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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2019 - 07 - 11 - ID#cc556m
8
Creative Hobbies (self.Blind)
submitted by Lynecia
Hi guys! Hope you're all doing well :)

Does anyone have any suggestions for relaxing creative hobbies? I'd really like to put my spare time into creating things that I can be proud of.

I currently draw a bit, but I find it strains my eyes a lot. I'd also like to get into crocheting, but feel like it'll take a long time to feel it out with a vision impairment.

Thanks in advance :)
selllowbuyhighrepeat 6 points 4y ago
I got into lockpicking. Don’t really need eyes for that.
FrankenGretchen 3 points 4y ago
Crocheting is a very good one. It doesn't take as long to learn as you think.

Mosaics is another one. This is especially fun because you can create multiple interactive modalities in one piece.

I paint, too.

On the drawing, don't fix yourself on a particular media or size. Yes, class is taught in pencil or ink or whatever, but if you can see sharpies better, use those. The texture of the surface, lighting and how it's secured can affect eyestrain, too. As my vision was going, I used sharpies and halogen lighting on a sketchpad I could plaster my face to. It worked for a little while. I was doing Mosaics near exclusively by then.

After lens replacement, I'm back to painting but I'm told I'm on the outside end of viability for it so my glue and plywood game is still splinter free.

Find ways to enjoy yourself. If you shock the bejesus out of some sighted person along the way, that's bonus points. Power tools are a good way to break the glass on thus one.
Lynecia [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Ahaha this is great, thank you ☺️ I'll definitely have to look into mosaics!
FrankenGretchen 1 points 4y ago
Media is limitless. You can mix and match for texture or effect and you don't have to use expensive stuff, either. Lowes used to sell me binloads of broken tile for the cost of the container. Those guys and the Depot will cut wood or surface material to your specs. (which makes it easier to transport on buses and such, too.). Home renovators or contractors might have really cool scraps, too. (This is a new idea for me. Just when I thought I'd cut down on my project list!) I have tricks for breaking tile, too but I'll reign in my enthusiasm fir the moment.

I made a whole menagerie of wood blocks for my son when he was little. That was fun, let me tell you!

Don't sweat the limits before you've taken your question to at least two associates. You're welcome to msg me, too.

Keep us posted on your progress.
pants_party 2 points 4y ago
Basketweaving is a good one. I took a couple of classes right before I lost my vision, but am still able to practice. I use small #2 round reed and usually make “Cherokee double-wall” baskets. It’s not very expensive to pick up starter supplies, and it’s rather easy to learn as well.
Lynecia [OP] 1 points 4y ago
This is super interesting, thank you ☺️
Sight404 2 points 4y ago
Music is a great outlet.
Lynecia [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Definitely, I'm trying to get back into piano :)
fainting-goat 2 points 4y ago
I feel like chainmail for jewelry might be an option. Depending on the size of the rings you work with it's remarkably similar to knitting.
ladymunch 1 points 4y ago
these suggestions are really good. I've tried knitting and crocheting but haven't had a" steady supply of people i can learn from.
I sew, if you can call it that. I cut up any nice pieces of material into really small pieces like the size of a postage stamp then sew them on to crossstitch sheets that I cut down quite small. I then sew little beads on and see what patterns I can make. I've embellished small pieces of neoprene from old wrist splints for example to make feelable keyring and use that to show interested people if I'm out somewhere. It also doubles as a fidget aid. Keeping my hands busy helps me concentrate. I also work with wool either platting it or finger-knitting to make strands of material I can use in my projects. I always try to keep something in my bag I can take out and fiddle with or work on if I have the things I need.
I have a digital piano here too. I only know a few songs but I improvise and just let my fingers do what they want. "
I go to art workshops where I live that are run for people with sight problems and am in their choir too.
This is a bit rambly but it should serve to give you a few ideas.
Lynecia [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Hey that's super cool! Loving the improvised crafts.
I'm trying to get back into piano now and would also like to find a choir to join, but it's a bit daunting going on my own!
ladymunch 1 points 4y ago
I'm grateful for my choir. Even though we only meet once a fortnight whereas I'd like to meet at least once a week it's an amazing outlet for frustration and emotional baggage.
My keyboard though, I couldn't live without it. In a way its better than having a full-size piano because I can plug in some good headphones and really blast whatever comes out of my fingers.
[deleted] 1 points 4y ago
[deleted]
KillerLag 1 points 4y ago
Lockpicking is an interesting one. Also knitting.
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