Please write you Congressmen...

[cheltzey]

I know that many of us here are fans of purchasing homemade items from sites like Etsy. Legislation recently passed (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act), while well-intended, will make it illegal for handmade toys to be sold without costly testing. This will drive most of the sellers we purchase from, many of whom are mothers trying to make a living for their families, out of business.

Check out this site for more info:
http://www.simple-finds.com/2008/12/...ty-things.html

Then do your civic duty and let your representatives know what you think!

[Tracie Stroud]

YES!!! PLEASE write to your congressmen and women about this! Not only does it affect toy makers, but it also affects anyone who makes children's clothing, diapers, blankets, etc. etc. It will be impossible for any of the WAHM's to stay in business because of this legislation. All the Etsy and Hyena Cart vendors you love for children's products will be forced out of business.

[cheltzey]

It just makes me so mad when ill-concieved legislation gets rushed through, even when its intentions are good. This could be devastating for an entire group of businesses, which is the last thing we need in this economy.

[junebug]

this is bad! on one hand, with the scare of all the toys and crap from China that contain dangerous toxins i can understand them trying to make things safer. but yes, they need to think of the little people! i was just browsing Etsy the other day looking at some handmade wooden toys for Aidan, and a lot of what i saw stated that they were painted with stuff like milk paint. thats not toxic! they need to adjust this law or something.

[amandabarugh]

Oh I can't stress this enough! I agree that it was well-intentioned, but this will directly effect me and friends of mine! You can bet I've been sending letters.