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Story by
Kestrell
Published on September 21, 2009 in Craftivism |
Photo by |
When I was growing up, I was one of those art geeks who went to museums for fun, was always drawing in the margins of my class notes, and took requests from other kids to draw horses, unicorns, mad scientists, and various monsters.
After I went blind, finding new ways to be creative became something of an obsession. I learned to sew. I learned to tie-dye. I'm always searching for tactile art, which can include anything from found object sculpture to costumes to textile arts.
Kestrell in the Slytherin dress robes a friend made for her.
Recently I was searching Etsy for some fingerless gloves (due to my arthritis, I often wear these even indoors), and I was pleased to find that not only did Etsy have these in a variety of lengths and styles, but many of them were fun and fit both my gothic sense of style and offbeat sense of humor. The winner is purple people-eater fleece gloves:
Purple People Eater Gloves by BoysenberryLane, $14.95.
This got me wondering what other Etsy items might be appealing to people with disabilities. Here are some of my discoveries.
I've been thinking about taking up crochet, but my arthritis makes this something of an issue. Here's a possible solution, which promises both added ease of use and a decorative element: a handcrafted steel crochet hook with a modified handle. It's decorated with flowers and butterflies. (Hmmm, wonder if I can get that with crescent moons and bats?)
Polymer Clay Covered Steel Crochet Hook with a Modified Handle by thefancifulfeline, $5.99.
I'm not a big Braille reader (I mostly use a talking laptop for reading and writing and an accessible mp3 player for reading books), but I am fond of items that use Braille as a decorative device. It's tactile, and it's like wearing a secret coded message. Etsy offers more Braille-related items than I can list in a single post, but three of my favorites are:
A Child's Braille Alphabet Quilt by NeedfulThingsofSalem, $150.
Love Braille rings available in silver or gold by Zahour, $85.
This textured Braille painting entitled "Joy" by JMJSTUDIO, $179.
For wheelchair users, there are a number of wheelchair bags, although I think there is a market of younger, more hip wheelchair users, which is being seriously overlooked. My favorite of the wheelchair bags is the Smartie Pak, Jr. arm saddlebag by hodgepodgeia, $23.95.
One particularly happy discovery was that at least one Etsy furniture maker is addressing wheelchair accessible furniture, and this wheelchair accessible reclaimed pine table from an old barn made me wish this table fit in my living space. (Big surprise, I live in the attic of a big old Victorian house, with just enough room for me, the books, and the bats.) The table is by jeffbuildsfurniture, $1050.
There are a number of disabled artists who sell their work on Etsy, but the one that I kept coming back to — and from whom I ultimately bought a couple of necklaces — is Sarahbushka and her family's shop, wiresNpliers. She lists her jewelry that she makes at Art Careers, which is an adaptive educational program offered to persons with developmental disabilities. One of the necklaces I bought was the Art Careers' Sarahbushka's "Oh, Amber!" necklace. Find more in the wiresNpliers shop.
I'm still pretty new to Etsy, but I am hoping to find more tactile crafts, more disability-related items and more disabled artists who are using art and handmade crafts as both a form of self-expression and as a form of social activism.
Kestrell is a disability and technology advocate with an M.S. in media studies. She lives in the Boston area and blogs about media, disability and technology at http://kestrell.livejournal.com
Check out items from the Etsy for Autism Team | More Posts about Disability
| Tags | arthritis, blind, blogger, Boston, braille, Craftivism, CRAFTIVISM, disability, gloves, goth, Kestrell, shopping |
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168 comments Login to add your own!
VintageEye
redyellowandblueink
VintageEyeFashion
mariagotijoyas
abcdimages
CheekyLemur
gloilocksandbody
VixVintage
OffTheHooks
LilyBaySoap
luckierthanthou
I love this article topic! My cousin recently became paralyzed from the chest down, so this article comes at a convenient time for me. Thank you so much, Kestrell.
1AEON
MGMart
Thank you so much for the article Kestrell!
My son will be going in the school trip on this Thursday to Budapest (Hungary) to an "Invisible Exhibition".
