The CPSIA: get informed, get involved!

Posted Thursday, December 11, 2008

As the EtsyKids Founder and Team Leader, I am deeply concerned about the CPSIA (Consumer Products Safety Information Act), and the effect it will have on our members and team as a whole. And not only is this issue near and dear to my heart (being both a mom and a maker of products for children myself), it will affect anyone who makes, sells, or buys products for children in the US.

The US Congress passed the CPSIA, and August 14th, 2008 President Bush signed the Act into law. This Act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts much stricter safety regulations on products intended for the use of children ages 12 and under. While the intentions behind the law are undoubtedly good, there are some major problems with this law as it is currently written.

I am not going to claim to understand or try to explain all of the ins and outs of the CPSIA, as it is a very broad and complex law. It's crucial that everyone (and I do mean everyone) do their research, and make sure you are informed on the CPSIA, and how it will affect not just yourself, but other people that you know. Make products for children? This law will affect you. Sell products for children? This law will affect you. Have children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends with children? This law will affect you. Shop at stores that sell products for children? This law will affect you.

I have had many discussions with various people about the CPSIA, and I have not had one person question the fact that measures should be taken to insure the safety of our children. The CPSIA imposes some strict new regulations on testing for lead and phthalates, which are both nasty substances that should certainly not be in products intended for children, or anyone for that matter. No one I have spoken with is opposed to the testing itself, but rather the manner in which the testing be done, and the expense of it, which could cause many small businesses and independent designers and craftspeople to go out of business. If amendmants are not made to this law before February 10th, 2009, sadly this may be the case. I urge everyone to contact their government officials and local media about this well-intenioned but poorly-thought-out law.

Please see this article on Etsy for an open letter regarding the CPSIA: http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/

If you would like to read the actual law, it can be found here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf
FAQ from the CPSC website is located here: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.html
Wiki entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Protection_Safety_Improvement_Act

12 Days of Christmas...Girly Grand Prize!

Posted Wednesday, December 10, 2008

12 Days of Christmas with the EtsyKids Team has been a blast! Now it's time for that grand prize drawing you kept hearing about, but first let's review what we've given away so far. Sing along everyone!

For the 12 Days of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me:

12 hair accessories
11 things for playtime
10 bibs and blankets
9 bags and purses
8 things to wear
7 stylish hats
6 kitchen goodies
5 cool jewels
4 terrific gifts
3 art prints
2 sets of cards
and a clip for my baby's binky!


And now, here's a look at the girly goodies one lucky winner will get in the grand prize drawing:






Reproduction of the original acrylic painting of Caroline's Cottage from Golddust Galleries. What little girl wouldn't love to live in an all pink cottage?! This adorable pink haven is truly a sweet little piece of art to adorn your little girl's bedroom, playroom or perhaps even her bathroom.













Take your crayons with you where ever you go in this convenient crayon roll up travel pouch from Happy Babee and Beeyond! Perfect for long waits in the doctor’s office or at a restaurant. Your choice of any one crayon roll. Check here for the current selections: Crayon Keepers







These are the CUTEST stinkin' beanies and they are one of the HOTTEST trends this season! This adorable beanie with a detachable peony flower clip from Creations for Cuties by SDEMKE is a perfect fit for infants approx 6 months to 8 years.
















This adorable A-Line Pinafore Dress from Love Knots 4 Baby is made from Michael Miller big chunky snowflakes. Fully lined and cutie pie buttons. Size 18-24 months.




















These Krazy Kaboodle Klips from Meaghan Marie Pretties are super fun, super functional and super duper cute! Your choice of three Krazy Kaboodle Klips! There are two styles to choose from, either silver plated bobby pins or commercial quality no-slip alligator klips.










Deck your child in this fabulously festive Christmas tree that's hand-cut out of fun, mod recycled jersey knit fabric and then hand-embroidered onto a 100% cotton, super soft American Apparel onesie or tee from Planet Pudge. Your choice of size!














This white with pink and green dots bow from Sweet Pea Boutique is perfect for year round wearing. Cute!








Once you have found all 12 images, send a conversation to The Clever Kitty with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found each image by midnight (Eastern time) December 10th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for the grand prize*!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

*Prizes will be shipped from each individual shop, so they will arrive separately and at different times.

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A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty

On the twelfth day of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me...

Posted Tuesday, December 09, 2008

...twelve hair accessories!





Lollipop Lollipop Oh Lolli Lolli Lolli........... this set of 7 embellished lined alligator clips from Babies Bows and Beyond are oh so sweet!












Your choice of a $3.00 hair clip set from Sweet Southern Design. Tons of adorable styles to choose from! Check this shop section to see what's currently available: Hair Pretties












Add style and function to your wardrobe or your child's with this reversible fabric headband from
Sky Girl Style! One side features a red and white floral cotton print. The other side is a green and white floral cotton print. Two great looks in one headband!











Three gorgeous hair florette pony tail holders from
little girl Pearl. Lovely!















These silver colored bobby pins from
Nana Goat's Goodies are embellished with lovely Christmas Gifts for a special Holiday look!










