Friday, January 30, 2009

Relief???

So I just read that the CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements and read the quote below. I've also read of people cautioning that it is only "proposed", but either way it is a step in the right direction! There is so much that needs to be worked out, I just hope it gets done before the year is up!

"Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements. The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted. The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay."

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CPSIA Does it affect you? I bet it does!

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 toys? 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, 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? Well, 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 blanket 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 blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

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 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 Forbeshttp://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 Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.htmlDid you know?

If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Nutcracker Ribbon Sculpture Instructions


Just listed for those of you who want to get a jump start on your Holiday crafting! A set of instructions to make the Nutcracker ribbon sculpture that you see pictured. You can use the finished sculpture in a variety of ways! Mount it to a clip to wear in your hair or clip to a package! Put it on a pin back, or a magnet! Or even make it into an ornament!
There are 25 pages with 60+ pictures to clearly show you how it is assembled including mounting options.
Stop by my shop today to see what's available! http://punkynmunky.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

Twitter

So you Twitter? I was recently introduced to it. Not sure if I like it or not yet, but if you want to follow me, I'll be posting updates to listings and other tidbits about my day there if you'd like to keep up with me! I'll follow you too! You can find me here https://twitter.com/punkynmunky.

500th sale!!!!

Yay! I did it! Made my 500th sale! The lucky buyer bought the No Slip Grip Tutorial and chose the Spikey Bow tutorial for her free item.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

499

I just sold my 499th item in my shop on Etsy! Wow! I want to thank all of my wonderful customers for helping me get this far! I just hope that I can continue past Feb 10, still waiting to hear of any revisions or for the law to be repealed.

Anyway, on a lighter note, whoever is my 500th sale will get to choose a second item for free (of equal or lesser value)!!!!!! I'm not promoting it anywhere but here, so maybe it will be surprise for that individual :)

Friday, January 9, 2009

Etsy-versary!

January 11 will mark my 1 year anniversary on Etsy at http://punkynmunky.com/! I cannot believe how time flies! To show my appreciation to all of my valuable customers I am offering free shipping on all items! Just put FREESHIP in the message to seller or send me a a conversation and I'll refund your paypal. If you'd prefer a revised invoice just let me know!

I'm also offering BUY ONE GET ONE FREE on all tutorials (second/free tutorial is of equal or lesser value than the first)! For tutorial buyers, please purchase your first tutorial, then put in the "message to seller" or send me a conversation with which one you'd like sent to you for free.

These offers are valid from today through Monday January 12, 2009.
http://punkynmunky.com/

Wendy