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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Something new. . .but what can I do with it?
Being a Mom I have a pretty good idea of things that a Mother could use, especially during the baby years. Sitting here the other day in the land of thread and needles I looked around and got to work on something new. Now, it's not a new idea and completely different but it's new for me and here it is:
A waterproof changing pad.
It's cute, all rolled up to fit in your diaper bag. When you need it simply unroll:
and you're ready to go.
This one features a soft flannel in an adorable animal print:
and as you can see:
the back is covered with vinyl so it truly is waterproof.
It's machine washable cold though you need to hang it to dry.
With the new CPSIA laws I don't believe the vinyl is allowed. I know oil cloth isn't which was my other choice but I have to research the vinyl issue and see where that gets me. With craft fairs on the calendar and shops I'd like to put some goodies in. . .I'm running out of ideas that will be legal! :(
I CAN make quilts provided I label them and the labeling laws have been eased up upon this week so that's feasible. I MAY also be able to continue burp cloths which is nice since that was a new item I liked even though it didn't seem to be as popular as anticipated.
For now to research my changing pads and see if there's enough interest to look at some options so I don't need to disobey the law and sell illegal items.
A waterproof changing pad.
It's cute, all rolled up to fit in your diaper bag. When you need it simply unroll:
and you're ready to go.
This one features a soft flannel in an adorable animal print:
and as you can see:
the back is covered with vinyl so it truly is waterproof.
It's machine washable cold though you need to hang it to dry.
With the new CPSIA laws I don't believe the vinyl is allowed. I know oil cloth isn't which was my other choice but I have to research the vinyl issue and see where that gets me. With craft fairs on the calendar and shops I'd like to put some goodies in. . .I'm running out of ideas that will be legal! :(
I CAN make quilts provided I label them and the labeling laws have been eased up upon this week so that's feasible. I MAY also be able to continue burp cloths which is nice since that was a new item I liked even though it didn't seem to be as popular as anticipated.
For now to research my changing pads and see if there's enough interest to look at some options so I don't need to disobey the law and sell illegal items.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Label a Day. . .
"The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a sweeping new law that impacts a broad spectrum of our economy. From manufacturers of toys to the kids that play with them, everyone is affected in some way -- even those who make and donate products to hospitals and charities.
There are new rules to be understood and adopted for everyone from the largest global manufacturer to the crafter working in the family workshop to the mom-and-pop shop on the corner. Indeed, all children’s products including toys, books, child care articles and clothing are covered in different ways by this law, and there are different rules for different products."
The CPSIA has been the equivalent of a dull sewing needle to creators of child's items over the last year or so. Seeking to keep children safe this law is slowing putting people out of business. The little people who are actually considered manufacturers according to the CPSIA website. I never considered myself a manufacturer. I considered myself a hobbiest - the equivelent of Grandma and her knitting needles but soon Grandmom could go to jail for selling her knit stuffed animals at a craft fair. Sad but true.
I can understand the need to crack down on harmful chemicals used in children's products. I actually read in a magazine not to led my son drink from the outside hose because it could contain lead! I grew up drinking from the hose and now I'm supposed to limit the time my son spends in his pool because of lead? Are we over-reacting or finally catching up to where our standards should have been years ago.
I do not understand how this attention to possible dangers has skipped over big companies and come down hard on the little guy. The testing required is expensive and already many shops on Etsy have closed. Come August when new laws come into effect others plan to close as well. It's not like these crafters are out to hurt your children! Handmade items have a special feeling to them and are handed down generation to generation - just don't try to sell Great-Grandmom's quilt to someone . . .you could go to jail. Don't sell any old children's books either.
A list of exempt items has come out and if you stick to it you're permitted to continue selling and donating your items. I've read about labels to show material content being required but that's fine by me . . .well it was until reading something else about what type of label to use because the wrong one could be on the 'illegal materials' list and land me in the slammer.
Slowly crafters everywhere are making sense of these laws and keeping up-to-date on the latest changes. One day you think you're safe and can continue and the next you read something and are ready to pack it all up.
