♦ ♥ ♦

Ah, back to Venice! And for a whole week! And, in addition to museums and immersing in magical Venice, my plans certainly included meeting with friends – old and new – including visiting Marisa and Marco and, finally, Monica, too!

It’s hard to believe that it was six years ago that I first met Marisa and Marco in Venice. Coincidentally, I met Marisa via Twitter and took an artisan walk with her and I also won a gorgeous cameo from Marco in an online contest!

I later wrote about them both in blog posts featuring their artisan talents and our wonderful first meetings:

Marisa: Stringing Together a Legacy in Venice

Marco: A Cameo Appearance in Venice

♦ Staying in Touch…
What is so special is that we have become and remained friends and have stayed in touch over the years despite time and distance. And, of course, whenever I get to Venice, I visit to say hello, perhaps have an aperitivo together, and always for a hug!

When I planned my recent (May 2021) trip to Venice (my first excursion since coming to Italy in October 2020), doubtless I was looking forward to seeing my friends again! And, with my love for and focus on “Learning with Locals”, I very much wanted to revisit, update and share about these very special friends.

So, this visit to Venice was especially meaningful inasmuch as they, as have all locals throughout Italy, have had a very challenging time during the many months of COVID lock downs and restrictions. Coupled with the constant challenge of cheap imitations (let’s be honest, they are fakes!) it has been challenging for them as it has for all artisans.

They have worked tirelessly to maintain their online presence via social media through this rough patch and now that the trend is more promising and they are reopened, I’m so gratified to find them back in their shops doing what they love – continuing to create and greeting customers!

A wonderful bonus was that I was finally able to connect with another local and “virtual” friend, Monica Cesarato. On previous visits we have always missed connecting in person but this time, I’m happy to say, we were able to squeeze in a get together (more later)…

It’s my pleasure to share about these passionate locals. Hopefully, you will be inspired to learn more about them, visit their sites and, when you get to Venice (and I hope you will!), please stop by or schedule a culinary experience, say hello, admire their lovely boutiques and find something irresistible to take home with you along with memories to last a lifetime!

What I love is how much they all love their city and what they do!

♦ ♥ ♦

♦ Marisa Convento, Making Venetian Dreams a Reality!
Resident Artisan Extraordinaire at Bottega Cini

“Stringing Together a Legacy” was the title of my original post about Marisa after I met her in her shop. And Maria is still stringing together exquisite creations from authentic Venetian glass beads.

Her official title is impiraressa and I would add extraordinaire! Admired and respected for her creative talent and dedication to the legacy of traditional Venetian bead stringing she was even recognized as “guardian of traditions and ambassador of Venice” and awarded the “Festa di San Marco” in 2018.

Since my last visit, Marisa closed her boutique and, was invited to be the resident artisan at the elegant Bottega Cini in the Dorsdouro.

⇓ CLICK to Visit Marisa! ⇓

Movie – Visit Marisa

I couldn’t wait to see her new digs and learn more about “The Merchant of Venice” and Bottega Cini. Well, take it from me, Bottega Cini is a WOW!

A Peek at Bottega Cini – Fabulous!

Their focus is on offering the absolute finest in Venetian quality and traditional artistry. It is well-deserved recognition of Marisa’s extraordinary talent as well as her commitment to her craft to be invited to the Bottega. Brava, Marisa!

Marisa is also very active supporting the legacy and heritage of her craft. She played an active part in campaigning for the art of Venetian glass beads to be recognized and listed by UNESCO. And, as of December 2020, they are as part of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”!

⇓ CLICK to Learn About Marisa! ⇓

Movie – Marisa Shares

I love Marisa’s creations and love of color! I already had her spectacular coral earrings – a special, secret technique is required to make these and it’s only passed down from one impiraressa to another!

Of course, following her on Instagram, I couldn’t wait to see some of her fun and fabulous colorful new designs. I had my eye on a fun new creation, a bracelet she called “TuttiFrutti” and described as representing “the color of the tradition of Venetian beads”. And then another original design caught my eye, her “Caramee” necklace – fabulous!

“Caramee” means candies in Venetian dialect! How perfect to be reminded of la dolce vita Venetian style! And the fact that coral is a symbol of good health, fortune and long life!? Even better!

They both came home with me and not only do I LOVE that every piece is unique and every piece is hand made by Marisa from one-of-a-kind Murano glass beads but I feel that, in my small way, I am wearing and supporting a part of the legacy of a friend and city that I treasure.

