From Spark to Shine: Sandy’s Journey into Metalsmithing at Meltdown Studio
When Sandy first walked into Meltdown Studio in 2020, she was already creating jewelry, but she felt a spark to go deeper, to learn the craft behind the shine. What began as simple curiosity soon grew into a true passion for metalsmithing, one that would shape her artistic voice and lead to the creation of her brand, Southwest Boujee.
“I wanted to expand my jewelry styles and explore new techniques,” she shares. “At Meltdown, I found a space where creativity met craftsmanship.”
Sandy’s work reflects the world around her, blending the clean lines of modern minimalism with the warmth and texture of the Southwest. She combines natural stones with sterling silver, 14K gold fill, brass, and copper to craft refined yet down-to-earth pieces. Each design tells its own quiet story of balance and beauty, shaped by her thoughtful hands and attention to detail.
Learning to use the torch for soldering was one of the first big milestones in her journey. “Taking classes at Meltdown helped me build confidence,” Sandy recalls. “The instructors and other jewelers were so supportive. My first pair of earrings wasn’t perfect, but I was so proud of them.”
From those first earrings came new projects, more experimentation, and growing confidence. “Every class challenged me,” she says. “Each project gave me more assurance in my technique and vision. I began to find my rhythm, my style, my voice.”
As her skills developed, so did her artistic identity. Sandy discovered that what truly inspired her was creating jewelry that people would love to wear, pieces that reflected both her personal taste and the beauty of her surroundings. “I have always loved accessories,” she explains. “I wanted to make jewelry that others could connect with. My designs are inspired by the colors, textures, and spirit of the Southwest, combined with the simplicity I’ve always admired in modern design.”
Today, Sandy shares her handcrafted jewelry with her community at markets across Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Her table is always filled with pieces that carry the warmth of her process and the stories behind her materials. Each gemstone, each curve of metal, holds the care and patience of her hands. “It’s an amazing feeling to see people wearing my work,” she says. “Each piece represents a small part of my journey.”
You can find Southwest Boujee at the Railyards Market, Winrock Artisan Market, Lux Fitness events, and at local brewery and coffee shop pop-ups. Her work is also showcased on Instagram at @southwestboujee.
For those thinking about beginning their own creative path, Sandy offers this advice: “Learn as you go and have fun. There are no limits to what you can create. Meltdown Studio is a wonderful place to get started. The community and support make all the difference.”
Through curiosity, courage, and creativity, Sandy turned a spark of interest into a shining example of what passion and persistence can create.
