I recently led a seminar for an older blind conference put on by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. I taught people how to craft non-visually. Many people constantly ask me: how do you know where you are, how do you eat, how do you dance, how do you live a normal life being blind? Mostly I try to give an educated matter of factly response unless they are being totally rude, and then I just leave. One thing people are curious about is crafting. Sighted people just assume a blind person does not craft. So here are some of my suggestions to make crafting easier and to give blind people ideas on craftig who may never have tried if ...
1. Label everything! If you are a braille user (hopefully) braille works wonders. You can use dymo tape to label your different craft paper. You can buy dymo tape at any target or craft store. You get get a paint set and label the lids in braille with the colors. If you use large print, you can use it in the same way.
2. Use manila folders to store and label your paper including scrapbook and for other uses. You can label the folders in braille, high contrast or raised letters. Whatever works for you.
3. For those people interested in paining, there is an awesome product out there called the blackboard. You can place any sheet of paper on top of it and it makes a tactile line on the paper. It does not need to be backwards or anything like that. It can be purchased at sensationalblackboard.com
5. My favorite product of all time Mod Podge! This works like regular glue but better. You can use it on basically any craft surface including paper, wood and cloth. It also serves a double purpose as a sealant over images. It also dries faster, and stronger which helps me as a clutz make way better looking projects.
6. Find great websites that are accesible to you. For people who use large print pintrest can be great, but not for JAWS users. Screen users can use...
Stubleupon.com: This web site is fully accessible with Jaws. You need to register. You can choose from a variety of topics including crafts. It will take you to web sites that have crafts with images and step by step instructions.
instructables.com: This web site is fully accessible with JAWS and enlargement software. This web site provides instruction on many different and varied types of crafts. They include, wood crafts, paper crafts, food and more. This is a great web site for beginners looking for detailed directions.
7. The National Federation of the Blind has a group called Krafters division. They have a webpage WWW.krafterskorner.org They have all sorts of ideas for crafters and will be having a meeting in Dallas at the NFB Natioan Convention.
I will be showing people how to make vintage gift bags at their session, so you should come by!
Here are some of the projects I have actually make to give you an idea....
This is an iPhone Charging case. I will never have to leave my phone on the floor as it charges again. All it took was Mod Podge, decorative paper (it called for fabric, but oh well), and a bottle or cardboard box, I used a cardboard small perfume box.
I like to think it turned out quite well! The case sits on the charging square plugged into the wall.
This next one is one of my favorites. It is a snowflake made out of paper. It seems really complex but is actully quite easy. And if you are not a straight cutter, I am one of those, this project will still turn out beautifully!
This next project was pretty awewome. Its a lamp shade made out of plastic cups. I actually made this with my friend Liz Graves.
So get crafting, there are so many great ideas out there I can't wait to try!
you didn't post pictures of the gift bags you made out of the mexican calendar girls book! it was so pretty, i wish i took pictures. It was a gift bag i used to give myrna a bottle of wine =]
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