Paul Frank Sock Monkey Pink and Blue Just Cute

Here we have for your consideration today a cute Sock Monkey made from designer Paul Frank Julius and Friends New socks in a gorgeous blue and pink with the famous Paul Frank monkey faces all over! Wearing a silver and grey sparkly handknitted hat with fluffy pom poms and cute button eyes.This would make a great collectable for Sock Monkey fans as well as being an ideal and unpredictable gift for someone you love! Thankyou for your view today!

Breaking News: The CPSIA Mandatory Testing & Certification Proposed 1 Year Suspension

We are so excited to announce that the Commission has voted for a "Stay of Enforcement of Certain Testing and Certification Requirements of CPSIA" — which means that they are proposing a 1 year suspension of the burden of lead testing and certification while they take more time to review the rules and plan enforcement! All of your hard work is paying off (for the time being at least!). You wouldn't have to pay to do the certification and testing, though you are still liable if your products are found to have lead. The hard work is not over; we must continue to play a role in advocating for small business people throughout the coming year.

"The action taken today provides breathing space to get in place some of the rules needed for implementation, but it should not be viewed as a full solution to the many problems that have been raised." —U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission

You'll find the press release below:

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.

The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.

The stay does not apply to:

*

Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
o

The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
o

The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
o

The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
o

The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
*

Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
*

Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
*

Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.

The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our Web site.

The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.

CPSIA New Law In The USA Will Close Thousands Of Small Handmade Businesses Please Read!

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Pregnant Expecting Mother Sock Monkey

This is an adorable Pregnant Sock Monkey handmade by me :O),she is in lovely pastel shades and is wearing her blue flowered maternity pants and maternity top with * Under Construction * and an arrow pointing to her large stomache so ciute! he is wearing a flower in here hair,she would make a unique gift or a collectable for yourself!

Elvis Sock Monkey

I had so much fun this week making this Elvis Sock Monkey for my friend Lisa, hope you like it too! Sock Monkey Jungle
UK Website Sock Monkey Jungle

- A Different World - When We Were Boys and Girls

Remember???

To Serve and Protect Sock Monkey Police / Security

Good looking,a hero,aserver and a protector of all,this is a fun and unique sock monkey dressed in a smart uniform with light blue undershirt and tie with navy blue trousers and smart jacket with gold buttons and of course his smart cap too! His height is approx 17" ....will he be your hero?!
Sock Monkey Jungle UK
Sock Monkey Jungle International

PDF Digital Delivery How To Make A Sock Monkey Instruction Pattern Photographic Illustrations Easy Step by Step

Learning how to make sock monkeys can sometimes be daunting with todays instructions available,they are basic and confusing i know iv tried them,and its not as easy as you think lol , you wouldnt believe how many socks i cut wrong just to start with! This is a PDF Digital Pattern devised by me in a way i would have liked to have learnt simple and quick! This will be delivered directly to your email address provided at sale, it is simple to use and understand showing step by step in illustrations and guidance how to make a sock monkey it really couldn't be easier,just read my feedback about this pattern! You may print it out as many times as you like and make fabulous gifts that will be treasured for many years to come! You will need to open this with program Adobe Acrobat Reader , to open this PDF you can download it free at www.adobe.com patterns normally posted to you within 24 hrs of sale or sooner! Materials needed are thread,buttons for eyes and a bag of soft toy filling.If you would like a hat knitting just contact me the colour you wish for these are just $5.00 each ....Happy Monkey Making!!

PLEASE NOTE:
This pattern is sent for your own personal use and is NOT to be resold,distributed or copied,you may print this out for only personal use images are not to be copied or wordings changed this pattern is copyright to me>If you are thinking of making and selling sock monkeys please be considerate and unique and make your own styles and designs thankyou!
Click here For Your Copy!!

Zibberdy Silly Sock Creature

Silly sock creature Zibberdy ! What a funny faced little chap he is! Zibberdy is made from new socks in gorgeous vibrant rainbow stripes he has peculiar odd button eyes and cheekily sticks out his tounge, he has his name on his chest,hes quirky and fun! he would make a great gift or to add to your collection...hes sure to bring a smile where ever he sits! Approx 15" height

Large Sock Monkey 28 inch lenth

This is a cute and large sock monkey in colourfil stripes,the lenth from head to foot is approx 28"! This would make a fab gift or room decoration,just so cute and fun and sure to bring a smile and cheer up any room too,just so funky!!

