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DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass purse frame – tips and pictures

Thank you all for your excitement and interest with my new trademarked finish – DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass.  I’ve been working with it and have some pictures and tips that I want to share with you.

First of all, as it is a completely custom hand-finished product, I’m currently building up inventory before I list them.  This will ensure that I will have enough on hand to fulfill orders within the 72-hour purchase window that I’m striving for.  As opposed to all other orders where we ship it same day or within 24 hours 95% of the time (bigger orders take longer for inspections), these DiamondCut(TM) antique brass are hand-finished per your order.

For those who have asked about how it compares to my traditional antique brass frames (yes, I’m still working on those, too!), take a look at this series of pictures.

Depending on the angle, it can go from a subtle difference… to dramatic.  The new DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass is shown on the right.

Under "studio" lighting. Tungsten lights used. A little subtle ...

**Note the soaps — the most thoughtful gesture from a customer I’ve ever gotten.  Ming, from Ourblueiguana got me these soaps and a balm that I’ve been using every night on my gnarly feet!  (Yes, I said it.)  🙂

I’m lucky and blessed to have many wonderful and supportive customers … but this one tops the cake!  My jaw literally dropped when I got a package!  (“I didn’t order anything…”)  And to get her sweet note, well, I’m still floating in the air – just with nicer, smoother feet!  :0  Thanks, Ming!

Back to the program … *ahem*

Notice the texturized surface on the right of the DiamondCut(TM).

At this angle, you can see a little more of the sheen of the regular antique brass. Notice that it is uniformly shiny vs. the DiamondCut(TM) which has more sparkles.

Under high hat lights. At this angle, the traditional antique brass appears more matte.

With high hats overhead at this angle, the difference is quite a bit more dramatic.

With incandescent lights shown above. The DiamondCut(TM) really sparkles while the regular antique brass appears solid and matte.

Tips to use and key points:

*DiamondCut(TM) brushed antique brass can be subtle in appearance or more dramatic in appearance depending on the angle and lighting.  It changes … just like the weather.  🙂

*It is a highly texturized surface and will feel rougher (not sharp) to the touch than the regular antique brass.

*Although it has a top coat to seal it, Gutermann glue will not easily come off the surface due to the texture.  If you are not an experienced clutch-maker and to prevent this mishap from happening, you can do the good old tricks of the trade:

1.  Do not overfill your u-channel to cause spillage of the glue.  A little goes a long way with Gutermann …

2.  You can tape the frame where necessary.  Any “extra” glue will spill onto the tape.  After you are done gluing, simply pull the tape off!

3.  As per the package directions, you can try removing the glue with acetone.  (Note:  I’ve never had to do this but Gutermann has tested this.  Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area before attempting.  Be careful with your fabric.)

I will have these listed and ready to ship this weekend.  I just don’t want to over-promise, so that’s why they have not been listed.  As you all can tell by the new sizes and styles at the shop, we’ve had a lot of activity in the last month!  Both Thy and I are literally burning the midnight oil these days.

As always, your support is tremendously appreciated!

~Winn (and Thy)

April 12, 2011 Posted by | Helpful Tips, WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | 2 Comments

Debuting the new 3×1.5 purse frame!

Debuting another style — the new 3×1.5s.  I LOVE the new size of the kisslock balls!  (Insert “That’s what she said” here.)  🙂

Just when I thought these little guys could not get any cuter … I think you’re going to really love this new look.

New 3x1.5 inch nickel-free purse frame on the right.

The previous style appears on the left.  Please note:  the way it is positioned in the picture above is an optical illusion as they are both the exact same size frame — 3×1.5.  The only change is in the more pronounced kisslock balls.

These new kisslock balls are the same 12mm size as my 6x3s and 8x3s and 10x3s.  I think it adds a new prominence and makes this little one more substantial in style.

The best part?  Even though there is more metal used to make the larger kisslock balls, I was able to keep the price the same due to producing a larger amount!  YAY to volume discounts!!!

Take a look!

Measurement - substantial weight 12mm kisslock balls.

I should have them up and listed some time tonight.

April 11, 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

New clutches to show off my fine purse frames!

Snow days … guess what I’ve been doing?

I'm totally pimpin' my dog Pax!

I’ve got new clutches made with my fine nickel-free purse frames(TM).  These are not for sale. But I’m using them to model my frames.  So for those who’ve wanted to know what the 10×3 with loops with chains look like when done …. ta-da!

This clutch will also be coming out as a complete make-your-own kit.  Using my classic PDF tutorial, I made a new template for my 10×3 nickel-free frame(TM) with loops!  This is shown with the coordinating 45.5″ nickel-free chain with lobster claws.

Oh, I got that Michael Kors trench coat at Costco!  Go get yours!!!  I’ve been looking for a single-breasted, belted, classic trench coat for 4 years.  And this one even has a detachable hood.  It also has faux tortoise shell buttons.  And it’s only $39.99.  Fully lined.

Here’s another super cute clutch I made using my 8×3 nickel-free EleganceLock(TM) with loops and chain.  I have the ribbon weaved in for an extra somein’ special!  I used my Robin’s Egg Blue ribbon.  Yes, the chain with ribbon is for sale at my shop.

I'm in the mood for Spring!

Look what Etsy is choosing for their front page Treasury.   Looks like they are promoting Spring looks, already.

Start making clutches for spring ... and make your own Treasury!

February 3, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , , , | 2 Comments

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