Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Speaking of Hats....

Topsy Turvy Designs

I'm not a wearer of hats, however I love to view elaborate hats of days goneby and also fabulous theatrical creations that are contemporary. Hats, especially fantasy and whimsy based ones can be wonderful embellishments for one of a kind dolls. And sometimes a hat can inspire a whole costume for a sculpt.


Last night I was searching Etsy for Marie Antoinette type hats (we all know how elaborate they should be) and I came across a delightful artisan, Kim Brown-Dye of Topsy Turvy Design. She is quite a popular seller on Etsy and I'm sure many of you are very familiar with her incredible designs. She is new to me though and I'm thrilled to have "found" her.


Kim creates everything from small fascinators, to embellished Victorian style top hats, to elaborate tricorn fantasies. Here is just a small selection of some of her hats:









And one of my favorites - I love all the embellishment on this one, Seafaring Pirate Hat:


If you are working on a piece that needs just that extra little touch, or love unique hats, visit Kim's shop (at the moment there are 3 pages of items). And, if you want to "meet" Kim, check out this video that Etsy did on her.

***

In my search last night, and still on the topic of hats, I stumbled across some weird and imaginative ones on Very Bored. Not sure if they are inspiring or just laughable, but here is an example of one of the hats on this site, from the sublime above, to the ridiculous:



Enjoy your Wednesday and see what inspires you!

***

UPDATE: I notified Kim that I had posted a blog about her wonderful hats, and she just left a comment. For those of you who don't read the comments, Kim apparently used to make hats for ball jointed dolls...Check them out here - wonderful!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for featuring my hatties in your FAB blog - I *blush*
Once upon a time, I also made wee hatties for ball joints dolls...
Check it out!
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewPicture&friendID=176349196&albumId=1098969&page=1

essie said...

Oh wow, how great.
I love hats.
Thanks for sharing this.

xx
Es

Sue said...

Kim, thank you for supplying the link to your bjd hat creations! Wonderful!!

Renee said...

Now those are some serious hats Sue. I love being introduced to new and wonderful people. So thank you.

Thank you for the wonderful comment for Nathan's birthday. xooxxo

Zan Asha said...

I love them all! Such a great post. But, where to wear some of these to? I'll have put my money into buying the hat and I'll need a fancy place to go to--definitely NOT the pizza joint down the street! ;)

Ha--I love the horsey hats--I can see them being donned for the KY Derby (since they seem to wear fancy hats there, too!)

julie said...

Thanks for sharing Sue...hug, hug,
Zan, I heard today that more women watch the Kentucky Derby than men....Think it's the hats?

Kaerie Faerie said...

Thanks for the post on fab hats, I have more friends going to the Kentucky Derby, great site
Kaerie Faerie

Zan Asha said...

Hmm...Julie, either that or the whole "girls love horses" thing, which probably go back to the childhood riding lessons?

Sue said...

Did you guys check out the other weird hats at the Bored.com link? I'm sure some of them were from the Derby.

Anonymous said...

Wow those are some kind of hats!
I love wearing hats... and my husband hates to hear me say "I think it's a hat kind of day" because I have some wild and weird hats...
Pattee

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm, LLC said...

Oh Sue, wait until I show my Sister-in-Law this post here...she is going to freak! LOL These hats are freaking amazing! You always find the coolest stuff out there! Thanks for sharing.
Cheers

Jdee said...

Oh I LOVE hats! Thanks for sharing these Sue. I am so into hats! My dollies love little hats~ and shoes! ;-)
xoxox

dollproject said...

These are great! So many gorgeous shapes. Off too view the bjd hats ;].

Tristan Robin said...

These are simply exquisite. I am familiar with her work, and periodically check out her site. Her elaborate Victorian pieces just knock my socks off!

Thanks for posting - I hope many people discover her!

3rdEyeMuse said...

talk about perfect timing! these creations are amazing! (even the silly ones at the very end).

Anonymous said...

Wow gorgeous. Unfortunately I just don't have a head for hats. :-(

Gail Lackey said...

Oh awesome!! Yes..I've seen her hats, they are to die for! Thanks for sharing!!
hugs, Gail

Lezlei Ann Young said...

Her hats are awesome! And so elaborate! I will go over and take a look at her sites.

Thanks for sharing!
xoLezlei

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