YELLOW DOT SHOP - Shirts, Gifts, Cards



May 2025 News

Posted by Ellen Hamilton on

New Vendor Van for Yellow Dot

Ellen using the new van as the Shop

On Sunday, the wind gusted suddenly and the tent heaved against its leg weights like a giant sail. The products hanging from the tent frame whipped out of their careful placement. The shirts flapped out of shape and the books threatened to fly off the table. If it isn't raining or sweltering, then wind is a constant irritation for the outdoor vendor. For years I have dreamed of a stable space to sell from, combing through online photos of the cutest vendor trucks and vans. The 1970s Dodge van with a wide side door, decorated cargo trucks with custom open sides. A young woman, the happy inhabitant.


This Spring, one more debilitating gust of wind had me hanging on to the tent frame while my carefully arranged products whipped around. I decided that I should be able to have a vehicle for my shop. So back to my folders I went, to my saved images of the best vendor trucks. Down to Washington, DC I went, to look at t-shirt vendors on the mall. I had nice conversations with vendors from many places. A week later I was test driving the best rated cargo vans and zero'd in on the Ford Transit Connect. After spending more than I had planned, I now have my own cheerful compact van in the driveway, becoming more a Yellow Dot van every day, as I lovingly clean and customize it. At the markets, I still have largely the same set up, except that the tent is anchored around the van's back doors, which cuts off wind from that direction. The open side door displays the books which are undisturbed. Next up, with my remaining budget, I am designing colors and signage for the van sides and back. I don't have a solution yet, so you will have to wait to see it.


Ellen Hamilton,

Chief Creative,

Yellow Dot Shop

Scottish Migration Film Nears Completion

Movie image-William leaving Greenock-Ship sails down River Clyde

Movie Animations

I am working on the last few minutes of the Film. What did it look like when William's ship left the town of Greenock in Scotland, and sailed down the River Clyde at one o'clock in the morning? I am creating images to illustrate the event. Next up: Sound!

[Help from an audio pro would be appreciated!]

Visit the Movie Page with Film and Food News

Video of Ellen speaking about steamed puddings and British food history

Video on Cooking

Visit the Movie's website, the place where you will be able to watch it soon. There you will find latest news on the movie's progress. You will find my video about what the heck is pudding anyway, and how did it start out!


Delve into Pudding and Cooking History with Me - See my Video

Gallery of Van

Van arrives at home with two heavy metal shelves, one blocking the side door.

The van arrives at home with two sets of heavy metal shelves

I needed to get rid of those extra shelves which block the side opening

I need to get rid of one set of shelves which block the side door

Lots of ways to display my wares

Lots of ways to display my wares

The back doors do what I want, open out wide

The back doors do what I want, which is open up wide

At Old Town North Market, testing the set-up.

At Old Town North Market, testing the set-up

The side door works great from displaying the books and hopefully cards soon too.

The side door works great for displaying the books and hopefully cards soon too