About us

Love and Solder LLC is a small business owned and created by Sarah Maldonado in sunny Phoenix, AZ.  

Bio

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am Sarah Maldonado, the maker and owner of Love and Solder LLC. I have a life long passion for art, crafting and creating jewelry. I credit my creative curiosity to my beloved mama. She is one of the most talented and creative people I have ever met. She lovingly supported and encouraged my brother and I to pursue any and all art and creative endeavors we found interest in. My brother pursued a degree in art and has become an incredible artist (IG: @oddmacabre). 

I have always had an affinity to making jewelry. My official jewelry journey began in the 90s when I started making handmade macrame hemp necklaces (remember those?) which were sold at a few local shops in Phoenix. I took a hiatus from the jewelry business to go to college and after exploring of a handful of majors, I finally became a Registered Dietitian. I am a practicing dietitian during the day but I hope to eventually make my jewelry business a full time "job." I find that difficult to say as I truly believe the quote by Mark Twain: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

I have always admired and collected handmade sterling silver jewelry. I had a deep desire to learn metalsmithing but never could have imagined that it would be possible to learn such a technical and difficult craft. My husband knew of my interest in metalsmithing and found a workshop at my favorite little mom and pops shop, Moonage (Tempe, AZ) with the very talented Jenny Vaughn. In all honesty, I was hesitant to sign up as I knew a torch would be involved. However, that workshop (and that torch) ignited a fire of passion in me that hasn't stopped burning since that day. I continued to develop my metalsmithing skills through classes at Harolds Studio (Phoenix, AZ) as well as other various workshops and a whole lot of trial and error. I continue to learn and develop my craft and metalsmithing skills whenever I have the opportunity. I am especially interested in pursuing knowledge and skill in engraving, etching and improving my casting attempts.  

I love metalsmithing and I truly hope that my pieces reflect that love and the passion I have for this beloved craft. I am inspired by so many things including the beautiful deserts of Arizona, 80s/90s nostalgia, Mexican culture, religion, and my favorites: hip hop and rap music!

Thank you for following and supporting my dream. I am continuously humbled and filled with gratitude from all of the love, encouragement and support I have received.

I look forward to the next steps in my jewelry journey and the growth that comes with time. I strive to become a better person and more skilled metalsmith everyday; however, one aspect of my journey that will remain constant: Love and Solder will always be “jewelry made with a lot of love and a little solder.”