CPSIA Impact

Anybody want to meet me out in the back alley? I've got some contraband onesies you might be interested in!


Thought I'd give you all another look at some of my now "illegal" merchandise! Just can't trust those zippers, grommets and snaps!! Oh, and that paint must have somehow changed it's chemical makeup once I used it. It passed all the safety standards when the manufacturer put it in the bottle but once I added it to an outfit, it needs to be tested again. Sorry, can't afford that even if I could find a lab willing to do those tests!


So, I ventured out into the world today to see just what impact the CPSIA had on local businesses when it kicked in last night at midnight. Oh yeah, I also needed groceries so I sort of had to go to the store anyway. In short, it appears the new law had almost no impact on the local large retailers. Surprised? I am.

I anticipated near empty shelves at Dollar Tree, limited selections in the children's departments at Walmart and Sears, and definitely fewer toys in the kids' aisle at CVS. Nothing appeared any different. They appeared to have the exact same products as they did yesterday, last week, last month and even last year. I don't believe manufacturers have already rushed to create, test and deliver new merchandise that meets today's standards. Until a few days ago, they believed they'd be allowed to sell off stock made prior to today that did not meet the new standards.


Manufacturers and retailers believed they would be allowed to sell existing inventory even if they did not meet the new phthalate standards. They had been operating on that premise right up until last week when, with four days before the new standards kicked in, a judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that, like the new lead standards, the new phthalate standards would also be retroactive. Anything sold or distributed for use by children beginning today, February 10, 2009, MUST meet the new toughter standards.


The stay everyone has been discussing does not change that. The stay merely says you don't need to test to prove that. If you are confident, based on materials and component certifications and information, that your product satisfies the limits, you are able to continue business as usual, at least until this time next year.


Also within the past week, the CPSC issued an easy to read Guide to the new law. They clearly itemized a list of materials that are considered to be "safe" and will not require certification or testing. Most textiles, yarns and fabrics are included in that list. (You can view that guide at
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/sbguide.pdf.

However, zippers, snaps, grommets, metal eyelets, rhinestones, metal closures, most buttons, vinyl and some screen printing inks can, and often do, contain lead. You may need to test such components. There doesn't seem to be anything definitive out there concerning velcro and I personally wonder about the glue or fixative used in Stitch Witchery type products that are often used with appliques. The manufacturers of those goods have not been forthcoming with appropriate product information. Paints and other surface finishes and any metallic trims must be tested as of today.


The big retailers appear to be ignoring the new law today. The little shops have paniced. Many crafters have either eliminated all children's products or closed down completely. Several consignment shops in the neighborhood actually closed at the end of January as the bulk of their sales were associated with children's merchandise and they knew they could not afford the required testing. Another of those shops intends to close within 90 days as her lease required three months notice. In the meantime, she has eliminated all children's products and expects to operate in the red for the remainder of her lease. A popular local craft fair has been canceled as a number of participants have now withdrawn. Two churches have canceled their annual rummage sales and one is closing its thrift shop.


I have not closed my business - yet. By the same token, I have not sold anything today. My merchandise does need to be tested as I use fabric paint. I paint onesies, jeans and other garments featuring snaps and zippers. I have spent approximately 30 hours online and on the phone attempting to locate a 3rd party tester who will test only a few individual items from time to time. I need to know exactly what the price for such testing will be. So far, I have been unable to find any such lab.


As I make a lot of one-of-a-kind items, I anticipate the cost of testing to be totally prohibitive as it would need to be added to the products price. I can't imagine selling a onesie for $500 or more! I have added a few adult items to my product line. I don't enjoy making them as much as I do the children's designs. I am busy praying the revisions proposed in a current bill before the Commerce Committee will pass, complete with its component testing provisions, but I'm not holding my breath. I think Congress will quickly try to wipe their hands of this issue and leave it in the laps of the CPSC who I also believe will interpret the current law very conservatively. At this point in time, I don't know what I'll do personally. The law seems to be "clarified" almost daily by the CPSC. It's sort of like the old adage about the weather, "If you don't like it now, just hang around a while. It will change."

For the first time since starting my business, I'm hoping I don't sell anything today as I am just so totally confused!!

A whiff of Spring!

