What's behind a name? When I started daydreaming about starting a business specifically for kids (and that has always included adult kids too), I wanted something that was playful, nostalgic, that pointed to fun and belonging, excitement and imagination... I had been making mohair teddy bears and animals for over a decade at that point under my own name. I wanted something new. Something that moved me a little more into the background (my desire for privacy was concurrent with the rise of smartphones, social media, and parenthood). A new business for a new time.
I'm not sure how many times I'd watched A Christmas Story, or listened to Jean Shepherd's book which inspired it, but I know it was every time I needed to get into the holiday spirit too early in the year (everyone who makes a lot of seasonal objects knows the struggle of making wintery things mid-summer). The scene that unfolds with mounting excitement and the unfortunate letdown around the "Little Orphan Annie" decoder pin got me thinking a lot about mid-century kids clubs—whether marketing creations, social clubs like scouting, or the countless adult clubs of every kind. The visual ephemera from this era, and the notion of belonging to a group (minus the overt marketing ploy), all seemed to strike the right tone. I can't remember exactly when "Polka Dot Club" came to me, but it felt right immediately. I have, in fact, always loved a polka dot.
This name—which still feels right so many years later—led me to so much visual inspiration. The vintage ephemera from clubs is rich, and in the hands of my extraordinary designer (and sister), Kindra Murphy, it led to a logo, membership cards, and so much incredible visual fun. I'll be adding more of that at some point, but for now... our membership certificate. Because it's just the best.
more on making the PDC coming soon :) WITH LOVE FROM THE CLUB.
