Clutch-Me.Com

Learn. Make. Sell. All about clutches.

Shipping from Columbus, Ohio!

Hi all!  It’s with great excitement that I let you all know that we are just about done with our transition of the business.  Thy (“T”), my older sister, who lives Powell, Ohio right outside of Columbus is taking over all the shipping for my businesses as I get my kids ready for our own move abroad.

Other than some loose ends, most of the inventory that has been in transit is at her house and being organized.  Speaking of organization, take a look at her office!

Recognize the green and brown? Same office system!

So all orders will ship from her house from now on.

All marketing, sales, and promotions will continue to be done by me, yours truly.  In fact, unless it has to do with a custom listing or shipment of an order, it’ll all be me who you’ll hear from.

Convo us as you would normally and one or both of us will answer you depending on your needs.

Shipping costs are the same prices and time since we use Priority Mail flat rate ensuring that you’ll get what you need in the quickest, most cost-effective manner.

What’s on my docket this week and beyond:

1.  Taxes!!!!  *ughhhhh*  I don’t serve in the military (my niece does) … so I think that paying my taxes is the most patriotic thing that I can do!  I just hate the paperwork involved …

2.  List new purse chains and frames that have been designed and produced!  New 9×3 and 10×3 frames at my Etsy shop are up.

***Oh, check out the new 10×3 nickel-free frames.  Same Perfect Fit 6(TM) u-channel and kisslock balls.  I am SOLD OUT of the 10×3 nickel-free kisslock with loops and will have them back in production in 3-4 weeks, but these are the same without the loops.  They are also priced lower as it costs less to make them!  (The  frames with loops require the welding of the loops and that raises my labor costs in addition to the cost of metal.)

Same frame as before, but no loops.

3.  Getting the DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass ready for sale.  As these are custom and hand-finished, it takes longer than to just post them.  I need to build up the stock so that orders will be shipped out quickly!

4.  Finally get to launching the PurseFramesOutlet business.  As my main business is WhileBabyNaps, I cannot start on this new exciting venture until I’m fully transitioned off of the shipping and my own office is organized.

Thank you for your support and excitement with all the new frame sizes and styles!   These are great offerings to have in your line of clutches as you get ready for the Spring arts and craft shows.  🙂

April 10, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , | Leave a comment

New 10×3 GoldenLock(TM) purse frame on sale now!

As I have quite a few new sizes and finishes coming aboard, I forgot to mention this new size!  My popular GoldenLock(TM) purse frame now comes in 10 inch x 3 inch.  Same trademarked brilliant, rich, golden tone.

As always, volume discounts are listed in each listing.  I will be coding this on my webstore, http://www.whilebabynaps.com, but you can order them now at my Etsy shop.  Of course, please email or convo me for custom orders if you need them straight away.

New 10x3 GoldenLock(TM) purse frame

Thank you!!!  ~Winn

April 8, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , , | Leave a comment

Debuting DiamondCut(TM) Brushed Antique Brass

I am quite thrilled to announce my new DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass. The feedback has been a resounding one:  it has gotten the best feedback that I’ve ever gotten on any new purse frame.  I am completely satisfied with this finish and am excited to show you here first.

It is truly unique because it is hand-finished to order.

Reflecting indoor light. Sparkling!


Orders will ship within 24-72 hours of your order depending on demand.  Since this is brand spankin’ new and I don’t know how the orders will come in, you will be notified in case it takes longer.  Orders with higher quantities will take 2 days to complete per 100 frames.  So, an order of 300 frames will take 6 days.  All will ship via Priority Mail.  All will come with my standard 30-day full refund guarantee.

This proprietary and trademarked DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass offers a 2-for-1!  2 looks at 1 price!  2 looks in 1 frame!

In natural light, it is a subtle brushed antique brass soft finish.  But it differs from the traditional antique brass in that you will see the brush textures!

I had a couple of handbag makers who mentioned that they “wished” for a more textured look, and here we are… !  🙂

DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass shown with natural light.

But under any indoor light (fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, you-name-it)?  It will shimmer.  It will sparkle.  You will see silken threads of pure gleam!

Imagine this clutch sitting at a dinner table in the glow of a candle!  Amazing!

Paired with my peacock feather fabric. Shimmers in the light!

Natural light:

Paired with a green brocade in natural light.

Indoor lighting:

Shimmering silken threads can be seen easily with indoor lighting. Shown reflected with my high-hat bulbs in my ceiling!

Frame only in natural light:

Beautiful sheen with subtle textures - antique brass in tone.

In indoor lighting:

Another look at the same frame with indoor lighting from incandescent bulbs.