It will be held in a dark room, without any light source,and the children will have to touch,smell and feel items and try to guess what they are. I was really happy to hear they will be going there, because give a different outlook of things,what we are taking for granted!
xo
Marianna
OnTheRound
BeadinBabe
ArtDecoDame
mireillemanuel
warpedLaurie
cindylouwho2
Thanks for featuring this topic! I have one of MadeByMari's cane straps & it has been one of my best Etsy purchases
Just to let everyone know, we have an Etsy Team for people with disabilities & caregivers, called the Createability Team. You can find us all here:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php...
Please contact me if you would like to join!
Also, check out the great shops because some - like Mari - do make a few items that are designed with disability in mind, including jewellery that is easy to wear & remove, such as slip-knot necklaces & other clasp-free designs, ones with self-closing clasps etc.
BabbidgePatch
lovelygifts
uncharted
great article! it's always great to hear what the etsy community has to offer...
MGMart
Here is the link for the "Invisible Exhibition" in Budapest (Hungary), I was talking about
http://www.budapestinfo.hu/en/calenda...
aBreathofFrenchair
Great article! Having worked with adults with disabilities, I know very much how wonderful these products are!
ClaudiaLord
JanieDMattern
Wow... love this article! My husband is a Teacher of The Blind and Visually Impaired and also a Mobility Specialist.
Oh... and the Braille ring... Super Neat!!
MoonlightAura
Wow! Love this article and all the items included with it! If anyone is interested in more sign language themed items, you can check out my shop as I make sign language hand sculptures out of clay and if you'd like and I'd love to make something for you. :D Good luck to all you on etsy!
SeaFindDesigns
This is a wonderful subject.... thank you! My sweet nephew, Ronan James, who happens to be Autistic, has a sweet little shop here, along with mom.... Art is his creative outlet for ALL his emotions!
vivikas
pinkytoeclothing
StudioAMF
berrybluecreations
Awesome article. It's nice to see some createability team members being shown.
minouette
FrillyButts
bylynnkrestel
magickalrealism
There are quite a few Etsy sellers with disabilities out there who are great artisans - it would be fabulous to see a series of profiles on them and their art!
LuminousDreamDesigns
theriveriseverywhere
sineminugur
MinceCo
It's great to see etsy exploring something different to weddings and weird things, not that I have a problem with those.
blueskyclouds
hellobrowneyes
This is such a great story. Makes me love everybody on Etsy even more than before.
worksofwhimsy
A great idea for an article and great products featured. I'm fascinated by the Braille jewelry.
metrostation
breadandroses2
janeeroberti
Thank you so much for a great article.
My first career was as a special education teacher. I especially was glad that your piece touches on the variety of blindness (esp. the misconception that blind persons can see absolutely nothing and walk around in pitch black darkness all day). I also love that many of your choices are beautiful and functional items that anyone (disabled or not) can love, and as such, bridge the narrow and ever-shifting gaps between us.
Personally, I am very myopic, and as such have always appreciated tactile items, esp. the simple, sculptural and secretive quality of braille, as you so beautifully articulated. Thanks again!
poppyswickedgarden
what a wonderful article! It is fabulous that we can help while we create!
bayousalvage
CatherineMarissa
Love the focus of this. With a son with CP in a chair, I'm just learning about the need for adaptations and love the idea of a wheelchair accessible table. Keep up the wonderful work sellers!
PipocaHandmade
dandyapple
Fantastic article and finds!!! A topic very near and dear to my heart.
:)
HibouCards
meringuedesigns
LaveMeSoapCo
both of my grandparents were blind so this means a lot to me
VintageZen
That70sShoppe
COGnitivecreations
What an inspiring article. It definitely gets my gears going to create with a twist.