What a weekend! The sun was out. The mercury climbed. It was WARM - well, we at least hit the 50s on Saturday and the 60s on Sunday! It was rejuvenating. I know winter's not over but it was a fantastic break for most of us.


Those weeks and weeks of cold had bred a little distrust. When we woke to comfortable weather on Saturday we were a little leery. The phrase, "this must be a trick," lurked in our minds. We did the usual winter thing and went to the movies. (Okay, we are motivated by cash flow to some extent. Weekend morning movies in our neighborhood are really cheap so we saw the 10 a.m. showing.) When we emerged from the theater at noon, the sun was shining. People were out and smiling. It felt good. Saturday turned out to be a great day!


Sunday was even brighter, considerably warmer and really invigorating. We got out and walked in the sunshine. There were no splotches of ice to worry about. We had company in the evening and everyone was happy and in a great mood. I think we all needed this little shot of Spring!!

Movie Review: Taken

The movie choice this week was "Taken" starring Liam Neeson as a former government (CIA-type spy) "preventer." You're left to your own definition of what a "preventer" keeps from occurring but it appears he and his colleagues knew of worldwide threats and terrors that the masses are quietly protected from. He is torn between keeping his most prized possession, his teen-aged daughter, safe where he can see her or being the benevolent parent she wants who allows her to see the world on her terms. When, against his better judgment, he goes with the latter he audibly witnesses her kidnapping via a transatlantic phone call and his almost super-hero skills kick in to save his little girl. The action is riveting and fast moving. The premise of two young pretty girls traveling alone in a foreign country with limited language skills being kidnapped by powerful men who wish to sell them to the highest bidder is believable. It does happen in part of today's real world. Most of us can identify with Neeson's parental need to "save his baby at all costs." We can only wish we would have his "specialized skills" should such a situation ever arise in our lives. This one gets a full five stars.

CPSIA

As expected, there is constant news coming in concerning the CPSIA. As previously announced, the CPSC has issued a 1-year stay regarding enforcement of some portions of the new law. While products must meet the new lead and phthalate levels as of tomorrow, the certification and 3rd party testing requirements have been delayed. Basically, we can only market children's merchandise that we know or can reasonably deduce meet those standards. In my personal case, I believe my products are safe as they are made using only previously tested components. I have not introduced any unsafe or non-tested materials in the act of embellishing these commercially manufactured and marketed garments. Those garments had to be tested by that manufacturer before being sold to me on the retail market. The paints I use have been tested by their manufacturer. At this time, I will continue to produce and market the safe, quality merchandise I am known for.

On Friday, the Commission issued a lengthy press release which further clarified a number of items that they are now deeming "SAFE" as those products are extremely unlikely to contain any hazardous levels of either lead or phthalates. There will be further clarifications forthcoming as more products and components are reviewed and analyzed. There was a bill introduced in Congress last week suggesting revisions to the law as passed this past year. That bill has been referred to Committee for review at this time. One of the suggested revisions pertains to the use of previously tested and certified components.

I will try to keep my readers updated as information becomes available. I am also trying to only convey information issued directly by the CPSC or Congress so as to avoid all of the confusion and speculation circulating at this time.

So, until next time, enjoy the sunshine and live creatively.

Have you seen my mojo?

Sorry, I haven’t written much in the last few days. I’ve been fighting a cold and have just had no umph. My motivation seems to have chosen this weekend to hibernate. The brain’s been busy but the hands just haven’t wanted to get involved.


We did finally get some decent weather over the weekend although I didn’t feel up to really enjoying it. Saturday evening, we spent a nice evening at a wine and restaurant tasting with two of my cousins and their spouses. There was a huge array of wines from around the world available to try and many local restaurants provided samples of some of their offerings. Some of those restaurant samples convinced us to plan to visit a few in the near future for a full meal. The best part of the evening was getting a chance to sit and chat with people we just don’t see enough.

There was good news this weekend. On Friday, Congress delayed the enforcement of the CPSIA for one year to allow the law to be refined and the CPSC to determine how to enforce this broad law and to determine what, if any, exceptions should be made. The new standards for lead and phthalate levels will still go into effect this February 10, 2009 and products must comply with those numbers. The delay refers merely to the certification and third party testing requirements. For those of us producing products which we know contain none or minimal (safe) amounts of those hazards, this is definitely a win. It will allow us to continue making the products we love to create. It is my hope that the Commission will determine that component testing and certification will be sufficient for folks like me who can show documentation that all components used are safe before I even touch them.