Valentine Sock Monkey Pair Couple Personalised

CLICK TO ENTER SHOP
For your consideration is this sweet couple, they are both dressed in their pyjamas and make such a sweet pair ! The female monkey is wearing her silk PJs,she has beautiful hair too! The male is very handsome in his blue tartan PJs also !.These would add fun room decoration to any home and are so cute! They would make a wonderful unpredictable and unique Valentine Gift , or for any other celebration too!! I can add a name tag to each of the monkeys to make them that little bit more special, just message me the two names you would like to have!

Valentines Gift For Him! Check This Set Out!!

Sock Monkey Mr Luvverman
Valentines Day Card

Dont forget him on valentines dat February 14th!! This pair would make a fab romantic gift set !

Small Toymakers Face Extra Expense With Lead Testing

Published: December 19, 2008

WASHINGTON—Mom and pop makers of toys and other products for children fear that costly new government regulations could put them out of business soon after Christmas.

After recalls of millions of tainted toys from China over the last two years, Congress approved a new law this summer limiting the amount of lead and other chemicals in children’s products.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act mandated that, beginning in February, toys, clothes and other products for kids must be tested for those chemicals. The new law covers both products imported by large toy companies and many of those made by craftsmen working from home in the United States.

Pam Crowson, a stay-at-home mother of four in Pilot Mountain, N.C., started hand-making hair bows and other products for kids a year ago. She sells them on eBay and Etsy, an online marketplace for handmade products, and makes enough each week to help pay for groceries.

While large companies can afford to test materials when making tens of thousands of copies of each product, she said that she makes so few of each item that third-party testing of her fabric - at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per sample - would be cost prohibitive for her small operation.

“I’m all for lead free toys, but it was the toys coming from China that had lead in them. I really feel the law was intended for them,“ she said. “But if the law’s not changed, people like me will have to stop.“
Small-scale makers of toys and other children’s products have organized to lobby the Consumer Product Safety Commission for an exemption to the testing standard.

Dan Marshall, owner of Peapods, an independent toy store in St. Paul, Minn. and founder of the Handmade Toy Alliance, said that after the wave of Chinese recalls last year, interest in small-batch, domestically produced toys increased because parents felt they were safer.

“We got into this business because we wanted high standards for toys,“ Marshall said. “But this law applies to you whether you’re making 100,000 Tickle Me Elmos or 100 little stuffed animals. There should be some exception for small toymakers.“

There are exceptions to the testing rule for crafters making only one unique copy of each item, said Julie Vallese, spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Small toymakers have inundated the commission with questions and complaints about the new standards, she said. Many are confused about whether the new rules apply to their operations.

“It’s sticky and it’s tricky, but if we can’t see that the products are truly one-of-a-kind, they have to be tested,“ she said. “This is not a time where a manufacturer should be rolling the dice on compliance with the law.“

Consumer safety advocates who fought for stricter lead limits said that they oppose a blanket exemption for small manufacturers of products for kids.

“Parents need to know that whether someone is making 10 or 20 of a product or 10 or 20 thousand that the product does not have lead,“ and other harmful chemicals, said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger, a consumer safety group.

But, she said, there could be room for an exemption for testing some products made from untreated wood or natural fibers that are unlikely to contain lead or other harmful chemicals.
Since April, Jacquie Berker of Hillsborough, N.C., has sold handmade children’s clothes, hair accessories and other products from her Web site, Cuckooboo.com.

“A lot of people like me are just confused about what actually has to be tested. I couldn’t afford to keep doing this if I had to test each product, it’s really expensive,“ she said.

Phil Barbato, of Richmond, Va., recently left a full-time job as a Web designer to concentrate on making handcrafted plush monsters, which he sells on Etsy.

He and other small-scale stuffed animal makers said they were confused about whether the new law applies to them, and how it could affect their operations.

“There’s no way an independent handcrafter could afford to test these things,“ he said.

Valentine Gifts For Him ! Check Out This Set!!

Sock Monkey Mr Luvverman
Valentines Day Card

Dont forget him on valentines dat February 14th!! This pair would make a fab romantic gift set !

Happy 2009!!

Ooooh Mr Luvermann Valentine Sock Monkey