As an editor who loves to feature indie artists (not to mention as an indie designer myself), I was disheartened to hear about the new Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act (scheduled to go into effect February 10, 2009), whose regulations could summon the end of small toy manufacturers, independent artisans, and crafters who have been producing nontoxic all along. Please check out the Save Handmade! page that my blog peeps Kristen and Liz over at Cool Mom Picks have set up. The page provides information on (super quick) ways you can help, as well as resources and breaking news about the effort to persuade Congress to amend the act so that we can both keep kids safe and protect the handmade toy and clothing industry.