5 Reasons You Will LoVe Tophatter

Have you checked out the new auction in town?  It's called Tophatter and, fair warning...

www.tophatter.com logo

it is addictive.

Here are 5 reasons I think you are going to LoVe Tophatter:

Great Deals

Antique Bronze Romantic Necklace

Tophatter auction items have a starting price of at least 50% off retail price!  I have seen some really cute stuff (called "Lots") go for way less than you would normally buy it for!!  Lots of items start at $1 and $2 too.

Great products
So many fabulous handmade items, many one of a kind (OOAK) peices too!  They have categories like Jewelry, Home, Bath/Beauty, Artwork, Supplies and more.  They also have Early Bird and Night Owl Bazars where you can find lots of different items.



Wooden Beads

The excitement
This is a fun way to shop...get in there, bid on something and see if you can win it!!  The auctions go fast so make sure to check out the items beforehand and you can even request text reminders for those items you don't want to miss.

Something New
No...auctions are not a new concept, but I haven't seen one like Tophatter yet.  There is a little cartoon auctioneer and cartoon people (one of which is you) all standing in a room or standing outside bidding, chatting and, in general, having a great time.  Many times you get to "see" the seller. Sellers have a chance to stand up next to the caller and talk about their item "on the block". They will answer your questions too, in real time. 

www.Tophatter.com auction screenshot

The Community
There are lots of people to talk to and "meet" in these auctions.  There is a running conversation on the screen so not only will you be able to talk to the seller (if they are there) you can discuss the items with other bidders and watchers.  The audience conversation goes off topic a lot and gets silly at times which can be lots of fun too.  Great way to make new online friends! 

Aquamarine AB2X Swarovski Ring

I am selling my first item on Tophatter tonight at 7pm CST (5pm Pacific). My first sale will be one of my Swarovski Crystal Rings, starting bid just $3!!



Tophatter Auction Credit

Oh, I almost forgot...Tophatter is also giving credits for certain auctions.  I received a $5 credit toward my first purchase and just this morning I had another credit for $3 so don't forget to look for those once you are logged in!


I would love to sell lots of jewelry and jewelry supplies this way so come check it out, say Hi to me if I am online and let me know what you think.

Good luck!!

My Very First Wedding



Genuine Swarovski Pearls and Crystals handwoven necklace

This past Saturday a necklace I made was worn in a wedding.  This was such a special moment for me as a jewelry designer. 

Although I did not design this necklace I did make it, weaving each Swarovski crystal and pearl along with glass seed beads and string.


Swarovski Pearl and Crystal Bridal Necklace

I was so flattered that my husbands cousin trusted me enough to buy a piece of jewelry from me for her daughter to wear in her wedding.  I also made the earrings she wore.

This same necklace design will be worn by another bride in June but I made that one with white instead of cream pearls. 



Pearl necklace

Hopefully this is a glimpse of things to come.  I will be working on more of my own wedding designs and sharing them here soon. 

What is your favorite wedding jewelry?

Spotlight on Bayouland Beads and a Happy Mardi Gras

It's Fat Tuesday...Happy Mardi Gras!!

In honor of this festive day I want you to meet Peggy from Bayouland Beads.  Wait till you see what she does with her Mardi Gras beads...

Fleur De Lis Mardi Gras Bead Art

  OMG aren't these fun!!!

Mardi Gras Bead Art Mask

I actually ran across these fabulous framed gems while creating a treasury of Etsy artists.  My hubby is from New Orleans and a HUGE Saints fan so this one caught my eye...

Mardi Gras Bead Art Saints

I love that Peggy uses Mardi Gras beads and upcycled frames for her artwork too.  Her beads come from the many parades she attends with friends and family.

LSU Mardi Gras Bead Art

Peggy has been making fun things with Mardi Gras beads ever since she was a child.  Luckily everyone she knows gives her all of their beads.

Mardi Gras Bead Art BayoulandBeads

She told me "Everybody loves to catch them, but no one knows what to do with them after the parade. They usually wind up at the bottom of someone's closet or getting thrown away."  What a wonderful way to recycle those beads!


Peggys recent retirement has given her much more time to enjoy her crafty side and open a shop on Etsy.  She also hopes to add more ways to use these beads to her Etsy shop soon. 

Cross by Bayouland Beads Mardi Gras Bead Art

 Want something custom made just for you or as a gift, just ask...Peggy is so friendly and I am sure she would love to work with you on a special design.

You can check out her shop BayoulandBeads or join her on facebook to learn more about this talented lady.

There are so many fun, beautiful ideas that can be made with this technique, which one is your favorite?