Thank you so much for featuring it in the Storque.
thewonderlandstudio
lorilooms
What a wonderful idea for an article! I would love to see what other sellers are out there and what they sell ;)
THEMONKEYSHOP
beadsandbits
Had I known about Etsy when I was taking care of my sight-impaired, often wheelchair-bound mom, it could have made "Mama Hot Wheels" (so named by fellow crafters at shows where she sped down aisles at breakneck speeds!) a great deal happier and hipper.
stubborndog
Wow! I loved reading this and learning about some etsians that I might not have found otherwise. It definitely gets me thinking in new directions, too. Wonderful!
patspottery
bhangtiez
So many great ideas & a great interview. Love the fingerless gloves...so fun!
blueberryshoes
this is the deepest most moving storque article i've read to date. i always think in the back of mind, how extremely depressed i'd be if i lost my ability to create with my hands for some reason. this article shows me that there is always a way-no matter what happens
BLUERAINBOW
nomadcraftsetc
adoseofjen
mtcoffinz
That cane strap is brilliant! *adding it to my Holiday shopping list*
PatternsAndSuch
I should take the time to read Storque articles more often; this was great reading, informative and love all the shops highlighted!
theaxx
wiresNpliers
Woo hoo great article and such a surprise! Sarahbushka just saw this article and even thoguh she cannot read, she recognized the Etsy Style and knew that something special has happened. She is beaming to see one of her necklaces here in the Storque. Thanks to Etsy and Kestrell for her wonderul article, and also to cindylouwho2 letting me know.
Beautiful article! Brought tears to my eyes.
LilithEvy
What a great article! I really love the ring and SOOOOO the pine table!
twokidsstudio
JoyandWhimsy
JMJSTUDIO
bijougirldesigns
Kestrell, this is a really great article - and you are inspiring. I loved hearing how you searched out other methods to keep your creativity going. Really fabulous.
soapapilla
What a great article!
I myself had a horrible accident last year resulting in me suffering a brain injury which I am still recovering from. Not being able to function as I used to and not being able to return to my rewarding job, I felt lost until I found Etsy.
Etsy has provided me an otlet for my new-found creativity in an environment that allows me to do meaningful work from my house where I continue to work toward my full recovery.
Thank you for highlighting these artists and buyers!
muzie5
Wonderful article!! I've been contemplating adding a Special Needs department to my online baby boutique. This was very inspirational! Thanks to everyone who made these items!!
Lynette
http://www.wildernesslane.com - for ALL your baby needs!
thedifferentdrummer
Great article and so true.
I feel art is a necessity in dealing with and expressing our inner selves when sometimes the words are lost. I myself suffer with depression and find that making jewelry is therapeutic. I realize my artist vision as well as focus on something pleasurable.
I think all kids should be exposed to different arts so that they might find a positive outlet when sometimes the words are too tough to speak.
NancyBsStainedGlass
What a great article and inspiring also. I love those fingerless mittens. I do transcription and sometimes, transcriptionists use these so that they can still type without binding up their fingers, yet keep their hands warm. I have this problem. I'll be making note of your shop so that I can get some at some point. Good for you! Keep up the good work.
NorthviewJewels
I really enjoyed reading this article. It's wonderful that Etsy, and the Etsy community, can celebrate artisans and customers from all walks of life.
rainbowwrangler
thisilk
Perfect article! It's like a breath of fresh air to the consumer society we are surrounded by :)
LadybugSF
Sending to my friends at the LightHouse for the Blind, San Francisco!
kmcgiveron
Sweet! I've had JMJStudio in my favorites forever and have featured him in treasuries. I like his work, it's really interesting.
kukkilintu
elloh
My grandmother was blind. I remember playing with her foldable walking stick and hearing her play the organ. I still have her crochet scarf and other items she made. Thanks for the article. :)
filambulle
Thank you very much for this beautiful article and for the inspiration.
kimmieluwho
What a fabulous article! As the mother of a son with autism, I especially love it.
TheJoyofColor
This is a very interesting issue, I am amazed at what courege it takes to disable people create and be a part of the art/craft area, i was deeply mooved. I might think more about this direction thanks.
lilimandrill
Great subject, very 'graphicly' inspriring!
I also made a bag which can be customize with your name in ASL letters :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
cozymemories
extremely interesting article, thanks a lot for sharing it with us.
