Handmade

This last weekend I was finally able to get some crafting in. It felt like forever since I had done anything terribly creative and it was most enjoyable. My dear friend is expecting their second baby in about the next month, so the occasion I was creating for was her baby shower. She requested only handmade gifts, which is such a wonderful idea. It was neat to see all the beautiful things that her friends made for her, all different with each artist's individual unique touch.

My Love got in on it too (which is always so fun) as he cut out the bib for me and then embroidered a quick "R" onto it. Then I hand-sewed it and he added the pearl snap. It was a team effort for sure! The material is a super soft organic cotton/hemp blend and it's really yummy.


The little block is made with the same fabric as the bib, but I put the soft part out on two of the sides. It is filled with organic Texas cotton and then I added 4 big bells inside for some jingle. Hopefully the beautiful baby will enjoy playing with this when he/she gets a bit bigger! Poor Lovebug kept wanting to play with it and I had to keep telling her it was for another baby :). I think I'm going to make her some for Valentine's though.


We also included in the gift some of our fave organic baby legs, some organic cotton nursing pads, and a wooden rattle from Vermont that has always been one of Lovebug's favorites. Some other handmade items we included were a relaxing foot soak for my pregnant friend, a deodorizing room spray, some lavender sachets, and a bum spray for the babe along with our recipe for it. I packaged everything up in one of the containers our weekly spinach comes in. We save nearly all of them and keep them for random storage containers and gifts. They work great and tend to go with anything since they are clear, and they are recyclable which is a must. I love giving gifts to our loved ones, especially when we handmake and create them together. So fun! I cannot wait to meet the new baby whenever he/she decides to come! :)


Speaking of handmade, did everyone hear about CPSIA? I'm sure most of you have, but anyone who hasn't, it has been decided by the CPSC Commission that there is going to be a "stay of enforcement of certain testing and certification requirements of CPSIA" for ONE year (via Buy Handmade). This will allow more time for it be further reviewed and hopefully amended. The law hasn't changed (only Congress can do that) but CPSC is saying they are not enforcing the law for one year regarding the testing and certification. However, products STILL have to conform to the new lead and phthalate standards.

Here's a quote from a CPSC press release:
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Further, the CPSC can and only is "staying" their own enforcement and NOT that of the attorney generals, whom still could go after someone in violation of the law. So much work needs to be done in the next 12 months! Here is a description from a staffer of South Carolina Senator DeMint's (who is sponsoring a bill to amend CPSIA) about something we can all do with specifics. So, some good news I guess, but still so much that needs to be done!