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.

It's FRIDAY !!!

T.G.I.F. - It's been a long cold week and now they're predicting sun and a little warmth over the weekend. We should get into the 50s! I know winter's not over but it seems we're getting a break -- a chance to thaw a bit.

I did get some creative work in today. no painting but I was able to sketch out some new fish designs and I prepped a few garments. Now, I can start right in painting this weekend.

Fishy Fishy

My business began with a fish - thus, the name "Splashin." I've done a lot of other, many better, fishes but that first, cartoon-style fish has sort of become my signature design and he pops up everywhere on all kinds of products. We call him "Fishy Fishy."

I first designed Fishy Fishy for an outfit for our niece, Katelynn. The Big Guy got such a kick out of him that he wanted one on a shirt for himself. I didn't take him seriously but, after much prodding, I finally painted him a shirt featuring Fishy Fishy. It's a good thing. People see it and ask for business cards!! Who knew men could be so whimsical?






Fishy Fishy pops up everywhere!

The Big Guy also has a wardrobe full of other, more realistic, fish and sea creatures that I've painted. Many are based on the tropical fish in our own tank. These too present many opportunities to hand out cards. Although I've been doing adult clothes for quite some time I am just now starting to feature them in my etsy shop.


I plan to have quite a few "adult" shirts, aprons and such in stock for Mother's Day and Father's Day gifts this year. I know it's hard to be thinking of those big days already but they really are "just around the corner" and I need to get busy creating and painting stock now. I think I may have finally found my mojo again.

I sure hope it gets warmer soon. I'm afraid my mojo may run away again just to get out of the cold!!!!

Let's hear it for the boys!!

A friend was bemoaning the fact that they were expecting “yet another grandson!” She wanted a little girl to dress in those “cute” girly clothes not just “bland boy stuff.” “Bland?” Has she checked out all the wonderful, creative and CUTE clothes for boys available from the many talented, artistic crafters out there in the world?

First thing I did was congratulate her on the new life she would soon be cuddling and cooing over. In all fairness, she was genuinely happy to announce a new baby was on its way but she had , momentarily, given in to her desire for a little girl to fuss over.

Next thing I did was point her in the direction of my shop, www.splashin.etsy.com and showed her just some of the great CUTE little boy items I sell. (These are just a few of what I offer for both boys and girls!) Want to see more? Click the etsy mini on the left and you’ll be whisked off to my online shop.

Finally, I put together a collection of quotes and sayings reminding her how captivating that little guy will be once she gets her Granny-hands on him! Thought I’d share a few with you, too.

Let’s start with a true definition: "A boy is a noise with dirt on it." - Author: Unknown

Then, where can we find little boys?

“Boys are found everywhere -- on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them and Heaven protects them. A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket." -- Author: Alan Marshall Beck

What can we expect from little boys?

Erma Bombeck, mom to two boys, once wrote, “With boys, you always know where you stand. Right in the path of a hurricane.”

and:

"Blue jeans and trucks,

Scrapes on his knees,

Running in the dirt

Being a tease

Making a face

Build and destroy

There’s nothing like

Just being a boy!"
Author: unknown

and,

my personal favorite:

"Boys are God's way of telling you that your house is too neat."

So, to all you Moms (and Grannies) to boys (and girls!), take some time to do something creative before the kids get home today!!

Why eat strawberry shortcake?

Help! I'm surrounded by magazines, newspaper ads and TV shows pushing all kinds of delicious goodies for Valentine's Day!! They're making my mouth water... and my tummy growl. I HAVE to BAKE, NOW!!!

As I dig out the bowls, mixer and canisters, I realize how much I miss our little Midwest Baker's Assistant - Katie ! Just watching her wield her little rolling pin is entertainment. (The finished product is often not very photogenic!) The important thing is - we all have fun in the process. Can't wait to make that 1200 mile drive to visit after the Spring thaw. (We're not big on cross-country drives this time of year!)

One of the big Love Day suggestions is strawberry shortcake which brought this great little list to mind:

Just a few of the perfect excuses for having some strawberry shortcake.

Pick one:
(1) It’s less calories than two pieces of strawberry shortcake.
(2) It’s cheaper than going to France.
(3) It neutralizes the brownies I had yesterday.
(4) Life is short.
(5) It’s somebody’s birthday. I don’t want them to celebrate alone.
(6) It matches my eyes.
(7) Whoever said, “Let them eat cake,” must have been talking to me.
(8) To punish myself for eating dessert yesterday.
(9) Compensation for all the time I spend in the shower not eating.
(10) Strawberry shortcake is evil. I must help rid the world of it.
(11) I’m getting weak from eating all that healthy stuff.
(12) It’s the second anniversary of the night I ate plain broccoli.

I'm not sure where I originally found that list so I can't give it full credit but I did quote it in a family cookbook I made last year.

So, until we chat again, be creative, make something good and tasty, and ENJOY!!!!

Maybe it's my mojo coming back - slowly.

Late last night, I finally took time to revamp the Welcome Page for my etsy shop as well as my Profile and Shop's Policies pages. It's basically all the same info - just rearranged, I did add a little language about the safety of my merchandise. I've been meaning to do this for quite a while now.

With the CPSIA threat out of the way for now, I've begun to add new children's merchandise to my shop. The two newest additions are my Fun Frogs Set, featuring a onesie and matching pants, and a Tool Man In Training Onesie. I've offered the latter as a 2 pc set for a while but keep getting requests for just the onesie so I've finally listed it by itself.

If you're looking for something different for a little one in your life,

please check out these and others in my shop at www.splashin.etsy.com.

___________

Today went a lot better than yesterday. I'm not sure I've actually recovered all of my mojo but I did find some energy. Since the creative juices hadn't started to flow, I threw myself into the mundane necessities of life like laundry, grocery shopping and cooking.

The Big Guy took pity on me last night and fixed dinner so I decided he deserved a decent meal tonight. He thoroughly enjoyed his pork enchiladas and black beans this evening. The best part (for me anyhow) is there's enough leftovers to constitute a second dinner from the effort.

I've never learned to cook for just two people. When I worked 45-50 hours a week, I used to spend one entire day cooking and stockpiling a bunch of meals for the freezer. Favorites have always been things like jambalaya, pulled pork, chicken parmesan, stuffed shells, etc. I'd do that like once every six weeks or so. Since I've been at home full time, I haven't stopped that system I still appreciate painting all day and then being able to produce a quick home-cooked meal by simply heating something up.

Here's one of the recipes I like to use for such meals:

CHICKEN PARMESAN (without breading)

**When I make this to stockpile, I simply prep the chicken and then freeze it in a freezer bag. It only takes a few minutes to assemble the chicken with the sauce and cheese before putting it in the oven.

4 boneless skinned chicken breasts
Salt-free lemon pepper
1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 jar tomato sauce of your choice (I usually use Prego)
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Shredded mozzarella
Spaghetti
*Generously sprinkle chicken with lemon pepper. Coat a non-stick pan with just enough olive oil to cover the bottom (1-2 Tbsp.). Brown the chicken slowly over low heat. (The slow cooking tenderizes the meat.)
*When chicken is cooked through, place the breasts in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.
*Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to taste.
*Top each breast with a handful of shredded mozzarella.
*Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes, until cheese bubbles and browns.
*Serve over spaghetti, cooked as directed on the package.

Add a salad and garlic bread and you’ve got a meal!


I hope to get some new painting done tomorrow. We'll see.

Till then, think creative thoughts.

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.