CPSC and CPSIA - New Positive Thread for those dealing with this topic.

[bobbinalong]

I started a similar thread earlier this month. Perhaps it would be good to have another one, a little different. I really believe that, while this has been very painful for all of us to deal with, it is making us stronger and better business people. We have learned so much. We have taken on a challenge and have pulled together to make valuable strides in succeeding in our goal. Let's have a place where we can have a minute of peace to just think and share. We have a long road ahead of us. We need to stay strong, but relaxed.

Let's keep this as a safe haven where we can come in from the storm and add some positive thoughts. Positive things you have discovered or are doing that may help someone else, things you have learned about yourself, plans and new goals you want to achieve. No links, no rants, no blogs, etc. Use the other threads for that.

Below are just ideas, just some examples. Let us hear your ideas. Pick one or use one of your own.

+ What are you working on?
+ What is inspiring you now with what we are facing?
+ Do you feel your creative juices carrying you to a new place?
+ Are you looking at your shop in a whole new light?
+ Are you discovering a new craft, a new challenge, something new to learn?

[bobbinalong]

I'll begin. I am so pleased for all of the great shops I have met while experiencing this stuff. I know I would never have gotten to know all of these great businessowners. Too bad it had to be this way.

I am currently working on some new items for my shop, but not kids' items. But I will continue to make kids' stuff because I am hopeful for good changes.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Bobbinalong, You have been a peach thru all this. I am always happy to come to the forums and read one of your posts. If you lived in my area, I think you would be someone I would enjoy having a cup of coffee with.
As for me, I, too, am amazed how many etsy shop friends I have made. All coming together to fight for this cause near and dear to us has been a postive thing.
I haven't begun working on any thing new for my shop, but I have made some new items for myself that I would never had the time to do if I was creating the kids stuff. It's fun to sew for no reason other than my own pleasure.

[bobbinalong]

And don't you find you get so much pleasure out of just sitting and sewing? I do.

I feel we all have much more knowledge than lots of the people in positions that should know about this law and don't. We've learned a lot. We have been bold in not holding back from challenging these people in office.

Today, hot chocolate for me, CountingBunnies. It is so cold here today, and snowing. Schools closing. So make mine hot chocolate.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for this positive thread bobbinalong. This is just what we all need. Once you have done everything you can to make your voice and opinions heard then you need to change your focus. When everyone gets caught up the the fever of the moment, we need to step back and see what our circle of influence is. We can make a delicious dinner for our family or friends. We can smile at the cashier in the grocery store. We can spend time with neighbors that may be lonely. We can work on those things that we have been putting off because don't have time. We can have peace for ourselves instead of anxiety because of external factors. This is a great opportunity to re-examine what we are doing and set new goals.
I just put the baby down for his nap and mixed up some orange cream hot chocolate. Here's to a wonderful new year full of opportunity for all of us!

[Former_Member]

How lovely! We play the "glad game" around our house when things get tough too. I love selling things for little ones, but this whole thing may make me just make me more creative and push me in a whole new direction. Besides, what I like even more than selling baby things is making them for gifts and my own kids and they can never take that away from me! Bastards! Oops sorry...that was taking me back away from the positive. :)
Orange Cream hot chocolate?!

[Former_Member]

Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa. It is yummy!

[Former_Member]

I have got to get some of that!!!!

[Former_Member]

It's funny. I had been thinking of closing shop and finding a *real job* before I learned about the cpsia which actually now gives me the perfect *excuse*. Instead, after encountering so many talented and smart micro-business owners I've been spending time thinking about how to grow the business and having a ball coming up with new designs. Of course I haven't enacted what I have up my sleeve just yet but it's certainly helped to keep me positive!

[Former_Member]

btw - thanks for the thread.

[bobbinalong]

None of us ever know when we will come up with an idea that the world just can't live without. Kind of like Mickey Mouse, or Lego's. It all starts someplace, very slowly and small in the beginning. And then it begins to build. It just takes nurturing of our ideas, never, ever giving up hope, and when new ideas come, and they will, to take action on them. I wish all of you the best. Embrace your futures. You have all been given a gift to create. Protect it. Use it. Stretch it.

[Former_Member]

The issue has given me something to focus on besides my newly diagnosed Diabetes. I think it has taken some of the stress off of that and put it to use other places. Not to mention that I have the same attitude about everything. Let's just get something done! LOL!

[Former_Member]

I was thinking that this CPSIA thing may actually help all of us in the long run. Think of the interest we are generating in handmade items. We have all learned a lot of new ways to promote ourselves and our businesses. And, we are more likely to keep current on new legislation.

For myself, I am doing like some and finishing a couple of projects for myself. It will be nice to have my desk cleared. Plus, I am back to studying, which I've missed. It is my studying, after all, that has inspired a number of my creations! Next will be a quit to illustrate a poem (lousy, but original) that I wrote.

[bobbinalong]

It is amazing to me the number of people I have heard coming up with new ideas. And, completing things they always wanted to complete. I think this CPSIA stuff is, in a roundabout way, putting some good balance in our life. And with balance in our lives, we are more able to handle what comes at us, and do the best possible job in seeing our cause through to a positive end.

[Former_Member]

That's awesome Zuzu!! As for me, as others have said I've met some great people I wouldn't have otherwise. Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate here, brought by a lovely friend who's been coming over to visit me & the kids a lot lately. What I've been working on? Just finishing up some projects already in progress, jeez I've got enough of them! I'm going to have to get some new batteries into my camera soon to get pix posted to my blog until they're ready to list. I love positive threads!

[bobbinalong]

It is so cold here in Central Ohio. Snowy, windy, and bitter cold. And I am sitting here knitting mittens. It is almost too cold to knit mittens. I keep sticking my hands in my pockets. Thank goodness I started knitting mittens back in July. This is getting me through. Another avenue of creativity in my world.

[bobbinalong]

Please visit.

[Former_Member]

I love all of this positive talk!!! I definitely needed this. I am one of those that will be turning my attention to something else. I wish us all the best!

[Former_Member]

Oh yes, I have ideas for a brand new shop which I have spent some time on. It's exciting to me, as it's something that I am also really good at besides sewing. Who knows, I just may open it up anyways since it's been just as exciting (even if by some miracle I can keep my current shop).

[Former_Member]

You should do it. Sounds exciting.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for a great thread!

What are you working on?--Some new adult items and household items
+ What is inspiring you now with what we are facing? Honestly, My own personal fire and fight is surprisig to me. I usually never get invovled in politics but this situation drives me so!
+ Do you feel your creative juices carrying you to a new place? YES! (shhh secret stuff... LOL)
+ Are you looking at your shop in a whole new light? Yes...Im actually quite glad i snagged my empty 3rd shops name so if I need to i can move voer there for my adult stuff.
+ Are you discovering a new craft, a new challenge, something new to learn? YES!! I am learning soapmaking!

[bobbinalong]

I love to see people coming up with new ideas. Stretching their creative ability. Go for it!!!

[Former_Member]

bobbin I have to admit this whole thing is making me focus on things outside kids! There is a whole great big world of sewing out there!!

In fact, Im going ot look into protecting my idea for scrappy teh fabric scraps bear somehow..I know its costly and of course first i need to see if it really IS an original idea!! LOL (Ive never seen it anywhere before)

Now to just hope no one steals him.... :(

[bobbinalong]

Oh, I hope you can make it happen. Give it your best. When an idea comes to mind, act on it. Look at it positively. Good luck!

[bobbinalong]

It sure is nice to have old sewing skills and knitting skills to bring peace to anotherwise chaotic day!