late night musings

Zoe and I have come to an arrangement about working after 10pm and on Sundays but I find myself in the mood for some blogging so I thought I'd go with it despite it being 23:19. We still haven't managed to get our non-facebook promoting underway, we've both been so busy as individuals that it's been tricky to either find the time or energy to get on with it. "as soon as i'm finished at the Rep I'll..." is a sentence I keep repeating at the moment. I hope I do manage to fulfill the plans we have in mind. Even once I finish it's still going to feel a bit stally though as we'll be stopped in our tracks by 6 weeks of summer holidays and childcare issues. Oh the life of being a business mum. We're just going to have to get used to it I suppose, there will always be school holidays to get in the way of your stride. But then that is why we're self employed, so we can work around these things.

On a completely unrelated subject, how awkward is Made In Chelsea? The male/female chats are really stunted, no one seems very relaxed in each others company. Bizarre. I do love the dates they go on, so cringey.

Anyway... We've got collaborative artwork in The Outbye Gallery, Ovenstone, by Pittenweem. Preview is Saturday from 2-5pm, on til the 23rd of July. We're also meeing with a lady from the St Andrews Family Support Project next week, really excited about that one, it's been something I've wanted to be involved with for a while. As myself I am collaborating with Alexandra Ross on a design project, meeting her this week to see the metal frame that's needing my fabric expertise. Cryptic? Yes I am. We're also off to a networking evening at The Rep next week and the Fleet Collective opening gig in a couple of weeks. Ooh and i'm getting my haircut. "About bloody time", screams my hair. Aren't we busy ladies?

Before I go for the night I should also mention that we attended Crafting A Balance last week, hosted by Cultural Enterprise at the DCA. It was really intersting and was good to hear from people who were in a similar postition but further along the line. Thanks to Carrie from Made In The Shade, Lovely Pigeon and Bella and Bunty.

Night night.

we have a website so our blog is free for personal musings

Well, now we have a website we can start using the blog as it was intended, to talk about us and the process of setting up and running Two Dolls HQ.

We’ve been open for about 6 weeks now and things are going well. The Creative Writing short course has been doing well and our first Illustrate and Write was a great success despite the lack of illustrators in attendance. This was a shame as there was some really great writing happening and it would have been good for some visuals to go along with it.

The run up to the opening was full of wonder and trepidation. We were interviewed by Jennifer Cosgrove for The Courier, the article with photo appeared the day before we opened. Set up of the HQ was very hectic. I had finished at the Rep the week before so was in most days doing bits and pieces and taking delivery of work and donated furniture.

The opening itself was a surreal experience we were constantly busy right up until 5pm. Don’t think I have talked so much about myself ever and was relieved when it quietened down and I could shut my mouth for a bit and reflect on the day. Over the next few days I started to relax into my self-employed roll. I walked my daughter to school, which had not been an option while I was working; I met Zoe in the DCA for a lunchtime meeting; sauntered back to the car and relaxed til school pick up time. I am totally skint, we can’t do a lot of stuff or go anywhere but my day-to-day lifestyle at the moment is totally worth leaving regular pay for.

So six weeks on we are settled into our HQ; I am back at the Rep for a 6-week stint and we’re beginning to see what we have actually taken on. Next stage, some non-Facebook based advertising and marketing and trying to get the people we started this for to come through our door.

Creative people, we have set this business up for you so please come in and use it. We have comfy seating area with books and magazines to peruse; tea, coffee, biscuits and sometimes, homemade cake. We are here to support and encourage you in your creativity.

4 week Creative Writing block

We are running a 4 week Creative Writing block starting on Saturday the 30th of April, 10am - 12noon. £25 paid in advance to secure your spot. To book email us at thosetwodolls@gmail.com, message on Facebook or pop into the HQ, Thursday to Saturday.

2 New workshops

Illustrate and Write

Thursday 21^st April 2011, 7 – 9pm

Two Dolls HQ, 73 Meadowside, Dundee, DD1 1EN.

Two Dolls are hosting an evening for Illustrators and Writers to get together for some creative networking. We will be providing basic drawing and writing tools - paper and pencils - but you can bring your usual tools if you like. There will be some quick and dirty writing and drawing to begin with and we'll take it from there. As with most Two Dolls Mingle events there will be all manner of refreshments to keep us perky.

We have put this evening together as an opportunity for two creative groups to meet, chat and play in the hope that useful connections will be made by the end of it.

If you would like to come along either message us on Facebook, email us at thosetwodolls@gmail.com or pop into the HQ. Register your interest and let us know whether you're a writer or illustrator. There is an £8 participation fee, which should be paid in advance by cash or cheque, and is non-refundable. Spaces are limited so if you are interested book your place as soon as you can.

Also at the Two Dolls HQ…

Kindle and Make

Saturday 23^rd April 2011, 11am-1pm & 2-4pm

6 spaces per session

Come along and create a cover for any of your portable gadgets, including iphones, laptops, kindles etc.

We will provide an assortment of fabric, sewing machines, ironing boards + irons, thread, needles etc, refreshments and experienced onsite sewing advisors. You may also like to bring along your own materials and items to embellish and personalize your creation.

We are keen to have a mixture of sewing levels so don’t worry if you can’t sew at all - help will be on hand.

If you would like to be involved either message us on Facebook, email us at thosetwodolls@gmail.com or come into our HQ and let us know in person. Register your interest and remember to tell us which session you want to attend. There is a £15 participation fee, which should be paid in advance by cash or cheque, and is non-refundable. Spaces are limited so if you are interested let us know as soon as you can.

