“You’ve got balls!” kisslock closure — NEW for Fall and Winter 2010.
“That’s what she said.” 🙂
Another announcement and you’re the first to know. I’ve redesigned the kisslock closures with bigger balls. When the 8×3 nickel-free purse frame(TM) was redesigned this summer (and I just put it up for sale last night), the old balls were off on scale since I designed the Perfect Fit 6(TM) channel. So I needed to have bigger spheres so that they were in better proportion to the frame.
Think of the ideal hourglass figure! You need a little on top to get that hourglass. Or in my case, you get your ‘spheres’ via Victoria’s Secret push-up bras! Spanx helps with the bottom portion –and now you know my secrets… but I digress.
Here are the pics:
As shown in my 8x3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure
My 6×3 also got them too!
6x3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM)
I will have the same size kisslock closure in my other finishes: Duskcoat Gunmetal(TM) and GoldenLocks(TM)
(TM) Trademarks of WhileBabyNaps and Khuong LLC 2009 and 2010. All rights reserved.
The Perfect Fit 6(TM) U-channel in my metal purse frames
Special announcement: I have introduced a new U-channel width that I’ve trademarked as the Perfect Fit 6(TM). Just like those size 6 jeans that I’m almost going to get into, the Perfect Fit 6(TM) is really the ideal size to get into. (Ladies who are blessed with junk in the trunk, take heart, ‘cuz my flat *ss is jealous!) 🙂
Shown in 8x3 Duskcoat Gunmetal(TM)
I’ve been working really hard engineering this product testing many fabrics and interface. With the fall and winter collections coming out, this will be a staple in my line of products. (Well, if I’ve spent money trademarking it and all… hehehe.) It is designed to fit a wide combo of fabrics and interface without the need for the use of cords or crimping. *Just say no to crimping.*
Side view shown in my most popular style 8x3 nickel free purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure
It’s not as narrow as my summer line of frames made to fit the higher-end silks and satins, yet no so wide like you’re trying to land a 757 in the Grand Canyon! It will reduce your use of glue in the channel. Just apply a ‘rope’ of glue in the channel (no need to apply it on your fabric as well) and insert your pre-pressed fabric. It should have a nice snug fit without having to ‘stuff’ the channel. Hint: for thicker fabrics like cords, tweeds, and velvet, use a butter knife to insert your materials in. That Gutermann will hold it like no other.
Here are some pics. You can find this Perfect Fit 6(TM) in all the 8×3 and 10×3 frames for fall and winter. Buy it at whilebabynaps.Etsy.com or for orders of 100+, buy it at whilebabynaps.com.
Shown in the 6x3 nickel-free purse frame(TM)
(TM) Trademarks of WhileBabyNaps and Khuong LLC 2009 and 2010. All rights reserved.
All frames are in!
A big thanks to UPS who delivered my metal purse frames. *happy dance*
I will be up drinking coffee and packaging your orders this afternoon, evening, and night. Every order will ship tomorrow, Saturday!
Thank you, to all of you, for your continued support. It means the world to me that you will wait to get my frames while you have options to buy from others. That said, as my business has grown, I’ve been able to get on the manufacturer’s production schedule with higher priority. And, I’m getting this engineering thing down pretty good too!
Here’s a quick pic of my new 8×3 gold frame! It’s so shiny spankin’ new and pretty!!! *swoon*
It's golden!
“It’s off the chain!!” — 20% introductory offer.
That’s me trying to sound current. 😉
“Hehehe…” — that’s you snickering … but here’s the scoop on my nickel-free purse chains(TM) with lobster claws.
They say that “nothing worth doing ever comes easy”. That is very applicable to my nickel free purse chains with lobster claws. Why have you not seen purse chains with lobster claws before? Because it hasn’t been done! I’m the originator! I just did not want a nice chain with an awkward, cheap, or cumbersome closure. With my second business — selling jewelry at 2point5Karat.com — I thought, why not make a nice chain like the necklace and bracelets that I see?
So months and months later … I got what I needed. I’m so proud of these chains and I actually loop it twice and wear it with my Baume & Mercier watch! Yup — like jewelry. Just add a black leather cord to make it punk rock! (This Momma of 3 is more ‘Target’ than ‘punk rock’). So I snapped a quick photo of it:
This is one way I wear my nickel-free purse chain!
