Claymates
Dot is a playful, nostalgia-fueled brand founded by Florida-based glass artist and vintage enthusiast Carley Holtsinger. What started as a passion for thrifting quirky glassware evolved into a full-fledged studio practice, where everyday objects are reimagined with a sense of joy and color.
We teamed up with Dot for our Spring 2025 collection to create an assortment of whimsical tabletop accents that drew inspiration from folk art, nature and art nouveau. Read on to learn more about the brand’s unexpected beginning, the creative process behind the collaboration and the very specific shade of green that keeps showing up in their work.
An interview with Carley Holtsinger, owner and artist of Dot
Can you tell us how Dot came to be? What inspired you to start the brand?
After moving back to Florida from NYC in 2020, I spent lots of time browsing our local thrift & consignment shops as I used to growing up. This time, instead of clothing, I was mostly drawn to home goods, particularly glassware. I began collecting and selling these funky treasures online, typically colorful or unique drink ware, and noticed a pretty big demand for it. A couple years later I took a glass fusion lesson at the local glass studio, and was instantly obsessed! I created my first collection of glass coasters and embellished vintage glassware and started reaching out to shops and brands to share my new products. It’s been an unexpected and exciting journey so far!
Can you tell us a bit about the creative process behind the Glass Flower Candleholder, Catchall Tray, and Coasters?
Working closely with the East Fork product design team, the creative process began with their vision for the Spring 2025 collection, which drew notes from “nature, folk art and art nouveau.” From there I did lots of research into folk art and art nouveau style flowers. One of the things I picked up on was that the flowers were very prominent and dominating the space, bursting with life and color. I wanted to capture that while designing the pieces, making the flowers feel as if they are blooming on your table, or giving a sweet nod to nature during springtime.
Playful design is the core of Dot. I love to reimagine an everyday object and give it a new, unexpected life. One that will spark conversation, make someone laugh, and maybe even get their imagination going.
Where do you typically draw inspiration from—art, architecture, nature?
I’ve always been surrounded by creative and inspiring people—I grew up in my mothers craft retail shop, attended art school at SCAD, and worked in luxury fashion for the majority of my career. The friendships I’ve formed over those formative years continue to inspire me daily. Sarasota has also been a refreshing source of inspiration for me. Lido beach, the iconic mid century modern architecture (google Sarasota School of Architecture), and vintage treasure hunting always get my gears turning!
Is there a color you’re particularly drawn to right now, or one you return to often?
A specific shade of green has been a constant in my glass work. It’s called Lemongrass, but I call it Slime. It feels nostalgic but modern, bright but not obnoxious. It makes me happy to look at and looks good when paired with so many different colors.
How do you want people to feel when they interact with your work?
Surprised and happy!
