Gratitude & Highlights: Celebrating Creativity and Community at the New Mexico Artisan Market
A weekend filled with creativity, community, and heartfelt connection. Here’s our gratitude-filled recap of the New Mexico Artisan Market and the incredible people who made it unforgettable.
Bandana Slide Workshop with Jen Fox: Craft Your Style
Join Jen Fox for a hands-on Bandana Slide Workshop where students design and craft custom metal slides. Explore stamping, shaping, and finishing techniques to create wearable art for bandanas, scarves, and hatbands.
UNM Department of Dermatology: A Creative Team Event to Remember
The UNM Department of Dermatology joined us once again for a creative team event filled with hammers, stamping tools, and plenty of laughter. Each member handcrafted a meaningful turquoise bracelet, making this annual tradition one of our most inspiring studio days yet.
Navid’s First Steps Into Jewelry Making: A New Creative Journey at Meltdown Studio
Navid arrived at Meltdown Studio ready for something new, and he left with a handcrafted turquoise ring full of character and creativity. His first steps into jewelry making revealed the magic of working by hand, learning at a personal pace, and discovering a craft that tells a story with every hammer strike. Explore how private instruction helped spark a brand new artistic journey.
Radiant Shield Ring: Celebration of Friendship, Love and Creativity
At Meltdown Studio, jewelry is more than metal and stone, it’s memory in the making. Last night, friends and family came together to craft Radiant Shield Rings, celebrating birthdays, baby showers, and the joy of shared creativity. Every hammer strike, every thoughtful detail, and every finished piece captured laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. These rings aren’t just jewelry; they’re lasting symbols of friendship, new beginnings, and the magic of making together.
Intro to Lost Wax Casting: Christmas Morning in the Studio
Our lost wax casting class this past weekend felt like Christmas morning in the studio! Students carved, cast, and polished their own one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, turning soft wax into shining metal. The energy, creativity, and excitement made it a truly magical experience. Want to join the next session? Sign up to be first in line for this unforgettable hands-on workshop!
Skelly Stackers Season: Crafting Spirit, Silver, and Spooky Fun at Meltdown Studio
Fall at Meltdown Studio means silver, creativity, and a little spooky sparkle! This season’s Skelly Stackers classes brought together makers of all levels to craft custom stacker rings, learn new metalsmithing skills, and celebrate the joy of creating in community.
From Pharmaceuticals to Fine Silver: A Creative Journey Inspired by the Southwest
From pharmaceuticals to fine silver, when Suzanne Freinberg moved to Albuquerque, she fell in love with Southwest jewelry and discovered a new creative path at Meltdown Studio. Seven years later, her bold, contemporary designs reflect a journey of learning, laughter, and a few “meltdowns” along the way.
Stamped Snake Ring Workshop: Crafting Symbols of Transformation
Our Stamped Snake Ring class brought creativity and craftsmanship to life at Meltdown Studio. Students transformed silver into one-of-a-kind snake rings that symbolizes transformation and renewal, each piece reflecting personal style and spirit.
From Spark to Shine: Sandy’s Journey into Metalsmithing at Meltdown Studio
When Sandy first stepped into Meltdown Studio, she had no idea a single spark of curiosity would ignite a lifelong passion for metalsmithing. Her brand, Southwest Boujee, now shines with the spirit of the Southwest and the confidence she built one handcrafted piece at a time.
Magic at Meltdown: Creating Fall Statement Rings Together
Fall creativity was in full swing at Meltdown Studio! Students designed and crafted bold statement rings from hand-cut stones, bringing their unique visions to life in silver and color. A perfect mix of artistry, community, and seasonal inspiration.
When Creativity Falls Into Place: Fall Statement Earrings Come to Life
This past Saturday, our studio bloomed with creativity as students designed bold Fall Statement Earrings that captured the magic of the season. From copper leaves to shimmering patinas, every piece was a true work of art and a celebration of community.
Alicia Williams: Inspired by New Mexico, Rooted in Community
From first-day nerves to running her own micro business, Alicia Williams has turned her love of jewelry-making into a lifelong passion. Inspired by New Mexico’s landscapes and supported by the Meltdown community, her cutout-style pieces reflect creativity, confidence, and connection.
Double Fun: Iris’s Two-Stone Statement Ring
A splash of turquoise, a spark of carnelian, and a Sunday filled with silverwork—this private session with Iris brought double the color and double the creativity. From the first solder to the final polish, her bold two-stone ring became a wearable work of art.
Introduction to Lapidary: A First Look at the Art of Stone Cutting
Our Introduction to Lapidary workshop on September 20–21 gave students their first hands-on experience with the art of stone cutting. Over two days, participants transformed raw rocks into polished cabochons, explored materials like turquoise, jasper, agate, and opal, and discovered the joy of shaping stones alongside a supportive creative community.
From Silver to Sky: Adobe Cuff Bracelet Creations
Our Adobe Sky Cuff Bracelet workshop was filled with creativity and collaboration. Students shaped silver, set turquoise and coral stones, and designed bold cuffs inspired by the colors and spirit of the Southwest. Each finished piece was unique, reflecting the maker’s vision and story.
A Touch of Gold: Gemstone Bloom Ring Workshop
Our “A Touch of Gold: Gemstone Bloom Ring” workshop was filled with creativity, community, and stunning results. Students learned the art of metalsmithing, transforming raw silver and gemstones into rings that bloomed with personal style and meaning.
Double Turquoise Cuff Bracelet: Gal Pals in the Studio
Three friends joined us in the studio to create Double Turquoise Cuff Bracelets, and the results were as unique as they were beautiful. With laughter, teamwork, and plenty of creativity, each bracelet became a lasting reminder of friendship, artistry, and the joy of learning something new.
Make it at Meltdown: Framed Turquoise Necklace
At Meltdown Studio’s Framed Turquoise Necklace workshop, students transformed raw silver and turquoise into one-of-a-kind pendants that reflected their personal style. From bold geometric frames to soft organic curves, each piece carried its own story, making the class a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
A Gem of a Day: Stone Lattice Ring Class
This past Saturday, our studio came alive with the sparkle of gemstones and the joy of making. The Stone Lattice Ring class welcomed a group of inspired makers who explored soldering, stone setting, and finishing to create one-of-a-kind rings. From the excitement of choosing turquoise, coral, or mother of pearl to the powerful moment of slipping on a finished ring, the day was filled with transformation, creativity, and camaraderie.

