Talisman is Headed to Portland OR

I’m so thrilled to be coming back to visit my former home, and the place where Talisman as we now know it really blossomed: Portland, Oregon. I’ve missed you Portland! I’ll be making two stops on this trip, at two of my absolute favorite PDX retailers:

Thursday, May 9th @ Fine Art Fruit - join me + four other designers (including the owners of this inimitable shop!) for the first installation of “Fruit Snacks,” a pop-up series for independent artisans. Fine Art Fruit is a new shop in the NW area of the city that has, quite literally, the coolest curation of handmade designer wares. Come see for yourself from 2-7pm!

Saturday, May 11th @ Seven Sisters - celebrate Mother’s Day with a selection of highly-giftable 14k jewelry for her (or you!), plus chocolates by Missionary Chocolate PDX. Between the two, we’ve got you covered for your Mother’s Day gifts. I’ll be at Seven Sisters from 12-5pm with all my best Talisman wares, so please stop by!

SS24 Trunk Show with Good Company Austin

Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and my favorite Austin retailer, Good Company, for a trunk show featuring alllll the new SS24 goodness. I’ll be spending a day at each of their two locations, as follows:

Friday, April 26th @ Good Company on 12th St

Saturday April 27th @ Good Company on S. Congress

I love my Texas fam so much, I hope to see you all there!

SS24 Trunk Show with Tula Boutique

Fort Collins friends! Did you know that Talisman can now be found at Tula boutique? I’ll be there in the flesh this Thursday, with the full SS24 collection in tow. Please join us - there will be champagne, good vibes, and lots of gold to peruse (obviously).

Thursday, March 21st

12-6pm

@ Tula boutique - 1 Old Town Square, Suite 105, Fort Collins, CO

Talisman Fine Jewelry SS24 Launch at Rule Gallery

Join Talisman and the incredible woodworking artist (and dear friend) Cornelia Max for a one-day pop-up at Rule Gallery in Denver, coinciding with the closing of their show “The Unusual Suspects,” featuring Amber Cobb and Joe Clower.

Saturday, March 9th

12-5pm

@ Rule Gallery - 808 Santa Fe Drive in Denver

Sculptural wooden forks by Cornelia Max

Bud vase by Cornelia Max

Austin Trunk Show with Good Company

We’re back with our favorite Austinites: the aptly-named Good Company shop, of course. This is the last opportunity of the year to shop Talisman IRL, and I’ll have OOAK pieces, brand new items, and all the best-sellers. If you’re in the Austin, Texas area, please come see us:

Friday, December 15th, 11am - 6pm @ Good Company on 12th Street

Saturday, December 16th, 11am - 6pm @ Good Company on South Congress

Pop-Up Holiday Market at Cherry Hills Country Club

Photo by Alex Medvick

Hard to believe it’s already “that time of year” again, but here we are, first snowstorm and all! I’m thrilled to be participating in a Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Cherry Hills Country Club, hosted by Helm Weaver Helm, benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. This market will have a wide assortment of giftable, artisan goods, including handmade heirloom jewels from yours truly. 10% of our sales will go to Alzheimer’s research. Details are as follows:

Wednesday, November 29th

1-6pm

Free and open to all - not just members of the club!

Please help spread the word, and invite friends… I hope to see all my Denver folks there! Please also note there is a dress code at the country club, and no blue jeans are permitted.

XX,

Vanessa

Trunk Show with Kinship Station Topanga

Calling all LA friends!

Talisman will be saddling up with our friends at Kinship Station - a stunning boutique of decor, jewelry and other curiosities - for a trunk show in Topanga, CA.

Join us from 1-6pm on Saturday, October 7th at the shop: 106 S Topanga Canyon Blvd.

I’ll have a select assortment of stock you can take home with you, as well as the entire FW23 sample set to place orders from. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a peek at the jewels IRL, and say hello! Free hugs also offered upon request ;)

See Talisman at The Found Collective on Saturday

It’s that time of year again… the fall Found Collective market is happening in Boulder on Saturday, September 9th at the Dairy Arts Center. As per usual, I’m super excited not only to hang with so many of my friends in one place - who also happen to be some of the most talented designers and artisans in Colorado, no less - but I also can’t wait to finally unveil some of the new fall pieces I’ve been hard at work on. Come see me and scope out designs like my brand new, entirely handmade Anchored Chain, the Orbit Collar and Orbit Bracelet, the wonderfully chunky new Conjunct Cigar Band and its pair the Conjunct Ring, and so much more. Entry is $5, but is SO worth it, between the amazing food, music, and the best curation of vendors this side of the front range. See you there!

