Crafting with A Disability

Some Products to Help You with Your Crafting Projects

Oct 31, 2009 Megan Drummond

When you live with a disability, the smallest everyday task can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. Even hobbies can seem more frustrating than fun.

The holiday season is just beginning and that means craft shows will be popping up all over the country. While many people enjoy going to craft fairs, many more people enjoy doing the crafts themselves. If you have a disability, you may think that you can't do craft projects. You'd be wrong.

Whether you are looking to make a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table or Christmas gifts for loved ones, one of these products is sure to help your projects go smoother.

Needlepoint

If you enjoy needlepoint or cross stitch but find it difficult to hold the frame and stitch at the same time, visit the EZ Stitch website. Here you can find lap stands or floor stands to accommodate your needs. A lap stand has a wooden base that will simply slide under your leg and stay securely in place until you move it. A floor stand will sit on the floor so that your wheelchair can fit right under it.

The fanny frames, or frames that you can sit on, of the 18th century were the inspiration for StitchEZ frames. Over the last 15 years, Brian and Danette Powell have redesigned and perfected the frame to eliminate tired and cramped hands. Each frame is handmade by the Powells to ensure that you get the best quality frame on the market. The StitchEZ frame slides under your leg and can be customized fro right- or left-handed stitchers.

Painting

Painting requires a great deal of control in the wrist in order to keep the brush from touching the canvas where it shouldn't. If you love to paint, but don't have that wrist strength or are starting to lose it, the Receive-All can help. The Receive-All is a simple device that was invented by two friends after one sustained an SCI. The Receive-All consists of an arm brace and an adapter. Simply attach the object that you want to use - paint brush, fishing pole, garden spade, etc. - to the adapter and attach the adapter to the arm brace. The arm brace is secured to your hand and forearm, giving you complete control of the item you want to use.

An easel is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who likes to paint. When looking for an easel that can be used in conjunction with your wheelchair, look for one with a wide base. The wider base will allow your wheelchair room to slide under. The StitchEZ frame can also be adapted to hold a canvas on a wood frame for close up or detailed work.

Cake Decorating

If you enjoy cake decorating, the Betty Crocker Cake Decorating Kit is for you. The kit comes with several different tips for the piping bag, various icing blades to achieve different textures to the icing, instruction manual and a piping bag. The piping bag is very easy to fill and can be used with one hand.

Whatever your crafting needs, there is a product that can help you.

The copyright of the article Crafting with A Disability in Disabilities is owned by Megan Drummond. Permission to republish Crafting with A Disability in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.