Now, I can now set about creating new children’s merchandise. I had put that part of my production on hold pending the outcome of all the chaos preceding that February deadline. I had also put a hold on all promotional plans I so carefully outlined in December. My self-promotion had been a little weak last year and I spent most of December mapping out a stronger push for this year. Unsure of what would happen in the marketplace with the new law, I simply went into a holding pattern with those efforts. I do still plan to continue adding some grown-up items to my inventory. It can’t hurt to expand my customer base.


Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll find my mojo (I know it’s around here somewhere.) and get back into the groove. My paints and brushes are calling my name and my shop needs restocking. I’m sure I’ll find something more interesting to share with all of you. In the meantime, stir up your own creative juices and enjoy your day.

FRIDAY !!!!!!

T.G.I.F. !!!!!

Showcased:


One of my products is featured on another blog! Sumpinelse.com included my Loving Kitty Onesie in their Little Pleasures II series last night! I’m really honored to be shown there. Please check them out at http://www.sumpinelse.com/ and see their other great Valentine’s finds!!
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Today's Recipe:


I got the urge to make something good yesterday. After digging around the cupboards to see just what I had to work with, I found the goods for Pineapple Muffins! Want to try some of your own?


Pineapple Muffins
4 cups all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. ginger (We LIKE them a little spicy!)
4 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups milk
½ cup butter (or margarine), melted
2 ½ cups crushed pineapple, drained


Combine all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, milk and butter and stir until smooth. Add the pineapple and mix well. Spoon into standard muffin tins, filling them ¾ full. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for about 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. (The tops only brown slightly.) My batch made 27 muffins.

I think next time I may add some chopped maraschino cherries to make them prettier to the eye!



From the “You have to laugh to keep from crying!” file:


We’ve all been so seriously commenting on the CPSIA lately that some of us forgot how healthy it is to have a good laugh. Our friend Sarah at http://www.starsapphire.etsy.com/ however, found a way to laugh about the CPSIA and wrote this humorous poem.


CPSIA, or A Half-Baked Idea
By Sarah Booth-Neades

The toys seemed so appealing,
The kids were very pleased;
So the ‘rents forked o’er their money
To the big toy companies.

And as the kids got older,
They seemed to be brain dead;
But how could Mr. Smiley have
Been double-dipped in lead?

The government got angry
When they looked at all the facts
They wrote a lot of garbage,
And then called it an act.

They didn’t think to tell the folks
Who made the paint and dyes,
To certify their product
Before they reached our lives.

They just cracked down on grandma, who
Makes toys to sell at fairs.
She now must pay a grand to sell
Her twenty dollar bear.

The government is satisfied,
And smiles, feeling tough;

Now Junior’s things aren’t made with lead –
Just all his family’s stuff!


*****
Sarah does the cutest little “candy crocheted goodies!” Check them out in her shop! www.starsapphire.etsy.com/ They look so yummy, they sort of made me hungry. Guess I’ll eat a mufffin.

Okay, gang! I think that's all for today. Enjoy your Friday!!!

Weather's got me down!

Let it snow , Let it snow, Let it snow--- Someplace else. Please!!!

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I'm practicing mental imaging - thinking of a warm, sunny setting and remembering those great, relaxing lunches in the park The Big Guy and I were doing weekly only a few short months ago. Unfortunately, I'm not feeling any warmer yet!

_______

Will somebody please take the proper precautions to assure us all that the groundhog won't see his shadow next week? We've had enough!!

_______

Okay, I'm generally a little grouchy today. My cold has progressed from a slightly stuffy feeling to major congestion and I'm losing my voice. I am not a happy camper! I don't feel inspired to paint today - or to work on promotions or clean house, etc.

