Designs by Dawn in Louisville, KY 

Just Get Some Metal and Play: Meet Dawn Hatzidakis of Designs by Dawn 

What do you get when you mix a lifetime of creativity, a career in tech recruiting, and a mom silversmith with a torch? You get Dawn Hatzidakis, the copper-loving powerhouse behind Designs by Dawn. Based in Crestwood, Kentucky, Dawn is not just a jewelry artist—she’s a torch-wielding mentor, a gifted instructor, and a fierce advocate for diving in, getting messy, and learning through play. 

Seriously—her top advice for anyone new to jewelry making? 

 “Just get some metal and play.” 

From Head-Hunter to Hammer-Wielder 

Dawn’s path into jewelry wasn’t linear. After a thriving career in tech recruiting that had her traveling 40 weeks a year, she transitioned into stay-at-home motherhood. But that creative fire needed fuel. Enter: her mom, a talented silversmith and seasoned art show veteran, who brought Dawn into the world of jewelry metalsmithing. Her first assignment? Bezel cups. For two years. And yes, she got paid per bezel cup—old school apprentice style. 

Those early days of sawing, sanding, and soldering set the foundation for a journey that would lead to a full-time business, a bustling teaching studio, and a truly unique artistic voice rooted in copper, color, and texture. 

The Copper Queen of Kentucky 

Unlike most metalsmiths who start with copper and transition to silver, Dawn flipped the script. She began with sterling silver and then fell in love with copper’s warmth, versatility, and colorful potential. Her background in painting gives her an artist’s eye for movement and vibrancy—qualities that shine through in her flame-painted copper pieces and fold-formed designs. 

Today, Dawn is one of the few Kentucky-based coppersmith jewelers, which recently landed her an incredible collaboration with none other than Maker’s Mark. She now transforms copper reclaimed from their retired stills into exclusive jewelry for their VIP guests and gift shop. Talk about full circle magic! 

Teaching That Sparks Confidence 

In addition to running her business and participating in 5-10 art shows a year, Dawn teaches introductory jewelry making classes and private lessons. Her Intro to Metalsmithing course covers the essentials—from raw material to finished pendants or earrings—and every student leaves with a completed piece of jewelry (and usually a huge grin and sense of accomplishment). 

Her teaching philosophy is all about empowerment: 

“Metalsmithing is just problem solving. You have to think through the steps, make mistakes, and figure it out. That’s how you learn.” 

Whether it’s metalsmithing classes, or jewelry soldering classes, Dawn brings an extraordinary level of care and commitment to her students’ growth. For her private students, she goes above and beyond—keeping detailed progress logs to track each student’s journey. This personalized attention allows her to tailor guidance, revisit challenges, and celebrate breakthroughs. Her goal isn’t just to teach techniques; it’s to nurture confidence, encourage experimentation, and support each student in discovering their creative voice. 

Don’t Buy a Rolling Mill — Yet 

For those curious about starting their jewelry journey, Dawn’s advice is refreshingly practical. Don’t splurge on expensive tools. Start with the basics. Take a beginner jewelry making course, grab some scrap metal, and see what calls to you—maybe it’s copper, maybe it’s wire wrapping, or even enamel jewelry: there’s no wrong path, just your path. 

She says it best: 

“Find what you like. Don’t spend a lot of money right away. Just play.” 

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