Personally I'm continuing with some things here and there. I know my quilts are okay as long as I stick to that infamous list. My burp cloths. . .I would think the cloths I use in the start are okay since they're made by Gerber but maybe I can get a cert from them to show it. It's so frustrating because reading these laws is enough to make your head feel like it's going to explode.
For now it's back to my morning coffee.
There are new rules to be understood and adopted for everyone from the largest global manufacturer to the crafter working in the family workshop to the mom-and-pop shop on the corner. Indeed, all children’s products including toys, books, child care articles and clothing are covered in different ways by this law, and there are different rules for different products."
The CPSIA has been the equivalent of a dull sewing needle to creators of child's items over the last year or so. Seeking to keep children safe this law is slowing putting people out of business. The little people who are actually considered manufacturers according to the CPSIA website. I never considered myself a manufacturer. I considered myself a hobbiest - the equivelent of Grandma and her knitting needles but soon Grandmom could go to jail for selling her knit stuffed animals at a craft fair. Sad but true.
I can understand the need to crack down on harmful chemicals used in children's products. I actually read in a magazine not to led my son drink from the outside hose because it could contain lead! I grew up drinking from the hose and now I'm supposed to limit the time my son spends in his pool because of lead? Are we over-reacting or finally catching up to where our standards should have been years ago.
I do not understand how this attention to possible dangers has skipped over big companies and come down hard on the little guy. The testing required is expensive and already many shops on Etsy have closed. Come August when new laws come into effect others plan to close as well. It's not like these crafters are out to hurt your children! Handmade items have a special feeling to them and are handed down generation to generation - just don't try to sell Great-Grandmom's quilt to someone . . .you could go to jail. Don't sell any old children's books either.
A list of exempt items has come out and if you stick to it you're permitted to continue selling and donating your items. I've read about labels to show material content being required but that's fine by me . . .well it was until reading something else about what type of label to use because the wrong one could be on the 'illegal materials' list and land me in the slammer.
Slowly crafters everywhere are making sense of these laws and keeping up-to-date on the latest changes. One day you think you're safe and can continue and the next you read something and are ready to pack it all up.
Personally I'm continuing with some things here and there. I know my quilts are okay as long as I stick to that infamous list. My burp cloths. . .I would think the cloths I use in the start are okay since they're made by Gerber but maybe I can get a cert from them to show it. It's so frustrating because reading these laws is enough to make your head feel like it's going to explode.
For now it's back to my morning coffee.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
A busy and creative week
So what's new? Something else for the list of items I can say I make.
Key Fobs!
I'm hoping that a Mom Club I know of will be interested in these. I can put their logo on them and then they can sell them as a fundraiser.
I'm also hoping to make some for a craft show in October that I plan to be in. I got the application today and need to see if it's something I really want to do.
Yes, it is! :) I just wish I were more confident in myself but that will come in time. For now I'm am Artful Mommy on a mission!
Key Fobs!
I'm hoping that a Mom Club I know of will be interested in these. I can put their logo on them and then they can sell them as a fundraiser.
I'm also hoping to make some for a craft show in October that I plan to be in. I got the application today and need to see if it's something I really want to do.
Yes, it is! :) I just wish I were more confident in myself but that will come in time. For now I'm am Artful Mommy on a mission!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
It's a holiday so we'll try something NEW!
So after chatting back and forth with a new friend I(and possibly new woman to work with in selling my creations) I have some new goodies to show off!
Kimono Baby Shoes!
My first attempt wasn't awful but the second and third as shown in the picture are cute. Yeah, go me! :)
Sadly it's almost midnight and after a very busy few days this holiday weekend I need to get to sleep. Even sadder is that I have to clean and such tomorrow so no 'fun' time until Tuesday night when I get home from work. Boo hiss BUT you never know - I may sneak in some time somewhere.
Kimono Baby Shoes!
My first attempt wasn't awful but the second and third as shown in the picture are cute. Yeah, go me! :)
Sadly it's almost midnight and after a very busy few days this holiday weekend I need to get to sleep. Even sadder is that I have to clean and such tomorrow so no 'fun' time until Tuesday night when I get home from work. Boo hiss BUT you never know - I may sneak in some time somewhere.
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