Susan R. Opel
There’s just something happy about polka dots. They’re fun, sweet, and punchy in their simplicity. Suffice it to say—I’m dotty for polka dots!
As a bit of a word nerd, a German girl by ancestry who loves a good polka, and a lover of etymology, I was curious as to why they were called polka dots. So here’s the deal…
In 19th century America, European immigrants brought the polka (a Czech dance) to the states and started a dance craze (kinda like the Macarena in the 90s). Polka clubs organized and female members of each club were identified by a closely fitted jacket of a single color with evenly spaced dots. And the polka dot was born!
Vintage 1880s Victorian polka dot jacket worn by a member of a polka club.
These days the polka dot is certainly not just for polka dancers! You can decorate with them:
Photo credits: Bake Decorate Celebrate – cake, Etsy – citrus pillow,
Emily A. Clark Interiors – dots on the wall
You can use them in the kitchen, carry your lunch in them, stir up some cocktails, or even blow your nose in them!
Photo credits (clockwise): BuiltNY – lunch bag, Pier1 Imports – bowls,
Crate&Barrel – tissues, Pier1 Imports – barware
And of COURSE, they’re awfully cute to wear in a gajillion different ways!
Photo credits (clockwise): Art Institute Chicago – purse, Amazon – tea length dots,
Atlantic Pacific – dotted top, Etsy – patriotic dots, Unique Vintage – jammies,
The Sartorialist – skirt and hose, Cutesy Wear – shoes
Given the versatility and almost neutral aspect of polka dots, they can be a part of just about any card design and style. I challenged myself to create four cards in our four core styles using polka dots. Check it out:
Fun & Cute
Dotty Thanks Card by Susan R. Opel
Happy colors and dot overload are appropriate for a fun & cute card. Add a whimsical sentiment, and it’s cutesville for sure!
Clean & Graphic
Graphic Dots Hello Card by Susan R. Opel
Pair polka dots with stripes and a graphic shape like a star on a lot of quiet space and an unfussy font and this simple card makes the dots shine.
Classy & Elegant
Dots & Damask Card by Susan R. Opel
A classy & elegant card is all about glam, so choose a sophisticated dot like black and dress up the card with damask, a flourishy font, sparkles, and satin.
Shabby Chic & Vintage
Shabby Dots & Flowers Card by Susan R. Opel
Choose already distressed dots, add text, lace, pearls, and vintage ephemera, and voila! Shabtastic!
See how fun that is? Dots can be a part of so many different looks. And I want you to give it a try!
One person who leaves a comment on this blog post about her favorite dotted possession will receive this pack of Jillibean Soup Soup Staples II to get her (or his) dots (and chevrons) on. I used the pink and black versions in the fun and cute and classy and elegant cards. All comments must be received by Monday, September 3rd at 5 pm MDT.
Sharing my big puffy {heart} love of dots!
P.S. Want to learn more about the different styles? Be sure to check out this blog post from last week where Paper Crafts Go-to Gal Julie Campbell gives a great tutorial in what makes a card a certain style.
I love polka dots. Great for scrapbooking and wearing! Thanks for the chance to win!
I LOVE polka dots! Thanks for the fun inspiration!
Dots make me happy–love dotted ribbon, tapes and paper.
My favorite dress of all time had polka dots, and I love to use them on cards. The Jillibean Soup collection would get used up fast in my house!
POLKA DOTS ARE AWESOME!! Love them and your cards , Susan. Thanks for the inspiration and for a chance to win those great papers. I don’t really have a “possession”, but my most favorite ,creative, stamp and scrapbook store is “Polka Dots and more”, near my home here in Wisconsin. They are so welcoming and inspirational–I love them.
One of my favorite polka dot items was a purse that I completely wore out because I loved it so much. It was brown with red polka-dots.
My favorite pj pants have polka dots. I love how happy and versatile polka dots are, as you’ve shown beautifully in this post. Thanks so much for a chance to win!
Gorgeous papers!
My favorite dot obsession is on scrapbook paper since I don’t have anything with dots here in my home but I do wish I had some dishes with dots!
My favorite dotty possession is a tissue box I have at work. It was a plain green Puffs box and one day I grabbed the orange dot stickers that were on my desk and I turned my boring Puffs box into a happy one. Polka dots can do that
I love polka dots on everything! I especially enjoy the different scales of dots that are available.
Love polka-dots. I don’t own any in clothing, but love to buy it in pattern paper and design with it. Thanks for the great ideas.
Polka dots are fun, classy, and always in style – they’re just so versatile. And chevrons… don’t get me started! Some great card ideas (that I’ve pinned!) Thanks for the inspiration
My favorite was a red umbrella with white polka dots, very happy on a rainy day!
Carol B
ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Polka Dots too, but the only things I have with Polka dots are papers! I think a distressed red polka dot paper with white dots is my favorite! It goes with so many themes!
My favorite was a white dress with black polka dots. Of course, it doesn’t fit me anymore!
Love dots! My favorite is my pencil case!
I’m a BIG fan of polka dots. Recently purchased a black & white polka dot dress, just love it. TY
Your post is super fun….I *love* the historical explanation.
Your cards are great examples. I always think of polka dots as fun and cute, but you did a fab job showing how they work for every style.
I love polka dots! Funny thing, though, I don’t actually own that many. One of my favorite polka dot things are some Christmas dishes with red/white polka dots. Love getting them out each year!
My current favorite polka dot possession is some fabric I own. It’s a deep red with gold polka dots. I haven’t found the perfect project for it yet, but I’m hoping to come up with a cute reward shirt after having my baby and getting back into shape.
I especially like the Fun & Cute and Classy & Elegant ones!
Love polka dots and your cards are so sweet! My fav is the elegant style you made … WOW! My favorite polka dot possession is my swiss dots embossing folder.
my polka dotted tights! LOVE THEM! i can’t believe there is this super cute paper pad of dots! love that and really enjoy your pink/green polka dot card! awesome
great to see others are “dotty” for polka dots too! they’re not just for little kids or minnie mouse but can be used in a variety of ways. right now i’m looking at my white with black dots shirt belted with a white polka dotted black ribbon.
I have a peasant style top that is black with white polka dots – so comfortable.
love the way Susan used polka dots in so many different ways…and the Jillibean soup collection looks so trendy!
Absolutely love dots, and use dotted paper on many of my scrapbook layouts. My favorite possession is a white sundress with black polka dots. Dots are happy!
My favourite dress is a floaty polka dot dress. Love polka dots!
Polka Dots are my favorites! Thanks for the chance!!
Love all your polka dot goodness, from cute to elegant! My favorite polka dot possession(s) are my three dot background stamps–I love ‘em all!