This week's book review:

I did read a book this past week. (That's the one thing this weather is good for - curling up with a good book!) I really enjoy a genre I call "Murder Mystery - Lite" and I've dug through the archives and found a few of my favorite authors' early works. This week I read Diane Mott Davidson's first "culinary mystery," Catering to Nobody. Diane's introductory description of the trials and tribulations of finding a publisher to buy into her concept of a "culinary" mystery was almost as entertaining as the novel itself. Anybody familiar with Diane knows of her series featuring Goldie Bear, caterer and amateur sleuth extraordinaire. In this book, we are introduced to Goldie, Arch (her son), and The Jerk (her ex). Goldie's successor, Marla (The Jerk's second wife) and one of her various love interests, the big protective Deputy Sheriff, Tom. We get a feel for her home turf, Aspen Meadows, Colorado, (It's a real Peyton Place, or for my younger followers, Wisteria Lane.) and find she's a caterer who actually shares recipes. All of the books in the series include some tasty recipes. Give one a read and cook up something special while you're at it!

Yet another blurb about the CPSIA!

In an effort to comply with the general request that all of us bloggers speak about the CPSIA yesterday, I threw together a few thoughts and published them last night without a lot of consideration, much like Congress passed the new law. I wanted it to appear I had done something constructive. (I had, after all, already written and prepared yesterday's post - a long feature article about a great crafter and her creations. That posting had been carefully researched, written and advertised to run yesterday. I really hated to take away from it by jumping back on the CPSIA soapbox.) In the light of day, last night's CPSIA comments appear rather lame. Here, I will try to improve on that.

I'm to the point where I just want Congress to say, one way or the other, if there will be revisions to the CPSIA coming soon. "Just come out and make a definitive statement, will you?" Knowing how our government generally works, I'm not holding my breath. My mind keeps flitting to a scene from Best Little Whorehouse in Texas where the governor does "a little dance" the "two step" to keep from taking an official position. Can you picture a chorus line of politicians dancing on the steps of the Capitol? Now, that might be worth a drive to D.C.! I believe our only realistic reprieve may come from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the form of exceptions, exemptions and a new enforcement time table. This is feasible and may actually occur in our lifetime.

As a crafter, I am not asking permission to produce dangerous and hazardous products for children. MY PRODUCTS ARE SAFE !!! I am only asking that small manufacturers, like myself, be provided with practical, manageable conformity rules and regulations that will not effectively wipe out America's cottage industries.

My merchandise is produced by using ready-made, commercially available clothing, which under this law, has already been certified by it's manufacturer - companies like OshKosh, Gerber, Carters, etc. - to be lead and phthalate free. I buy my blanks (the clothing pieces which I paint) on the retail market. I then embellish that garment with certified non-toxic paints produced by two American manufacturers who have also already certified their paints as safe under this law. (I have copies of their test results.) A child could literally drink a bottle of this paint without any health repercussions. (Of course, you'd want to be sure they were wearing disposeable diapers!)

This combination of two harmless components does not trigger any chemical changes in the garment or paints but it does create a brand new product. I, as the manufacturer of that new product, will now have to have that item tested by a third-party tester. Redundent? Wasteful? Expensive? Yes!!! Reasonable? No!!! Financially possible? -- Let's just ask. "Will you pay $75.00 (or higher) for tht cotton onesie for your next baby shower gift?"

Many opponents of the law have pronounced it as the death of "cute" creations. Maybe not the end of "cute" but definitely the end of "one-of-a-kind" productions for children. The testing process itself destroys the garment requiring at least two of any lot to be made. One to be tested - one to use/sell/give, whatever. Remember watching the Jetsons, Star Trek and other futuristic shows - everyone dressed the same. I guess they'd already passed a CPSIA in their societies.

The first phase of the law, effective 2/10/09, does allow me to certify that my products are made with safe, tested components. I can do that. Therefore, I will continue to make and sell my children's products after that date. The second phase, scheduled to kick in sometime in August, 2009, requires me to do the 3rd party testing. That isn't financially feasible for me. If the law doesn't have exemptions or changes made by then, I will need to stop manufacturing those items. My business will suffer while it goes through a transformation forcing me to gear toward grown-up sales.

The impact of this new law is far reaching. It pertains to ALL children's products whether they're made by Aunt Bessie ("the crochet queen") or Mattel. OshKosh is also just another American manufacturer who will need to comply. Of course, Mattel and OshKosh and the like don't produce one-of-a-kind or few-of-a-kind lots. They can afford to test one item in order to sell 15,000 identical pieces. (I'm sure you can count on the retail price reflecting the costs of such testing.)

