Helping Women – getting inspiration back ten-fold
I am honored to get asked to sponsor different kinds of seminars, sewing circles, blog hops, and sewing retreats. I have found that I often get inspired by the wonderful work that the women come up with. Recently, Elaine of Dashasel Sews and Emily of Mommy’s Nap Time (LOVE the name! Why didn’t I think of that?) hosted their first pouch hop called the Happy Little Pouch Hop. I’ve been very impressed by the creativity and variety of pouches that the participants have come up with. Here’s a sample of a few. Click on it to get to the Flickr blog hop photos.
Look at the variety and the fabrics! Love that little fish pouch!!!
And here are some clutches made by some crafty and artistic women.
This clutch is made by Elaine. A little bee brooch would be brillant!
This coin clutch is made by Darci Bee
I absolutely LOVE this little coin clutch. Diane did a superb design!
Diane’s second creation – a colorful mosaic!
This is one of Diane’s newer clutch designs.
Elaine’s colorful clutch! Would be great with color-block A-line dress!
Elaine’s Oh Deer Pouch #1.
I absolutely love Elaine’s Oh Deer pouch #2. How darling is this??
So hop over to Elaine’s blog and check out her amazing work. You can also see Emily’s finished quilts at her blog, too. Both amazing women. I hope you get inspired by all these fabrics and designs!
~Winn
Why I’ve muddied up my photos…
Thank you to the few who have kindly contacted me alerting me of stolen photos of my shop. You’ve got my back and I surely appreciate it! In today’s digital age, a screen snapshot is all that is needed to steal someone’s intellectual property. There are even reports about a rising number of ID theft of Facebook identities. It makes me think twice about having an FB account. I will surely monitor my kids’ social media when they are of age and are asking to have their own accounts.
So apparently some countries and their countrymen do not honor International Trademarks and Copyrights. Unlawful, stolen photos of my very distinct frames and photos have popped up on various non-US-based websites wrongfully giving potential buyers the impression that they will be getting the frames (my trademarked and copyrighted frames and photos) as seen in the pictures. There is no doubt that when buyers receive their orders (if they receive anything at all), they will be sorry to get poor quality, damaged, and untested frames. I have resisted putting watermarks on my photos for 3 years. I reasoned that given the very distinct branding of my shop and photos of the frames, surely no one would copy/paste the very same photos. That would be like stealing from my kids! Well, they’ve done just that. They’ve “borrowed” my photos to set up their virtual shops promising unsuspecting buyers the very same frames when that is not possible. They’ve stolen all my hard work and stolen from my kids and nephews. My sister and I do this while we raise our kids. We are not a big company. It’s me and her and 5 kids between us.
This has left me with many sleepless nights cursing at humanity. And, truth be told, I’ve had a few more than my share of wine! So what to do?
I’ve had to muddy up all my photos with watermarks.
No, this will not prevent future photo theft or misrepresentation from others. To you, the buyer, I can only say clearly that: All these frames and tutorials are proprietary, copyrighted and trademarked to Khuong LLC (c) 2013 & only sold at WhileBabyNaps.Etsy.com and WhileBabyNaps.com.
*I do not resell these to anybody. I design them based on my research and specifications and it comes from me to you directly: no intermediaries.
*There is no one representing me, my frames, or my shop. My designs are proprietary and copyrighted and trademarked. My trade secrets are just that: trade secrets that no one knows, just like Colonel Sander’s chicken recipe.
*Anyone is possession of my photos, whether in the US or otherwise, are in violation of intellectual property. This is fraudulent.
*Whether or not the photos were watermarked before is immaterial to the violation of use. All rights are reserved on my copyrights and trademarks and that includes the photos.
*Anyone who represents themselves with my photos alleging that they can produce the same product in the photos is misrepresenting themselves.
*Anyone who represents themselves as making these frames for me are also misrepresenting themselves. I have binding contracts with my business partners and they’ve been my trusted and valued business partners for years.
