Photography

I posted some new belts today in my etsy shop. That requires good photo skills and longer-than-expected editing skills. I am very limited in the amount of creativity that I can muster when doing this task. Although, I was amused by my latest product photography attempt.

I found a stack of old, heavy, cafeteria trays that are patiently waiting for that perfect inspiration. I am considering painting them, etching them, maybe I will try to do some decal transfers, perhaps decoupage them in fabric? I do want to make sure folks can actually eat off of them - can you eat off car paint? hmmm

For now, they are their tidy steel selves, unblemished. I am not sure what a belt has to do with breakfast trays, but it gave me an excuse to get out my Sesame Street Rocket mug and set up a little eye candy.

There are soooo many good photographers on Etsy, it will take a lot for my things to rise to the top.
But for now, a morning's amusement and a bit of thanks for a sunny day.

CPSIA is keepin' me busy

Greetings from Toxic Treehouse!

Although relieved the CPSIA has decided to give a stay on enforcing the regulations set forth on their new lead testing requirements, the whole issue has keep me busy reading. Perhaps I will sample a bit of my creations for lunch and live to tell about it.

Don't have a clue what I am talking about? Do a quick search on CPSIA and see what I mean. Congress passed a law last Summer that requires any children's item (for the 12 and unders) to be tested for lead and meet their guidelines for safety. This means even natural materials like wool and cotton, books, bikes etc.

Although not against making sure children's items are free from lead, I am surprised to see that they expect cotton and wood to be a hazard. Plus, the testing needs to be carried out by a 3rd party and from the estimates I have read, can be very, very expensive. Especially when you take into account that it is "digestive" testing - meaning your assembled item is destroyed during the tests. So, that's money for the test, and no product to sell afterwards. For someone like me that doesn't produce multiples factory-style it just isn't feasible. I am hoping they will decide to accept certification by the suppliers, and dismiss the need for 3rd party testing (read: duplicate testing).
Here I am on the local news - at 6 am no less - anyone catch it?
My 15 minutes were more like 3.
Here's the news broadcast.

I am currently looking into the costs associated with XRF gun testing as for now an acceptable form of trying to comply, even if it won't actually qualify as 3rd party testing. See why this is so confusing?
More to come on this issue, for sure.

Thanks for reading!

fun little finds

I am sure by now most of you have heard about the Shop Local push. Putting monies into your local businesses helps your neighbors, but can also provide you with new acquaintances!
When I need supplies for the shop, I have been trying to find them locally, either through a store, or at least a reseller. Gifts? Handmade and local is a bonus!
So when Treehouse Togs needed a new stamp, I searched Etsy for local folks and voila! I was also happily surprised to see her (and her crocheting husband) during the Holiday Market downtown. Quick business was discussed and she began her careful creation of my "thank you" stamp.
I came out fabulous, don't you think?






(all photos courtesy of Kumi co. crafts)

Besides wonderfully humorous stamps, Kumi Co. also sells crocheted, felted, plant-dyed coasters and simple crocheted bowls (made with local wool!).
A little local love. Pay it forward.