[Nfb-krafters-korner] All Crafters - This needs your attention

[Diane]

I think this all stems from the lead paint ordeal.
Di
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: AUDREY WELLNER 
  To: undisclosed recipients
  Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 10:54 PM
  Subject: All Crafters - This needs your attention


        Hi Fellows Crafters,
           Found this article I think you all need to look into.  Read it carefully - it effects everyone doing crafts.  Let me know your opinion. 
           Audrey



        Call for Handmade Activism
        On February 10, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) will change its policies in an attempt to protect American consumers. American artisans and retailers who deal in handcrafted items for children 0-12 will be profoundly affected by this change. According to HandmadeToyAlliance.org, "Among other things, the CPSIA bans lead and phthalates in toys, mandates third-party testing and certification for all toys and requires toy makers to permanently label each toy with a date and batch number."
        If you go to Etsy.com, an online marketplace for buying and selling handmade items, and type "baby" into the search engine, the results total over 182,000. Imagine the costs involved to test 182,000+ items; the grand total is mind-boggling. Aprons, blankets, hats, wood toys, jewelry, soap and even diaper bags will be subject to inspection at the maker's expense. Imagine: You will no longer be able to purchase that cute little hat for a baby shower gift because the craftsperson that crochets the hats won't be able to afford the $180 per piece inspection fee.
        To learn more about this new legislation, please check out the following Web sites for additional information:
        HandmadeToyAlliance.org
        Etsy.com