Screen printing

It's been a while since we've done some screen printing, and tomorrow is the day! We finally cleared enough room in the garage so that we can set everything up. More Grace Jones and Disco Dolls logo patterns, Leigh Anne is going to spruce them up, and they should be on the shelf next week!

The Poodle

He just got his hair cut @ Joni's of south tampa. They did such a great job

New window display at our new Studio location

The Disco Dolls Studio
408 n Howard ave
Tampa, Fl 33609

The revolution of the front desk

Left over from jonny balz's batchelor pad, this 90s bar needed a serious update. We'd already tried to sell it on craigs list to no sucess, and to be honest, there is something great about it. In a drunken fit, Bill came up with the decoupage logo idea and we added german glass glitter from Grandmother to create a mirror ball effect, then 60+ coats of poly later....
Gorgeous!!

Holiday Tradition - White Christmas

At The Disco Dolls compound, we have a few holiday traditions that we participate in every season.

We have a treasure here in Tampa, the Tampa Theatre, it was built in 1926, and is one of the great old movie palaces in America. The inside of the theatre is in perfect condition, and looks as though you're in a Mediterranean courtyard, complete with twinkling stars!
 We have seen many great performers here, but one of my favorite things that they offer is classic movie Sundays. All summer long they show classic films at 3pm on Sundays. I've seen Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, Sound of Music, and more.

Our grandparents on their wedding day

Every holiday season they show the classic 3: White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and Its a Wonderful Life. While I love the latter 2, the first is one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't know if its the amazing costumes and hairstyles, or if its because my grandfather always sang and looked just like Bing Crosby. Maybe its the hilarity of the Danny Kaye/ Bing Crosby duo, or the sister act with Rosemary Clooney and her gorgeous voice ... there are just too many incredible things about this film to ignore!



So, yearly we get together, and dress in our best 1950's garb and head out to the theatre. We always try to get there early to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer play holiday tunes, and sing along. Its a fabulous time, and we make sure to hit the local dive bar next door for a quick drink before heading home. I look forward to it every year. Check out the League of Historic American Theatres to see if there's a historic theatre in your city, and pay them a visit!!

New Items

Good Evening, here's an update on The Disco Dolls Holiday goings on. We have released some new items just in time for the holidays, and would love some feedback! (begin shameless plug)

Item #1
The Bra purse! No, its not a purse made out of a bra... ewww! Its a purse made to go into your bra! That's  right! Ever not want to carry a purse? going out on the town, running, to the beach, bike riding, quick walk around the block?  This is a vintage design that we have reproduced because after using it for a week or so, we quickly realized it's the bees knees! Get one for every occasion, and every girlfriend! Its discreet, sweet, and a little saucy. Made for all cup sizes!

Item #2
Vamped up vintage hats! These are hats we pick up where ever we go and fix up and bring a little Disco to all of them.

The great thing about both of our new items is we can use almost all recycled material. In the Disco Dolls Studio we keep every scrap, stray bead, trim, etc.. then, we sort through them for useful bits.

Check out the shop tab, or visit us at Etsy !

Time Savers for the Holidays

The Holidays!!

What do they mean to you?

Stress? Fights? worrying? Loads of work? money? etc....

It doesn't have to be that way ... The Disco Dolls are here to help. We can rescue you from this torment!

We have some great tips that we have developed to make the Holiday Season

Cheerful! Relaxing! Stress-free! Fun! Budget friendly! 

Gifts 

Shop on sites like Etsy, and you'll find that many sellers (like us) offer free gift wrapping and direct shipping to your gift recipient. Another added benefit is that you are supporting a community of local artists. Its a greener way to shop! 

If you have a group of people you usually get gifts for (coworkers, neighbors, teachers, etc.). think about giving handmade gifts, made by you or someone else (see above).

Now,  I know what your going to say ... Handmade? are you crazy? I don't have time for that.

But how much time do you spend shopping? parking? dealing with crowds? waiting in lines?

Not to mention the cost of gas, the wear and tear on your car, and your well being. There are plenty of quick, easy things you can put together that will make a big impact. Also, handmade gifts are appreciated more, and offer the possibility of the other wonderful thing about the holidays - time with friends and family.

1. Have a party! Invite over your nearest and dearest. Make invitations with colorful scraps of fabric or paper laying around. Everyone loves getting something in the mail, in our digital age, it is rare to get a handmade card sent to your mailbox! Give the gift of the company of friends. Make desserts or punch and have a white elephant gift exchange. You could also have a viewing party of your favorite holiday movie, good or bad! (Our favorites are White Christmas and Bad Santa)

2. Baked Goods! We have been known to have a few friends over, each bringing an ingredient and/or canning supplies. (available at any grocery store). We set up in the biggest kitchen and make large batches of preserves, flavored oils, cookies, even flavored vodkas (my favorite). Its one day, we make baskets for all our friends, and have a great time doing it! Its much easier than you think, and doesn't take long. Check out Marthastewart.com for tons of amazing recipes, and we'll post some family favorites in the next couple of weeks.

3. Wine, or Beer! Most stores offer discounts for case size purchases, and holiday beers make an excellent gift. Some of our favorites: Delerium Noel, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, and Samichlaus. There are many excellent wines out there in the $10 or less range. Contact your local brewery or winery for a more eco friendly alternative! Our local brewery is Cigar City, and for $14 you can get a reusable glass quart container, filled with your favorite brew. Its gorgeous!

4. Ornaments and wreaths! Get together with friends/family and bring all your bits and bobs of leftover craft supplies. Fill or decoupage plain glass ornaments (available at most craft stores) Get clippings from your local Christmas tree lot and make wreaths.

The key is to be creative, and get together with friends and family. Pool resources, rethink the holidays and try to eliminate stress wherever possible! Have fun, and create memories that are not driven by consumer culture, but by love and care for each other.