With the lead found in children's products that have come out of China from corporate giants such as Mattel, there has been an outcry for testing for anything sold to children under 12.  Being a mom of a 2 year old this does make sense.  I want to know what I purchase for my little girl is safe and non toxic.  But this law is killing handmade America, the economy, mommypreneurs, small happy businesses, antiques, and publishing companies.  Let's say I wanted to make really cool modern baby clothes and sell them on line.  I go to the fabric store, purchase non-toxic lead free material, buttons, and thread.  I go home make my little clothes.  With this new law I am now required to have my finished product tested.  Every item I make has to undergo it's own testing even if each item is made from the exact same bolt of fabric.  Also under this law it requires that everything is made from "New Materials"  that means antique toys (like the Fisher price record player I purchased for Emma off EBay) or up cycled/ recycled items can no longer be sold.  And wait there's more, books have never had to undergo such testing but under this law they would.  Now each book has to undergo testing if made for Children under the age of 12.  Libraries are in a panic because they will either have to toss all current books for children or pay to have them tested.  Either way they can't afford this cost.  I really thought us artists in the children's industry had a strong voice, but it just isn't strong enough.  We were able to get the law to hold off on their February 10 deadline, but if you see this link, you will note that it's not enough http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/message-from-senator-demint-call-your-senators-about-the-cps-3370/  No one is safe from what this law requires.  This doesn't mean we are making wonderful items for children using lead products, it means that we can't afford the testing to prove we are not using led therefore we legally can't sell "handmade", antiques, or books for children unless they are tested.  This will significantly hurt the economy and ruin the children's art and crafts of America.

Here is the CPSIA Action Kit
http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/CPSIA-Etsy-Resources.pdf

I know that I can't be the only mom that has bought wonderful handmade clothes, toys, blankets, burp clothes, dolls and more.  I am sure any mom can look in her child's room and see a favorite handmade wood car, child's chair, or stool, or even know a good friend that crafts out beautiful blankets, clothes, or dolls.  I want to keep the creative people that have enriched my daughters early years alive.  I am not a huge buyer of giant corporate American products that have been licensed to death.  But that soon may be my and others only option.  Very few handmade companies will be able to meet the cost of these tests.

Do you think Global Gals will want to help??

-Suzanne (posted by Julie)