirt of her dress. Around her sleeves I stitched on a bit of paper tinsel. Around her neckline I hand stitched vintage seam binding and added rusty bells.

The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and coffee.

She is currently listed on EBAY.

Halloween Slideshow

2010-06-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

New Halloween Spider Doll Makedo EPattern - FREE!

2010-06-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

This free EPattern is available on my website.

Enjoy!

Click Here to go to my website. Click on the "Free Patterns and Tutorials" link in the navigation bar at the top of the page :)

6-24-10 update: I just listed the finished doll/makedo on Ebay.

2010-06-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Freebies

2010-06-21T19:48:00.001-07:00

I have a free tutorial available on my website :)

Tip on creating a smooth round cloth doll head CLICK HERE.

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Raven Crow Doll

2010-06-17T20:19:00.001-07:00

Edgar Allan Poe "The Raven"

With Edgar sitting on the Raven the piece measures 21 inches tall. The Raven has a wing span of 18 inches.
I created the this piece from osnaburg fabric, wood and assorted elements.
Edgar's clothing is painted with acrylics. His shoe laces are thread. His hair and mustache are wool needle felted to his head.
The Raven is perched on a wooden base that has been painted with acrylics and embellished with tulle and ribbon. In the Raven's beak he is holding a tag that says "Nevermore. The tag has been trimmed with black glitter.
Edgar is removable and can sit on his own.
The Raven's perch is covered with wool blend felt on the bottom to protect furniture.
The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and tea.
_______________________________________
This is a OOAK The Vintage Polka Dot original.

On Ebay

Website Working Again!

2010-06-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Yay!

2010-06-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

VIDEO now available in my Eye Tutorial

2010-06-09T06:08:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to crop video with my camera! It is nothing short of a miracle people :)
I hope to add more videos as I get an idea for a new eye. If you have already signed up for my eye tutorial you have access to the new videos.

For more information about my Eye Tutorials please visit my website:
The Vintage Polka Dot

Primitive Folk Art Halloween Pumpkin Doll HAFAIR

2010-06-07T18:06:00.000-07:00

Abbott Punkinman

Sitting, Abbott measures 15 inches tall from his bottom to the top of his umbrella.
22 inches tall from the tips of his toes to the top of his umbrella.
I made Abbott Punkinman from osnaburg fabric. His head, facial features and shoes are painted with acrylics. His shirt is cotton print. His coat is wool with velvet trim around the sleeves. His pants are linen trimmed with velvet rick rack, rusty bells and twine.
I made his umbrella from cotton prints. I used both machine and hand stitching on the umbrella to hold the rusty wire and bells into place. The umbrella is attached to a wooden dowel which is also attached to Abbott himself.
The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and tea.
________________________________
This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original created by Brenda Sanker.
He is now listed on Ebay

Crude Things Art's Etsy Treasury

2010-06-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Lana of Crude Things Art has added me to their Etsy Treasury "Too Cute for Words"!!!

Click here to see the Etsy Treasury!

Click here to visit Lana's Etsy Shop! OOoh check out this doll! Love it!

Thank you Lana!

Oil Spill

2010-06-03T11:18:00.001-07:00

Has me worried.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you soldiers for all that you have done and do for us.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you.
God bless you always.

Blog Makeover Anybody ?

2010-05-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ummm, as you can see by the looks of my blog...I found this cool new blogger thingy.

TOO MUCH FUN! I'll have to work on it more later. Time for a break.

Here's the link if you are interested in playing with it yourself. The nifty thing is I don't think I lost any of my gadgets. The only thing I have to do is rearrange them once I apply the new design to my blog. New Blogger Template Designer

I know I haven't been blogging much lately. We have been doing some home improvements. I've been painting, laying flooring, painting, rearranging, cleaning up, reorganizing....I am tired! Hopefully I can get back to creating dolls and patterns soon. I have two Halloween dolls in the works.
Here is a picture of our new living room floor. There is a vase on the fireplace that's not suppose to be there (green one) and the window treatment is not real. It's a pinned together thing I used to help me decide if I want roman shades or not. Still undecided.