I design these frames based on years of research. I have been and continue the #1 US seller of purse frames because I value my customers, provide them with a skill and business opportunities, and I make fine frames. I stand by the quality of my frames and will make it right for you if anything escapes on my watch. I am in it for the long haul. And while I may miss a few sales from unsuspecting customers who fall prey to these fraudulent hucksters, I would hope that my good deeds will be my karma.
That is the hope.
~Warmly,
Winn
How to sell your clutches with an in-home crafts fair.
I get all sorts of emails from my wonderful and loyal customers, and sometimes there is great information that I think other customers can benefit from. Like Erin who offered her great tips about selling at arts and crafts fairs so that others could benefit from, Susan of Lulu Caswell has graciously offered some tips for you to have success selling clutches at your in-home crafts fair.
With two years of selling her clutches at her house, Susan has wonderful helpful tips. In fact, she sells the majority of her clutches off the Net! Here are some tips:
1. Invite other craftsters to display their goods in your home. More will come when you have a house party for handmade clutches, jewelry, and quilts (for examples) than just clutches alone. Susan sold nearly $1000 in clutches on one Sunday from 12-4pm! With this, she was able to pay off her husband’s tuition for one month. GO Susan!!!
2. Promote amongst your friends via your social networks of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc… Be sure to ask them to come (don’t be shy!) and to share the post with their friends. How about “Hey, I would love for you to come. I would really appreciate your support and would love to see you and catch up over some munchies while you check out all the goodies! If you cannot come, I would appreciate your support by sharing this post on your Wall with your friends.”
3. Go on to Etsy and solicit other local craftsters/artisans to display their goods at your in-home crafts fair. Susan didn’t know most of them, but that didn’t deter her from asking them to participate in her second year. She had 6 other vendors join her at her home and about 40-50 guests who came, even some customers from the previous year. These things build so hopefully she will have even more attend next year.
4. To get more foot traffic and eyes, create a flyer and post them at local churches, at the kids’ schools, and at the local community hall. Ask the other vendors to do their share of posting the flyers and promoting the event to their network of friends.
5. For a smaller, intimate affair, do an evening show with just your clutches and serve wine and cheese. Email it to ALL your girlfriends and ask them to pass the email to a girlfriend and to bring a girlfriend!
Selling your clutches at your home is just another avenue for you. It is one that costs very little (take out that folding table and throw a nice sheet to cover as table linen!) yet is one that will allow customers to get to know you. People buy from people, and this direct selling has worked for the biggest companies like Avon, Mary Kay, and Lia Sophia.
Take a look at some of the pictures from her last in-home craft fair.
Susan’s sumptuous table of clutches. Look at all the variety of colors and textures!
This paper maker did really well.
This craft fair was held before the holidays. These would make great gifts for a little girl!
The woodworker also sold really well!
I can smell these scents through my screen!
The woodworker, the baker, and the candlestick maker? 🙂 The baker brought her goodies, too!
I want to thank Susan for her generosity in sharing these tips with her fellow clutch makers. If you are a fellow artisan in the Fall River, MA area, be sure to contact Susan at her shop to plan the next in-home craft fair. You’ll be glad you did!
Bridesmaids Clutches
In time for the Spring bride and bridesmaid, these gorgeous hand-made clutches will be the final touch for the wedding party. Made by Natalie, these clutches are just a few of the wedding-related items available at her shop, Paperflora. She makes the most exquisite hand-cut, hand-seared, and hand-beaded fabric flowers, too!
Look at the inner fabric! What a way to remind you of your big day!
These bridesmaid clutches are embellished with Natalie’s hand-made fabric flowers.
Pretty ruffled clutch with chain.
A great combo gift for the Spring bride. Open the clutch for a little heartfelt surprise.
Check Natalie’s shop for these and other clutches and bridal gifts. If you have a friend who will be a Spring or Summer bride, be sure to share this!
