1.30.2009

Crippling Crafters

I am very frustrated about a new law that is in affect starting on February 10. Basically it is making it impossible for people like me to sell items that are made for children under the age of 12! The reason why law makers approved this is because of all the mess with lead and childrens toys! I am glad that people are looking out for our children but I don't think that this law was well planned. To read more about it click here.
There are so many stay at home moms that have created a little career for themselves. It's been so great for me to have something to use my creativity and to feel successful. I had so many plans for the future of my business. I am feeling sad and disappointed and let down. I have so much inventory and what am I to do now? Really....how many women were in that room as they were passing this law? And if there were women voting in there...they were politicians and not stay at home moms! I'm also sad as a consumer! How am I going to find all of the wonderfully adorable handmade goods for my children that so many of my fellow women are providing! I'm still waiting for this all to go away and for it not to REALLY be happening!
So the question is-how DO we make sure that our children are not coming in contact with harmful things and STILL have the freedom to make and sell inspirational items? I don't know!
If we are so worried about our economy...this is certainly not going to help! Think about all of the craft stores and fabric stores that won't have customers purchasing their items. What about girls like me who use the money that I profit to spend on things that I wouldn't typically buy or be able to afford?
The wheels in my brain are turning as I try to grasp all that this law means to me! It's not good.

8 comments:

Emily said...

I've seen a lot of discussion about this on the sewing/crafting blogs I read. There are several groups trying to get this law amended to protect small crafters (like yourself), and hopefully some change will happen. Just another example of the problems with government intervention. Do we really need to have a law for EVERYTHING! Seems to me this law hurts more people than it helps.

Stephanie said...

That is frustrating. I say yes to protecting our children, but no to this seamingly unclear law. It should be more specific to say "painted or metal toys/crafts." After all, whoever heard of lead in fabric or paper? Maybe there has been, but I don't recall any paper or 100% cloth toys being recalled for lead lately.

vicki said...

We are losing our individual liberties when gov't starts controlling so many aspects of our lives, and even...especially(?) the economy.
A suggestion I heard on one of the talk radio shows is that this shouldn't be such a worry to the 'small' business operator. The office of consumer affair (or whatever the entity is) is VERy small and there are not enough people to enforce the laws. As I understand it, presently the police won't be doing any enforcing. Before the law changes for that to happen (police to aid the consumer office entity), I think there is enough of an outcry that the law should read in the favor of crafters, etc.
We, as citizens, need to diligently pay heed to the laws being passed. The objectional ones NEED to be addressed to the law makers. They Do listen to us and some of them really do heed our cries. Vicki farrell

Jenkinson Family said...

that's awful. I love homemade children gifts. They are so fun and so unique. This is sad.

T. Bateman said...

Ugh, I had no idea. How frustrating! I will hope that something will change about enacting this law soon.

Leah said...

I am so sorry...I hadn't even heard or I guess am not paying attention...I feel so bad for you guys! We need to catch up and talk. It's been too long.love you

Chablis said...

Oh I know!! I found out from She Does Hair a while ago and I have no idea what to do. She had a petition going, check that out and see if it's still active. As a consumer of small crafts for kids, this makes me frustrated too!

Heidi said...

Katrina that is the most awful thing I have heard all day....I feel devastated for you. Wow.