December 17, 2025 – A recent consumer incident report details a significant safety hazard involving the Ashland 28″ Red Velvet Bow Stem, sold at Michael’s craft stores. A crafter attempting to shorten the product’s dowel, presuming it to be wood, discovered it was made of fiberglass, leading to widespread fiberglass shard contamination.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On November 29, 2025, an incident was reported concerning the Ashland 28″ Red Velvet Bow Stem (Item # 10784637). The consumer purchased the decorative bow stem from Michael’s, intending to use it for crafting purposes. As is common practice for crafters, they attempted to cut the attached dowel shorter to fit their project needs. The consumer, assuming the dowel was made of wood—a typical material for such items—was met with a dangerous surprise. Upon cutting, the dowel shattered, releasing numerous fiberglass shards onto their hands, face, and throughout their home. The incident report highlights that there was no indication on the product’s tag or description that the dowel was constructed from fiberglass, a material known for its hazardous splintering properties.
Safety Concerns
The presence of an unmarked fiberglass dowel in a craft product poses several serious safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: Fiberglass shards can cause immediate skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes upon contact. If inhaled, they can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, sore throat, and breathing difficulties. Eye contact can result in severe irritation, pain, and potentially corneal abrasions, requiring immediate medical attention. Cuts and punctures from shards can lead to localized inflammation and potential infection.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated or prolonged exposure to fiberglass without proper protection can exacerbate skin and respiratory issues. While not classified as carcinogenic, chronic irritation of the lungs and airways can lead to persistent respiratory problems. Invisible shards can linger on surfaces, clothing, and in ventilation systems, causing ongoing exposure for household members and pets.
- Who Might Be Affected: Crafters, who commonly modify products, are at primary risk. Children and pets are also vulnerable if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces or the product itself. Anyone handling the item without protective gear, particularly if attempting to cut, bend, or break the dowel, is at risk.
- Property Damage Potential: Fiberglass shards can contaminate furniture, carpets, clothing, and tools, making them difficult and potentially costly to clean. Standard vacuuming may not effectively remove shards and can even spread them further if the vacuum lacks a HEPA filter. Professional cleaning may be required for severe contamination.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own an Ashland 28″ Red Velvet Bow Stem:
- Immediate Steps: Do not attempt to cut, break, or modify the dowel. Handle the product with extreme caution. If you have already cut the dowel and experienced exposure, thoroughly wash affected skin with soap and warm water, avoiding scrubbing. Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If symptoms persist or are severe, seek medical attention immediately. For contaminated areas in your home, avoid vacuuming with a regular vacuum; use a damp cloth to wipe surfaces or a vacuum with a HEPA filter, then dispose of the cloth/filter carefully.
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Look for the “Ashland 28″ Red Velvet Bow Stem” with Item # 10784637 purchased at Michael’s. Visually inspect the dowel—if it appears unusually smooth or plastic-like, or if you suspect it’s not wood, exercise extreme caution.
- Prevention Measures: Until further guidance is provided, consider safely containing and isolating the product to prevent accidental handling or modification. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask) when handling or modifying craft materials, especially if the material composition is unknown or unverified.
- Reporting Procedures: We urge consumers to report any incidents involving this product or similar unmarked fiberglass materials to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this report, the manufacturer, Michaels Stores, Inc., has not provided a response to this incident.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.