Talisman at the Found Collective Boulder

Artwork by Beth Hoeckel

Join me and a host of other noteworthy Colorado designers, artists, makers, florists, and vintage vendors for the Mother’s Day weekend installment of the Found Collective - a Boulder-based pop-up market that is not to be missed. Happening on Saturday, May 13 from 1-6pm at the Rembrandt Yard: 1301 Spruce Street.

Truly, I don’t participate in many group markets these days (TBH most of them are kind of “meh” if I’m being totally real with you), but this one is worth your time and the small $5 entry fee. Found Collective founder, Emmy Swenson, has impeccable taste and really curates the best of the best. Plus, if you haven’t thought about what you’re getting mom this year, the Found Collective is a one-stop-shop, with florals, tasteful gifts and more. Even better is that all sales will be matched and donated to three charities - Motherhouse Boulder, the Radical Waves Project, and Love for Lily. And I’ll have a BOATLOAD of new Talisman designs for you to see, which you can take home with you in my signature reusable gift packaging. Get your tix here ahead of time, and I’ll hope to see you there!

Talisman World Tour 2022 Recap

Parque Mexico in La Condesa, CDMX

It’s Wednesday, January 11th, and I am sitting in my studio on this snowy day in Colorado, still thanking my lucky stars for what a beautiful year 2022 ended up being. In particular, getting to tour around to showcase my wares in some amazing destinations, along with good friends and plenty of good food, was a real treat. Thought you all might enjoy a little photo recap of said travels - specifically to Mexico City, and then rounding out the year in Austin. Enjoy!

The Carla Fernandez flagship store in Colonia Juarez, CDMX

Our first stop on Talisman Fine Jewelry’s World Tour 2022 was Mexico City, where we were joined by a group of friends (shout out to Bianca, Anthony and Bonnie!), as well as designers/artists Salihah Moore, Animal Handmade, Young in the Mountains, and Mario Zoots for a special pop-up shop at the flagship store of noteworthy Mexican designer Carla Fernandez. There’s no way I could possibly recap here all of the amazing food, art, architecture and cultural experiences we had while on this journey, but below are some highlights…

Checking out Mercado de Artesanias La Ciudadela with (from left) Bianca Parra, Anthony Duran and Bonnie Gregory.

A vendor with an authentic indigenous Tigre mask from the Guerrero region of Mexico

An artisan at work on gilded wooden crafts at La Ciudadela

Anthony and Bianca at Tacos Orinoco… we pretty much bee-lined there from the flight. IYKYK!

Cannot rave enough about the mish-mash of art deco, modernist, and colonial architecture that is Mexico City. This image was taken in La Condesa.

Bonnie peeping the Talisman Fine Jewelry setup at the Carla Fernandez pop-up event

The pop-up crew, including (from left): Salihah Moore, host Carla Fernandez, myself, Bianca Parra, Anthony Duran, Bonnie Gregory, and Hana from Young in the Mountains.

One of my favorite aspects of CDMX architecture was the creative use of formed concrete blocks, and their many textures.

A quick popover to Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo was definitely worth the journey

Diego Rivera’s personal collection of traditional Mexican cartonerias - including Judas, alebrijes, and other papier-mache figures.

Our group enjoyed many incredible meals… among them: this lunch at neighboring Masala y Maiz.

Even the public library in CDMX was awe-inspiring

The art deco influences abound

A street vendor of delicious tlacoyos, just up the street from Carla’s shop… thanks to Ben from Hoja in Denver for the recco :)

Next (final) stop last year was Austin, Texas, for a trunk show with Talisman stockist Good Company. Can I just say, I love these ladies so much?! We had a great time hanging, and I even managed to sneak in some more wonderful meals, a concert, and some explorations along S. Congress Ave.

All ways welcome in Austin! Gotta love the vibe at the Austin Motel, just down the road from Good Company’s S. Congress location.

