I am posting this in every online journal I have. Maybe if more people know about it, something can be done because this has gone far enough. First the Orphan arts act and now this??

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

I understand the reasons for this act and I agree with them for big companies who can afford the $4,000 per toy inspection fee. As for us small time crafters who create one of a kind items? We're screwed if this act is allowed to survive.

It's becoming harder and harder to be an artist these days simply because the government is too stupid to redefine and clarify who is effected by their acts. Sure, they may start out as good ideas, but in execution they become more harmful than helpful, especially to those of us who are not part of huge corporations, who can afford to pay all these fees.

If this act is allowed to remain, than I may very well have to stop creating my dolls. I know of other artists who have either decided to stop doing what they love because they don't have the money to continue their craft or others who are willing to go against the law because of it's utter stupidity. This is a huge blow to all crafters, especially those of us who are Waldorf crafters. Our naturally made toys are going to be illegal come February.

I've e-mailed both of the California senators and one from Colorado...and I hope at least one of them will care enough to help those of us who no longer seem to have a voice in our own country.

I urge anyone who cares enough about art and the people who take the time and effort to create it, to e-mail your senators and alert them to this. Something needs to be done and this isn't something we can just ignore and hope it goes away.