The feathery flakes...that we so revel in...are a-fallin' once again....that should be a song! However, the sun is now peeking through and it looks like we might just have a sunny afternoon on white fluff!
I'm continuing to craft away on all my projects...I've got about three goin' at once here! So in the meantime, I'll show you a wonderful crocheted baby blanket that I didn't make! It was given to our girls by our dear neighbor, Maurice (pronounced 'Morris' in these parts!), who came by bearing gifts for the children this week. He's also the one who gave us our gorgeous wreath outside! The doll blanket came with this wooden cradle!
He also gave our son a bright yellow dump truck that's been hauling snow! And gave Heather a nice big journal that's she's been diligently making her entries in everyday. Very thoughtful gifts!
Another great gift they received this year was from G'mom and G'dad .... bright red lanterns!! They LOVE going outside at night...and now they've got the perfect light for their nighttime excursions...with the added bonus of keeping their hands warm, too! : )
Our kiddos received some really unique and fun gifts this year...all of them simple and educational...features we definitely admire! Along those lines, I've been reading more information regarding the CPSIA and protecting the future in our continued ability to provide and purchase these types of toys for children. The ramifications of the CPSIA are daunting to say the least. I just read this quote today:
Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing.
Did you get that..??!!! NO more finding and buying toys, books, games, clothing, etc. for children at thrift stores that haven't been 'tested' according to CPSIA standards.
The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead.
"They'll all have to go to the landfill," said Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Assn. of Resale and Thrift Shops.
Excuse me..but this is craziness! I really had no idea that these were the full implications of this consumer 'protection' act. I already contacted my Congressman and Senators ...and I've now put a button for you to click on in the sidebar to make it easier for you to find all the information. I signed their petition and voted on Change.org today. Here's the rest of the article quoted above...and please take a look at endangered whimsy...a gallery of products that are destined to be affected by this legislation due to pass in Feb.
Thank you for all your support and involvement! From what I was reading, we're already being heard and making a difference. Let's totally nip this craziness in the bud...where it belongs! And then go on enjoying and supporting all of our talented crafters, artisans, home and small businesses, and those wonderful eclectic thrift stores and flea markets! And I'll be with you soon on my son's new wool britches!! : D