The pricing will vary according to volume discounts.  I will have these listed for sale this weekend.  Of course, please convo me if you would like a custom listing.  I really expect these to do well as these hand-finished frames are truly unique.  I cannot wait to see all the amazing fabrics and materials that will be used with this frame.  I expect it to hit big with the bridal market as this is the high-end of my high-end frames!

On other news…

I’ve been working hard on the antique brass finish and you all have been so patient.  I have encouraged you to source your antique brass purse frames from other sellers to meet your customer’s needs.  And I’ve heard your comments about the lower quality found elsewhere.  Please know that I continue to invest and work on finding the right finisher for the antique brass.  I’ve gone through 3 production samples and am still not happy with the quality yet.  I’ll keep plugging along …  I know that you are “making due” with others, and I sincerely appreciate your patience on my antique brass frames.  As soon as I have it, you will hear about it first!

April 7, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | 2 Comments

Back in stock!

Alert for all those who have been asking and waiting so patiently …

Thank you, thank you, thank you … for all your support.  In the first 3 months of this year, I sold as many frames as I did 1/2 of last year! From small sales of 5 frames at a time to hundreds … I’ve grown my business a lot.  I have reinvested all this back into the business – save for a lunch out here or there!  🙂

Many of the big handbag makers ordered even more privately.  The feedback that I keep getting is “I’ve tried many frames, and yours is simply the best.”  “My clutches look so much better with your frames.”  So even these large handbag makers see the value in having consistently high quality frames that they can depend on. They know that they can save time by having dependable high-end, high-quality frames for their clutches and handbags.  They have also switched to using Gutermann glue after seeing how much time they saved using a quick-setting glue, how tight it bonds the fabric to the frame, and how quickly I can ship it out to them.

What’s back in stock: These sold out much more quickly than my forecast.  Thanks for being patient!!!  In addition, with my inventory criss-crossing the country in the back of a FedEx truck … that didn’t help either.  I will try my best to not be in a SOLD OUT position.


*8×3 EleganceLock(TM) with loops nickel-free

*8×3 Duskcoat gunmetal(TM)

*6×3 nickel-free purse frame(TM)

What’s new that’s coming later on this week:

*10×3 nickel-free no loops – picture to come …

*8×3 DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass – I will post this separately in a new blog later today …

NEW! Hand-finished by custom order! DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass!!! It *sparkles* in the light!!!

What’s coming in 2 weeks or so:

*12×3.5 nickel-free no loops (for those wanting to make bigger bags with your own handles) – picture to come!

April 7, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | Leave a comment

4.5x3s are back in!

Hi y’all!  (That’s from my livin’ in Oklahoma City.)

Just quick note to let all who asked about the 4.5x3s … they’re back!!

I do want to alert my long-time users of this size that the u-channel is smaller by a smidge.  For those with a really accurate caliper … less than .05mm.  It falls within the variance but it’s not exact as I would like.  There should not be any difference in the usage and functionality with that small of a variance.  You will not need to switch up your fabrics or interface.

But the finish is better so I went with these.  Every batch is different but the new plating company for nickel-free that I’ve been working with has just really done a splendid job with the finish!

Old batch on left. New batch on right.

LOVE these.  They are …  well, they are real and they are spectacular! (Name that show!)

Aren’t they so much shinier and brilliant???

Oh, swoon …  🙂

April 5, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | Leave a comment

New frames – limited

As I’ve been doing a verrrryy sloooooooowww transition of my shop, the inventory has been kinda haywire.  It has been criss-crossing the country.  I must be FedEx’s favorite customer!  🙂

Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for your loyalty.  Thank you for your kind words.

I’ll be listing these tonight … but here are 3 new frames sizes.  Right now, they are in limited quantity.  Depending on the feedback that I get, I may have them as permanent fixtures on my shop and will get more produced.

I have more back in stock this week:  8×3 EleganceLock with loops, 8×3 Duskcoat Gunmetal(TM), and 4.5×3.

All are made with the same size kisslock balls as before, and with my trademarked Perfect Fit 6(TM) u-channel!

9×3 nickel-free purse frame(TM) with loops:

9x3 nickel-free purse frame kisslock with Perfect Fit 6(TM)

9×3 GoldenLock(TM) purse frame with loops:

9x3 GoldenLock(TM) purse frame kisslock LOOPS with Perfect Fit 6(TM)

10×3 Duskcoat Gunmetal(TM):

10x3 Duskcoat Gunmetal(TM) purse frame kisslock with Perfect Fit 6(TM)

I have coordinating Goldenlock(TM) purse chains but no pictures yet.  Those will be on sale later on this week as well.

