by Carolyne Brennan
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Jewellery Workshops

Hot Dot Designs by Carolyne Brennan
Ceramic/Glass/Jewellery Artist/Designer/Tutor
Creative Fashion Jewellery School established 1986 (over 20 years teaching experience).
Studio is situated in the Sydney suburb of Chester Hill

For the student that wants a professional look & finish to their work

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make your own fantastic jewellery or learn the art of Dichroic glass, original Clay pieces and Chain Maille.
In Hot Dot Design's workshops students are taken through procedures in fashion jewellery/Beading/Wire work construction & designing.
Incorporating silver smith techniques, correct tool use and safety procedures.
 
Hot Dot Designs
by Carolyne Brennan is an Australian owned and operated business. 
We are dedicated to educate; inspire and impart professional tuition to students who wish to take their skills and
 knowledge to a higher level.
 
Students’ knowledge will increase with lessons and workshop tuition and in time they will be able to problem solve situations as they arise in their work and designs. Remember it all takes time!
 
Join the Hot Dot Designs Team and enjoy the journey with us in learning to create beautiful jewelry and wire work
.

Workshops have been designed by Carolyne using techniques that she has developed and applies in her Commission/Gallery & Bridal work.
All workshops are skill based with professional learning outcomes in a workshop that has been designed by Carolyne for students comfort & needs. (see images on the Workshop page)
On workshop completion students have a complete understanding of jewellery components, along with the importance of colour proportion/placement and the role it will play in their future works.
All quality materials are included in workshop fees.

If you would like to see images of Hot Dot Designs Student Works please go to
Students Works page
Positions fill quickly for these workshops so avoid disappointment book early.
If a workshop is full please contact Carolyne if you would like to go on a waiting list or If you have any questions about workshops click here carol@hotdotdesigns.com.au  to contact Carolyne an enrolment form will be forwarded.

Bookings are essential

To all students wishing to enroll in workshops & or Term Classes

The INTRODUCTION TO JEWELLERY WORKSHOP is a pre requisite

The following workshops DO NOT require an Introduction to Jewellery
1: Dichroic Glass Fusing Workshops
5: Designer Ceramic (Clay) Neckpiece & earring set

NEW WORKSHOPS
DESIGNER CHAIN MAILLE WORKSHOPS   2010
DESIGNER CERAMIC (CLAY) NECKPIECE & EARRING SET  2010 
HOW & WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BABY DRILL & MANDREL SET 2010

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Student Testimonial

Last year, I attended one of Carolyne’s “Introduction to Jewellery” workshops. Not having had any experience making jewellery before, I found the experience absolutely enjoyable.

The first thing that caught my eye when I got to Carolyne’s place was the lovely surroundings and once I entered her workshop, I felt like a child in a lollie shop with some many lovely beads to choose from!

During the introductory session, Carolyne talked to the group about colour, shape, the importance of using good quality materials and applying a good finishing to your jewellery pieces. At the end of the day, all students displayed their work and it was interesting seeing how different all jewellery pieces were from one to another as every one of us put their personal touch to them.
The session was very enjoyable; so much so that I decided to become a regular student. 
 Carolyne is not only an accomplished artist with many years of experience under her belt but also, she is a motivating teacher who loves sharing her knowledge with others. She is an honest individual with a great sense of humour. Her classes are fun!

I would happily recommend Carolyne’s workshops to anyone who is genuinely interested in jewellery making. You will not be disappointed.

Alicia Anderson  29/6/2010



All images and intellectual property is owned by Hot Dot Designs by Carolyne Brennan


Introduction to Fashion Jewellery
(code: I2J)		 Skill Level: beginners Price: $ 200.00
Students will be taken through procedures in fashion jewellery making, correct tool use, techniques and safety procedures for professional finished pieces. On completion of this workshop students will have a better understanding of jewellery components, proportions & colour. Students will experience making coloured jump rings & beating of metals for decorative uses in their jewellery making & design. Discussions will take place on seed beads/Wire, and their place in history and uses in Fashion Jewellery design industry. This is a very hands on workshop with professional learning out comes. In this session students will be encouraged to design and make 4-5 pairs of earrings, (with assistance and guidance from the tutor) 1 floating necklace. Personalized kits will be made up with students colour preferences.

All Tools & Materials included
workshop suitable for everyone - no experience required.
Workshops:
9.30 am till 4.30 pm Sun 17th Oct 2010 Enrolling Now !!!

Designer Ceramic (Clay) Neckpieces
(code: DCN)		 Skill Level: All Price: $ 550.00

Make your work stand out from the crowd!!

Can’t find the size or shaped bead you want for that special project?

Then come to the workshop and learn how to make them using CLAY as your material This is an exciting workshop as students will design & make all beads from clay.