2013 Shipping Rates
USPS raises rates yearly and 2013 rates will be effective January 27, 2013. (All photos courtesy of USPS.com) The international rates have increased substantially: however, it is still unbelievably much cheaper than rates from all other carriers in the US so it’s still your cheapest option.
Before you buy from us, please note the following: All orders are shipped using USPS Flat rate Priority Mail service that comes with free Delivery Confirmation, which provides you with a tracking number.
*If your package is delayed or lost? Please use this tracking number with your local USPS office to try to locate your package.
*If you want to ensure that your package will not get lost? Please contact us for the same service plus SIGNATURE confirmation for an additional $2.55.
*If you need your package there quickly? Please contact us for Guaranteed Express Delivery (prices vary depend on region).
*What if you used either service of Signature Confirmation or Guaranteed Express Delivery and your package is late or was never delivered? Per USPS, the shippers are not able to file a claim: only the recipient (you) can file a claim. But to put your mind at ease, since 2009, only 3 packages have been lost so this rarely happens. The risk of shipping mishaps (e.g. damaged and lost packages) is borne on you, the customer, so I advise getting insurance for your package. I have not had one customer with a damaged package. 🙂 YAY!
*What if you want to insure the package in case it’s lost of damaged? Please contact us for this additional service. This charge depends on the value of the contents of the package. The following are approximate costs to insure based from USPS.
USPS Insurance rates:
Package contents value $1-50 = $1.85 to insure
Package contents value $51-100 = $2.35 to insure
Package contents value $101-200 = $2.90 to insure
Package contents value $201-300 = $4.85 to insure
Package contents value $301-400 = $5.95 to insure
Package contents value $401-500 = $7.05 to insure
Package contents value $501-600 = $8.15 to insure
*Is there combined shipping? Yes! If you order several items from me, I will try to fit everything in as few boxes as I can to give you the most economical shipping. You will be refunded any excess shipping fee that was charged to you in Etsy’s cart over $1. Please note that you are never charged for packaging (boxes, tissues, poly-bags) or for handling (it takes about 10 minutes per order for a set of 5 frames).
*Why does the shipping cost in my Etsy cart so expensive? The shipping program within Etsy makes it very difficult to get the correct shipping rates for the various items in my shop. Shipping metal purse frames that are heavy and that come in many sizes is most economical via a flat rate Priority Mail box. Shipping Gutermann glue, while extremely light, but takes up precious space when added in with the frames makes this task even harder for Etsy to have the correct shipping rates applied. Below are the boxes used along with rates and dimensions.
1st tier – small flat rate Priority Mail
US: $5.80
Canada: $19.95
All other countries: $23.95
2nd tier – medium flat rate Priority Mail – **Best bang for your buck for ALL customers (domestic US or INTERNATIONAL)**
US: $12.35
Canada: $40.95
All other countries: $59.95
3rd tier – large flat rate Priority Mail
US: $16.85
Canada: $53.95
All other countries: $77.95
The key is: whatever I can fit in the smallest box, I will try to fit.
My recommendation: plan your purchases and save on shipping!
The Cutest Coin Clutches
Just in time for the holiday gift giving. As seen as a featured seller before, Wendy continues her exemplary work. Her stand-out clutches are perfect gifts!
Hand embroidered button on this darling coin clutch!
Red linen and crystal coin clutch.
A little “I Love You” reminder.
Great for Brits and anglophiles! How adorable is this Union Jack coin clutch?
Go check out Wendy’s shop. She currently has 25% until Dec. 31! Enjoy your holiday shopping. 🙂
Dupioni Silk clutches
For handcrafted clutches with exquisite dupioni silk in vibrant colors, look no further than Karina’s shop SimplyClutch. Karina lives in my one of my favorite places on Earth, San Diego! My most favorite place in San Diego is the Torrey Pine GliderPort. I love sitting at the outdoor cafe having lunch and watching the hang gliders. If you are not in San Diego any time soon, no worries since Karina has an online shop on Etsy.