Three hair clips from
Daisy Chains that are dressed in red, gray, black and white color coordinated ribbon just for your little loved one this holiday season. Great for formal pictures in front of nice and cozy fireplace!













This set of 5 adorable hair clips from
Sweet Pea Boutique are made from the cutest ribbon! Sweet!











This sweet little crocheted satin headband from
Sparkleberry Crafts is adorned with cheerful yellow daisy. Fits sizes 2-4.








Snowflake Pink, Brown and Blue boutique style hair bow from Pumpkin's Boutique.
This is a big hair bow with three layers of grograin and sheer ribbon with an adorable snowflake in the center! It measures about 4.5" and comes on a french clip barrette.










Your little one will love to wear their favorite reindeer come Christmas time and will look absolutely adorable in this hair clip from
Two Punky Peas!














This bow from
SoBella Creations is made with 1 1/2 inch wide green ribbon with white and red polka dots. Perfect for the Holiday Season!









This Chocolate Sundae woven grosgrain ribbon headband from
That's Sew Cute would look adorable on any little girl!










Twelve drummers drumming are hiding in a few item listings from EtsyKids members. Find just one of them and you could win one of these great hair accessories!

Today's clue is: Roll's mate

When you think you've solved it and know what the keyword is, go to Etsy.com and type your keyword + etsykids team into the search, and start looking!

Once you have found the image, send a conversation to Mod Dot Textiles with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found it by midnight (Eastern time) December 9th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for a prize!

Don't forget to keep track of where you find each day's image so you can enter the grand prize drawing at the end!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty

On the eleventh day of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me...

Posted Monday, December 08, 2008

...eleven things for playtime!





When baby is holding something, they love to grip and squeeze, shake and chew! These Crib Critters™ Super Soft Plush Baby Toys and Teething Ring from My Mini-Mocs are the perfect solution to satisfy those very natural instincts!











This Medium Aviary Cloth Play Block from KnitStyle is super fun for baby and kids to play with! Ribbon tags are sewn in along the seams so baby can pull and tug and have some fun! Also a great toy for kids to toss and play catch. Makes a great baby shower gift as well.














This handy Crayon Keeper from Boogaboo Babies holds 8 crayons safe and sound, and rolls up to fit in a pocket, diaper bag or purse! Fun fabrics that will inspire your budding artist. Grab it and go anywhere, church, restaurant, or school!













For a little Christmas crafting fun, here's a Christmas Mouse Craft kit from And Then. The kit contains materials for 5 mice and comes in a super cute reusable box. Lots of different materials are included so your child can customize his/her Christmas Mice. The only thing you need to supply is scissors!












Santa is now a finger puppet for the creative puppeteer in your life! Perfect for stocking stuffers, this Santa finger puppet from Happy Whosits is hand-crocheted in red, pink and white acrylic yarn, with embroidered features (making him child friendly) and will fit most fingers (little ones can use two fingers!).













C is for...Cookie Monster! Perfectly sized for a child's hand, this sewn felt Cookie Monster puppet from MF Crafts will surely bring hours of entertainment for any child! Great for Grandma to have on hand for visits from grandchildren; great gifts to have stashed away for a sick child or spur-of-the-moment gift needs.











A PAIR of collectible "When I am Quiet on O'ahu" and "When I am Quiet on Maui" kid's books written & illustrated & self-published by Judi Riley from Tiki Tales. Learn about Hawai'i's rich culture, language and geography with these two hardcover autographed books!








This adorable heart themed jacket from Perennial Piecer has a large chenille framed heart on the back. It is fully lined and has been pre-washed for a raggy chic look and feel. Fits 18" dolls and is made of denim and cotton fabrics with a plastic heart button.










This doll sling from Baby Pockets is perfect for your little one to carry dolls or stuffed animals! It is about 12" wide by 58" long and will fit most children from toddler to grade school.















This set of 4 Urban Garden Cloth Play Blocks from The Polka Dot Tot Spot is sure to keep your little one entertained! There are so many colors and designs of beautiful fabrics that make up this wonderful set...lovely!








Take your crayons with you where ever you go in this convenient crayon roll up travel pouch from Happy Babee and Beeyond! Perfect for long waits in the doctor’s office or at a restaurant. Your choice of any one crayon roll. Check this shop section out for the current selections: Crayon Keepers






Eleven pipers piping are hiding in a few item listings from EtsyKids members. Find just one of them and you could win one of these great playtime items!

Today's clue is: Maria’s Bavarian Mountains sound

When you think you've solved it and know what the keyword is, go to Etsy.com and type your keyword + etsykids team into the search, and start looking!

Once you have found the image, send a conversation to Tiny Stitches with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found it by midnight (Eastern time) December 8th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for a prize!

Don't forget to keep track of where you find each day's image so you can enter the grand prize drawing at the end!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty

On the tenth day of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me...

Posted Sunday, December 07, 2008

...ten bibs and blankets!





