We feel as you feel – our children are most precious.

As with any product that might end up in the hands of our children, we are conscious of the safety of those items. This is particularly important when items are sold FOR children – toys, clothing, accessories, etc. We want to know that no harm will come from using a particular toy – or clippie!

With the passing of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act in 2008, many artists and manufacturers of children’s items have been required to change how they create their items and the supplies they use to comply with the new law. There has been much concern and confusion on how the law applies to all businesses – from crafters, to textiles and even ATV and motorcycle industries! Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009. Additionally, they are asking for tracking labels to be applied to all children’s items effective August 14, 2009.

This is good news when looking at it from the perspective of our children’s safety and we fully support any measure that will ensure their safety. On the other hand, the law is confusing and small companies are seriously worried about their future and their ability to conform to the new laws. Many small businesses have closed their doors because their items did not pass testing or they simply could not afford to test in the first place (it is a very expensive test!). We are taking a positive attitude and will make every effort to comply with the law and we will continue to follow the changes in the law as they occur.

We purchase our clips and barrettes from a reputable online store who has tested these items and have provided their customers with a Certificate of Compliance for these items. If you would like a copy of this certificate, we would be happy to provide this to you. Our ribbon and embellishments are purchased from reputable companies like Offray, Coats and Clark and Schiff Ribbons. We make every effort to buy from companies that proudly display MADE IN THE U.S.A. These items cost more than ribbons, bows, beads, etc. that can be purchased from overseas. But we feel we can still make a quality, safe and CUTE clippie without increasing our prices. That is the commitment that started this business and it continues to be our mission statement.

What this means to you:

The biggest change will be any clippie that is made with Swarovski Crystals. Swarovski Crystals are a lead crystal and will not pass the new lead law. Therefore, from this point forward, we will not knowingly sell or market any Sparkly Clippie to a child younger than 12 years of age. They will be available simply because, like me, women (as well as tweens and teens) love wearing cute and trendy clippies, too! We are researching a new “low-lead” glass replacement for these clippies and we will keep you posted.

We hope that you appreciate the time and thought that goes into our product – and when comparing us to other clippie and bow makers… you choose M.E.! As with any small item, please use your Mommy-sense and watch what they put in their mouths. It is generally a bad idea to snack on a clippie – no matter where it was made, what it was made with or who made it… try Cheerios instead!

If you would like to know more, here are some links that I found helpful:

CPSIA Affect on Small Business

U.S. CPSC Small Business Information

Posted by Julie Covey on May 20, 2009