Spark, Stack, Shine: Starting the Year with Sparkly Stackers
We rang in the new year in true Meltdown style, with torches lit, gemstones sparkling, and creative energy filling the studio. Our recent Make it at Meltdown: Sparkly Stackers classes were a true joy, bringing together curious beginners and enthusiastic makers for two hands-on sessions filled with learning, laughter, and beautiful results.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to create your own fine jewelry? For many of our students, this class marked that very moment.
Three Rings. One Story. Endless Ways to Wear Them.
Each student created a set of three stackable bands designed to be worn together for impact or mixed and matched for everyday sparkle. The rings featured faceted gemstones in varying sizes, adding depth, texture, and just the right amount of shine. Elegant, easy to wear, and completely personal, these pieces are the kind that quickly become instant favorites.
How would you style yours, stacked together or worn one at a time?
Skills That Build Confidence
From a technical standpoint, these classes were thoughtfully packed. Students learned soldering fundamentals and gained confidence with the torch, explored tube setting as a classic and versatile gemstone-setting technique, and practiced ring sizing, finishing, and the subtle details that elevate handmade jewelry. From first sparks to perfectly set stones, every bench held a moment of pride.
More Than a Jewelry Class
Beyond the technical achievements, what truly stood out was the energy in the room. We believe that when hands are busy, minds open. As students focused on shaping metal and setting stones, conversations unfolded naturally about creativity, intentions for the year ahead, and the satisfaction that comes from making something tangible with your own hands. Jewelry-making has a way of slowing time just enough to allow those connections to form, both with the work and with one another.
If you were to make a ring to begin the year, what intention would you set into it?
Rings as a New Year Ritual
There is something especially meaningful about welcoming a new year by creating rings, symbols of intention, continuity, and personal expression. Watching students leave the studio wearing pieces they made themselves never gets old. That moment of realization, I made this, is always pure magic.
Is This Your Sign?
If you have been feeling the pull to try something new, explore a creative outlet, or finally take the jewelry class you have been thinking about for years, consider this your sign.
Make this the year you begin a new passion. We would love to welcome you to the bench.
Keep an eye on our upcoming Make it at Meltdown classes and come spend some creative time with us. You might just surprise yourself with what you can make.
