Our 10,000th Etsy cart winner is ….
… a university student! Who here doesn’t have starving college days that they can recall? Man, I used to make it work for the weekend when my cheap meal plan didn’t cover it. I’d get a rotisserie chicken for $3.99, a lime, and a cucumber and make it last for all my meals for the weekend! That’s $5 for food for the whole weekend. I just remember being hungry during all my university years.
I couldn’t be happier for her because she was timely and also “played it” well. Knowing that the shop was within sight of hitting 10,000 Doryn went ahead and bought many different frames to try out along with the PDF, thereby securing her spot! Her cart totaled $145 so she got the 10,000th item – the PDF! – free as well as $100 off her cart.
And wouldn’t you know it, but Doryn is from New Jersey! What a coincidence. I had asked some questions about Doryn, so read our Q&A.
Q: Can you tell me a bit about you?
A: I am studying environmental law and policy. The curriculum prepares me for law school if I decide to become an environmental lawyer. I can also become an environmental consultant for a company and then my job would be to ensure the company is functioning within current federal and state environmental regulations. I’ve loved Star Trek for as long as I can remember and I’m also a Patrick Stewart fangirl 🙂 I’m naturally more of a ‘thinker’ than a ‘doer’; I’d rather ponder over ideas and theories than test them. I’ve also been told that I’m highly analytical, though I don’t think that’s true (I’m just good at pretending I am, ha!)
Q: Do you have a shop?
A: Not yet, but I do plan on launching one within next few months.
Q: Do you like to craft?
A: Love it, it’s nice to let creativity flow. In addition to sewing, I knit, crochet and draw/sketch. I’m relatively new to sewing, I’ve only been sewing for a year and a half. I find it to be therapeutic and I use it as a way to de-stress and focus when my mind is jumbled. I also love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I’ve finished a project that is unique and completely me. I will be using these frames to make bridesmaid’s clutches for my cousin’s wedding and prom clutches for my younger friends.
A wristlet by Doryn.
Doryn made this pen roll.
Q: How did you hear about WhileBabyNaps?
A: I was searching for frames that I could use to make the bridesmaid’s clutches for my cousin’s wedding. I came across your shop on Etsy and I saw how much pride you take in your items and the amount of work you’ve put into making these frames top-grade. When I realized you supported those businesses who use your frames, that you were a jeweler, AND from New Jersey, I knew I had to have them!
Q: How did you hear about the 10,000th item promotion?
A: I’ll admit I’m one of those people who puts tons of items in their cart, and leaves them there so I can mull over the possible purchase. I was finally preparing to checkout when I decided to look over your shop again and I saw the 10,000th item banner! It was an opportunity too good to pass up! Thank you, Winn!
I like her spunk!
Congrats, Doryn. I hope you enjoy making your clutches for your cousins and friends. We all look forward to seeing your shop of sewn good and crafts. My thanks to each and every customer on Etsy (and from the webstore)!
~Winn
We did it! 10,000th item on Etsy sold!!!
It’s been 12 years since I started my LLC and my businesses, and it’s been a little over 3 years since I’ve been on Etsy, but I just hit the 10,000th item sold!!! We’ve got a winner ladies and gents. I could not be any happier to celebrate this huge milestone with you all. Details will come soon on the winner. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, to all.
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 🙂
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.
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
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!
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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