CNN iReport

America's hand-made toy makers are under siege !

Broad sweeping legislation created as a result of shoddy and deadly toys from China will have impact to small American toy makers, crafts leaders and educators.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) lacked the authority and staffing to prevent dangerous toys from being imported into the US. So, they passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) in August 2008.

This Act, requires testing and certification for ALL toys, books, clothing, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more. Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009.

Everyone agrees that corporations that rely on outsourced work in China should be forced to ensure our nations children are safe and that they alone should burden the cost of outsourcing - Not the individual toy or craft maker. 

To subject the America's small toy makers or crafts sellers to the same overhead and expense not in our nations best interest and will burden the nations arts and crafts industry and national hand-made toy makers.

A grassroots effort to save our national children's toys, crafts and educational kit creators is underway and you can register your support at the below url or in writing your state Senator.

Over 370 Endorsements from American Toy makers has been registered to change legislation and over 9235 votes to support the review and change of this act by President-Elect Barack Obama.  It currently is in the top 10 issues that will be presented to the President-Elect.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

See example of Handmade dolls and toys at; http://www.woolcreations.com

http://www.craftsburykids.com/

http://www.unplugyourkids.com/

http://www.walkingsticktoys.com/

http://www.hazelwoodchildren.com/

A Video Message of this Act and impact can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/handcraftivist