You know that feeling after thunderstorms when the rain clears, the sun comes out and there is the biggest rainbow in the sky. Does it still stop you in your track to see those bands of color up in the sky? Maybe not quite at the "double rainbow" intensity, but I still am in awe and happy when I see rainbows.
Well, for the past 3 years there has been a stormy tide in the toymaking industry. You have probably heard me talk on and off during the past 3 years about trying to figure out what all of the CPSIA regulations would mean. To be honest there were many times I did not know myself. There are many folks that are much more eloquent with their understanding but I thought I would do a post about how I understand everything. There has been the past few years of a "stay" until the government could figure out the new law.
This past fall there was a pretty big amendment to the original CPSIA regulation that was enacted that originally wanted all individual toys or run of toys to be 3rd party tested. This most recent amendement actually helps small batch toymakers. I strongly recommend you check out this page if you are thinking about making toys to sell. It is very informative, please also watch the webcasts that are listed there as well- I thought they helped me with trying to understand the regulations.
What many folks may not realize is that these regulations went into effect on Jan 1 of this year- essentially the "stay" was lifted. I will try my best to let you know how this relates to me as a wood toy maker below:
1- I used natural materials that are by nature lead free- these are exempt from further testing. This was exempted the first year. There is a list here that includes wood, yarn, wool etc . . . please refer here: Table B on the exemption list. If you apply no paint or surface coating of any type- you are still need to label and track, but not test your paints. But if you add surface coatings you need to keep reading.
*If you use paint of any type, even AP Certified Non-toxic, and plant based washes or paints you are required to have the paints 3rd party tested in a CPSIA approved lab
2- I registered with the CPSC as a Small Manufacturer. The toys I make are not intended for children under three and I label all of the packages with the required standard warning. I am not required to do small parts testing because my toys are intended for children under 3 and I am a registered Small Manufacturer.
3- Toymakers are required to track and label their toys, due to the size of my toys I label the packaging with both the small parts warning and with my tracking label. See my original post here on my tracking and labeling.
Now, that may seem complicated and it has felt so, but I actually thought the registration process with CPSC was pretty efficient, and in January of this year I had my paints tested and there was an expense to that but the lab I worked with was great- VHG Labs, they had results to me within a day. If you are a member of the Handmade Toy Alliance you get a reduced testing rate.
What have I learned in the process? I really like working with some woods with natural coloration like walnut. This is such a lovely wood that requires no additional brown coloring- and feels gorgeous! When I took a little break after the holidays I realized I was working too much. I like Red Bull and all, but I needed to cut back. I like knowing that I am a small toymaker, not a mass producer and that alot of effort and times goes into each of my toys, clear down to the packaging.
Will I continue- oh yes, but not at the same level. I will probably continue to hold off on custom orders and make what the inspiration fairies whisper in my ear- this week I am so happy to be able to use rainbow colors where I want again! So here are some links again if you are thinking about getting into the biz:
Handmade Toy Alliance
Keeping Up with CPSIA Team on ETSY
CPSIA
CPSIA- Small Business
So how do I reward you for reading this very lengthy post on my process? By encouraging you to go ahead and jump in and make some toys if you are inspired. The process may seem odd and complicated and I am so thankful to the dedicated folks at the Handmade Toy Alliance that worked so hard on our behalf. It was time where I knew I could not be at the legislative sessions that they attended but I could certainly contribute money to the Alliance to help pay for the expenses. If testing seems expensive and daunting to you- just keep the wood unfinished.
Wood toymaking has been around for generation upon generation. I really enjoy seeing new toymakers pop up and see their toys, because heck I am really still pretty new myself. I have been making toys going on about 11 years now with about 4 years in a primarily wood medium. This year I am learning to knit to add that to the mix!
But I am still rambling, I really hope this post has helped. Please don't take me for an expert on the CPSIA and research and ask questions. But also please don't dive into the business without understanding the government regulations either.
Remember that reward part- well I wanted to give away a copy of this book that is a sweet, very well done book on making wood toys done by a fellow
Etsian Erin from Imagination Kids. It is a great start to the world of wood toymaking.
So leave a comment here between now and Tuesday at midnight and let me know your favorite color to be entered into a drawing for the book. Want extra entries?
follow me at Facebook and Twitter
share on your blog or other social media love
Good luck and again I hope this helps! Viva la toymaking!