Aunt Bessie, on the other hand, crochets for something to do. She makes baby blankets and preemie hats for her local hospital. She goes to Walmart and buys a hank or two of baby yarn for these items and lovingly spends her afternoons stitching with love. That yarn, as a component, is safe. Now, without altering the chemical properties of that yarn, Aunt Bessie will need to do 3rd party testing before giving that item to the hospital. The CPSIA pertains to "any distribution," not just "sales for profit." Did Congress mean to shut down all of the meaningful charitable work like this being doen by America's seniors? I hope not, but as enacted, that's what this law can do!

Let's work together to get this changed -- NOW !!! Contact your Congressman. Bombard Henry Waxman, the man in power, with letters, phone calls, voice mails, e-mails, etc. Ask for revisions to this law before the American craftsman becomes just another chapter in our history books.

Speak out about the CPSIA - NOW

There’s an organized effort to have all craft-related blogs talk about the CSPIA today. I have talked a lot about the new law in the last few weeks but now is the time to contact your representatives in Congress if you have not already done so. The comment period as to exceptions and other enforcement details ends at the end of the month. More importantly, a hearing has been scheduled next week to ask Congress to reconsider this law and start working toward revisions and clarifications.

None of us want to create unsafe products for our children but the law is so broad and ambiguous as to include products that have a minisucle to no chance of containing lead or phthalates. In doing so, this law creates undue hardship on the very small manufacturer (crafter).

When was the last time you saw a baby afghan recalled as it contained lead? Or a child's onesie? How about a recieving blanket? I challenge you to locate such a recall.

Want to know more details? Review some of my previous posts and google "CPSIA". The important thing is to ask your Congressional representatives to revisit this issue. The law needs immediate revision!

Here a bear ... there a bear...

With only a few more days before I run the profile of my friend, Eva, and her teddy bears, I thought I’d share a few of the bear-related items on my own site, http://www.splashin.etsy.com/, with you. I hope to still be able to bring you these cute items once the CPSIA goes into effect next month. I do, however, anticipate the possibility of suspending sales in that area while the powers-that-be sort out all of the details.


I’m not sure what direction I will go with the kids’ merchandise on 2/10/09. I mean I know my merchandise is safe. Number one, it is clothing made from fabric and made by legitimate companies like OshKosh, Carters, and Gerber. I buy these items from the retail market so they will already have had to be tested in order to be marketed by the original manufacturer. The paints I use are American-made and I have their manufacturer’s safety test results available for each color. I’ve done nothing but combine the two to create (“manufacture”) a new item. Under the new law, I now need to have this item tested once again. Since most of my work is one-of-a-kind, the cost of testing the individual item will make me price myself right out of the market place. My regular customers have assured me they still want my merchandise. Funny, I never thought of myself and my crowd considering dealing in the underground market. It’s hard to think of a cute little onsesie being contraband!

I believe, FIRMLY, that the law will be altered eventually. This is the Federal government we are talking about - nothing good happens quickly. The fact remains that the CPSIA (Consumer Protections Safety Improvement Act) has been enacted and will take effect on 2/10/09. It is LAW. The new President cannot, by law, change that fact. It is simply not within his power. There has been a big discussion about his putting a hold on new “regulations” while he sorts out the impact of such regulations. This does not change the law or its enforcement date. What it does do is change the effect of any currently proposed exceptions. It also extends the public comment period for such exceptions.

While all that is happening, we can still lobby our representatives and, specifically, Senator Waxman, Chairman of the committee, to bring the law up for revision. The concept of limiting lead and phthalates in our children’s merchandise is not a bad one. It just has not been executed well by the wording of the CPSIA. With our pressure, they can quickly postpone the date of enforcement for the new law and then they can pursue the arduous task of revamping it to protect the American crafters and small business that may well be destroyed with enforcement of this law as currently written. Want more details, simply google CPSIA and you’ll find more than you can digest in one or two sittings.

In the meantime, I am preparing by adding some grown-up items to my site just to keep it alive. This is not really a new line for me, I just didn’t offer my adult items on my website until now. I have been making and selling them for many years. I am holding off on designing and creating new merchandise for children at the moment. This breaks my heart as it is the work I love to do most.

So, ultimately, this is the time for you to act if you want my children’s items. Time may be limited. These are just a few samples. You can see many more at http://www.splashin.etsy.com/. Please, take a look.

