CPSIA and Trendy Bindi's Boutique

In order to be compliant with the new regulations, Trendy Bindi's Boutique will no longer be able to offer any of our handcrafted baby or children's items. The artisans that we work with create adorable one of a kind items, often with vintage components, like the tablecloth dresses or pillowcase dresses. We will no longer be able to sell our sweet booties. Additionally, the popular line of baby and toddler apparel, hand-embroidered with designs from vintage transfers, will no longer be available.



These and our other handcrafted children's items will be taken from the shelves before we open for business on February 10th. Due to the one of a kind nature of these items and the fact that these artisans are small business cottage industry entrepreneurs they can no longer afford to remain in the business of creating handcrafted items for children under 13.



All other items in our shop are either handcrafted or vintage collectibles intended for adult use only. We will not knowingly be able to sell to anyone under 13 years of age or to someone who intends to give any of our merchandise to a child. If you should purchase something and give it to a child under 13 please be aware that you accept all legal ramifications. We accept no responsibility. If necessary, children under 13 will no longer be allowed in our shop.

This is not something that we wish to do, however this is something that we must do in order to be above board and compliant with the new CPSIA regulations. We really hate to do this because one of the greatest joys of owning our shop has been being able to help introduce the next generation to beautiful handcrafted and vintage items, helping a child pick out a gift for a parent or their own special treasures. Sadly, we will no longer be able to help you create that cottagey haven in your nurseries.

For more information on the CPSIA please look at our earlier postings.

The CPSIA Regulations and How it Affects YOU!

We here at Trendy Bindi's Boutique LLC are proud to be taking part in a national day of blogging to spread the word about the impending CPSIA regulations. Many thanks to Chichibouilie (blog)and Winklepots (blog)for their time and effort putting this together. They like so many others are being deeply affected by this law. If you are here reading this you are most likely will be affected in some way or another as well.

CPSIA and YOU!!!
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 Forbes
http://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 Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

CPSIA Ramifications

For all of you who are returning friends here at Trendy Bindi's, you know that we stress finding the simple pleasures out of life, the inspirations, and trying to help you create your own little nest or cocoon that brings you peace and bliss. Unfortunately, there are times when the world steps in and you must step up, and speak out. Mom and I hate to appear to bring politics into this however in February things are going to drastically change for the American populace and its small businesses as well as many other aspects of American Life.

Many of you are aware of the digital conversion which is looming ahead. You have been reminded daily on television and through various news sources. What you probably are not aware of is that at about the same time the Consumer Protection Agency's new law concerning children's products is taking effect. This law, the CPSIA, requires testing for ANY ITEM that a child TWELVE or under could use. While this means that all toys must be tested for lead and phthalates, including american-made artisan crafts, at high expense, it also means that ANYTHING a 12-year old could potentially use is subject to this law.

This is also retro-active so millions of tons of goods are going to go to the landfills, especially since thrift stores and retailers, while not responsible for testing items, still cannot carry anything that hasn't been tested. Which nothing on the shelves anywhere has even had the Certifiers available to certify. Many small businesses are closing their doors. We will be having to take our adorable, handcrafted baby and child goods off the shelves. Even though I am sure that a child could never be hurt by a tablecloth dress or a pure cotton embroidered onesie. This at a time when the economy is already in less than desirable standing.

The effects of this law are so far reaching that the ALA is considering banning anyone under the age of 12 from libraries and disposing of their children's books. There is also vast concern about schools. You can read more at this article http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1573

We are as concerned as anyone about the safety of children however, this 60+ page law is so vague and detrimental that it is going to do far more harm than good. Its effects could be quite devestating and there is so little awareness, and so little effort on the part of the government to inform the public on this issue. Think about it, on February 10th, if you run out of diapers for your baby, you are going to be out of luck. Your child needs to get a book for a report? Tough. The only ones who can change this law are members of Congress since they voted it in in the first place. If you are so inclined, write or call your representatives and others in Washington.

You can see the law here
Etsy also has a whole section devoted to this on their forums which you can visit here.

Out with the Old and In with the New

In addition to doing inventory (yuck!) and all the other not fun, business aspects of business this time of year, mom and I have been busy marking down items for the back room to make room for some of our "new finds" and rearranging our displays in our shop, as we put out some of our vintage Valentine's Day, Easter and Springtime finds. Here is a peek at what is in store for you at our shop right now:

Oreo

We just found out this week that our oldest dog, Oreo (who is just shy of 14) has lymphoma. With treatment we hope to have her another two or three months, as she is now in poor health. She starts it today. We are just trying to make her comfortable, giving her as many treats as her reduced appetite allows and spending as much time as possible with our sweet and incredibly bright girl. It is especially rough for Dad as he is her person and they are very close.

She is definitely her own dog who lives according to her own terms. Once, when our next door neighbors were selling their house their dog Candy was staying in her cage on our patio (otherwise she kept jumping the fence). Oreo decided that really though Candy was a great fence friend she was better off on her own side and she unlatched and opened the cage for Candy.

At least we know that when the time comes she has had a good life and will have some great company waiting for her. Our first family pet was a medium sized epileptic schaunzer named Butchie. He was the sweetest thing, though not always completely there, and he genuinely thought that my little brother was his puppy. He passed on just before my older brother's 16th birthday while I was in middle school. A sweeter furry gentleman would be harder to find.

Mom and I are thinking of bringing her down to the shop to keep an eye on her but if she doesn't like it we will let her stay at home in her familiar surroundings with her "sisters". She will definitely let us know what she wants. Though I am sure that she will enjoy the attention that comes with being a shop dog!

Oldies but goodies...

I just recently discovered this at Turner Classic movies...isn't it nifty?