I've been wracking my brain as to how I can help (aside from signing petitions, etc) Save Handmade so today, I took my cause to Oprah. Anyone ever written in about a topic or suggestion to be on Oprah? Well, I did!
It seems so unfair that so many of us, who work our tails off building and making non-toxic, eco-friendly goods for kids are about to lose our businesses or face fines of $100K+ for violating the CPSIA ruling because we can't afford the outrageous testing fee. All the while, all along, from day one, we've been using the best, eco-friendly, non-toxic materials. Ironic, eh? I looked into testing for some of my goods and it will cost roughly $2000-$5000 per piece. There's just no way.
So if this law doesn't get amended, look for Mod Mom to be selling storage pieces...for parents and folks older than 12. Wonder what I could make for teens these days? Little wooden boxes for storing things they don't want their parents to see. There's an idea.
All of this just makes me sick to my stomach. Keep your fingers crossed that Oprah's staff takes pity on a woodworker from LA. On second thought, I'll write back and see if she has a show on stuff made for teenagers...so I can start marketing my "my mom would die if she saw what's in this", slow-closing, lockable, mini-wooden chests for teens. Just kidding....
Check out this link....it's brilliant!!
http://blog.buyhandmade.org/
