Repost: Save Handmade Toys!

Have you heard the controversy about the CPSIA trying to close down handmade toy makers? Not intentionally maybe but with some broad laws in the works your selection of vintage and handmade in the child’s toy and clothing department is about to be impacted. Just listen to this email I got yesterday from Matt at Etsy and Buy Handmade to describe the situation a bit better….

As I am sure you are all aware, the handmade world is abuzz about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). This act, which will go into effect on February 10th, 2009, puts forth much more stringent safety measures for products intended for children under the age of 12. Under the very important auspices of child safety, the Act may have grave unintended consequences: fewer choices for families who are looking for handcrafted alternatives. Many artists and craftspeople have expressed fears that they won’t be able stay in business due to the burdensome cost of testing and certification pursuant to the proposed legislation. At Etsy, we have been urging our members to get informed and contact their representatives. Discussion is ongoing, but we’ve already seen effective movement from the CPSC. They are listening to the micro-business community! That said, there is still much to be done, and a great deal of misinformation and confusion is running rampant on the web right now

In light of this need for clarity, discussion, and feedback hinging on this important CPSIA issue, I would like to refer folks who are involved or concerned about the CPSIA issue to a new blog I have set up at BuyHandmade.org. I am hoping we can make this a place where we can report the facts and help the friends, colleagues, and customers who will be so greatly affected by this.

That being said scoot over to the Buy Handmade blog and get all the latest info about this issue. Be sure to take the Handmade Pledge while you are there if you have not already and thanks Glee for the amazing amigurumi Nut Sack picture and Goose Grease for the rad Who Can Tell Wooden Ninjas.