A new act is to be enforced in February. This law was made to protect American consumers from harmful products targeted at children. The creation of this act was due to the imported items containing lead that have been found on store shelves.
That is an important issue and it is imperative that we protect our children from uncaring manufacturers.
The act calls for all items marketed to children 12 and under be tested for lead and other safety issues by accredited third party.
The problem with this act is that it makes no provisions for the cottage industry.
For decades I made and sold delightful little puppets at craft shows. I researched all the materials I used, making sure they were non-toxic, hypo-allergenic items, When I assembled the puppet I used carpet and button thread which is extremely strong. I sewed the parts on at least three times each and then tugged and tugged to make sure the pieces were secure. I used no small embellishments. Then when selling the item, I told the buyer that since the puppet was made of cloth that I did not recommend it for anyone under three or that would chew, bite or suck on the puppet because if they should put whole in the cloth they might get the fiber-fil in their mouth which could be a choking hazard.
I loved making selling the puppets. I always thought that somewhere in the future I would again sell them. But if there are no provisions made in the CPSIA to waive the 3rd party testing for the cottage industry, I will no longer be able to make and sell the puppet.There will be no way I can afford to pay for the testing.
Not only will I not be able to sell those puppets, but my art dolls might be at risk as well. I use the term doll. That word alone can cause the CPSIA inspectors to require that they be tested too.
The intent of the act is admirable, but there definitely needs to be some amendments made to protect the conscious, caring "little guys" caught in the rhetoric of restrictions aimed at over-seas manufacturers.
To read more about how this act will affect many, many Americans please go to this link http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org
And please join me in writing to your congressman, senator, local newspaper editor, television station............ about the changes that are needed to this act.
counter
About Me
- Alice C. W. Dennis
- I have two main interests. I create one-of-a-kind sculptures, most of which are known as arto dolls. My work has been published in local newspapers and community publications as wellas in international doll magazines. It has also won accolades at fine art and craft fairs, gallery exhibits and the Great new York State Fair. I also am a puppeteer, creating my own puppets and writing and performing shows. My "suitcase entourage" and I perform shows for organizations, schools, daycare centers, festivals, fairs retail events,.... Each show is created specifically for the occasion, and tailored for the audience age and desired theme. I have lived in California, Nevada, Oregon, Virginia, Montana, New York, Okinawa and Germany. Hints of the influence of each residence can be found in my style and palette.
desk set
a long neck?
no , a pen
made from a bic stick pen
felted head
my first felted head
The Chef
made in July 2006
Gourdgette
1 comment:
Thanks for clearing this up for me. I was in the dark and didn't realize that the act would play a role in what artists create. Not good!
Post a Comment