Vacation Notice: Please get your orders in!
Well, it’s Spring Break time of the year and it’s also a much-needed pull-the-plug from work and plugging into the kids! Both shops, the Etsy shop and the online store, will be closed March 23, 2013 for 10 days. This Saturday will be the last day for shipping so please get your order in by Thursday. Shipping will resume Tuesday, April 2nd!
During the shop closing, Thy will have internet access and will be taking Custom Orders. So while you may still be able to order, no shipping will occur until April 2, 2013.
Thy is taking some time off with her 2 boys, and I will be headed to China(!) with my 3 kids. The Great Wall has been on The Bucket List and I’m finally getting to cross it off! We are also looking forward to being in cooler weather. How we miss the cold and snow of New Jersey! I know it’s been a cold and snowy and tough winter season for many of you above the Mason-Dixon line, but hang in there! Spring is just around the corner. 🙂
Photo courtesy of Over50feeling40.
Warmly yours,
Winn
New Printing Intructions for the Classic Day Clutch!
I was recently contacted by two kind customers who had problems with printing out the Classic Day Clutch(TM) template. It did not print out true to size and scale than what was on the PDF file that they saw on the screen. It printed out on a smaller scale thereby making the pattern too small for the 8×3 frame, although it fit perfectly for a 7 x 2.5 size frame. It took me a while through several tech blogs and such but I figured out why it printed out on a smaller scale in some rare cases. I went ahead and made the change for everyone just in case this happens to someone else.
Let me explain what happened in these two cases: Adobe did not process it correctly during printing and shrunk it to fit the page. My original file as seen on the screen when downloaded is the correct size and scale: however, when it goes to print it, it sometimes shrinks it. Funnily enough, Adobe does NOT do this for any of the other 6 templates — only for the Classic Day Clutch in these 2 instances! And furthermore, my own printer setting was on “Print as Image” so it did not shrink it for me. It always prints true when I print it on my printer so I did not “catch” it every time I printed this template out to sew and make my clutches. So all my clutches using the Classic Day Clutch template came out exact.
How do you prevent printing a scaled-down version? (It is hard to tell that it was shrunken.) Printing a PDF file as an image bypasses that processing by sending the printer a simple image of the document instead. To ensure the correct scale that is printed, please print the Classic Day Clutch(TM) via the following these steps:
With the PDF file open in Acrobat Reader or Acrobat, from the File menu, click Print.
In the Print window that appears:
>Windows: Click to check the Print as Image check box.
>Macintosh: Click the Advanced button, and click to check the Print as Image check box in the Advanced Print Setup window.
Click Print.
You can do this method to print out any PDF file if you want to ensure that it prints true to what you see on the screen. I want to thank the two ladies for contacting me with this issue. By making these new printing steps for everyone, it will ensure that no one else will run into this problem. I am not sure why others, like myself, did not encounter this problem prior as it has never happened before. (?) I am not sure if the different Adobe versions or the different Mac vs. Windows platforms make a difference. However, I do know that I feel VERY lucky that they contacted me!
I sell a lot of these kits because it’s a good clutch, but also due to the photo. It’s a good angle and shows off the clutch well.
Thanks
Winn 🙂
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
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. 🙂
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!
Handmade clutches: the light and the dark
There are still many days for Christmas shopping, and if you still have a girl on your list, check out these clutches. Aesthetically, these two shops offer bold prints and brocade fabrics. However, visually they are both quite different in their presentation. Both are handmade with care! The first shop is AnOrangeBlossomBag by Michelle. Take a look at her clutches as well as her bags and totes. Look for my favorite tote with the vintage inspired newspaper print of Paris.
How did I neglect to include this Parisian clutch?
Greys and black on a white background.
Getting darker – another beautiful floral clutch.
Getting a little darker, but no less exquisite, are clutches beautifully handcrafted by Susan at Lulu Caswell Designs. I love her clutches and the way they are captured on camera.
Makes you want to pull up a chair and join her for tea!
Gorgeous, rich colors on this Baguette Clutch(TM).
How beautiful is this fabric clutch paired with the antique brass frame?
Click on the photos above to go to Michelle’s and Susan’s shops and Happy Shopping!
Fabulous Fabric Clutches
That’s the actual description of Catherine’s shop, FabByCab, home to a variety of handmade clutches. I like Catherine’s roomy clutches and sumptuous linings. Her linen clutch wristlets are exemplary little pieces of art.
