Any Ideas to meet labeling requirements?

[#1]

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....

[NotMyTreeStore]

Quiltdream's suggestion to iron on freezer paper is great; I've done that and it works like a charm. It also makes ordinary cotton fabric able to go through an ink jet printer, if you'd like to print. Ironing it to heat-set it will make the printing waterproof, too (but check it to make sure...don't want to ruin your work!). Another option is fabric that's specifically made for ink jet printers. It's available in 8 1/2" by 11" sheets at any craft store and you don't need any special software to use it, since you just format your page in any word processing program and print. Running the printed fabric under water and ironing it also makes it waterproof. You could easily print one label at a time and add or change any information you'd like, per your needs at a time.

[Former_Member]

It is my understanding that label will have to be tested. Labels have been required for some time, what is new is the testing requirements. There are still SO many details that are unclear, so I am waiting until the final hour until I move forward with what is required on the label.
Thanks for the great tutorial DuhBe! I have tried the iron on method to create labels on ribbon in the past, but did not realize there is actually printable fabric out there! Will have to check it out. :)
Good luck everyone!

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone

Im fairly new to Etsy so I don't know anyone in here, I was reading up on the CPSIA labeling requirements and found this thread.

I wanted to share this url, this girl makes fabric labels with the same method as Jakboutique mentioned earlier, her website goes through the process with photos for visual aid:

http://allysonhill.typepad.com/allyson_hill/2007/06/make_your_own_l.html

The paper backed fabric is made by Crafters Images and Jaquard, most Joann and Michaels stores carry it and you can also order it online.

I tried this and it works fine, but because of the fraying factor (I don't know about you but for me the thought of dipping 2 sides of every single label in Fray No More is a bit of a pain - I'd rather be working on new styles), I recommend printing and cutting on a bias. No more fraying but note that this only works for the heavier fabrics, or else its very hard to fold them.

IMO the best thing to do is to tilt your labels on a 90 degree angle, I do it in photoshop by creating a regular label template and then rotating it to fit inside the sheet. You wont yield as many labels as you would if the labels are vertically oriented but I found it to be worth it as you save time instead.

...........

BoutiqueLuckyStars I would really love it if you or others posted the information you have on the labeling requirements, I haven't been following and Im getting a headache trying to figure this out!

[DragoninKnots]

BoutiqueLuckyStars says:
It is my understanding that label will have to be tested. Labels have been required for some time, what is new is the testing requirements. There are still SO many details that are unclear, so I am waiting until the final hour until I move forward with what is required on the label.
Thanks for the great tutorial DuhBe! I have tried the iron on method to create labels on ribbon in the past, but did not realize there is actually printable fabric out there! Will have to check it out. :)
Good luck everyone!
_____________________________

How well did the iron-on labels withstand washing? Were they stiff?

I saw the printable fabric at the store, but it said hand wash. :(

[Former_Member]

I just saw Duhbe's tutorial, sorry everyone for the repeat posting. Very nice tutorial by the way.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that you can have a stamp made and use textile ink. I went to a stamp maker in my neighborhood and was really surprised to learn how cheap they are to make. The guy told me he makes them all the time for exactly that purpose. He is in downtown Los Angeles with a lot of small designers around.

[bobbinalong]

But what if you are knitting baby booties from one single strand of yarn? This whole labeling has no common-sense thought put into it by the CPSIA. What are they waiting for. We need clear rules NOW.

[millcreekcottages]

I'm marking for future use. Thanks.

[ballyhoocreates]

I'm going to be trying bias cut muslin labels for my next batch to try and avoid the fraying issue, so I'll update the tutorial after I get some results there.

I've had success printing on cotton jersey which does not unravel and is very soft. It's not the cleanest edge, but my clothing is along the vintage look anyway so it works for me. Be careful about printing and the direction of stretch - it made a difference in my experience.

If you are making children's clothing - PLEASE consider how your labels FEEL on the skin. Iron-on twill tape, and fray check are itchy. It would be a shame for your cute little clothes to sit in the closet because the child refuses to wear your "itchy clothes."

Maybe I should also mention - I don't make children's clothes (because of CPSIA!) so I'm not up on the latest regarding the testing or safety of home printed labels. But since labels are required in August, and testing is not until February, at least the homemade labels could be a stop-gap for that 6 month period. Then you could bulk order labels after the law is more clear. (maybe we should start a betting pool on when THAT will happen)

[MamaFamilias]

The point about comfort is an important one. My son could not wear anything with a tag.

