Founded in 2021 in the heart of Telluride, Colorado, Atelier Telluride is a small, handcraft-focused studio where mountain air, wild nature, and local artistry infuse everything we make.

We specialize in giving well-loved garments a second life. Every piece is slow-stitched by hand, using creative mending techniques that celebrate—rather than conceal—a garment’s history. Antique buttons, reclaimed textiles, and one-of-a-kind embellishments transform each item into something both timeless and deeply personal.

Our philosophy is simple: everything can be loved again. From hand-patched jeans to jackets adorned with sashiko-inspired embroidery, our work honors the beauty found in wear, imperfection, and renewal.

We source vintage materials, upcycle forgotten fabrics, and craft garments that carry stories—old and new—woven together with care. Each stitch is made locally, with intention and patience, turning the act of making into a form of moving meditation.

Rooted in community and sustainability, Telluride is more than our home—it’s our creative muse. Beyond our studio, we share these practices through workshops at the Ah Haa School for the Arts, giving others the tools to breathe new life into their own clothing and discover the quiet joy of handwork.

Meet the Artist

Joanie Schwarz is the creative force behind Atelier Telluride. For over 25 years, she has been known in the publishing world for her portraiture and fine art, with work gracing the covers of Time, U.S. News & World Report, The New York Times Magazine, and The Los Angeles Times.

Her artistic eye—honed through years of capturing human expression and storytelling—naturally evolved into textile work that blends art, craftsmanship, and sustainability. In the studio, Joanie treats each garment as a canvas, layering hand-stitching, paint, and reclaimed textiles to create pieces that feel alive with history and individuality.

Atelier Telluride, located at 215 East Colorado Avenue in the heart of Telluride, is where Joanie continues to explore the intersection of fine art, fashion, and renewal—guided by the same curiosity and compassion that have shaped her career.