Stockist Good Company’s South Congress Avenue location

Some of the Talisman wares at Good Company

Good Company’s oh-so-adorable Meredith Marker wearing the Plane Earrings and Mirror Eye Chain

Boss-lady Chandler Hedequist’s Talisman neck stack, including the Skinny Flow Chain, Linked Chain, and the Linear Y Necklace <3

Xmas in Austin

That’s all folks! Cheers to the new year… let’s see where 2023 brings me…

The GRATEFUL Sale

Alright, I admit it, this is becoming an annual thing… As much as I dislike pushing consumerism on people at this time of year (ironic, I know), I also enjoy the opportunity to give back. Community means everything to me, so this year we’re going big…

Take 25% off EVERYTHING on the website, PLUS 10% of your sale will be donated to the Lavender Rights Project, through Tuesday with code GRATEFUL.

In light of the recent violence towards the LGBTQIA+ community here in Colorado, I chose the Lavender Rights Project as the recipient of this year’s GRATEFUL sale donation. They’re doing important work, offering legal and social services for Black and Indigenous gender diverse folx who are disproportionately affected by poverty, housing disparities, and gender-based violence. I am grateful for them <3

Cheers!

Talisman and Friends Are Mexico City Bound with Carla Fernandez

The Carla Fernandez flagship store in Colonia Juarez, CDMX. Image via Conde Nast Traveler.

Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and friends Animal Handmade, Salihah Moore, Young in the Mountains and Mario Zoots as we travel south of the border, for an extra special pop-up shop at the Carla Fernandez flagship store in Mexico City! Happening November 18-20 here.

Carla Fernandez flagship boutique on Calle Marsella in CDMX. Image courtesy of the designer.

As a longtime fan of Carla Fernandez’s work in fashion, including not only her incredible handmade garments, but also her forward-thinking ideas for the industry, memorialized in her Manifesto of Fashion as Resistance, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

So how did this opportunity come about? Thanks to the Denver Art Museum’s recent exhibit and my dear friend Jane Burke, a curator there, I had the opportunity to meet and work with the inimitable designer during a trunk show that was held in conjunction with the exhibition opening in May. Carla, ever gracious and down to earth, was incredibly warm and welcoming, and invited Talisman to come do a trunk show at her shop. Little did she know how readily I’d jump on that offer ;) Plus, I figured, why not invite some other artist friends to join us, and turn the whole thing into a CDMX-meets-Denver pop-up celebration for the books… Once in a lifetime, right?

Designer Carla Fernandez. Photo via Culture Trip.

So mark your calendar, because this is one that is not to be missed. Truly, you’re all invited… friends, clients, family, and anyone else who is looking for a little adventure. Fun will undoubtedly be had by all. Plus, it’s a fabulous excuse to visit one of the best cities on earth with some like-minded design folk :)

Curious about the other designers attending?

Animal Handmade. Image via the designer.

Animal Handmade’s hand-stamped leather bags and goods incorporate mystical, mythological motifs that not only tell a story, but are also an unbelievably cool addition to any wardrobe

Works by Salihah Moore. Image via the designer.

Salihah Moore’s painstakingly hand-beaded jewelry and garments play with geometry and come in unexpected shapes, offering both a visual and sensory experience for the wearer

A diamond and turquoise ring by Young in the Mountains. Image via the designer.

Young in the Mountains makes hand-forged, stunning inlay rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that nod to traditional artisans of the Southwest, yet are decidedly a look all their own

Mario Zoots installing his collage work. Image via the artist.

Artist Mario Zoots began his journey painting trains as a graffiti hooligan. These days he transforms images, colors and shapes into immersive collage works that are powerfully transportive.

Join Talisman at the Found Collective Market September 24th

Emmy Swenson is another one of those old acquaintances that I inevitably met via my former shop Goldyn. She’s an incredibly talented hairstylist, and I’ve been glad to get to know her more personally as of late. For quite some time now, she’s had a beautiful vision that goes beyond just hairstyling, to supporting other local artists in the Boulder community. Emmy noticed how many of her clients were incredible makers and designers, and yet didn’t have a place to showcase their work locally. So Emmy has gathered the best of the best, and decided to finally create The Found Collective. Our first pop-up market will be held Saturday, September 24th, at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Tickets are $5, which you can purchase here, and are well worth the small fee. This is not your average maker market - shop for antique fine jewelry, designer apparel, hand-beaded adornment, botanically-dyed upcycled garments, beautiful ceramics, expertly curated vintage, and of course Talisman Fine Jewelry will be there with my latest and greatest. Hope to see you there!