Therefor I will sew the tags on the outside in the back. I already sew tails and combs onto my crochet puppets, so I don't anticipate any problems with sewing onto my crochet. Also as a mother who has removed many tags, I know that this kind of permanent tag is easily removed.

[PlayingWithFiber]

bobbinalong said:
But what if you are knitting baby booties from one single strand of yarn? This whole labeling has no common-sense thought put into it by the CPSIA. What are they waiting for. We need clear rules NOW.
__________

That's where I'm at bobbin - putting a permanent label on the bottom of a crocheted baby sock is just not going to happen. One of the reasons I don't sell these anymore.

[TheWrapScrapPony]

I think it's silly for them to require a label on items made from all exempt materials, like baby booties. I mean the whole point of the legislation is lead and phalates, so what are you tracking if your items inherently don't contain those things!

I really wish they'd give us more guidance on this labeling thing!

[Former_Member]

My head is spinning. I have posted questions in several different forums because I just don't know what to do about this - especially the labeling aspect.

Most of my hairclips are 2" wide - and those are the largest ones. I obviously wouldn't put a label on the front, and who wants to buy a hair clip with an uncomfortable label on the back? I have no idea how I'd get so much information on such a small tag.

What are those of you with very small items such as mine going to do?

Is anyone labeling now ... or waiting until closer to August in case things change? I just sent in my $125 for my LLC today and am already starting to think that I should call and cancel it because I'll have to close shop. =(

[Former_Member]

Megan - what the folks today during the webinar stated was that for items too small to adhere a label to, those items would need to be packaged and an adhesive label is to be adhered to the packaging.

I too make hair clips and I will need to seal each pair into a plastic bag and place a label on the outside of the package that has a UPC-type tracking number that refers to the item inside the package. Just need to make sure the plastic packaging is CPSC-compliant ;)

[Former_Member]

I bookmarked that howto twinkletoes!

[Former_Member]

I bookmarked that howto twinkletoes!

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Secondstar - I was just getting back on here to pose a question as to whether or not labels could be put on packaging, so I am actually relieved to hear that they said that is acceptable in the webinar ... although I still want to fight back tooth and nail! But oy vey ... now we have to make sure that our plastic packaging is compliant? Just another headache!

Can anyone direct me to a "cheatsheet" or a one-stop-shop to find more info about the labeling such as what needs to be on it and what we are to use these 'barcodes' or numbering systems for?

Thanks!!

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Read the CPSIA, and the questions and answers. Packaging DOES NOT have to be compliant if it is not storage packaging, for example, like for blocks that you would put back into a plastic zippered container. If it is packaging that you throw away, then in does not have to be complaint.

Now, on the other hand, there has NOT BEEN ANY DIRECTIVE IN WRITING from the CPSA that small items can just be stuck in a throwaway package and you don't have to label the actual item. No where in the law is this stated. This is something that many manufacturers have asked the CPSA and have not received an answer like whoever at the webinar has said is acceptable. Are they going to represent you in front of the AG's of your state?

[Former_Member]

Marking

[ballyhoocreates]

By "packaging" could that also imply a card that your hairbow or other small item is attached to at point of sale?

That free Avery label software also supports barcodes as well as databases.

It is so sad that the spirit of this law has been lost in the sea of committee meetings. (sigh)

[Former_Member]

DuhBe - The Avery label software is free??

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

There is still no definitive answer on how to "permanently lable, not hangtag, not sticker" small items.
things like hairbows, tiny plushies, things that do not offer a printable surface (Jewelry).

[Former_Member]

One of the points of the NEW label requirement is that it is NOT something easy to remove.

[Former_Member]

Right ... which is why I have no idea how to label the hairclips I make that are only 2" wide. Who wants a tag against their head?

Look at what Secondstardesigns wrote on page 4 here - she attended yesterday's webinar. According to what she heard ... "... for items too small to adhere a label to, those items would need to be packaged and an adhesive label is to be adhered to the packaging."

I was delighted to hear this, but went to the CSPC site today and saw something contradictory to it. I've sent them a specific question around labeling small items, but wonder if I'll receive a response. At least I am trying and that is the most we can do, right? If I get an answer, I'll be sure to post it.