I often receive questions about the best way to install pronged magnetic snaps. To this end, I have written many emails and messages about the same subject but failed to make it easy on both you and me by posting my answer online. Awhile ago I re-wrote the directions on Answers.com and thought it would be even easier if I provided this information on my own website.

I wrote this answer to the question:
How do you sew magnetic snaps onto a purse or handbag?
There are a couple of different types of magnetic snaps but the most popular type is the prong type. One set comes with a female part (its magnetic with a dimple in the middle), a male part (non-magnetic and fits in the female part), and two washers to secure the parts in place.

The instructions really depend on where you decide to install this snap. In general, make sure that you only intend to have the magnetic side showing as the opposite side looks very unappealing. Most people install these into the lining of the bag so if you do, make sure to install these before you sew the lining on.

First, you need to determine where you want to install the snaps. To do this, align the washers on the fabric where you want your snap and place a mark on the back side of your fabric. These marks are where you will make slits so that the prongs of the snaps can fit in place.

Second, make slits on the marks you made. I suggest making the slits smaller than necessary because if you make them too large, your snaps will move around and will not be so secure. Also, many people apply different techniques to prevent ripping of the slits. (The tear is caused by the pulling apart of the strong magnetic snaps – the tear is usually at the bottom of the slit). Some people treat the slits as button holes and sew the slits that way. If you do this, make sure that sewing you do cannot be seen and is hidden behind the snap.

Other techniques include applying interfacing (I suggest the iron on). If you do this, I suggest ironing the interfacing on and then cutting the slits.

I’ve also used plastic canvas as support. I cut a piece of plastic canvas that is larger than the washer and stick the piece in between the fabric and washer.

As the previous author suggested, Fray Check could also be used. Just make sure that you don’t end up gluing the wrong things together.

Third, install the female or male part by placing the piece on the good side of your fabric so that the prongs end up on the back side of the fabric. Then, place the washer over the prongs and fold the prongs toward the center. I suggest using pliers to fold the prongs over.

Make sure everything is nice and snug and repeat to install the second part.

Would you suspect that these eye glass cases were handmade? If not, think again. They are designed and created by Bagalicious and available for purchase. She has many fabric patterns available for these eye glasses and because these are handmade you can probably request something special for you or your friend. Just check out her fabric choices and send her a message through facebook, twitter, or etsy.

There are many reasons to purchase anything handmade, but the best reason I find for these eye glass case is that you can match them to your bag, purse, wristlet, ipod case or about any other container that you have in mind. I especially like these eye glass case because it creatively used my hidden sew in magnetic snaps. Being a bag fan, I have a one track mind – providing hardware for bag makers – but as you can see there are many uses for these hidden magnetic snaps.

I love when customers show me what they do with the supplies they purchase from TS. For example, take a look at these wonderful Global Buddies by SewPlayful. They are just so cute. They are 24 different Global Buddies in the collection. The whole collection would be great for an elementary school class and one would be perfect for an addition to a doll house.

At 2-3/4″ wide x 4-1/4″ tall, they fit perfectly into these clear zip bags that can be found at TS. (available on etsy too.)

Now that Stamps.com sells USPS international first class postage I use it to ship all my items around the world. I love the fact that it imports information directly from paypal, lets you create shipping labels with quickbooks, and shows the status of the shipment without having to individually click each shipment.

In addition, you can easily print a scan form that is used at the post office to show the items were accepted to at the post office. (No more having to explain to the customer that the item was dropped off but never scanned – no more messages with delivery confirmation saying that the post office was only electronically notified of a shipment.)

Before Stamps.com I was using Endicia.com. But I find with the importing process reducing my time preparing shipping its a much better deal.

Now you can get $45 in free postage plus some other incentives by signing up. Please use the link below so I get credit for your referral.

Thanks!

Last week I received an email from Sarah Shaw, the Entreprenette, for a call from artists and crafters for some hip Bags, Shoes, and Wallets. The deadline has since past but she may send out calls for other items in the near future.

According to her description, a hot movie in production by the producers of the Hangover is looking for some free or almost free items to clothe their actors in the movie. It sounds like a cool opportunity to me. They are looking for:

“… urban Los Angeles, hipster style high school or college age kids, very real looking, current styles, original style, not main stream, more off beat. Vintage or upcycled looks are very interesting to them.”

So why not try to get in the movie and submit? http://instantlyfamousproducts.com/
I am not affiliated with this project at all (I just thought it was a cool opportunity) so please send all questions to Sarah (you will find a link to her FB in the link above.)

Last October, November, and December my bf and I participated in several craft fairs. Some members of the SF Etsy team asked for some insight into craft fairs in the south bay so I wrote a little about my experience. Here are my four most notable experiences of last year.

I was told of the great annual show at lynbrook high school hosted by the high school band. Its Nov. 20 this year. I was really excited about the one day event but when push came to shove, it was a real miss. Personally, I and several people around my booth who had a booth didn’t do well – I didn’t even make enough to cover the cost of the booth. however, with the background it has, I would try it one more time – last year could have just been a fluke right? (unfortunately, I won’t be attending any fairs this year due to my schedule). i just received an email from them saying more info will come out around august. email limbfair@yahoo.com for more info.