This is not as hard as you think, need a kiln I hear you say, no Hot Dot Designs has a firing service available to students who have completed this workshop (studio conditions apply)

Students will Design & make: (see images for samples)

    1. Ceramic Neck Piece Central Drop
    2. Choker style Necklace
    3. Long beaded jump ring join necklace.
If time allows students can make extra beads for earrings

1Day One of Workshop

1.Students will be taken through design procedure for the pieces. 2. Making & design discussions will take place on the workability of their pieces and how to correct them if necessary 3. Students will be shown how to prepare and mix clay , shape and pattern the clay surfaces 4. Beads and central drops and or pendant will be designed and made 5. Students will make marker discs & prepare setters and rods for firing. 6. Discussions & Demonstrations will take place on the following topics: (a) Clay Treatment & Preparation (b) Clay surface treatment & Texture (c) Glazing application (d) Glazing techniques (e) Firing and firing schedules

Day two of Workshop

1. Kiln unpacking, followed by discussion of firing and events that may have occurred in firing 2. Clean up of pieces if needed. 3. Assembly of components along with decisions on materials used in the finished pieces. 4. Pendant and drop treatment (to wrap or not to wrap) or problem solve how this piece will fit in with the finished product and how it will sit look etc. 5. Students will have a handpicked range of materials by Carolyne to choose from for the finished piece or pieces

Workshops:

This will be a two day workshop run on two consecutive Sundays due to the nature of the work to allow for drying and firing time of the clay pieces

All Tools & Materials included
Workshop suitable for everyone
Experience in jewellery making an asset but not required
2 Day Workshops:
Day 1 9am till 5pm Sun 12th Sep 2010 Enrolling Now !!!
Day 2 10am till 3pm Sun 19th Sep 2010  


Dichroic Glass Fusing Introduction Level 1
(code: DGFB)		 Skill Level: all Price: $ 320.00

Students will make the following items in this workshop:

  1. Pendant necklace
  2. Dangle earrings
  3. Brooch
  4. Round drop earrings

Students will be encouraged to make additional pieces if time permits Small classes for individual attention.

Students will have a choice of background glass (Pastels & solid colours) Over 30 assorted DICHROIC finishes to choose from and Over 60 Glass Test Pieces are available to assist you in your decisions.

Cutting grids & jewellers tape supplied so NO CUTS!! The fear has been taken out of the cutting for you.

This is a workshop with realistic achievable professional learning out comes for all levels including the raw beginner!!

Students will be encouraged to design cut and make shapes of their choice with assistance.

A discussion of glass, its properties along with firing schedules & design techniques will take place.

Students will receive Technical notes along with templates to assist them on their shape choices.

This is a great workshop, an interesting way to cross over DICHROIC glass into your future jewellery designs.

Image belongs to Lydia who is a Term student , this was how she incorporated one of her Dichroic pieces made in this workshop into a stunning neckpiece

All Tools & Materials included
workshop suitable for everyone - no experience required.
Workshops:
9am till 5.30pm Sun 14th Nov 2010 Enrolling Now !!


Dichroic Glass Fusing Intermediate Level 2
(code: DGF2)		 Skill Level: Intermediate Price: $ 320.00
Dichroic Glass Fusing This is a workshop for those of you that want more, as once you have done the beginners workshop you will be more inclined to know how the glass moves and behaves.We will concentrate on precise cutting in this workshop and making the pieces with side to side holes.

You will be required to make the following pieces, once you have finished the 6 pieces if there is time you can make more. There will be designs and specialty glass as well as Dichroic for you to use.

I would encourage students to bring along their own drawings & idea's, this is not necessary as there will be several patterns and ideas to get you started:

  1. square (with one side to side hole)
  2. square (with two side to side hole)
  3. Oval (with one side to side hole)
  4. Oval (with two side to side hole)
  5. Triangle (with one side to side hole)
  6. Triangle (with two side to side hole)



All Tools & Materials included
Students must have completed
Dichroic Glass Fusing Introduction Level 1 workshop or have experience in glass cutting
Workshops:
9am till 5.30pm Sun 29th Aug 2010 Workshop FULL
9am till 5.30pm Sun 5th Dec 2010 Enrolling Now !!


Jump Ring Style Neckpiece (Turquoise colour)
(code: TCN)		 Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced Price: $ 240.00
WIRE WORK!! Hot Dot Designs signature piece! Jump Ring Neckpiece (turquoise in colour) Another Show Stopper and one of Carolynes favourite Designer Pieces!! You will be noticed in this piece make no mistake!! Techniques covered in this workshop consisting of Jump ring making & finishing, bead caging, Wire wrapping, with focus on proportion, balance and finishing Once again this is not an easy workshop results will speak for themselves! On completion of this workshop you will have a stunning neckpiece to add to your collection.

All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 24th Oct 2010 Enrolling Now !!!


