Green Options

CPSIA Legislation May Put Crafters Out of Business 
 

The CPSIA(Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) states that even a simple wooden toy maker will be required to have a third-party lead test every different variation of marionette he makes, costing upwards of $2000 a pop. While well intentioned in the wake of numerous recalls of imported products for lead and toxic chemical content,  CPSIA ignores the financial constraints and mostly excellent track records of domestic toy manufacturers. It means that as of February 10th, 2009, if you offer for sale any items marketed to, or for use by children under age 12 that have not gone through an expensive beaurucratic rigmarole, then my friend, you are a criminal.  

Do you like to make things for people who like to make things or would you rather just give them things that they can use to make things? Or, are you Julie’s mom? Either way, check out these affordable eco-friendly craft supplies that would make great gifts…maybe even to yourself!

I’ve spent the better part of an hour exploring a promising new website called Art Fire which, in no uncertain terms, has set out to compete with Etsy. There is a familiar layout…categories to your left, a showcase of listed items in the center, and a featured seller near the bottom. Additionally, they are cataloging tutorials, have an entire section dedicated to supplies, an array of features for artist interaction and even digital badges to recognize accomplishments by members. With a basic account, you can list and sell without fees or commission. Their current price for a verified account, which lets you fully customize your profile/shop and participate in the online community, is $7 a month.

Have you checked out the indie craft show circuit lately? It has grown leaps and bounds in the past few years. There is definitely a trend toward eco-friendliness and charitable initiatives, but with a signature grass roots flair.

At the Giant Dwarf Make and Take Trunk Show on Saturday in Philadelphia, PA, Sue Eggen will be sewing her gorgeous hats from recycled materials. She is inviting attendees to customize their item, and will whip it up for them, right there on the spot. This is a fantastic way to not only demonstrate a craft, but let the consumer witness part of the fabrication process.

We are pretty sure this contest is right up our readers’ alley! Do you find yourself perusing through your local big-box during the holidays and getting a little worked up about all the cheap plastic junk they have on the shelves just for the sake of temporary decorations? Here is your chance to show ‘em what stuff like that should really be made of.

Most of us heading out to vote tomorrow are expecting long lines, and what better way to pass the time than with an ultra-portable craft project? Knitting and crochet are the old standby, of course. I plan on bringing a sock and hat on circulars. Heck, I might even throw a spare ball of worsted weight and needles in the bag in case anyone around me wants to learn how to [...]

Just about every coming of age trend in the modern crafting world has made it’s way on to the pages of Craft Magazine. We here at Crafting a Green World are happy to report that environmentalism is getting a nod in their latest issue!

It’s chock full of eco-project goodness, and what green crafting smorgasbord would be complete without a signature rant by yours truly? Even former CAGW head writer, [...]

I think we all know by now where the presidential candidates stand on things like taxes and the war in Iraq, but have you dared to wonder what kind of funding they have in mind for the arts? Despite the U.S. being in a dilly of a pickle, I don’t want to see the National Endowement for the Arts cease to exist.
This eye-opening article  in The L.A. Times gets to the bottom of where the candidates stand on funding the arts. Although the new wave of crafting is a grass roots movement not widely supported by outside funding, sustained interest from the public correlates to the level of importance placed on arts culture.

It’s amazing that I know far more artists and crafters with successful microbrands or intentions of starting one than those who are purely hobbyists. I, for one, so enjoy the process of constructing an identity for my creative outlets. They can define one more than the car you drive, the movies like, or the body you’re in. Many of us love it so much that we forgo financial gain so that more people can afford to own a piece of it.  Suddenly the world is thrown into an economic crisis, and I’m seeing varied reactions around the community ranging from flippance to great concern.

Where do we go from here?

Or make several thousand aluminum flowers…

or 250 Aluminum Can Granny Square Tote Bags…

or 1000 Aluminum Can Maracas for your kids, because music can help fill the void in your financially depleted soul…

or you could smelt all of it into molds to make mod lawn furniture.

The possibilities are endless. Bottoms up, my crafty friends!

Image courtesy of sandossu