On the antique br*ss frames (!#@!*^$:P)  — I’m still plugging away at them.  Very frustrated.  I just cannot find a consistent high quality finish.  I refuse to sell anything subpar and until I can get a good production that has that high quality finish that I like, I will have to continue to encourage you to get it from other sellers.  I know, and I appreciate the sentiments about the quality of my antique br*ss frames.   I really appreciate it. It’s because of your convos and emails that I will continue to work on them.

I will have all new longer shoulder-length antique brass chains with lobster claw.  Those turned out great!

And my sister Thy (T) will be doing the shipping of the orders as she is joining the business.  She’s a stay-at-home mom of 2 of the cutest nephews that I have.  My kids and her kids are the best of buds.  🙂  I’ll have a pic of her home office up soon as well!

Thanks and all my best, always.  ~Winn

April 4, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | 1 Comment

Etsy founder Kalin

Grab this.  On newstands only.  It’s not yet online but well worth your reading!

The mercurial founder of Etsy. Brilliant, and looks like someone's kid brother, no?

Key points for me:

*In 2010, Etsy shops sold M$314 in merchandise.

*400,000 accounts on Etsy (not broken down between various selling and buying accounts).

*Fewer than 1000 sellers on Etsy make $30,000 or more.

*When Etsy expanded internationally, complaints about low-cost knock-offs increased.

*A top seller who at one point sold $96,000 one year went “back to the craft show circuit”.

*Etsy is great to get your business off the ground.

We all have different reasons and goals for our businesses and shops.  We all have different family and work and life constraints.  But I know we all want to do what we love and make money doing it.


…. After reading this insightful, though not entirely or thoroughly specific with its data, it just reinforces what I’ve advised you in my many previous posts:

*Sell your clutches off-line at craftshows, in-home hostess parties of your own, school functions, church fundraisers, arts festivals, local shop, and bridal boutiques.

*Be original and never copy.  Have a distinct style that is yours.

*Do not compete on price since you are selling a handmade good that is truly one-of-a-kind.  Do not under-value and under-price the worth of your goods ie. don’t give it away!

*Increase your chances of making a sale by taking advantage of the consumer behavior of “taste uncertainty” and band together with other clutch sellers.

Grab this issue.  Oh, if you’re in it and have a small business, you should subscribe to this magazine too! (No, I don’t get paid to say that.  Wish I did…)  🙂

April 1, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , , , | 4 Comments

New SPRING clutches photo album on Facebook

Just posted an album featuring clutches made by my sellers that has a spring feel and flavor.  All made using my fine purse frames.  Here’s a screen shot.  Go check it out!

With spring craftshows and arts festivals happening now and into April and May, be sure to have some that will bring Spring into mind!  It’s not too early to start promoting for Mother’s Day clutches.

Also, I just listed some more sellers on the the Sellers page of my blog.   I’ve had a couple of requests about having a clutch custom-made using my fine frames, so I’ve added a note on the Sellers Page to let them know to contact you sellers directly to inquire about custom orders.

Thank you for your feedback about increased views and sales!  Keep working at your end, and I’ll keep working on my end to promote your clutches and pass on my referrals.

~Winn

March 30, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | 2 Comments

Getting back on track …

Thank you, to all of you who sent me messages of concern.  I really appreciate your heartfelt thoughts.  It’s been quite a challenge this week.  And, amazingly, no one canceled their orders.

Just wanted to let you all know that all orders that came in this week have been shipped.  I got back on track working nights to get them all out.

In the next couple of weeks, I will be:

1.  introducing several new purse frame sizes

2.  launching PurseFramesOutlet.Etsy.com

3. introducing a new trademarked finish (if that all works out…)  🙂

So thank you for your enduring support.

BTW, HUGE sale at Joann’s.  March 25-27.  Go stock up!

 

Have a great weekend!  ~ Winn

Joanns 25% on Your Total In-Store Purchase + Free Shipping Online!

 

March 25, 2011 Posted by | SALES and PROMOTIONS, WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , | 3 Comments

Medical emergency

Hi guys – I don’t have a lot of time right now, but I wanted to let you know that I am tied up due to a family medical emergency.

All orders will be delayed in shipping. I will resume shipping Friday and Sat, and all incoming orders will be out no later than Monday 3/28.  If this delay is unsatisfactory to you, I apologize and I am happy to fully refund any orders for those who purchased today 3/23.   Just convo me.

While I cannot discuss the medical emergency, my kids and husband are fine (thank God).

 

Thank you for understanding!

March 23, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | Leave a comment

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