July in Review: A Month of Catching Up and Cherished Moments

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

Behind the Scenes: Running Skyli Design with a Full-Time Job

My Typical Week Most weekdays, I work 8–5 at my day job with an hour lunch. I usually spend that lunch hour working at the shop or running errands. Two to three evenings a week are dedicated to Skyli Design—whether that’s meeting clients, working on orders, or handling emails and marketing. Saturdays are usually my big production days in the studio. It’s a lot of shifting gears, but I’ve learned to be intentional about each block of time. I don’t work on Sundays. That’s my time to slow down, spend time with loved ones, catch up on housework, and actually relax. It’s important to me to have at least one day that isn’t about the shop or the business. It is also important to nurture my relationships and I do this throughout the week since Sunday is a ME day. I workout (in a class) twice a week and my goal is to work out 3-4 times a week! My Day Job in Fine Jewelry Outside of Skyli Design, I work full-time as the General Manager for a fine jewelry shop. I’ve been in this role for about 3.5 years now, and I’ve been making jewelry for around six years total. It’s work I truly enjoy—every day I get to learn more about the craft, the business side of jewelry, and what clients value. That experience has shaped how I run my own business, from customer service to administrative decisions. Why I Choose to Keep My Day Job  I choose to keep my day job because it offers stability. Running a small business can be unpredictable, and this setup lets me grow Skyli Design without putting extreme financial pressure on it. It also gives me the security to take creative risks without worrying whether every month will cover expenses. Right now, I’m in the process of figuring out when the time is right to go full time with Skyli Design. Every moment I spend balancing both jobs is an investment in that dream. I won’t sugarcoat it: balancing both can be exhausting. There are weeks when it feels like I’m always “on.” Sometimes I have to turn down plans or give up rest to make sure orders go out on time or marketing stays consistent (which is honestly my biggest struggle). It’s a constant exercise in time management and giving myself grace. What Makes It Worth It Despite the challenges, there’s nothing like creating jewelry that means something to someone. Every custom piece, every workshop, every happy customer—that’s what keeps me going. My dream is to eventually go full time with Skyli Design, and every late night now is an investment in that goal. If you’re balancing your own side hustle or dreaming of starting one, know you’re not alone. Feel free to share your story in the comments—I’d love to connect and cheer you on. If you’d like to follow along as I grow Skyli Design (and get first dibs on new pieces or workshop spots), follow us on Instagram! @skylidesign 🌼

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

Jewelry Workshops in Santa Fe, NM

Here’s a look at the workshops currently available: 1. Beaded Bracelet or Necklace Learn how to design and create a finished piece using silver findings, beads, and pliers. You’ll lay out your design, string your piece, and leave with a wearable creation. 2. Stamped Band or Cuff A gentle introduction to metalwork. You’ll learn how to cut, grind, and solder metal, then use stamping tools to create meaningful textures, symbols, or words. 3. Stone Set Ring or Earrings Pick a stone, choose your shape, and build something truly one-of-a-kind. This workshop is a little more involved—but very rewarding. Walk away with a handcrafted piece of wearable art. 4. Intricate Cuff Ready to take it a step further? Work with me to design a larger, more complex cuff. We’ll incorporate stones, textures, and more to bring your vision to life. 5. Wax Carving (1 or 2 Sessions) This workshop is a favorite for small groups! You’ll carve a small charm out of jeweler’s wax, which will then be cast in silver. You can choose to finish it in the studio—or have it finished and shipped to you. It’s a relaxing and creative way to learn the fundamentals of lost wax casting. No prior experience is needed, and each workshop is designed to help you grow your skills at your own pace. Whether you’re visiting Santa Fe or live nearby, this is a great opportunity to learn something new and take home a piece you made with your own hands. This is just the beginning (I hope!). I can’t wait to see who walks through the doors and joins me for this new adventure. If you’ve ever been curious about making jewelry—now’s the time. You’re more than welcome here.  