I hope you’ll tune back in next week to read my article on Eva and her bears (and dolls and mice and much more!) Impatient? You can look at Eva’s creations on her site at http://www.ejcrafts.com/.

Till then, stay warm, stay creative and keep on loving life. Spring is coming! (I think.)

BRRR!! We're heading South!!

Not much time to chat today. Slept in a little this morning as tomorrow will be both an early and long day. We’ll be traveling 10 hours by car, leaving long before dawn. When we did the planning, we figured this trip would be a jaunt into the warmth and comfort of the South. Well, it will be comforting but the only warmth will be from the love and companionship of the friends we are visiting. This artic blast is reaching deep and they are expecting some of the coldest temperatures there in years. On the upside (for us) temps should be running about 20 degrees warmer in the daytime than they will be here at home. I think I’ve been cold for three days, even inside. I think just knowing how cold it is outside and knowing it is just getting colder has chilled me mentally. I just don’t DO cold -- and don’t even bring up the subject of snow! (At least we haven’t had much of that here - YET.)


I need to thank all of you who have chimed in with moral support for our battle against the new CPSIA. It does seem the Commission is looking into exceptions. I just hope they can come up with sufficient adjustments in time to prevent the vast majority of children’s crafters from closing up shop. That would be catastrophic to our nation’s culture as a whole. I have stopped creating new children’s products for the moment but I have continued to sketch ideas for designs -- just in case. Oh, and I did take one giant leap. I listed a few non-child-oriented items in my etsy shop. I am currently taking photos of more “adult” items and hoping to list them within the next few weeks. Who knows, they may be successful there.

I need to perfect the photography of the bigger items. I was set up for shooting the tiny stuff but my backdrops just can’t accommodate the larger sizes. I will probably be replacing the existing photos on the site shortly as I really wasn’t thrilled with the final results yesterday. I need to spend time packing and such today so it will be next week’s project.

Coming Attractions :

Also next week, I plan to profile another crafter and her business. I hope to do such profiles on a regular basis. Hey, maybe one day it will be one of you I’m profiling. I also have a couple of recipes I want to share next week. I’m sure most of us could use a few “stick to your ribs” dishes and some real comfort foods, too.

Well, I’ve got to get in gear and get busy with that packing. Remember, if you want to voice your opinion about the CPSIA to the powers that be, the deadline for public input to the Commission is January 30. Actual “revision” of the law will require Congressional action, so contacting your representatives there can’t hurt either. For more info, simply google “CPSIA.” I’ll be MIA until the middle of next week while traveling. In the meantime, stay warm, think creative thoughts and enjoy life.

See you all next week!

Illegal after 2/10/09 !!!

Thought I'd show you just some of the items I can't sell under the new CPSIA as it now reads. Look dangerous don't they?

All of these items are garments made by Gerber, OshKosh, Carters and similar BIG name manufacturers who will need to test and certify all of their products before sending them to stores where I normally purchase my garments. Once I've painted them with certified safe fabric paints, I will again need to have them tested and certified by that third party tester. Not financially possible!!! I shall miss making cute kiddie stuff. Hope the old men look just as charming in my new line of painted clothes!!

Stay tuned to see the items I plan to present to the "older" generation!!!

Wow - 2009 !!!! How did this happen? Remember all the science fiction shows that were set in the future? I think we’re there.

If you only have a moment to read today, please jump down and read the part about the CPSIA!! It’s really important!!

I try to look at January as a transition time. Time to clean up the left over everything from last year and time for a fresh start in so many areas.


Out With the Old --

I still have a few Christmas gifts to get to their rightful recipients. This is not unusual as there are a few family members and close friends that we simply do not catch up to until sometime in January every year. I like to keep the tree up as long as possible but this year, the needles were dropping fast and we definitely took it down a few days ahead of normal. (“Normal” for us, that is.!) I think the Big Guy was actually thrilled. He comes from a family that always put the tree and decorations up like clockwork on the day after Thanksgiving and most of it is packed away by noon on New Year’s Day. I came from a family that put the tree up on Christmas Eve and it stayed up at least until Little Christmas and often into mid-January. I love the holidays and taking it all down seems so depressing. I mean, January and February are not that exciting a season to rush into! I guess I’ll have to take the wreaths off the door and windows this week, too.

