Designs by Rita

In 2005, Rita Topp took a class at the local bead store, learning to design and wire wrap earrings. She got hooked on beads and began creating necklaces, bracelets, and, of course, earrings. From there, she jumped in head first making hand totes out of an array of kitchen place mats with beaded handles. She participated in arts and crafts venues in the Verde Valley for six years selling those totes.

Rita next tried her hand at being a silversmith. She took a course at the college in Verde Valley and loved it. For several years she designed and created rings and necklaces, incorporating some stones that were cut and polished in her home lapidary shop. With all the competition in the area she decided it was time to return to working with beads and charms.

Now, 13 years after her introduction into making her own earrings, she's still doing it and enjoying it more than ever. Every winter she heads south for the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, where she purchases most of her beads, findings, and charms at wholesale prices, making it cost effective so that she can pass those savings along to her customers.

Rita says, "Sedona Artist Market has given us an outlet for our creations, and I am proud to be associated with such talented artists."