Our WORLD

I love this picture. My friend and fellow designer, Resa lassoed in some gorgeous kidos and did a photo shoot of our baby and kid’s line. Anybody who knows the story of how JULIAN & Co. started, knows that it all started with the Id Bracelet. On the list of things to do in 2009 (if i’m still around !!) is to upload the many beautiful pics that Resa took onto the website. That was until I got a disturbing email from my other friend Jen.

Apparently the CPSC passed the not-so-well-thought-out (understatement) Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)which is effective in about 55 days and will force me to remove the baby and kids line from JULIAN & Co..

Under the new law, I would be required to spend thousands of dollars to have each of the products in the baby and kid’s line tested for lead, including our Nursing Necklace . When I started JULIAN & Co., I learned that some solders (the substance used to close the joints in the links) contain lead. I wanted our baby bracelets to be safe! I searched until I found a solder that was lead free.

So I agree safety laws are needed. Baby bottles and sippy cups being outed with Bisphenol-A in them and all the mass produced toys made in China containing lead. I even support the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act. However, what I object to is how the act is poorly written and lacks specifics.

This new law doesn’t affect just me, it affects every single business that makes a durable product which may come in contact with a child 12 and under. What does that even mean? What it means to me is that all small businesses who design and craft anything “child” will not be able to afford the costs to have their products tested and will shut down. As if our economy wasn’t suffering enough.

How can you help me and other mom run business threatened by this crazy law?

-Find your congress person and write a letter like this one.

-Join the Handmade Toy Alliance.

-Contact the CPSC directly.

-Please, pretty please tell everyone you know including your local media.

JULIAN & Co. hearts:

…you’ll be helping them too!