Meet the Makers

Crafted with care and rooted in place, these brands and shops tell a Telluride story

Telluride may be known for its towering peaks and endless trails, but spend an afternoon strolling its sun-warmed sidewalks and you’ll find another kind of elevation in the creativity of its makers. Here, shopping isn’t about mass-produced souvenirs, it’s about finding a hand-stitched leather bag that will travel with you for decades, or a vintage-style hat that somehow feels like it’s always been yours.

Taking home a high-quality, long-lasting souvenir is as easy as seeking out local creators who are experts at what they do — and have a knack for creating products that are distinctly Telluride. Take Needle Rock Threads, for example, which channels the laid-back, ski-bum spirit of Telluride in every design. The company was started in 2016 by Dave Mortner, a self-described “ski bum” who creates all the art and designs the hats himself. You can find Needle Rock gear in almost every retail shop in Telluride and Mountain Village, including Bootdoctors, Christy Sports, Jagged Edge, Telluride Angler and Telluride Resort Store.

For Telluride’s take on outdoor gear — from hiking backpacks to toiletry bags — head to Jagged Edge, a sporting goods shop with their own line. The brand got its start in Telluride in the 1990s, when twin sisters Paula and Margaret Quenemoen started selling headbands out of a cart on Main Street. It has since changed hands (it’s now owned by longtime local Erik Dalton), but the eponymous Jagged Edge outdoor gear line was revived — offering equipment that’s cut and sewn locally and built to last.

Speaking of local, it doesn’t get more local than Crossbow, a custom hat and leather goods shop that was founded by Telluride native Macy Pryor and Rebecca Adams. The duo opened their first Main Street shop in 2018 and have continued to create a locally loved line of women-made leather goods and custom hats using time-honored techniques. Their products include leather backpacks, belts, boots and custom-shaped hats.

If you come to Telluride to experience live music in one of the most spectacular natural venues on earth, you’ll want to swing by South Fir Street gallery, which has a collection of local festival posters that have been handembellished with Swarovski crystals and diamond dust by local artist Judy Haas. In addition to her local collection, Haas works her glittery magic on rare movie posters, album covers, band posters and vintage European ski posters. She also does custom pieces.

Custom is also a highlight of Atelier Telluride, a shop where well-loved clothing finds a second life — and maybe even a little magic. Artist Joanie Schwarz takes your favorite worn-in jeans or that threadbare button-down and reimagines them with hand-stitching, vibrant fabrics and found details. You can bring a beloved item in, or peruse her extensive collection of upcycled sweaters, shirts and denim. Schwarz also makes pendants, bracelets, rings and necklaces.