Jump Ring Style Neckpiece (Green colour)
(code: GCN)		 Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced Price: $ 260.00
WIRE WORK!! One of Hot Dot Designs signature pieces! Jump Ring Neckpiece (Green in colour.) Another Show Stopper and one of Carolyne’s favorite Designer Pieces!! You will be noticed in this necklace make no mistake!! Techniques covered in this workshop consisting of Jump ring making with twisted wire larger jump rings, wire finishing, bead caging, Wire wrapping, with focus on proportion, balance and finishing Once again this is not an easy workshop, results will speak for themselves! On completion of this workshop you will have a stunningneckpiece to add to your collection. Students will have the choice of the Turquoise (see above image)style necklace or this Green necklace incorporating one of Carolyne’s handmade clay drop pendants

All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 24th Oct 2010 Enrolling Now !!!


Bridal Wire & Crystal Neckpiece Workshop
(code: BCN)		 Skill Level: advanced Price: $ 280.00
WIRE WORK !! This is a Show Stopper A beautiful wire/crystal neckpiece.

Colour choices will be offered for Students do not want to do the workshop in a bridal style.

This is not only a great bridal piece it is also a stunning formal or evening wear piece.

This is a soft structured Woven neckpiece. Students will be encouraged to put their own style into this design with assistance.

It is a great workshop to develop your Wire skills, once this technique has been mastered the pattern can be adapted over to many different gauges in wire to suit all tastes,form bold to subtle.

This is one of Carolyne's popular bridal designs.

Many students have made and worn this piece on their Wedding Day !!



All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
10.00am till 4.30pm Sun 21st Nov 2010 Enrolling Now !!!


Beautiful Chain Maille Oriental Moon Set
(code: CMW2)		 Skill Level: Intermediate Price: $ 250.00
In this workshop students will make this stunning oriental moon bracelet and earring set.The bracelet will be done in silver / Gold or Gold and Silver introducing a black wire to enhance the black crystal. For this workshop we will be using machine made jump rings, as it sits better with the machine made jump rings, so no sawing in this time This is a great technique & pattern to add to your repertoire of Chain Maille, once mastered you can adapt this pattern over to a necklace.

All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 10th Oct 2010 workshop FULL


Chandelier Earrings 2 (Wig Jig)
(code: CE3)		 Skill Level: intermediate to advanced Price: $ 220.00

WIRE WORK!! For those that want to learn more about wire work, this workshop will cover many techniques with an assortment of wire gauges used for the individual pieces.

On completion of this workshop students will not only have three stunning pairs of earrings they will have a better understanding of the correct wire gauges for use in their projects and designs

Students will be working with three entirely different styles all designed by Carolyne.

Techniques and approach to all three pairs are unique. A wig-jig will be used to form shapes as well as free hand wire work.

Practice and learning how to design with a jig will open up a whole new world for those that want to put a unique stamp to their work.

1. Soft floating romantic dangle drop style

2. Circular crystal/chain drop style

3. Stunning silver and Black beaded drop.

Sample boards and pieces are provided to assist students with these intricate shapes.



All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 31st Oct 2010 Enrolling Now!!


How & what to do with the Baby Drill & mandrel set
(code: BD1)		 Skill Level: ALL Price: $ 180.00
You asked for it and here it is How to make Components with your Baby Drill & Mandrel Set You do not need to own the baby Drillandmandrel set but after this workshop I am sure you will want to get one! The possibilities are endless with this addition to your tools set.On completion of this workshop students will not only take home product but a wealth of knowledge & information to apply to projects. All components made in this workshop can be interchanged and adapted forearrings/bracelets & necklaces with minor adjustments workshop details coming soon

All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 8th Aug 2010 Workshop FULL!!
9am till 4.30pm Sun 28th Nov 2010 Enrolling Now !!

Designer Chain Maille Bracelet
(code: DCMB)		 Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced Price: $ 280.00
Designer Chain Maille Bracelet Designer Chain Maille Bracelet, This is a beautiful bracelet designed by Carolyne with her typical style incorporating jump rings, with stunning polished glass beaded drop sections & looped wire closed twisted coils Students will experience making and sawing larger jump rings. & making a wire toggle & clasp. Once completed this bracelet can easily be converted into a stunning neck piece with the addition of a chain row extender.A discussion will take place on this topic in the workshop should Students wish to do this conversion at a later stage

All Tools & Materials included
must have completed the introduction to Jewellery course & wire work level 1 & or have experience in wire work
Workshops:
9am till 4.30pm Sun 7th Nov 2010 Workshop FULL!!


Wire Work Rings
(code: WWR)		 Skill Level: All Levels Price: $ 220.00
WIRE WORK!! On workshop completion, students will design and make six wire rings in assorted wire gauges and finishes.Special attention paid to Professional finishing, wrapping and tweaking with additions of assorted embellishments. Techniques covered in this workshop will assist the student in all areas of jewellery designing not just rings and allow the studentto have greater control when using wire in future pieces and projects. Rings are great to give as gifts!

All Tools & Materials included
workshop suitable for everyone - no experience required.
Workshops:
10.00am till 4.30pm Sun 12th Dec 2010 Enrolling Now !!


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