We will also be hosting another Apron Strings on Sunday the 15th of May, 2-5pm, £15. And a 4 week block of creative writing starting on Saturday the 30th of April, 10am-12noon, £25 for the full block. Details of both to follow soon.

This weeks Easter holiday activities

We have various Easter Workshops coming up which are all on our Two Dolls Facebook group page. Have a look and come in and see us!

Also, we will be running a workshop on the 23rd of April from making a cover for your portable technological devices such as Kindles, Ipods, Laptops, Smartphones, Calculators and Televisual remote control devices... This will be available from either 10 - 1 or 2 - 5 (you can attend either). The workshop will be £15 and will include delicious refreshments.

Furthermore, we will be running a four week creative writing course which will run from 10-12 starting on Saturday the 21st of May. This short course in prose writing will cost £25 and will cover (amongst other key concepts) plot, characterisation and theme. The course would suit a variety of levels of experience - whether you're new to writing, would like to kickstart your process or would just like a little bit of support. Refreshments included. We are anticipating a high take up for this class, so book soon!

If you'd like to know more, please message us or email us on thosetwodolls@gmail.com or you can phone on 07557361673

Photos from our opening last week. Many thanks to all the people who have popped in over our first week and to the rest of you, we hope to see you soon. look out on Facebook for new workshop dates. Info coming soon.

Two Dolls: An introduction to our HQ

Two Dolls H.Q. brings you…

73 Meadowside, Dundee, DD1 1EN.

Opening hours – 10am-5pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday

(More days will be added as The Dolls settle into their roles as business impresarios)

If you don’t know already Two Dolls are Zoe Venditozzi and Jill Skulina. Zoe is a Writer; she is currently studying a Masters in Creative Writing at Dundee University. Zoe is also an editorial intern and programmer of Salons for Literary Dundee. She was previously a teacher at Craigie High School, Dundee for many years.

Jill is a Visual Artist who currently works at Dundee Rep in the Wardrobe Department where she was recently commissioned to create puppets for The Rep production of Sleeping Beauty. She is leaving The Rep in the middle of March to focus on Two Dolls. Jill has a Masters in Fine Art and a BDes (hons) in Interior and Environmental Design both from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art.

Two Dolls aim to bring creative circles together within Dundee. Zoe and Jill will be hosting events and workshops with the main focus of imparting knowledge and bringing people together. Bringing about creative partnerships, collaborations or skill swaps. They are also committed to showcasing new and existing talent. Workshops will be held both within the new H.Q. and as satellite events in alternative venues around Dundee and Fife.

Submissions

If you would like to submit your work to us for selling or exhibiting, please email or post us a short statement about your work, your c.v. and examples of your creativity. Our H.Q. is quite compact so no massive work please.

If you are a writer or performer we can offer you the opportunity to try your work out on a small audience by hosting intimate readings or performances.

Two Dolls H.Q can be used out with opening hours to host your own workshops for £30 half days and evenings, £50 full day. Email us a short workshop proposal and your intended dates. We will also advertise your event on our social networks and our mailing list. If required you would also have access to sewing machines irons and tea/coffee facilities. Capacity for up to approx 20 people depending on the workshop and equipment needed.

If you would like to submit work, ideas or generally be involved with Two Dolls either message us on Facebook or email us at thosetwodolls@gmail.com.

Regular stuff.

Sewing machine hire – £6 per hour/£3.50 per half hour (this includes access to iron.) Additional 50p if you require thread. Drop in and use our machines for repairs, alterations or any project you wish. Jill will be on hand to help with any sewing problems or give advice. Price also includes a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit.

Beginners basic sewing tutorial - £10 per hour. Learn how take up hems, sew on buttons etc, bring in a specific garment to work on or learn general skills. Best to book a slot to make sure we can give you our full attention.

Loop and Hook and Creative writing – will run on a regular basis once we establish the best time and day to hold it. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Loop and Hook. Bring along a knitting/crochet project or start one from scratch, the dolls will be on hand to talk through ideas if you’re stuck. For any level of experience. £3 per session, Price includes tea and coffee. One to one sessions to get you started available for £8.

Book by emailing thosetwodolls@gmail.com or phone Jill 07974665943 or Zoe 07557361673

Future Plans (no dates yet) - Workshops and Events

New writing readings

Speed Networking

Creative Writing

Mingle and Make

· Illustrators and Writers

· Film makers and Script writers

· Apron Strings

· Dress – Dressmaking.

· Machine Embroidery

· Quick and Dirty - Speed Crafting

· Fanzines

· Loop and Hook - Knitting and Crochet time

· Mingle and Date – singles night the Two Dolls way.

· Song writing

· Jingle and Make – festive making

Another Mingle and Make

Two Dolls brings you…

Apron Strings: Mingle and Make!

Back by popular demand.

Sunday 6^th March 2pm-5pm, Manna Café, Cupar Rd,

Newport on Tay.

You are invited to participate in our 2^nd Mingle and Make afternoon. Come along and create your own custom made apron and become the domestic goddess you always knew you could be. We will provide an assortment of precut fabric, sewing machines, ironing boards + irons, thread, needles etc, refreshments and experienced onsite sewing advisors. You may also bring along your own materials to embellish and personalize your apron.

We are keen to have a mixture of sewing levels so don’t worry if you can’t sew at all - help will be on hand.

If you would like to be involved either maessage us on Facebook or email us at thosetwodolls@gmail.com, register your interest and tell us a bit about yourself and your sewing experience (if any). There is a £15 participation fee, which should be paid in advance by cash or cheque, and is non-refundable. Spaces are limited so if you are interested let us know as soon as you can.