CPSIA Update

Good news!  The Commission has voted for a “Stay of Enforcement of Certain Testing and Certification Requirements of CPSIA” — which means that the burden of lead testing and certification has been suspended for a year while they take more time to review the rules and plan enforcement! 

It's about time

I'd been putting it off but I finally got around to making my personal sling.  It's not that I hadn't made one for myself.  In fact I re-did my first one 3 times. Then I found the perfect fabric.  I think it really suits my personality.  This one started out one sided and I just got around to making it reversible.  It was too dull before I added the solid side.  I also shortened it and made it a little wider; unfortunately it's about 4 inches shorter than I would prefer.  Note the label;  I ordered them from MonkeyGraphics.Esty.com.  She was wonderful to work with and they turned out great.  Lets just hope the CPSIA gets amended so that I can get some use out of the 150 labels I ordered.  

Save Handmade Toys and Small Businesses from the CPSIA

The CPSIA is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.  It will take effect on February 10th.  Congress is trying to pass a one size fits all solution for a problem that was caused by mass toy makers who outsourced to China.  It's not only going to affect toys; it regards ALL products for children under 12.   This is something that, if passed as it is currently written will devastate small businesses, artisans, and work at home moms.  The act is retroactive so thrift stores, consignment shops, and used book stores will go out of business.  To save money, Grant and I have always tried to buy our larger baby toys used for Elliott.  We wont be able to to that anymore.  Businesses will be forced to pay thousands of dollars to test each batch of their products before they can be sold.  It will be impossible for small businesses to comply. Prices will rise.  I will not be able to sell my products on Etsy anymore.  Yes, I want toys and children's products to be safe; but punishing small businesses and artisans for mistakes multi-million dollar companies made is not the answer.

I've written my senator and congressman; and you should too.  There is a sample letter, links to contact your congressman and senator, and a petition you can sign here 

So many people can say it better than I can, so check out  this link.

Also, read SuperNaturalMomma's blog about it.