We have painted the living room walls twice. The first go'round was called Toast. A nice brown shade but....every time I went to hang anything on the wall it seems like the color just absorbed the element. I lived with it for about two month then said...it's gotta go. So we went with Behr Swiss Coffee.

My Banner is published!

2010-05-11T15:51:00.000-07:00

I received an email from the editor of Stampington's Artful Blogging a couple of months ago asking if she could use my website banner in their "Banners We Love" section of their magazine. I was thrilled!

So today I got my copy of the magazine and there's my banner on page 143!

I created the banner using all sorts of elements along with one of the dolls I made last Spring.

Handmade Art Fair OPEN HOUSE!

2010-05-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Visit our Handmade Art Fair Blog for more information!
Click here

Primitive Patriotic Sailor Doll

2010-04-29T17:34:00.001-07:00

Miss Sally Sailor

Sally is 20 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes (not including height of paper hat) I made her from osnaburg fabric. I painted her eyes with acrylics. I needlefelted wool to her head for hair and tied the ends with fabric. I made her dress and pantaloons from cotton prints and corduroy. I embellished the front of her dress with a vintage button type thing (LoL I don't know what it's called!) I made her hat from newspaper stained with tea then aged a bit more with tea dye ink. It is not attached to her head. I painted on her shoes and socks with acrylics. Her wand is paper mache and decorated with glitter.

The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and tea.

This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original created by Brenda Sanker.
I have Miss Sallie Sailor listed on Ebay.

Handmade Art Fair

2010-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

We are accepting new members and have Ad space available on our new website!

We have reserved space in the Autumn issue of PRIMS magazine by Stampington and Co.
Contact us if you have any questions :)

Handmade Art Fair website

Now you can find my patterns on Patternmart!

2010-04-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have one loaded and will be adding more asap.

Primitive Folk Art Elephant Doll Epattern!

2010-04-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

I finally have the epattern ready for Miss Ellie the Elephant!

Visit my website for more information :)

The Vintage Polka Dot website

Handmade Art Fair (HAF)

2010-04-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

I started an group for Handmade Art Fair :) Website coming soon but for now check out our Blog! Handmade Art Fair

I had closed Handmade Art Fair back in late December. I and HAF members were supposed to have been incorporated into another established group which I was associated with at the time. Somewhere along the way the agreement went amiss and now I am reviving Handmade Art Fair as a stand alone site. It is in no way affiliated with any other group.

If you are interested in joining our juried group, please visit our group page CLICK HERE

Primitive Folk Art Elephant Doll

2010-04-06T19:00:00.001-07:00

Ellie goes to the Carnival

Ellie is 21 inches tall from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. I made her from osnaburg fabric. She has been painted with acrylics and detailed with acrylics and artist pencils. Her dress and pantaloons are made from cotton prints. The neckline of her dress has vintage style tinsel and a vintage button. Her tights are painted on her legs as are her shoes. I dressed up her shoes with rusty bells.

I made her peanuts from osnaburg and painted with acrylics. Her bag is made from ticking. I used crinkle paper and a tag stamped PEANUTS on the bag. I stitched and tied the bag to her arm with thread.

The entire piece has been aged with walnut ink and tea.

Ellie is on EBAY
_______________________________________
This is a The Vintage Polka Dot original created by Brenda Sanker.

Lesson Learned.

2010-04-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

I heard the doorbell ring. I immediately saw two little girls run past my window. I thought "Oh great! Pranksters in the neighborhood!" I stomp toward the door just to make sure there wasn't anyone there. I opened it......

Laying on my Welcome mat were these fresh pretty blooms and this note.

I couldn't help but smile.

Taking Back our Country

2010-04-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung...finally!

2010-03-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today it hit 80 degrees! Glorious 80 degrees! I have the windows open with the ceiling fans going. I worked on a doll for a bit and decided to go outside and sit for awhile.

Got to thinking.... With everything going on in our world do you think it's a good idea for us to learn to grow our own food?

Wondering...how many of us even know how to grow food? Store it? Home canning? Puhlease. A pressure cooker scares the fabgibbies out of me.

Tomatoes...that's about it for me! I have a small yard now so I can't grow a lot but if planned well could I do more?

I dragged out my Square Foot Gardening book and found a container gardening website that was helpful.

Now to convince the hubby.