CPSIA - A well-intentioned but overbroad law

CPSIA is the new law intended to protect children from toys containing lead. Sounds good, except...it has the potential to shut down the children's departments in public libraries:

"CPSC ruling requires children’s books to be removed for safety testing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) released a letter to Congress yesterday, urging members to take action against a recent opinion ruling released from the General Counsel of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that would require public, school, academic and museum libraries to either remove all their books or ban all children under 12 from visiting the facilities, beginning on February 10."

American Library Association

And of course CPSIA would be a devastating blow to the handmade craft movement, forcing many people who rely on income from selling handmade children's items to shut down their businesses because they can't afford to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to have a child's dress or teddy bear tested for lead. And why should they have to test their finished products...if the components aren't safe to begin with, they shouldn't be getting to the consumer. And even if all the components ARE safe, they still have to test the finished product anyway! It's madness!

Please contact your senators and representatives and tell them your concerns about this law and how it will personally affect you. Can you imagine taking your children to the library only to be turned away at the door because children under twelve are no longer allowed? Make your voice heard!

Best. Package. Ever.

So I started my Christmas shopping by ordering a gift from Gingeroni1's Etsy shop:

http://gingeroni1.etsy.com/

She started impressing me by shipping the same day that I purchased and paid. It arrived today and all I can say is WOW:

What a beautiful package! Not only were the earrings gorgeous, but look at all the extras and little surprises she included! (That's handmade soap and Stash tea, FYI) I don't even need wrapping paper for this gift.

Needless to say, I'll be shopping with her again. She is truly a professional seller and awesome craftsperson!