Okay everybody, if you know someone who makes homemade childrens items to sell in boutiqes, gift shops or out of their home. Please have them check out this info. Extremely important. I have emailed this to a few people. This is unbelievable.

HELP SAVE HANDMADE CHILDRENS ITEMS

It isn't just about "toys" either BE INFORMED
How to Get Involved -- it only takes 5 minutes of your time!

-Find your congress personand senators and write a letter like the sample here, particularly if they serve on the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection or the House Committee on Small Business.

-Send an email directly to the CPSC.

-Vote for amending the law on Change.org, digg style: With enough votes it will be presented to President Obama in January!

-Place the Save Handmade! button on your blog or website to help spread the word to everyone you know who cares about protecting the little guy and preserving beautiful items made with love for our children.

Fantastic Resources
-The Handmade Toy Alliance (check out their proposed changes, a lot of which make a whole lot of sense
-CPSIA Facebook Group
-CPSIA information group on ning
-Fashion Incubator
-The Smart Mama
-Etsy business forums

Press, related posts and late-breaking news
Patriot Ledger Editorial: "New law to put thousands of out work"
Boing Boing: "Consumer safety rule could drive crafters out of business"
Mothering.com: "Good intentions lead to catastrophic results for the natural toy industry"
Wall Street Journal: "Vendors urge relaxed lead safety rule" (despite the misleading headline)
DaddyTypes: "Is CPSC's new lead regulation going to wipe out the baby non-industrial complex next February?"
Eco Child's Play: "New consumer safety laws will make handmade, natural toys illegal"
Mom-101: "In support of work-at-home moms and other reasons to defeat the CPSIA act" Have some news for us or want more info?

Contact Liz and Kristen at info@coolmompicks.com with SAVE HANDMADE in the subject.