Fall Trunk Show with Garbarini This Saturday

The fall 2022 collection is officially live, and there’s no better time than this Saturday, September 10th to see all of the new goodies if you’re in the Denver area… Join us for a special fall trunk show at Garbarini boutique in Cherry Creek, where you can touch and feel each piece IRL.

Garbarini has been a mainstay in Colorado retail since 1985, curating sought-after designer womenswear from across the globe. We were thrilled to be added to their exclusive roster of brands this summer, and couldn’t be more excited to host this upcoming event.

Enjoy champagne and good company while you shop (hey I’ll be there too!) from 11-4pm

239 Detroit Street

See you there!

Pre-Mother's Day Pop-Up at Common Threads Boulder

Photo by Kristen Hatgi Sink

Join Talisman along with jeweler Salihah Moore and other incredible local makers for a Mother’s Day pop-up at Common Threads boutique in Boulder!

Saturday, May 7th

12 - 4pm

2707 Spruce Street, Boulder

If you haven’t checked out this incredible designer consignment boutique, I can tell you that it’s a must-see. As sustainability and circular fashion become more and more important, Common Threads has quickly become THE spot for fashion-centric folks in the Boulder area. Seriously, I can’t walk in there without finding something to pick up... From Gucci lace leggings to Ulla Johnson dresses and Jerome Dreyfuss bags, they’ve got you covered. So come stop in, say hello, and pick up some new-to-you pieces along with the latest Talisman Fine Jewelry spring wares for mom :)

Talisman Studio Tour with Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Image by James Cromwell Holden

This fall I was honored to be asked by the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art to join them for an online studio tour. I love the ‘full circle’ aspect of getting involved in the Boulder community more, given that it’s my hometown! BMOCA’s Kiah Butcher - who is just a lovely human BTW - and I had a casual convo about my process, the space, how Talisman got started, and more. Since my blog doesn’t support video content, you can peep the full studio tour HERE.

Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Recital Boutique

Hip Denver boutique Recital (you may remember them formerly as Queen City General Store) is hosting a holiday pop-up shop of local makers that’s not to be missed! Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and friends Ida & Moon, Mecla, and Non-Porous Ceramics for this very special event. It’ll be the last chance to catch Talisman in-person before the holiday rush, so please save the date! I’m also told *on the hush, hush DL* that Dad Grass will be giving away CBD joints to shoppers, so be sure to get there early and score your gift with purchase ;)

Where > Recital Boutique - 1362 27th Street, Denver, CO 80205 (in the paved alleyway behind Denver Central Market)

When > Saturday, November 6th, 4-9pm

Who/Why > Recital is a destination for sought-after designer labels like Rachel Comey, Jesse Kamm, Batsheva and more. Owner Olivia Meininger and Manager Coco Correa have an eye for fashion-forward style, and have curated a group of swoon-worthy local makers (if we may say so) for this special holiday pop-up shop. Along with baubles by yours truly, shoppers can peruse the handmade leather handbags, accessories, and botanically-dyed apparel by Ida and Moon, dresses to suit the modern woman by Mecla, and highly-giftable ceramics by Non-Porous Ceramics.

Save the Date: Maker Mavens Collective Holiday Pop-Up Shop

Fall trunk show season has begun! If you’re local to the Denver area, come say hello and see me in person, along with my friends Andrea Li, Marie Margot Couture, and B. Shigley Designs for a group pop-up shop at Walker Fine Art on October 14th from 6-9pm. There’ll be bevvies and hors d’oeuvres, along with some very special, one-of-a-kind pieces that I’m making exclusively for our event (hint hint, some found sea glass from the Pacific Ocean has made its way into the collection - one man’s trash is another woman’s treasure, no?). Hope to see you there! For more event info and to RSVP, please visit this link.

Save the Date: Summer Lounge + Shop

Join Talisman, along with sustainably-minded fashion designers Mecla, Mimi Shim Studio, and florist Bloom & Noosh for a sun-drenched shopping soiree to kick off the summer season.  Guests can browse the latest SS21 wares in a joint trunk show, along with a complimentary cocktail lounge and snacks.  All in a convenient, socially-distanced, outdoor setting in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver.

Sunday, June 6th, 1 – 6pm

3051 Lawrence Street

*Masks required