April showers bring May flowers.
The lovely flowers embarrass me,
They make me regret I am not a bee –
~Emily Dickinson, 1864
They’re as beautiful as they come,
Pick one up at whilebabynaps.etsy.com –
~Thy Khuong, 2016
Time for the yearly nautical look!
This nautical look never goes out of style. Check out this Etsy treasury.
It’s a yearly classic look at this time of year.
You can get this look with clutches for your outfit. Complete kits to make clutches at the shop WhileBabyNaps.Etsy.com.
Timeless classic clutch handbags!
I am sold out of one of these kits, but all the others are still available. Do you have a clutch with a nautical look?
Get some swag – $200!
As mentioned before in a previous post, when I get asked to be a sponsor, I really have to weigh the value of what I give to what I get in return. I’d go broke if I said yes to everything. But as my company’s motto is “Putting Women in Business”, I always find a way to make it work when it comes to workshops that teach women a new skill. I was asked to be a sponsor for an inaugural sewing event that took place a couple of weeks ago in North Carolina. Though it was a small group, Sew South made a big impact for all attendees. The enthusiasm from these ladies is amazing and you can see the skills they learned, the friends they met, and the good times they had at this sewing retreat. Check out all photos at this Flickr group. Here’s a snapshot of some of the photos:
Take a look at the new clutches made from the attendees, most of whom were new to making clutches.
- women of all ages (25-65)
- women of all skill levels (some sewing for 6 months, some for 20 years)
- women from around the country (from California to North Carolina, Wisconsin to Florida – even someone from San Juan Puerto Rico!)
- over half of the attendees are bloggers
Even though this retreat was limited to 50 participants, Jennifer, the founder, has opened up a free swag drawing for everyone — including you, my customers and blog readers. Enter here at Sew South Retreat website to win this loot worth $200. There will be 3 lucky winners.
Good luck and I hope one of you get it!!! If you do, let me know.
Winn 🙂
Who will be the winner of the 10,000th item on Etsy?
We are getting close! A couple weeks ago, I wrote about our huge milestone coming up, and now we are on the cusp of having a winner. Currently, at 9942 items sold, we should have a winner within the next week, unless my crystal ball is not working. 🙂
Can I start the countdown?
Whoever’s (whomever’s?)cart contains the 10,000th item sold, will get that item and the entire cart free, up to $100.00! I’m curious to see if it will be a brand new customer, a woman who is trying out a new skill for the first time who will make a clutch for her friends, or if it will be a woman who runs her own business and needs to get some more frames to make clutches getting ready for Mother’s Day sales. Not to slight my few but wonderful male customers, it could be one of them needing some more Gutermann glue to their clutches, too. We will have to wait and see!
New purse frame coming out!
Hi everyone! My family and I just got back from our spectacular trip to China. We got home at 2 a.m. last night, so we are all just lolly-gagging about today. School is back tomorrow and we will slowly, but surely, be back to the grind! I will be sure to post some photos soon. But before that happens, I just wanted to share a quick update to all my dear blog readers and customers: there is a new antique brass coming out this week in 4.5×3! Take a look.
New 4.5×3 antique brass coming this week!
These will be listed this week. We had a lot of demand for this, but due to the difficult antique brass finish, it took some time to make sure this was a permanent addition we wanted to add. Thank you to all who asked for it and have been so patient. As you can see above, this is made in the same design as my nickel-free 4.5×3 size. There’s something to be said for consistency! I can see this frames used with all kinds of fabrics. This is just another option in your product line.
Striving for the best Customer Service
Recently, Etsy came out with a new feature for sellers. If you are an Etsy seller, you can see some key Customer Service Stats about your shop. What I really like about this is that it allows you to see where you can improve on or where you can keep striving to maintain. After all, people buy from people, and that is clear on a marketplace like Etsy where the focus is often on OOAK handmade goods.
I am beyond thrilled to see that from day 1 on Etsy (November 11, 2009), I (and Thy) have striven to be the best in Customer Service. The following takes into consideration our entire history on Etsy.
This demonstrates our strive to give you the best customer service so you keep coming back!
That is not to say we don’t make mistakes! We make plenty of mistakes. We fall down and get scraped sometimes. But we also get up and try harder to be better. Thank you for working with us and letting us make it right for you in the instances where we do mess up. Obviously, you know that it’s never intentional when we do get it wrong. It’s this reservoir of good-will that we never take for granted. 🙂
So for you Etsy sellers out there, check out your Customer Service Stats to see the areas where you can maintain or areas where you can improve on. This is a great tool and is worth your time!
~Winn
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!
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!
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!
Clutch purses with vintage rhinestones
Get your clutch handbag in time for the Christmas holidays! This is in a series of features on handmade clutches that I will be posting to bring some amazing clutches and talent to your attention. I know you will find some great gifts for those on your list and you might be tempted to pick one up for yourself. Please feel free to share this and give a gentle hint to your beloved! 🙂
If you want to see a fabulous selection of opulent design, I am thrilled to feature Jenn and Michelle’s shop at J&Em. There must be something in the water, because Jenn, like Erin, also resides in North Carolina! Twins Jennifer and Michelle are a great team who share a similar creative aesthetic. I am so proud to announce that Jennifer was just recently accepted to the Ultrasound Program and will be devoting herself to that field for the next couple of years. What a great opportunity! To help you in making your purchase decision better, Jenn will generously offer 30% OFF plus FREE SHIPPING! This offer is good for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So stop by her shop and get yours before it’s gone! And please offer her a congrats in her new opportunity!
I most love their well-crafted handmade clutches with this design: the raw edge silk ruffle flower with a vintage rhinestone in the center.
I love the brilliant orange silk lining of this well-constructed winter clutch.
A beautiful splash of color in the midst of the season!
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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