Legistated Out of Business? S.O.S.

Save Our Shop and fight the CPSIA
While the big corporations are refusing to reveal and account for billions of tax-payers' dollars in bailouts, the government has passed a little known new law that effectively legislates work at home mothers (and fathers) out of business. Back in August, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed. It is a broad sweeping knee jerk reaction to the Chinese imports of poisoned toys, a law designed to keep lead and pthalates out of products for our children. We are all for keeping our children safe, and while the basic aim of the law is good, it is a fatal blow to small manufacturers and crafters. The fact that so many of the crafters and makers of lovely things I have spoken to don't know about it yet makes me sad and angry that it was snuck so quickly under the radar. Not only am I angry for the millions of WAHM's around the country who are bringing home extra money for their families, while being able to stay home with their children by lovingly creating toys and items for children, but I am angry for me, too! I will no longer be able to buy the things I love so much for my own family. And, to ice the cake, as of Feb 10, 2009, most of the inventory of Blessed Baby Boutique will become illegal. The entire foundation of the shop, built with the love and support and products of so many WAHM's in Maine and around the USA, has become illegal. Without the funding to third party test every component of every hand-crafted item, each of these moms will not be able to make their products anymore, and I will no longer be able to legally sell them. This is the fatal flaw of the CPSIA, and this is just sad. Many crafters and small businesses are calling Feb 10 National Bankruptcy Day. Please join in and voice your concerns and opinions and support for changes to the CPSIA to keep these women in business:
*Joni James, WAHM, maker of handmade toys in Industry, ME
*Aimee Grimmel, WAHM, maker of cloth diapers and slings in Mexico, ME
*Harmony Lattin, WAHM, maker of handmade toys from recycled fabrics in Winthrop, ME
*Katherine Kollman, WAHM, maker of handpainted onesies, doll slings, blankets, warming packs, jewelry, and more in Gardiner, ME
*Raylene Hunt, WAHM, maker of beautiful quilts from recycled fabrics in Maine
*Deborah Sheehan, WAHM, maker of cloth diapers in FL
*Dawnella Sutton, maker of many many handmade things for children in Freedom, ME
*Karen Kangas, weaver of handmade bassinets in Strong, ME
*Leah Danala, maker of blankets and baby shoes in Strong, ME
*Alyssa Geis, maker of blankets, quilted blocks, and diaper bags in Farmington, ME
*Kelly McCrillis, maker of crochet baby blankets, stuffed animals, and toys in Wilton, ME
*Jennifer Ward, maker of cloth diapers in Limington, ME
*Chuck Baker, maker of hand carved wooden puzzles (a retired Navy Vet and grandfather), in Sterling, VA
*Cindy Heyes-David, maker of hand-quilted baby books in Strong, ME
*Heidi MacIsaac (me, of course), seller and supporter of WAHM-made things, maker of quilted blocks, dolls, bean bags, blankets, burp cloths, and other fun things for children as I find the time and inspiration.
We are the women in your community. We are wives and mothers. Our children go to school together. And we are asking for help.
I feel quite sad about the coming months, and wonder truly what the fate of these women (including myself) is. What will become of us, of our shop, of our Maine WAHM Network, and of WAHM's around the USA? Remember that beautiful baby doll that was lovingly made that your child carried everywhere? The hand-made toys of wonder, that last forever, are played with over and over, are passed down from generation to generation, will become obsolete without the voices of parents and concerned citizens everywhere. Please speak up, and Save Our Shop.