Venetian Dreams-Marisa Convento, Venice

In the not-too-distant past, Venice was home to approximately 5,000 women skilled in the art of beadwork. Today, only a few of these remarkable artisans, known as "impressessas" or lady stringers, remain. One such extraordinary individual is Marisa Convento, a master of her craft. She creates stunning jewelry using a combination of century-old delicate glass beads and new, larger ones custom-made exclusively for her in Murano.

Marisa's shop, Venetian Dreams, embodies the true spirit of an artisan's haven. Although it may be small and easily overlooked, bypassing this store would be a great loss, as it offers a glimpse into a kinder and slower-paced era.

From intricately crafted pendants made from antique orange or black beads to enchanting earrings and more elaborate pieces, each creation is adorned with a touch of glitter and exhibits a sense of sophistication, whimsy, and uniqueness. Surprisingly, Marisa's jewelry is remarkably affordable and comes beautifully packaged in little boxes adorned with colorful hand-tied strings, featuring picturesque depictions of Saint Mark's Square. Alongside the jewelry, the shop also showcases larger objects such as lampshades, figurines of animals, birds, and flowers, as well as embroideries and corals crafted with exquisite Venetian glass and seed beads-a testament to the ancient craft traditions of Venice known as "Conterie".

Marisa offers a morning workshop suitable for families with slightly older children who wish to engage in a delightful craft activity. Additionally, she hosts an afternoon walking tour, providing a glimpse into the authentic Venice that remains hidden from the usual tourist paths. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Venice and the significance of beads. Both experiences come highly recommended, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true essence of Venice and its rich cultural heritage.