How Do You Spell Relief / S.T.A.Y.

Well by now many of you have heard that the CPSA has granted a 1 year stay on the new testing regulations that were due to go into effect on February 10th 2009. What a relief - now that the panic is over we can focus on trying to move things forward in a positive way. First and foremost as I know all would agree is to make sure that there are measures in place to keep children safe - but that these measures are laid out and enforced in a way that won't harm the rest of us - economically or environmentally. I hope the images below of some wonderful hand-made children's goods will keep us all motivated to come up with creative ideas on how to best offer our suggestions for change regarding the CPSIA law to our government representatives.
This stunning OOAK Butterfly & Dragonfly onesie is beautifully handpainted. There is just enough fern to not take away from them and a true lady know exactly when to leave. Created By: artopiary

This sweet & soft naptime gift set features Ginger Rounds Woobie paired with coordinating soft chocolate Bear. Your baby or toddler's naptime happiness!
Chocolate Truffle Bear is one of a kind Created By: luluswoobies

Hey diddle diddle, the cat & the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon! Because this whimsical image is hand painted to order each canvas is unqiue and truly a OOAK keepsake for your little one! Created By: ellabobella

This sweet MICHAEL MILLER LOLLI DOT print reversible baby bib and burp cloth set is made with 100% cotton fabric. The burp cloth is approximately 16” x 10” and backed with white soft chenille…..perfect for catching those sweet little baby bubbles and sugar drools.
Created By: BabyBugsnBubbles

This Ohhhh Soooo Soft and Adorable Baby Ducks Rag Quilt is Handmade by me using Flannels in a Blue Baby Ducks Pattern, A White with Blue and Yellow Polka Dots, and a soft Yellow Fuzzy Minky. The back is Bright Yellow Flannel. Created By: ArrivingAngels

Over the next few post I'll be adding some additional thoughts on this topic and more wonderful handmade goodies from shops that I love!

Americans Cry Foul / CPSIA Law Does More Harm Than Good!!!

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in childrens products? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Here are a few examples:

• To the Parents of Young Students: Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.
  
  
• To the Avid Reader: Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
  
  
  
  Article from the American Library Association
  http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
  
• To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that item you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind toy, blanket, dress or shoes you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So those wonderful unique baby gifts you gave to expectant friends and to your own children will no longer be able to be legally sold or purchased.
  
  
  
• To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.
  
  
  
• To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items including cribs all together to avoid future lawsuits.

• To the Entrepreneur: Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.
  
  
  
• To the Antique Toy Collector: Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html
  
  
  
• To the American Economy: Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.
  
  
• To the Worldwide Economy: Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.
  
  
  
  If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
  http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html
  
  And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
  http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
  
  Please contact your state representatives and tell them this law needs to be rewritten -
  WE CAN DO BOTH - PROTECT OUR CHILDREN & PROTECT OUR INTERESTS
  https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
  
  
  
  TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
  
  Petitions to REPEAL the CPSIA
  http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RepealCPSIA/
  http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/index.html
  http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys/?e

* Together We Can Make a Difference *

finally back to blogging again *not like i did it so regularly before* but there is an issue that has come up and needs to have a spotlight shown upon it and that is the...

CPSIA laws new amendments that will be going in to effect on the 10th of February 2009.

THIS IS A TRAIN WRECK WAITING TO HAPPEN PLEASE HELP US DRAW ATTENTION TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT TOPIC - BLOGGERS UNITE ON WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28, 2009

here are some FAQ's to help you get more information about the law...


TOGETHER WE CAN WIN THIS BATTLE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDRENS SAFETY AND FOR THE DREAMS OF FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS - LET'S PULL TOGETHER!!!