Craftivism: support handmade toys

Because the time, skill, and joy of making things by hand is something we all appreciate, I wanted to pass this on to you.

Due to the recent concerns about lead levels in imported toys, a bill has been passed which requires all toys, imported and domestic, to be tested for lead before reaching the market. When you think about all the kids who've been exposed to unsafe lead levels from made-in-China toys, this is a good thing.

The problem is, these lead tests are expensive. Up to $400 per toy. And this bill, as it's written, applies to all toy makers, in fact, anyone who manufactures products for children under 12. That includes all the committed, conscientious cottage crafters, all the talented handmakers on Etsy. If even includes me, for a few months ago I made a baby blanket and sold it in my shop. Under this new law, I'm a criminal!

So. What needs to happen is, amendments must be made to the bill before it's put into action. Send this sample letter to your Congress person and Senators.

Maurice Hinchey
Hillary Clinton
Charles Schumer

If you need to look up your own representative, you can do that here.
If you need to look up your senators, do that here.

If you'd like, you can read more about the issue, and do even more good things here. Such as signing petitions, downloading widgets, and joining the Save Handmade Toys facebook page.

Thanks, everyone, for your support of making things by hand!