CPSIA Update, part II

From Etsy:

Many of our members are aware of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the resulting sense of confusion sellers of children's items are experiencing. These sellers need to know how the legislation will impact their businesses and need to be informed.

The CPSIA is by no means a done deal. We are in conversations with the executive director of the CPSC, and they are listening to the micro-business community! Discussion is ongoing: makers and supporters of handmade and vintage items still need to voice concerns.

In light of this need for information, discussion, and feedback hinging on this important CPSIA issue, Etsy has launched a special temporary forum. Please post any relevant threads there.

Furthermore, for up to the minute info on the CPSIA, we would like to refer folks who are involved or concerned about the CPSIA issue to BuyHandmade.org's new blog, which includes resources and news updates. The Etsy homepage now proudly sports the new badge from BuyHandmade.org, reflecting the focus on this issue.

Please take the Buy Handmade Pledge and show your support for sellers of children's items by placing the badge on your websites and blogs.

CPSIA Update

Change.org needs your vote again!

Thank you so much for your support of the Handmade Toy Alliance. Membership numbers continue to grow and they have been receiving many positive press responses. They have issued letters to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission, responding to the agencies requests for comments on the CPSIA. Many of us have contacted our Congress People, hoping for their support in changing the law.

Currently, the Handmade Toy Alliance is in the running to have this issue presented to President-elect Obama, but they need your help to make this happen. Please vote to save small businesses from the CPSIA here.

The Handmade Toy Alliance remains grateful to all of you, your trust in our products and your ability to work with us to make a positive change in this legislation.

www.handmadetoyalliance.org

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Hot Off the Press—Stitch Magazine

I don’t know about you, but the craft-related magazines I see most often are not a good fit for me. They are either too simple or too difficult or too kitschy or too tacky or too…..whatever. But now, there’s a new magazine called Stitch, put out by Quliting Arts Magazine, that’s just right.



First of all, the articles are great. The cover article profiles 5 great skirts with cool detail that sets them apart and will inspire you to make your own innovations.

Stitch puts a huge emphasis on buying handmade, in that the magazine includes several lists of handmade sewing-related gifts, cool indie pattern companies, and profiles of great sewing sites.

This issue also has an article about sewing with sustainable fabrics and a bunch of gifts to make that you would actually like receive, like these:



I’m not sure when this special issue will come out again, if at all, but we could sure use more Stitch!

Post written by BennyAndHeidi

Favorite Shop: Mogwaii

"Cluck and Food Pillow"

Sara Campbell, the genius behind the Etsy shop Mogwaii, creates the most stunning pieces with pure wool. Her pillows, French Press cozies, and creatures all have simple and elegant compositions that are often nature inspired. There is also something about her work that somehow seems pure. This all comes to us from a rugged island in north west Scotland. Isn't it great how Etsy can make talent so far away so accessible?

"Leaf Design"

"Custom Wedding Quilt"

"Lavina the Hebridean Hen"

Random Baltimore Photo

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Friday finds...orange you glad I didn't say banana

With the drab weather these days its fun to look on etsy for fun colors. I've notice that orange has been making its way to the front page these days. Here are some of my favorite orange finds:

Haberdashery Cards by darling clementine



rust square tiles weekender by DrikaB


The Modern Silhoeuue Birdhouse by WilliamDohman

CAMPING SQUIRREL JR RANGER SCOUT LETTERPRESS PRINT IN A LETTERPRESS VIGNETTE MAT ORANGE AND BROWN by YeeHaw

Etsy Team Shout Out - Etsy Baby

Because I am not going to let the looming CSPIA stop me from buying handmade for all of the little people in my life, I want to send a shout out to the Esty Baby Team! This huge group of Etsy sellers is always busy making the cutest onesies, blanket, toys and nursery decor for all of the little one's under 2 in your life. Keep up with news, giveaways and sales on their blog.

And Speaking of Resolutions...

Following through with them can feel overwhelming at first, I think. Or worse, your excitement and determination can fizzle after a month or two. If you've resolved to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle this year then you should get out and meet people. Learn and eat and connect with other Baltimore vegetarians and you will be even more inspired to embrace a meat-free diet!


Fun Fruit from Bugga Bugs

Back to School
Attend a free one-hour vegetarian lifestyle class, led by Earthsave director Don Robertson, this Thursday, Jan 8th at 7 pm, in the café at Whole Foods grocery in Mt. Washington. To register, call customer service at 410-532-6700.

Vegetarian Meetup
The Baltimore Vegetarian Meetup discussion group will meet for dinner this Sunday, Jan. 11th at noon in Towson at the Kathmandu Kitchen at 22 West Allegheny Ave.



Healthy Digestive System: Detox With Food
On Saturday, January 24th, from 6-9 pm, Eathsave Baltimore Veg Dinner Series will host a potluck dinner featuring a lecture by licensed nutritionist Kasia Kines.

Kasia Kines will discuss nutritional changes we can make to deal with the damaging effects of environmental toxins and stress on our digestive systems. Learn how to detect and work with inflammation, toxicity, the immune system, gut issues and foods sensitivities to create a life of abundant, vibrant health.

Kasia Kines, Licensed Nutritionist, practices at Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center in Lutherville.

Dinner Guests are asked to bring a dish made without animal products to serve five times the number in their party, along with a donation of $5 ($2 for members). Or you may attend without bringing a dish for a $12 fee ($10 for members). Please give 2 days notice if paying for dinner. Monthly dinner/lecture events are held on the second Saturday at the Learning Center/Yoga Studio of Your Prescription for Health, 10210 S. Dolfield Rd. in Owings Mills. RSVPs will be much appreciated! For more info, see earthsavebaltimore.org , or call Don at 410-252-3043.

New Year's Resolution: Jumpstart your Craft Business!

If one of your resolutions is to start up or refresh your craft business, we have a workshop for you! BEST will be hosting its first business meetup at the Creative Alliance on Sunday, January 25th. The meetup will feature roundtable discussions led by Cynthia Blake Sanders, MD Lawyers for the Arts; Rebecca Cason, former director of the Buyer's Market of American Craft; Jen Menkhaus, working crafter and one of the founders of the Baltimore Street Team; Nita Gale, web designer; Ariella Levin of Baltimore's Best Bookkeeper; and Thomas Wynn, professional photographer. Practical discussions will include legal and accounting basics; marketing, wholesale and pricing; and looking your best– on the web and in promo photos. Lunch will be provided, a great time to get connected with other local artists and crafters to make new friends, show off your work, and share ideas. Come join us!

Details:
Sun Jan 25. 10am-2:30pm.
Adv reg $25, $20 CA & BEST mbrs. Walk-in $30, $25 CA & BEST mbrs. Includes lunch.

Register here.

Happy 2009!

for more information, please click on the image.