Bishop elementary school in Saratoga was great. It was a three hour event on a Friday. The booth price was very reasonable (maybe $35 but don’t quote me on that). Everyone was happy – customers and vendors. They host the show in the cafeteria and provides a nice large table (i would say double the size of normal places). Many sales came and many happy customers were amist. They had pictures with Santa and a raffle (the raffle wasn’t too organized). Customers were happy to purchase handmade. I sold three crocheted baby blankets to a customer that asked me if i had anymore! I asked her why she wanted so many and she said she was preparing just in case any of her girlfriends have a baby. It seems as the crowd plans for gifts for the future (not just for christmas). Shelley was in charge and may be in charge again. Shelley had a booth herself but I could see her number one priority was organizing the fair. I don’t want to post her email
address since its her personal address but you can message me
personally and I can send it to you. (click the contact button at the top.)

For the heck of it I tried the flea on Berryessa Rd. on the free Saturday (one a month i think). it was hit or miss, like any flea market. They also host an annual craft faire section in Nov/Dec (this year its on Nov. 13). The craft fair is held within a tent in the market (I think its marked expo center on the map). I found out about it because a Flea representative came by my booth and told me about it. I made a very lucky custom sale so I though why not. I personally did well there but lots of haggling was done – I hate haggling so I left it to my bf to do that part. Unfortunately, other crafters did not fair so well. I think my luck was partially due to my bf’s fun in haggling, our position in the fair (our booth seemed to get traffic), and well, it was cold so it reminded people that they needed hats? (I’m not sure.) But due to my luck, I would try it one more time. After all, the price was right for the two day event.

One show I absolutely recommend never to do is one hosted by Donna Kimble. I really hate to write bad reviews, even when I purchase something not fitting the description it promised. However, to prevent other crafters from losing not only their money invested in the booth space, but the time spent to prepare and attend, I have to provide a very bad review on this show(s). (Please note that I wrote this about six months after the event and still decided to write about this.)

She claims to host many shows during the holiday season. I say claim because she does actually get the space, but other than that nothing is done. She explicitly agreed to provide tables and lunch. There were no tables and no lunch. She said the place where she rented her tables couldn’t make it. Then, when lunch time rolled around, she claimed the caterer just never showed up. Then, at the end, when a crafter asked if we would get a refund for lunch and tables she said yes. She would mail it to us. Well, its been six months and nothing yet. I wrote to her a couple weeks after the event and she said she was working on it.

Besides the lunch and tables, no customers came. The venue was the back room of a coffee shop. A few coffee shop patrons came by to see what was up. Besides that, nobody. Come to find out, there was no advertising AT ALL! Apparently she just expected customers to just show up. There was a little sign plastered on the window of the shop but nothing that could be seen by passing traffic.

Unfortunately for some crafters who bought into her discount on multiple shows, other crafters had already paid for more shows with her. Some said they didn’t care about the money – they wouldn’t show. Others didn’t know what to do. I, personally, just purchased one show to see how it would go so I was lucky not to be in that situation.

Overall, I highly recommend Bishop. Others are hit and miss but if you are willing to test the waters, I would try them all again (except for the Donna Kimble poop out).

Here at Tantalizing Stitches, 5% of sales are allotted for donation to our favorite animal charity. Due to the fire catastrophe at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, Tantalizing Stitches will be dedicating this portion to BEBHS for the months of May and June. This applies to all sales at http://bagnsupplies.com . As a San Jose business and a Cal alum, El feels a special need to help BEBHS.

This was brought to my attention by an EFA member and I thought I’d pass it along. I know most of you are not in the area but if tell others eventually this info would get to the people who can help.

Info below as copied from their website: http://www.berkeleyhumane.org/

———————

In the early morning of May 20, a major fire destroyed a large section of our shelter. We lost our entire cat sheltering area as well as laundry facilities and offices. We are currently without water, electricity and phone service.

We lost 15 of our beautiful cats that were ready for adoption but all the dogs survived and are being cared for in our kennels and at a veterinary emergency service.

Our most immediate needs are:

-Monetary donations. Any amount you can donate will make a difference. You can help us three ways.

- Online, press any DONATE button on the website

-By phone at (510) 845-7735. Our phone system is being switched to

Fliqz to help you donate.

- Mail donations to:BEBHS, 2700 9th St, Berkeley,CA 94710

Foster Homes for dogs and cats.

Please Contact: foster@berkeleyhumane.org

if you have temporary space for a dog or cat.

Volunteers: In the immediate future, we will have major cleaning and repair tasks as well as animal care. Please contact:

volunteer@berkeleyhumane.org

if you can spare some time to help once the tasks are organized.

JUST 300 LEFT!

***NOW US$17.83 + free shipping

At Tantalizing Stitches, every swivel clip is hand tested in two aspects:
—- the swivel is tested for 360 degree rotation
—- the clip is tested for springy-ness.

Often people don’t need the clip to swivel 360 degrees and when that’s the case they save!!!! While these swivel clips have not been tested for clip springyness (as they didn’t pass the first cut for rotation) about 90% of the clips perfectly useful as clips if you don’t need the rotation aspect!

———–
SPECIFICATIONS
Material: Zinc alloy
Finish: Nickel plated (silver color)
Length / Size: 23.5 mm / almost 1 inch

***NOW US$17.83 + free shipping

***Normally US$22.40 + shipping
***Only sold in quantities of 100
This item can be purchased here.

Are you looking for an Artfire Pro Invite? Its good for a lifetime Pro subscription rate of $12/month. (Current price is $15.95.) You keep the same rate as long as you keep your subscription. So, if your ready to swim into the extended features of Artfire that a pro account gives you, follow the link below. Only the first five people using this link can get the discounted rate!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=subscribe&op=invite&code=1285206943