So take a look at my nickel-free purse chain(TM) with lobster claw.
"Aww, you're my lobster" --- name that show that line originated on!
Chain with satin ribbon threaded in.
*** Etsy customers, convo me to get a custom listing with the frames and chain to get 20% your first purchase of purse chains. I’m requesting a custom listing so that I can combine ship and save you money, and also take the 20% off the purse chains immediately — no need to wait to get a refund.***
**Whilebabynaps.com customers, note “Blog20chains” in note to seller and a 20% refund will be returned to you off of the price of the chains.**
This offer is good until Weds. 9/22 noon EST.
As always, thank you for your tremendous support and encouraging words. I get them and I really appreciate you ladies!
“What the interface?!?”
Did you know that all manufacturers of fusible interface have a hard time keeping consistency in their fusible interface?
Take a look:
The variance in Pellon
And this is not because the top one is looser on the first 3 “rolls” and the bottom one is packed tighter. If you look at the relative size of the fleece, you can see how much fluffier the top bolt is compared to the bottom bolt. Yes, the labels are different but it’s the same product and product codes. After many frustrations of ordering and sending bolts back, I found out that making fusible interface is an imperfect art — even though it’s mechanized.
With Pellon’s wide breadth of fusible interface (which I love, love, love), from batch to batch, there can be as much as a 15% variance! So how bad is 15%? Well, think about how terrible it would be to lose 15% of your annual salary, or 15% of your monthly sales revenue!
To have this much variance in fusible interface and the making of your clutches is HUGE especially when we are dealing with millimeters in the channel width of purse frames. Too snug and it’s like squeezing on skinny jeans after a Thanksgiving meal! *Whoa Nelly!* Too thin of interface will yield an unsightly gap in your frame requiring crimping or cording to ‘stuff’ the channel.
Just like the manufacturing of metal purse frames — there are variances and errors. Just like with the interface, I personally inspect and check every frame from defects that the laser eye and inspectors can miss. But mistakes can happen, just like the photo above demonstrates. So make sure you work with a seller whose products you can depend on (hint: that’s me) and who will give you a full refund should mistakes happen. As I’ve said before: my sales are never final and you will always get a 30-day full refund.
Where to sell your Clutches
Take it from me, there’s more places to sell your clutches than just on Etsy.
In fact, I rarely sell my clutches on Etsy. (Granted, I’ve been so busy with the 3 kids, the puppy and the jewelry business that I haven’t had time to sew this summer … Fall season gives me a reprieve when the kids are in school!) Oh, here’s a pic of my new cubbies! Target! Easy to put together and these were on sale for $39.99 each (there are 2 units here). I even asked for a further discount and got another 10% off due to a minor scratch that you can’t even see!
Office cubbies
Here are my tips for the top places to sell:
*your local art & craft fairs: The table fee varies, but of the 3 listed here, this can command the highest priced clutches in your product line. The ‘artsier’ the fair, the higher the goods. Have a range of products but do include some higher-end clutches like silks and brocades in the $105 range. Have a high mid-range at $65 – $85 for cottons with embellishments, and mid-range cottons at $40-55.
*Saturday/Sunday markets: Similar to the one above, and it really depends on your area, but I would exclude the silks here. The higher-priced clutches tend not to fit with the market-goers here. Add in some hemp clutches and coin purses.
*school functions (at least I’m there anyways )..: Offer a wide range here as you can cover moms who need a fancy clutch ($85) for a dinner date out, lower mid-range clutches ($35) for gift giving, and handy wallets ($25) for the on-the-go moms. School fairs at holiday time are GREAT! A lot of gift-buying!!
Yup, hit the ground! Nothing sells more than when people see the clutches first hand! Most are not even looking to buy a clutch until they see your clutches. Then WOW! I love these! You make them? OMG, I have to have one.
And one more thing: use your clutches that you made. Take it everywhere — your favorites. You will not believe the strangers in stores, libraries, etc.. who will remark “I like your bag.” Then whip out your business card and tell them how they can buy one. And yes, I’ve even sold my clutches to my therapist and my kids’ pediatrician this way! It’s amazing how women will support women when they know it’s handmade!
New designs and THANK YOU Etsy ladies … and one guy!