Contact Marisa:
http://www.marisaconvento.it/
info@marisaconvento.it
https://www.facebook.com/VenetianDreamsMarisaConvento/

♦ ♥ ♦

♦ Marco Jovon, Eredi Jovon Gioielleria
Bringing Beauty to the Rialto Since 1934!

What a fortunate twist of fate six years ago when I entered a contest to win a beautiful handmade cameo and I won! That is how I met Marco and Alessio! I wrote about that meeting and their shop.

You will always find Marco busy working and greeting customers in his shop on the Rialto Bridge. Joined by his brother, Alessio, as I shared in my post six years ago, they continue the legacy of making beautifully hand crafted cameos. They also have stunning pieces in coral and turquoise. Always only the finest quality…your challenge will be which to choose!

Located on the Rialto since 1934! How can you resist their fabulous window display?!

It’s so wonderful to see them again! Years melt away between friends and, despite the difficulties of over a year, their shop proudly and tastefully displays the marvelous selection of handmade cameos…earrings, pendants, rings, brooches…WOW! Don’t see what you want? Want a custom piece to commemorate a special occasion? You’re in the right place!

⇓ CLICK to Meet Marco! ⇓

Movie – Meet Marco

Absolutely gorgeous, si??

When you visit you will learn about the special skill and techniques handed down from generation to generation which (think about it!) are the same techniques that the Romans used 2000 years ago! Talk about tradition!

Made with skill and dedication using the same techniques as the Romans!

Always congenial and with a smile (which you can see despite the mask!) Marco is always more than happy to share his knowledge and why, when you choose an authentic handmade piece of their jewelry, you can be confident that you have selected a piece to be treasured for generations.

Contact Marco:
https://www.eredijovon.com/
info@eredijovon.com
https://www.facebook.com/eredijovon

♦ ♥ ♦

♦ Monica Cesarato, All About the Venetian Lifestyle
Enthusiastic Food & Travel Blogger, Cooking Classes, Cicchetti Walks & More!

And there is one more local that I was thrilled to finally meet in person…Monica! Somehow, on previous trips, we always missed and even this time, we only had a slice of time to meet but it was terrific!

Monica, in “normal times” (which thankfully are returning!) loves sharing about her beloved native city, Venice, and among other things, teaching cooking classes and taking visitors on cicchetti walks (neither of which were possible during COVID). But that didn’t stop her…

As it turns out, she had just finished an ambitious week long initiative, “Live-in-Venice Week 2021”  by SofaTour ) which she spearheaded and was intimately involved. Basically, a team of locals interviewed and introduced viewers to locals from all walks of Venetian life – artisans, boutiques, events, fashion, performing arts, authors, food & drink, you name it! 60 interviews in 7 days, all on location! Incredible. (And if you missed it, you can catch it online!)

Monica is energetic and vivacious and, although we only had time for some cicchetti and a few glasses of wine at a local cantina, it was such fun to finally meet! And, we both agreed that, next time, we’ll carve out a much longer walk!

After all, “Learning with Locals” is about the local cuisine and wines, too! It’s what makes visiting different regions of Italy such a unique experience.

And, if you plan to visit Venice, look her up for a cooking experience and/or a cicchetti walk – a MUST!

Contact Monica:
www.monicacesarato.com
https://www.facebook.com/monicacesarato

♦ ♥ ♦

♦ Footnote: And I just can’t say it enough…please be sure to buy authentic “Made in Italy”!
Sure, you can buy inexpensive souvenirs (and there are plenty!) but I can assure you that they are NOT souvenirs that have been “Made in Venice”…much less “Made in Italy”!

In order to support the local economy and those working so hard to maintain the quality and legacy of their crafts, I encourage (beseech!) you to forgo the cheap stuff and save your euros to invest in one beautiful locally crafted piece that will be a treasured keepsake, a unique heirloom made by hand…

I repeat, DO NOT be fooled by or waste your money on cheap fake imitations!

♦ ♥ ♦

No doubt, I will return to Venice! And I have to admit that I have to pinch myself when I remember that now that I’m only 2 hours away by train, I can get my Venice fix any time! Incredible!

♥

© All Photos are My Own

Check out these links:
Learn About More Locals!
When You’re Ready to Come, We’re Ready to Help You!

Coming soon!
My Week in La Serenissima, the Serene One!

♦ ♥ ♦