About Carolyne

About Me – Carolyne Brennan

Hello! I’m Carolyne Brennan, and I teach women to create standout fashion jewellery with a wow factor, inspiring confidence and individuality through unique pieces that express true style and embrace change.

Welcome to Jewellery Power – yes, it’s a thing.

I see the human form as a blank canvas to dress, embellish, and enjoy. Jewellery is a powerful reflection of your personality – showing how you feel and want to be seen.

 My work in ceramics, jewellery, and glass embodies boldnessoriginality, and innovation, but I also embrace softer, feminine styles depending on my mood.

I’m grateful for the collaborations that have showcased my work on catwalks and adorned private clients worldwide – proof that you never know where a jewellery journey will take you.

About Hot Dot Designs

Founded in 1986, Hot Dot Designs celebrates my dedication to jewellery artistry. Pieces are featured in private collections globally. In 1999, I proudly launched my handmade ceramic bead and pendant collection for Mulgara Gallery at Uluru.

Hot Dot Designs Jewellery School

Established in 2003, Hot Dot Designs School of Fashion Jewellery is a space where women learn and experiment in a supportive environment. I teach ceramics, wirework, silk knotting, glass fusing, ceramics and more, empowering students to create one-of-a-kind pieces they can wear with pride.

What’s Next

I’m developing online classes for all skill levels, starting with Standout Classic Silk Knotted Jewellery. Sharing my expertise and seeing students embrace the magic of jewellery-making is my greatest joy.

Carolyne xx

 Biography – Carolyne Brennan

Experience & Memberships (1980–2020)

  • Member & President, St. George Studio Potters Group (SGSPG)

  • Part-time Ceramics Teacher, St. George College of TAFE (7 years)

  • Exhibiting Member, Inner-City Clayworkers Gallery (ICCG) & Potters’ Society of Australia

  • Member, Craft Council of NSW

  • Certified in Ceramics and Mould Making; Associate Diploma in Ceramics

  • Expertise in Silver Smithing, Glass Fusing, and Video Editing Studies (2016–2020)

Group Exhibitions (Selected)

  • Students Exhibitions, Kogarah Civic Centre

  • ICCG Christmas and Birthday Exhibitions

  • Manly Art Gallery & Museum with Potters’ Society of Australia

  • Sydney Garden Festival, Darling Harbour

  • Artist-in-Residence, Mulgara Gallery, Uluru

  • Australian Ceramics 50th Anniversary Vase Show (2012)

  • Gaffa Gallery, Broadway Gallery, and more

Awards & Recognition

  • Multiple 1st and Judges’ Awards from SGSPG and Port Hacking Potters’ Group

  • Finalist, Bead & Gem Show Sydney (2005)

  • Winner, Sydney Royal Arts Show (2009)

  • Featured in: Pottery in Australia, Vogue Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, Good Weekend, and Australian Pottery Yearbook

Teaching & Workshops

  • Hand-building, Wheel Throwing, Ceramic Surface Treatment, Glaze & Clay Technology

  • Specialised in Dichroic Glass Fusing, Chain Maille, Clay Jewelry, and Mould Making

  • Led adult workshops, children’s jewellery workshops, social events, and corporate functions

Commissions & Collaborations

  • Arthur’s Restaurant, Potts Point (1988)

  • Private and Bridal Commissions

  • Boulder Opal Neck Pieces for Janice Evert (2007)