Who doesn’t like this little birdie?
Got an empress on your Christmas list? This inner lining is a perfect complement. Just beautiful!
This OOAK clutch features Windsor Castle. Any Kate fans out there? 🙂
Lastly, Catherine just debuted many fabulous plaid clutches that are just in time for the holidays and the winter season. You don’t have to a Scotsman to love these plaids! They go well with jeans, red/grey/black sweater and black winter boots!
One of the many plaid clutches new to Catherine’s shop.
Go check Catherine’s shop out! She’s got many ready to ship to you for holiday gift-giving!
Clutches with hand-finished OOAK fabric
Ok, so you want a truly unique gift for the holidays? As part of my series to bring you the best collection of clutches, today I am highlighting two women who not only make their own clutches, but also hand finish the fabric with their own unique finishes.
Jan, of Jan and Paul Creations, is known for her butterflies on her clutches, pillows and scarves. These are not ordinary pictures of butterflies though. The ones on her fabric are enhanced digital prints from original photos that her husband, Paul, has photographed. Customers absolutely love her original creations!
This reminds me of the blue Morpho butterfly. Gorgeous iridescent blue on this original hand-made clutch and fabric.
This is made with golden thread using four different layers to achieve this magnificent sheen.
The next clutch seller that I would like you to meet is Delores of Lella Rae. The work that she puts into her clutches are simply mind-numbing. She has clutches made from fabric that is hand-dyed, hand cross-stitched, and hand-embroidered. My fingers and wrists are numb just thinking of the work that she lovingly puts into her clutches!
My friend Kelley, a dragonfly fanatic, would absolutely love this clutch! Look at the delicate hand-beading and lace work!
Have a music lover, pianist, or piano teacher in your life? This would be the perfect gift for that lucky person on your Christmas list!
There are many more clutches at both of their shops! If you would like to see Jan’s and Delores’s selection of clutches available for sale, simply click on the pictures to get to their respective shops.
Luxurious clutches
Got someone on your holiday list that you really want to WOW them? I would like to highlight two amazing craftswomen who make clutches and bags from scratch by hand, much in the tradition of Hermes. Randi of HoldFasthandbags, and Laurel of DalleMieMani work with materials that are beautiful, long-lasting, and that takes a lot of skill to work with. Their craftsmanship just puts me to shame, and I’m not at all embarrassed to admit that! 🙂
When I first saw Randi’s post and picture of her workstation, the way she crafts her eponymous bags at HoldFasthandbags brought to mind the workshops of Hermes. Artisans there also make one bag from start to finish. Much like Hermes, Randi doesn’t have a production line. She designs them, sources her materials, and makes each one by herself start to finish. You might not have the budget for the Hermes bag — I personally don’t know of anyone who does, and Oprah does not count as a personal connection — but you might have a budget for a HoldFasthandbag bag or a Laurel Dasso Leathers clutch.
Randi’s workshop:
Parts of a bag by Randi of HoldFasthandbags.
Parts and pieces of a bag from Hermes. Photo by John Dascoulias.
Retro Rockabilly clutch handbag.
Perfect clutch for winter! Pair with your best brown riding boots to amp up your outfit.
Another example of great craftsmanship. The lining is perfectly well-crafted. Not a wrinkled stitch in sight!
The second craftswoman that you should check out is Laurel over at her DalleMieMani shop. As the sole person behind Laurel Dasso Leathers, Laurel’s work with this material is exemplary. Laurel’s exquisite leathers remind me of the leathers of the Hermes bags, too. She has quite the pick of the lot as she sources the leather herself and works with the best ones! Laurel also has a sale until Thanksgiving Day (November 22nd). To receive 15% off your order, use the coupon code HAPPYTHANKSGIVING at checkout.
Check on this picture to see more behind the scenes at Hermes and their leather artisans.
This luscious black leather clutch handbag is an instant classic.
This is made from tan cognac brown calfskin. Scarf not included!
And the piece de resistance is this gorgeous, gorgeous one of a kind clutch handbag with a long shoulder strap.
Didn’t I tell you all the best women use my fine frames? 🙂 Just kidding, but I am so honored that these artisans continue to work with me for their purse frame and glue needs. Please check out their shops for these clutches and many other wallets and bags. You will love shopping there!
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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