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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2022 - 04 - 07 - ID#tyqmsp
8
Bead Work When Totally Blind? (self.Blind)
submitted by Kenyellala
So, I wanna take up bead work/jewelry making. I am totally blind. Any tips on where to start?
KillerLag 4 points 1y ago
Are the beads different sizes/shapes/materials? If they are the same size/shape/material, but different colours, then you definitely want a way to keep them sorted out and separate if you want to make patterns. If you just want random, then it isn't as important.

Depending on how fine the thread is for the beads, you may want to get a needle to help guide the thread through the beads. A blunted needle would give you most tactile feedback then a floppy thread.
Kenyellala [OP] 3 points 1y ago
That’s the thing, I’m just getting started. I don’t really know what beads I want to buy yet and if I want to use thread, string, or wire. I don’t really know which would be easier to start with.
KillerLag 3 points 1y ago
If you are just getting started, it's probably easiest to get some basic stuff from the dollar store to practice with. It would help you figure out what does and doesn't work without incurring too high a cost.

I don't know if you have a Michael's craft store nearby, but they have a crazy selection of beads of different types, but they are more expensive. One option (if you want it stiffer) is instead of using thread/cord, you can use aluminium wire. If would be stiff enough to hold the shape and may be easier to thread through.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
The important thing is a sorting system. Put all different color beads in it’s containers, label them and keep them separate and organize. Even if you don’t have a tendency to be an organized person learning this skill will be super useful here. Keep each bead that are different in color and type in it’s own little container. I went to joannes and found a pretty cool bead container jar system.it was a box with like 12 jars each. And I would put each color and different bead in each one then label. This is red, green, blue, purple, etc. the visual part is tricky making appealing visual patterns. If you had any sight ever it would be useful I didn’t lose all my vision until about 8 or so so I remember colors and know them. But if you haven’t I can imagine it would take some learning and memorizing almost as a theory. What color goes with what?

Sometimes the wholes to the real jewelry beads not the kiddy ones but the actual professional ones to be really small and you access and string them in by wires or something like that. That’s what you string them by.either use a nail to feel but most times I found that using the end of that wire to feel where the access point was, worked best.

The rest can be learnt. Learn how to do the beading process and the jewelry tools you’ll need to use the clamps and stuff and the tools you can buy.
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