Thanks to all who confirmed to get email updates for my posts. This will keep you updated quickly on what’s new in my store, and in the business of making clutches. I’m having a hard time keeping everyone in-the-know via the Shop Announcement on Etsy … does anyone even read it much? Also, I’m starting with monthly sales specials in October: I will only alert via my blog posts. And only to keep things straight, I will require a code in the “note to seller” so that you get the appropriate discount. I have over 1000 loyal customers from my webstore http://whilebabynaps.com and from Etsy http://whilebabynaps.etsy.com so I am starting these specials to thank you for your loyalty.
NEW DESIGNS coming within 10 days:
*3 x 1.5 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure
*4.5×3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure
*6 x 3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure with LOOPS
*8 x 3 gunmetal finish with kisslock closure
*8 x 3 gold tone with kisslock closure
*8 x 3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure (**My most popular size and style.**)
*8 x 3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with mickey mouse closure with LOOPS
*10 x 3 nickel-free metal purse frame(TM) with kisslock closure with LOOPS
I should have them all in and up for sale around Sept. 20th. As per my shop announcement, any orders placed in the last 2 weeks will be shipped out at this time on a first-come, first-served basis.
Some Q&As from you:
*Why haven’t you had any 3×1.5 available?
A: These require special tooling to make due to their small size. When I switched manufacturers, I had to invest in the new tooling so that took a bit more time. Then production was delayed for 3 weeks … argggggg. BUT, I got a bunch produced so cross my fingers, I won’t run out again. That said, these have much smaller variances for defects (especially the kisslock closure) since they are small, so the defect rate is higher. The higher the defect rate for me, the more money it costs me. So … the profits is very small on these. But I make them because I like them and like to have them in my own product line of clutches.
*Wassup with all the (TM) trademarks that’s all over your stuff?
A: Ahem, I’ve had other sellers lie about the nickel-free plating process, and then go out and get cheap imports using the same technique that I originated and start selling similar “nickel-free” frames. So, while it was copyrighted and trademarked in 2009, it was not honored. So I’m splashing my trademark all over the place — on everything — so that you, the buyer, will know and will hopefully honor the trademarks and buy from me and not from imitators. Yes, my lawyer knows about this but really … is it worth pursuing? I’m not sure at this point. But we are keeping records of EVERYTHING. So out of my own experience, if you own your business, then you need to incorporate, collect taxes, pay taxes, and get patents, copyrights and trademarks if you’re in it seriously. I got a lawyer and incorporated in 2001 at the get-go!
*Why did you start offering nickel-free metal purse frames(TM)? (I mean I never knew that there was a need for that …)
A: Because I cannot wear nickel earrings. Then I read into nickel allergies and voila! Why NOT offer something that will help others with the same allergy? Ok, I’m totally biased, but my son suffers from a severe food allergy, and if manufacturers can make food products without that ingredient, why not offer it? I applied the same concept to my metal purse frames. In the same vein, I test my metal purse frames for lead as well. Sure, it’s an added cost, but why not?
Can you order this metal purse frame for me?
Do you buy from a seller or a re-seller?
One question that I get, especially from potential customers on Etsy, is “Can you order this metal purse frame for me?” And it usually comes with a picture attached to the message.
I get this question from time to time and I have to reiterate:
*I am NOT a reseller.*
To be clear, I don’t order the frames from someone, and mark up the price and resell it to you. (You might as well order directly from them yourself to save and not pay the mark-up!) I make my own frames using my own designs and specifications.
If you are asking that of other sellers and they answer “Sure, I can get that for you”, then I would suggest you ask if they are making their money marking up and reselling cheap imported frames, or not. It is NOT possible to get a frame to you within a week or two unless you are a reseller. You CANNOT make a frame in that amount of time. How do you account for buying the raw materials, making the CAD drawing (need engineering), producing samples, and then get on the production schedule to make it? There is NO WAY someone would make and satisfy an order of 1, 5 or 10 frames. It cannot be done, unless you buy it cheaply, and resell it.
For me and my business, if a customer can order 200-300 up-front, then I can consider making that frame for them. But the mold rights are retained by me: that is, I own the rights to the mold and can sell the excess frames and/or make more frames using the same mold. That is the only way I can even make a profit.