Your choice of any one Minky bib from Happy Babee and Beeyond. With loads of adorable fabrics to choose from, you're sure to find something you love! Check out this shop section for the current selection of bibs: Bibs Burps and Gift Sets








This Baby Blanket with matching Nursing Cover Clip from Baby Bugs'n Bubbles is perfect for baby’s needs for warmth and comfort, and also converts into a NURSING COVER to keep breastfeeding private when on-the-go.












This everyday Bib from Zwei Baby is constructed with 100% cotton front and back, with a layer of batting in between for absorbancy. Snaps on the side and is completely reversible! Fits infant to toddler.















One sweet crocheted baby bib from PJHillco Crochet. Your choice of color! See this listing for the colors available: Crocheted Baby Bib













This cute I-Spy blankie from Karabu is made out of cotton fabric with a soft flannel backing. Measuring aproximately 20 in. by 20 in, this is the perfect size for little ones to hold and carry!














The Dining Out Travel Bib™ from Odannysgirl. Toddler/Baby bib complete with travel wipes and utensil set. Never forget them again!












This Giddy Up Girl Flannel and Minky Blanket from Chew Chew's Closet
is a very versatile size (37" x 40"), perfect for wrapping up infants or a favorite snuggle blankie for your older child! Yeehaw!









This tree bib with ribbon from Once Upon a Cloud is perfect for the holidays! You can even have it personalized!













An exclusive OOAK Bib and Burpie Set - made only for this give away from Candy Stick Lane. The bib and burpie main fabrics are gingerbread men with candy canes and the opposite side of the bib is candy striped for extra holiday cheer!
















Have some holiday fun with this lovely bib from Little Things Boutique. Cute enough to put a smile on Scrooge's face!











Ten lords a leaping are hiding in a few item listings from EtsyKids members. Find just one of them and you could win one of these great bibs or blankets!

Today's clue is: Lambeau Leap

When you think you've solved it and know what the keyword is, go to Etsy.com and type your keyword + etsykids team into the search, and start looking!

Once you have found the image, send a conversation to Little Pags Boutique with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found it by midnight (Eastern time) December 7th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for a prize!

Don't forget to keep track of where you find each day's image so you can enter the grand prize drawing at the end!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty

On the ninth day of Christmas, the EtsyKids Team gave to me...

Posted Saturday, December 06, 2008

...nine bags and purses!








This delicate purse from Bossy Baby will make any little girl feel special! 100% cotton and one of a kind, made from vintage hankies and ribbons .

















A sweet little BoulieBag from Chichiboulie. From the little mouse hiding behind the flowers, to the removable dangling felt heart, everything about this bag is simply adorable!












This Little Dot wristlet from ModDot Textiles is perfect for slipping on your wrist, attaching to a belt loop or bigger bag. Comfortably and safely holds your cellphone, ipod, blackberry, usb stick, credit cards, lipstick and other tiny necessaries.










This 100% cotton Credit Card Wallet from Little Pags Boutique would also be great for carrying your business cards! It has 3 pockets, velcro closure, and a decorative button.













Beautiful Butterflies Fully Insulated Lunch Tote from Naturally Felt. Zipper closure keeps your lunch nicely contained! Short strap easy to grip. Very durable, very cute, and green to boot!














The little man or adventurous little girl in your life may need something out of the ordinary for their lost things, treasures, little toys, whatEVer. This sturdy poplin denim weight Lost Things Bag from Rozzi's Sweet Peas will hold most of those wonderful treasures, so they'll never be lost again!









Embroidered Linen Brown/Pink TOY KEEPER Bag from Little Empress. Whether it be Grandma's house at Thanksgiving, church or just the supermarket, this stylish bag is great for children to tote around small toys or collections wherever they go. The clear window in the front makes it easily visible for the little one to keep an eye on their precious possessions without having to open the ties and peek inside!







Your choice of binky bag from Ciuccio. Keep it in your purse, your glove compartment or diaper bag, but keep it clean. Made with cotton fabric, fully lined, quilted, velcro closure. See this listing for more fabric options: your perfect sacchettino












Ladies leopard print bucket style handbag from Sugar Plum Baby. Constructed of Robert Kauffman black twill with a cute leopard print flap. Roomy interior with one side slip pocket, and 2 large pockets suitable for cell phone other essentials to keep everything organized!







Nine ladies dancing are hiding in a few item listings from EtsyKids members. Find just one of them and you could win one of these great bags or purses!

Today's clue is: Cinderella's ID

When you think you've solved it and know what the keyword is, go to Etsy.com and type your keyword + etsykids team into the search, and start looking!

Once you have found the image, send a conversation to ModDot Textiles with 'EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas' in the subject line, and a link to the item where you found it by midnight (Eastern time) December 6th. All correct entries will be entered into a random drawing for a prize!

Don't forget to keep track of where you find each day's image so you can enter the grand prize drawing at the end!

For complete instructions on how to play and contest rules, please click here.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A big thanks to BuggaLove and My Mini-Mocs for creating the images, and Little Elephant Company for coming up with the clues!

Written by:

The Clever Kitty
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