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is a special time to show appreciation to the amazing women in your life. If you’re looking for a meaningful and beautiful gift, jewelry is the perfect choice. Our Mother’s Day gift guide features a collection of unique, handmade jewelry pieces that are as special as the mom you’re celebrating. Whether it’s colorful dainty pendants, personalized zodiac jewelry, or bold statement pieces, we have something perfect for every mom.

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

The Making of a Sterling Silver Dragon: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

March 2025 Vlog Dragons have always fascinated me—they symbolize strength, transformation, and a bit of mystery, all things I love bringing into my jewelry. For this piece, I wanted to create something special: a sterling silver dragon with rubies set in its wings, adding a subtle but striking touch. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process, from hand-carving the wax model to setting the final stones. It was definitely a labor of love, and I’m excited to share the journey with you! Be sure to check out the vlog located at the end of this article. Wax Carving: Bringing the Dragon to Life Every jewelry piece starts as an idea, and turning that idea into a physical form takes time and patience. A few years ago I had sketched some dragons that had a cartoon feel to them. I began with a drop of wax, carefully adding to create the main body shape. This part of the process is always a mix of fun and challenge—refining tiny details like the wings and expression takes a steady hand and a lot of adjustments along the way. I wanted to give this dragon a sense of movement and personality, and after a few tweaks, I finally had a wax model that felt right.   Molding and Casting: Turning Wax into Metal Once the wax carving was finished, it was time to create a mold and cast the piece in silver. The wax was encased in a rubber like material that hardened into a mold. The cutting process is difficult and after the wax is cleaned up it is sent to be cast right here in New Mexico. I casted this piece in sterling silver. Cleanup and Refining the Casting   When the casting came out, it was rough and unfinished, as expected. The next step was carefully cleaning it up—removing excess metal, filing down rough areas, and refining the details to bring the dragon’s form to life. It’s a slow, steady process, but seeing the piece slowly transform with each step is so rewarding.   Setting the Rubies & Final Polish With the silver cleaned up, it was time to add the finishing touch: setting the rubies in the wings. I love how gemstones can change the personality of a piece, and these pinkish rubies added just the right amount of contrast and uniqueness. After carefully securing the stones, I gave the piece a final polish, bringing out the shine in the silver and making every detail stand out.   The Final Piece After all that work, seeing the finished dragon felt incredibly rewarding. Every handmade piece has its own journey, and this one was no different—there were challenges along the way, but also a lot of excitement in bringing the idea to life.  I added this charm to one of my mini Bowie knife bracelets. It is now ready to be purchased and cherished in a jewelry collection! If you’d like to see the full process in action, check out my vlog where I go through each step. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what do you think of the final piece?

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

Six Years of Skyli Design

A Journey of Creativity, Growth & What’s Next Six years ago, I learned how to create jewelry in the heart of Santa Fe on the historic plaza. I had a passion for art, a head full of ideas, and a dream of creating pieces that told a story. What started as a small vision has grown into something truly special—Skyli Design. And none of it would be possible without you. Every piece of jewelry I create carries a story, but so does this journey. Over the past six years, I’ve watched Skyli Design evolve, my skills sharpen, and my little studio transform into a space where creativity thrives. I’ve met incredible clients who have trusted me to bring their visions to life, and for that, I am endlessly grateful. As we celebrate this milestone, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and share some exciting plans for the future!

Skyli Design Monthly Blogs – by SKYLI BRITT

Refresh Your Style and Build a Meaningful Collection

Start the new year with a fresh approach to your jewelry collection! In this blog, we explore three creative ways to set jewelry goals for 2025—from rediscovering and caring for your existing pieces to experimenting with new styles and building a meaningful collection. Whether you're looking to organize, try something different, or invest in timeless pieces, these simple steps will help you make the most of your jewelry this year. Ready to refresh your style? Let’s dive in!