Any Ideas to meet labeling requirements?

[Former_Member]

I'm trying to think of how to create labels for my baby items (sold in my other etsy shop) but keep running into some obstacles. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas or has tried anything that worked out...and would be willing to share!

I imagine this is quite the headache for most shops! Thanks to BuggaLove for the great post that really simplifies it all....

[Former_Member]

The best idea that I have heard so far on this forum was a preprinted fabric label with spaces to fill in the individualized information with permanent ink. But the size of that label is going to have to be significant to be able to write in what must be included.

[Former_Member]

I am curious if anyone has found a good marker (fabric marker or otherwise) that is washable. I need to run some quality tests on a few and it would be helpful to have a recommendation to begin with.

[MamaFamilias]

The printed fabric label with #s added with a marker is my plan. I am using a FabricMate marker. I didn't compare it with other, but I've been happy with the results in the past. It does not bleed. I have not tested how many washes the ink will last through, but it claims to be permanent.

I have not begun using these labels yet because no final ruling has been issued by the CPSC about what the labels have to look like or include.

Hopefully, the labels will by simple enough that I will eventually be able to have them professionally printed. However, since the final word is going to come down at the 11th hour, I am going to use printable fabric and Fraycheck to make my own labels at first.

[Former_Member]

Sorry to hijack for a moment - mamafamilias, your finger puppets are too darn cute! I have a little girl who's having a birthday soon....

[Former_Member]

FabricMate, eh? Ok, I'll have to pick that up to test it. Thanks for the recommendation.

As for me, I'm just planning on adding an order # to the back of my BuggaLove label for my garments with a fabric marker. All of the other information needed is already included on the manufacturer's provided label. The order # will indicate additional information in my records should there be any concern and my BuggaLove label should be sufficient enough to identify me as the manufacturer.

If need be (based on any new info CPSC provides), I can always create my own heat transfer labels with additional information as needed. Heck, maybe I should sell them :/

My wooden products are a bit more tricky, but I have been in talks since January with a supplier about a solution for those. I'm just waiting for more information before proceeding.

[Former_Member]

Hi, I just saw in the Fons and Porter mag that they have a new computer program to make your own fabric labels. It might be useful or at least worth checking out.

[MamaFamilias]

Thanks quiltdream. I'll have to check that out. Compliance is the business to get into...

[MamaFamilias]

littlethings, thanks:) Even after making hundreds of puppets, I still smile when I finish one.

[twinkletoesdiapers]

Has anyone looked into this? I think it looks like it might work. http://www.ehow.com/how_4588871_make-clothing-labels.html

[Former_Member]

Thanks

[ballyhoocreates]

Just in case it helps, I wrote a 3-part tutorial on how I make printed fabric labels in small batches pretty cheap. Here's the 2nd part about making the fabric labels:
http://duhbe.com/blog/?p=632

If you use the Avery software, you should be able to create a database of CPSIA compliant batch numbers and have those printed on the label.

Laundry marker would be the most washable. But I've used a fine point sharpie with great success through several washings.

[twinkletoesdiapers]

I think I love you. I was scared of the printing process but you have the same printer as me. You might have just saved my small business so thank you.

[Former_Member]

I'm relieved to hear other folks are thinking of using a permanent marker on the backs of their labels. I was afraid I'd read through here and discover yet another perfectly reasonable and practical solution had somehow been outlawed by the CPSIA ;) Thanks for the tips on marker recommendations and make-your-own labels!!!!

[PeanutandTommy]

I'm struggling with the permanent label thing too. I like all these ideas for printing your own label.

Here's my question: will we have to test the label to make sure it's non-toxic? Is there lead in the printer ink? Or in the sharpie ink?

[Former_Member]

I was wondering the same Peanut...

[BebeChicBoutique]

The permanent label requirement sends me into orbit. Good questions Peanut. I just looked at my markers and they all say non-toxic, conforms to ASTM D-4236. I will have to research that. My daughter is the owner of a small independent bridal shop. I help her do inventory each July. I have noticed on some gowns that are OOAK, the content/care label does have hand written numbers filled in on it. So sounds like this might be an avenue for us until Feb. when we find out about the testing again. I want to stay in business and be compliant, just have to find the way to do it.

[germandolls]

marking this one. I would really like to purchase some labels though. I am not good with printers and technology. Who here on etsy sells labels that fulfil the requirements?

My items are quite smallish and I cannot put a huge tag on...

[Former_Member]

marking for future reference

[Former_Member]

For those looking for a good fabric marker that is permament, check out your local quilt shop. Quilt shops normally sell a variety of fabric pens of good qualitity. Also, Fons and Porter have a permament fabric marker. They make great products. If you cannot get them locally, they do have a website where you can buy thier stuff. Hope this helps.

[MamaFamilias]

FYI- there is talk of requiring specific fonts or font sizes on the labels, so the whole fabric marker idea to which I have hitched my wagon could be derailed. I won't print anything until August.

Duhbe- Thanks so much for the Avery idea. That could be a very easy alternative!

[Former_Member]

ehow has a great tutorial and it has pictures!

[ballyhoocreates]

Do be careful about font sizes, and also whether info must be on the front of the label (for example - existing FTC laws require the country of origin to be on the front of the tag, not on the reverse.)

For those worried about some handwriting not looking professional on labels - I say Poo! It is just one more proof your items was handmade by someone who paid attention to it individually. Consider it as more endearing, not less professional. :-)

[Former_Member]

For those buying markers, please be careful. As a quilter, I can tell you horror stories of people labelling quilts for shows only to have the ink run when washed or having the ink go through more than one layer of fabric. Please get ones that are made for fabric!

Also, fabric is hard to write on. Here is a tip. Put the fabric label on top of the shiny side of freezer paper, iron, when cool, use your pen to write the info. Your writing will look much better. Finnally, peel the label off the freezer paper. Now your label is ready to sew onto your product.

[BebeChicBoutique]

Thanks for the tips Quiltdream.