In With the New --

CPSIA
Unfortunately, not everything “NEW” is good. The bureaucrats in D.C. have come up with a doozie this time!! The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has been passed into law and will be enforced beginning February 10, 2009. Excellent intentions with terrible execution!

In an effort to stop dangerous, lead laden imports from falling into America’s smallest citizens’ hands, Congress rushed into this legislation. Attempting to appear proactive, especially in an election year, they passed a broad, general and very ambiguous bill requiring all products geared toward children ages 12 and under, and all products that could conceivably be used by those under 13, to undergo rigorous and expensive testing for hazardous wastes - specifically lead and phthalates. These are normally found in plastics and some paints. Most American-made paints since the late 70s have not contained these ingredients.

Aimed at those cheap, junky imports the law also blankets American manufacturers, both large and small, and the independent craftspeople who manufacture and sell even just one toy, outfit or baby afghan. It also covers “distribution” (not just sales) of all children’s products. All materials are included, even that sweet, soft baby yarn Grandma is crocheting with. As written, donations to the church bazaar or the local hospital are prohibited unless we test that little hat or afghan for these hazards.

None of us wants to create harmful merchandise and hand it to a child and that is not why this law is badly written. The law requires every item to be 3rd-party tested and to carry “certification” of those test results even for those items made from components that are sold for use by children and certified safe by those manufacturers. This will put most of us out of business or at least stop us from producing quality, safe and unique children’s items. I guess that’s why all the kids on “The Jetsons” all wore the same outfits!

The testing is expensive, starting at $40 “per component.” Using one of my, one of a kind, items as an example, let’s say I want to make and sell a baby onesie with a cute fish painted on it. I will go to the store and purchase a plain onesie marketed by Gerber or Carter or a similar company and, presumably, already certified as toxin-free under this new law. I then paint it with American made fabric paints, also each certified by the manufacturer to comply with this law. After taking the onesie home and painting the design on it, I am now the “manufacturer” of that product and must have it tested and certified. I would need to have the onesie itself tested, and if the design used, say 6 colors, each of those colors needs to be individually tested, too. Should I be able to locate that tester that is doing it for as low as $40/test, we are talking seven separate test procedures for a testing charge of $280! Normally, I sell the product for $15. Will you pay almost $300 for a onesie in a newborn size?

I believe this law will be altered and revised to accommodate the good old American craftsman but there is the question of when that will all happen. Congress has never been known for speed! If you are interested in knowing more, simply google “CPSIA” and you’ll come up with a ton of info. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find a shortage of children’s products available after February 10th!!

Okay, I'll climb down from the soapbox for the moment.

Among the fresh starts I planned has been putting more time into promoting my business and website. I’ve been making all sorts of notes for the last few months concerning marketing approaches, promotionals, etc. Now with this huge roadblock - the new CPSIA -I’m not quite sure what way to go. I’m sure exceptions are coming - eventually - that will allow me to make and sell my products. However, those changes are unlikely to be made before February 10, 2009. In the meantime, I need to focus in other directions. I need to determine which of my adult clothes I can put on the website and determine which household and décor items I want to go that way with also. I believe I need to get some of these on the site before the deadline as Etsy may need to take administrative action to remove the children’s products from the server. I want my site to stay active, so I need to have some “legal” products there.

I want to work on some other areas of my life, too. I've kind of let my attempts at fictional writing slide a bit since this time last year. I want to get back on a stricter schedule of writing. I'll never be Danielle Steele turning out several books a year but I'd love to do at least one in this lifetime!! (My style is closer to Evanovich than Steele !) As always, I want to do better at staying in touch with friends and family - especially the older folks. (Yes, there is a generqation OLDER than ours!) Of course, I want to get more organized and stick with it!!! (Like that'll take!!!)

As for the immediate wants - I'm fixing a turkey dinner tonight so I need to get busy in the kitchen soon. We're traveling later in the week so I also need to get laundry done and ironing so all we have to do is grab from the closet tomorrow night so I can pack. Our original plan was to leave very early Thursday morning but there's a weather system we're watching and may end up driving through the night Wednesday instead, leaving as soon as the Big Guy gets home from work. That makes packing happen a day early! I also need to finish a birthday gift that is traveling with us.

So, I really need to get off this computer -- NOW!!!