So, how can another seller “get that frame” for you? By buying it cheaply from someone, marking up the price, and reselling it to you. Then you know you are buying a cheap import.
About Skinny Bride(TM) 8×3 “nickel-free kisslock metal purse frames(TM)”!
I had a question from one of my customers on Etsy and thought I’d share the update with everyone as well… she wins the prize for noticing all of my hard work! Thanks Amy!! 🙂
As you know, I design and make all my frames, and I do a lot of research before making any new designs. And it’s always based on the marketplace and trying to improve on it for you – the handbag maker – my customer.
1. What do I offer (in terms of new products) to help you with your handbag/clutch business?
2. How can I help you grow their business?
I think it gets stagnant to offer the same thing year-in and year-out. It’s my hope that you like the improvements and helps your business grow.
So that said, here are the improvements made to my most popular design – the 8×3 “nickel-free kisslock metal purse frame(TM)”.
The width of the U-channel a narrower by less than 0.6mm. This design was narrowed for the following accommodations based on continuing market research and customer feedback:
* less glue is needed to use to “fill” the channel walls and NO glue needed on the fabric edge as well. This roughly translates to a 10-25% savings for the handbag maker on the cost of glue depending on the size of the frame used. (This also saves time!)
* regular-weight interface can be used instead of heavy weight interface giving the handbag maker two benefits: less cost, less stiff clutches (best for the finer higher-end clutches).
* thinner and finer materials (silk, satin, shantung) can be used without needing to “stuff” the channel. This resulted in higher priced clutches.
The width of the frame wall decreased by 1mm in order to give more attention to the fabric. I got comments from handbag makers that they wanted something sleeker, less intrusive, so that their craftsmanship can stand out and the fabrics used can stand out. (Many have their own printed fabrics.)
….So basically, you’d spend less on glue, less on the interface, and have the flexibility of introducing a higher priced line of clutches for special occasions (evening wear, bridal, showers, etc…) to expand your product line offering. In all you will either save money and/or make more money. My aim was to help my customers make more money. I feel strongly that I have the best frames, BUT my frames should be just that: provide a “frame” for your sewing or fabric or designs, but should NOT be the focus, or God forbid, detract from the clutch fabric or design.
Best always,
Winn
“You get what you pay for”
Busy with 3 kids, a new puppy, and working on new designs for my metal purse frames, I had neglected to check out the competition on ETSY. Much to my dismay, I found a new seller who had outright DISTORTIONS and FALSEHOODS on her shop announcement — all points pertaining to my shop since she even copied my original “NICKEL-FREE” metal purse frames. This is NOT why I started selling to novices and hobbyists on ETSY and teaching women (99%) to learn a new trade and start their own businesses.
So, many thanks to one of my loyal Etsy customers, Erin, who lifted my up with her comments, which follows in its entirety:
“Thanks so much! And a special thanks for teaching me how to make these. I’ve actually started having some interest in my shop using your design. I was soooo frustrated with etsy before I bought your PDF and supplies. I feel like now I actually have a small chance at the huge world of etsy (and I’m having a lot of fun doing it). :O)”
And when I thanked her for boosting my spirits and conveyed the current mean-spirited business dealings on Etsy (of all places!), she wrote those wonderful words … “you get what you pay for”.
So I stand by my metal purse frames with a 30-day money back guarantee … and no one, not one, had offered this prior to me, since me, and except for me.
Just for the record, I hate business like this. Isn’t that why we all get out of the rat race and work for ourselves??? To get away from this and doing things that we love? I asked that seller to retract the portion about nickel-free frames not costing any more than nickel frames, and she has refused. That is completely false, as it is MUCH CHEAPER for me to get it plated in nickel or silver. I get two special coatings that make my frames whiter and easier for fingerprints to wipe off. This costs me more money.
But I understand the desire to try a new seller offering cheap frames. I just hope that Etsy customers would rather do business with someone who is honest, trustworthy and kind with unparalleled customer service rather than a new seller who’s in it to bad-mouth to sell cheap frames.
I’m not in it to sell you cheap frames. I am proud to say that I’ve taught women and help put many into business from teaching them how to make clutches, supplying the frames, Gutermann glue, and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Thanks for your kindness Erin!
~Best,
Winn
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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#1 US Seller of Purse Frames
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