1.31.2009

{ Featured & Good News}

My Jack & the beanstalk bib was featured in a storque article about the CPSIA blog-in. Pretty cool, in a matter of a few days it has been viewed over 600 times! ----->

The CPSIA has issued a one year stay! This is great news, but the fight is far from over! This gives us a year to fight for component testing and material exemptions.

On a personal note, a huge sigh of relief. I gave been SO stressed over this whole thing. I spent the day shopping for fabric and mapping out my new Spring Kunklebaby Organics line. I had a great shipment of fabulous new organics fabrics arrive on my doorstep today! Off to work!

1.28.2009

{ CPSIA }

It concerns the CPSIA or the 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. To show how real this is, Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying close attention to it.
But how will these new laws affect you? 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, children’s books will be pulled from library and school shelves. There is no exemption for them. Here is an article from the American Library Association.
To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it’s passed testing. But then 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, we’re due to find items in non-compliance dumped into already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the big box stores as well. They can’t sell it and they can’t even give them away. If they are caught, it is a violation.
To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend the money 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 making and/or selling them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. In a time when unemployment is reaching record highs, this doesn’t bode well for the economy.
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.” Read about this in an article from The Wall Street Journal.



If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
And for those of you prepared for an intellectual workout, The CPSIA
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react. You can find out how to contact your representative here and your senator here.



Thank you to chichiboulie. Article above is a direct quote from her blog.

1.14.2009

{ Featured Artist: Schmooks }

I like to browse other people's favorites while on Etsy. The other day I came across a great, new shop, Schmooks! I was instantly drawn in by the abundant use of color and texture. As a painter, I am soooo into texture!
I wanted to share some of the wonderful artwork from Claire of Schmooks. Based in Australia, she prints in limited editions of 20, so get em while their hot! The images here are my 3 FAVORITE from her shop. {I'll be getting one as soon as I can actually decide which to chose...feel free to add comments about your favorites.}

Please enjoy her interview below:
How did you get started?
I have always been in love with art, and since I can remember have wanted to be an artist. I studied creative subjects throughout school and finished my degree in Graphic Design at the University of Canberra. I opened my Etsy shop recently as a way to not only showcase my work, but to connect with other creative people. It is such an invaluable network.
Where does your shop name come from?
Its is a little embarrassing really… It’s a name I called my husband when we were dating, it just kind of stuck around after that! {isn't that so cute!!}
Advice for other artists?
Well I can’t give too much advice regarding Etsy, as I’m only new at it myself. However I always say design for yourself and everything will fall into place – and if it doesn’t who cares, as long as you’re having a great time!
Favorite or best selling product?
I’m really into colours (as you can probably tell!). ‘If I were a peacock’ and ‘her red shoes’ are my favourites, they make me feel happy!
Illustrating for me is about being spontaneous and free. It’s my passion and addiction, I love it!

Want your very own Schmooks artwork? Get it here!

1.08.2009

{ Falling Snow!! }

Do you remember watching the snow fall as a kid? I always loved the first snowfall of the season. (Being that I grew up in Cleveland, we didn't have to wait long-lol)
When I was a little older, 11-12ish, I would always spend the day at the park with my best friend Amy. We would just walk around for hours, talking and enjoy the beauty of the freshly fallen snow on the tree's. Looking back, those day was always super positive, I ache to be so free again to just breathe and enjoy life in the moment.
I feel so nostalgic watching my children delight in the snow. The first snow meant a new season, happiness, and fun things to come. I hope it feels the same way for {D}, {m} and {L}!

1.07.2009

{ Cool Stuff! }



Last year at Comfest, I came across a cool tent with all natural wood toys and teethers for babies & toddlers. {L} was just a wee one at the time, but I picked up a teether for the upcoming chew fest.
I LOVE the teether! I feel happy knowing my babe is not chewing on chemical laden plastic toys. We have been replacing a lot of the plastic, electronic, flashing light toys we were given in the past with all natural, handmade goodies.

We now have three things from Amy of Little Alouette. We added a fun wood sword and egg shaker for Christmas this year. The items are all very well made, all natural and very open ended for play. I find myself shaking the egg, cause it's fun...even after the baby has crawled away-lol.


Here is some more info on this cool family run business, based out of Columbus:

"We use certified organic seed oil to finish our product. We also use Ohio Maple when whenever we can-we believe in natural materials that are locally sourced and all our products are made here in Ohio. We love the earth and will not package your items in extra packaging unless you require it." -little alouette


So if your in the market for some cool, safe toys, have a peek at Little Alouette. You'll find excellent craftsmanship and friendly customer service. Amy went out of her way to get me the sword before Christmas. {M} already requested her very own for her next birthday-lol. I think we need one of her wooden animal pull toys next!