I really can't...

[Former_Member]

I really can't sell one of my squirrel pull toys until I pay for third party testing for the lead in paint rule. The stay doesn't apply to paint.

I'm just sick.

It's Americana acrylic paint. Non-toxic. The squirrel in my avatar has 7 colors.

I think I've been in denial.

[Former_Member]

The sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach is awful, isn't it?

[Former_Member]

It is, Lizzypops. Totally awful.

[owlbot]

That just makes me ill. So sad... :(

[Former_Member]

I'm ][ this close to just closing shop and giving up. The labeling requirements alone are enough to do me in.

Makes me nauseated every time I think about it.

[ModandMint]

I'm so sorry this is happening.
Your toys are so adorable, it's crazy you (and so many others) have to stop creating and selling great products!

[Former_Member]

You were so great on Martha and your toys are so sweet. It sucks that this effects so many hard workers : (

[Former_Member]

Maybe I'll list one. Maybe I'll make myself the CPSIA martyr. I'd rather spend the money on a lawyer than on the testing.

[Former_Member]

Thank you guys, by the way, for the kind comments. Makes me feel better.

[Former_Member]

I thought if the paint you use is non-toxic (um...isn't lead categorized as a toxin?) and labeled thus, there wouldn't be a problem.

[DancingWindDesigns]

I don't understand why, if you use certified non toxic paint, they would have a problem with your adorable items. Just chill for a while, have the baby and see which way the wind is blowing in a few weeks.

[Former_Member]

I went to one of my favorite clay shops here today to get something for my niece's birthday. The shop owner had the cutest stuff! I bought her a necklace there last year and she still wears it all of the time.

It's closed. I'm so sad.

[Former_Member]

Oh matsutake! I am so sorry! I see your shop is empty and you have such wonderful things!

Keep up the hope that this law will be repealed. I am holding the hope, but have face reality too. I am currently trying to create a line of items that are for adults, but I fear they will attack those soon. I have two dresses that have buttons, I better remove them from my shop. I didn't even think of them until now.

The labeling law is doing me in. I can make things with fabric only, but I can't do the labels that is rquired by august.

[SkyviewClay]

Matsutake...You know how I feel. But, if I were making toys, I would probably feel the same way. :)

[Former_Member]

It is so sad to see great shops closing because of this

Poshdots i have to say i love your sock monkey letters

Matsutake your shop is super cute and congrats- i see your taking some time off for baby.

[SkyviewClay]

ditto bamdesigns!! :)

[Former_Member]

thanks :o)

[bobbinalong]

I really can't imagine little kids growing up during these times and missing out on the creative toys and clothes and playthings in their little world. Things like PostDots work hanging on their wall. Things they will look at often. Or play with often.

It isn't enough that we have two wars, the economy is tough, parents losing jobs, and on and on. Kids feel the conditions at home. In school. At their rec centers. So lets deprive them some more.

When are we, as adults in this year, going to stand up to the CPSC and tell them what we really think!!!

[Former_Member]

I promise, if I get preggo soon I will buy a toy on the black market, too cute!

[Former_Member]

Yeah, I'm just sort of laying low with the baby right now. I'm so busy with her that I have little actual time to make anything, so of course my mind is going crazy with new design ideas, all of which are painted. DAMN!

Fabricleftovers, the lead paint rule is one of the few rules that requires third party testing as of right now.

Anyway, thanks for the kind words, you guys. Bobbin, I don't know why the politicians can't see that the whole handmade, independent market is a way to help us economically in this horrible rut. I fear that Congress and Obama have so much on their plates that nobody is listening to us.

[Former_Member]

Th operative word here is ACRYLIC...Oil based paints contain lead...Arylic paints DO NOT contain lead that is why they are labelled Non-toxic...

[Former_Member]

Someone posted that low economic children are exposed more often to lead...The reason is, that when they are being raised in the inner city, they are often being raised in old homes that were painted originally with oil-based paint (lead). As the paint chips, they will chew on the chips (Happens way more than you would think) Therefore injesting the lead. Most children today raised in the suburbs don't come into contact with lead based paints (Except for these toys and other products coming out of China where they have no standards.)

[Former_Member]

Matsutake, can't you just declare that your pull toys are sculptures for adults to display only, and absolutely not for children? And not market to children? I thought that if one didn't market to children, it was acceptable...

I'm an adult, and I've been coveting your toys for a long while, now.

[Former_Member]

I sell americana paints and I'm sure they meet the requirements But I will find out and let you know on Monday!

[Former_Member]

I just retreived this from their site:
"We make safe products. Our paints and specialty products are made in the USA to federally-mandated and industry-wide safety and quality standards as established by the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI). ACMI employs one of the nation's top independent toxicology groups at Duke University. All of our formulas are reviewed and have been certified as non-toxic by this group.

DecoArt assures its loyal and new customers that they can use our products with confidence."