I love this bright pop of color!
The dupioni silk clutches come in many colors!
All are made with beautiful eye-catching silk lining.
Karina also makes bridal clutches. Looking for something blue?
I simply love Karina’s careful work from using the best silks, to offering embroidery, to hand-sewing the silk flowers. Her work is top notch! Stop by her shop and take a look!
Opulent Clutches
Opulence accurate describes the gorgeous clutches made by Barbara at Clutch Chic. Known for her wedding clutches, Barbara has a wide selection of holiday and wedding clutches for the winter bride. She even does custom requests for everything including the outer silk fabric, the inner lining, and even the purse frame! That makes your gift a truly One-Of-A-Kind gift. She even mails up to 4 swatches for free!
This is one of several opulent clutches that are limited editions.
Classic red clutch with beading for extra pizzazz.
My friends could have totally used this for the Scottish Ball this year!
How awesome is this clutch? Twinkling lights hand-sewn using Swarovski crystals!
She has many more in her shop. No clutch is the same. I hope you will find something of delight for your holiday gift-giving or winter wedding!
Elegant Clutches
I’ve been reading stories about brides getting married on 12/12/12, and my dear friend Yvonne is one them! And that reminded me of the elegant clutches made by Cynthia at Belle Jou Jou. Her massive collection is just chockful of clutches made with sumptuous materials like lace, satin, silk and brocade.
Gorgeous bride with her equally gorgeous clutch by Cynthia!
But it’s just not bridal clutches. Belle Jou Jou has over 7 pages of clutches at the shop so the selection is quite good for the picking.
This hand-crated floral piece on this clutch really takes the clutch from classic to divine!
This delicate lace clutch would be ideal with your LBD at the holiday party!
All of Cynthia’s clutches are made with beautiful inner material such as this beauty, here.
Go check Cynthia’s clutches out! I hope you find that perfect gift for the loved one on your list!
Getting our home and ourselves in the holiday spirit. Happy Holidays to you all! This is what Christmas at our home in Ho Chi Minh City looks like this year.
Who knew Vietnamese elves smoke? Ok, I should’ve known that since the whole nation of Vietnamese boys and men light up like Mad Men. Well, I’ve gone and done it. After receiving a little shock last year from a defective cheap strand of Christmas lights, I had to hire professionals to install lights. A little bit about these cheap Christmas lights here: these are the only options available, they are cheaply made, and you cannot connect them beginning-to-end to extend a long string of lights. They all have the same female/male connector at the same end so that if you connect them, it fans outward from one spot. Not so great if you are trying to string a long line of lights!
So these five elves showed up on their motorbikes. It took them 7 hours, not including the requisite one hour lunch and siesta. It was much less expensive…
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About
I am the #1 US seller of purse frames and I’ve been incorporated since 2001. This blog is mainly aimed at my audience of clutch handbag makers. I have a very small niche that is comprised of 99.9% women. I am loyal and promote handbag makers who are loyal to me by using my fine purse frames. When they are successful, then I am successful.
The two businesses that I own are:
*purse supplies, Gutermann glue, and DIY clutch kits at whilebabynaps.etsy.com, whilebabynaps.com
*up-cycled purse supplies PurseFramesOutlet.etsy.com
To find clutches made using my fine metal purse frames, LOOK to see “Trademarks of WhileBabyNaps.com and H&D LLC” and you’ll know the clutches are made using the finest metal purse frames that are tested for lead and that have a protective coating to lengthen the life of the clutch. You can go to any of the sellers on the Sellers page.
****NOTE: If you want someone to make a clutch for you, please contact any of my sellers and inquire. They will gladly make custom orders!****
Interested in reaching my audience? Advertise. Contact me here.
Thank you for stopping by for a look.
Warmly,
Thy Khuong
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