Lollapanoplies
my little girl has a trach & has always eaten with a feeding tube. she lived at childrens hospital for 11 straight months when she was born & her first halloween she was too sick to have any fun...so i was DETERMINED that she get to take part in it last year. i created this owl costume http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?... using a zip up hoodie because it wouldnt block her trach, could unzip so i could still have access to her feeding tube easily & would keep her warm. i sold them this season on etsy because i really believe they're a great option for many kiddo's with special needs. (they've done so well i have to turn down orders now so that i'll get them all done for halloween!) i loved hearing your story & about your passion to create, & then the comments posted by others who can relate in some way; probably my favorite article so far...this really got me thinking & i'm certainly going to begin searching more for items that can help with my daughters care/therapy/life on etsy. organizers for wheelchairs & special strollers....DEF something we need! i'd LOVE to find out more about disabled artists on etsy & other artists with children with special needs who create items for these strong kids.
steinschmuckdesign
OmShop
knitterye
This is a really interesting read. I would like to make products that can help people with unique challenges. I'll have to keep an eye out for things I might be able to do. Thanks for writing!
ECObyLimitz
Very interesting article. I wasn't aware of these products , thanks for sharing!
Navare
Fantastic! Because if you're not helping other people in some way, shape, or form, what's the point of life, right? I give 12% of my sales to charity, even though I'm not yet making a profit, and it feels very worthwile!
mythunderstood
arteest
Cidtalk
prendasbyenid
SissysArt
ElenaMary
Thanks for this super article..lovely to see Sarahbushka's amber necklace featured! My adult son, Noah Erenberg, challenged with autism, is a talented painter and I share my etsy shop with him as he cannot manage his own:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=...
girltuesdayjewelry
Great article! All of these specialty products are truly amazing. I'm especially fond of the braille jewelry. Beautiful!
beachhouseblues
Thanks for featuring these items and posting this story!
RubyStudios
DalkullanJewelry
vivatregina
A wonderful article, something I've never even thought about, as ashamed as I am to admit that. Thanks, for opening my eyes.
The only problem I have with this article is...
Slytherin robes? really? I'm afraid we would be enemies then, because according to a quiz I took on Facebook, I'd be in Gryffindor. LOL. Oh well, Great stuff anyway!
JustJaynes
Thanks for including my Diabetes Sucks necklace. $15 of every necklace purchased goes to JDRF. My cousins daughter has been diagnosed with JD, she's only 5 but takes her shots every day.
MiniatureRhino
DreamzBoutique
I love the article.. check this one
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...
whilejupiterdreams
MyMoms
clevergirl
Great article!
I have found disability to be a major example of one door closing and another opening. It has taught me to work smarter and to be creative in every aspect of my life (not just my art).
Etsy has a street team of artists who are juggling creating art and living with disabilities - either their disability/impairment or that of a loved one in their care.
Come visit us! Here's our Etsy team page (with a list of shops!) for
Createability Team Etsy
http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=453
As an artist with multiple disabilities (and a child with Asperger's Syndrome) Etsy has allowed me to participate in the world in ways I never imagined would be possible.
As a frequent buyer I am thrilled to report that I have had many Etsy artists create modifications on their existing products to accommodate my special needs.
( http://moxieandoliver.etsy.com made me a fabulous insulin pump/CGMS case and a couple of beautiful cane straps)
We truly are a diverse and amazing community!
I am offering readers of this entry in The Storque Free Shipping* and an exclusive jewelry treasure (value approx $15) in each package until 10/3/09.
Just type "CREATEABILITY" in the notes to seller area during checkout
*free shipping applies only to domestic shipping, international customers will receive up to a $3 rebate on their shipping costs. Free shipping/discounted international shipping will be given as a refund when your order ships.
cuddlebugkids
Great article! I too would love to see more artist design for the needs of special kids. My shop is products I've designed and sew to help kids with ADHD, Sensory Integration and autism. So excited to learn about some of the other designers here who are meeting special needs!
KittyCityCreations
Great article! Thanks for pointing these items out. I'd love to find a way to make my items accessible to those with special needs.
LittleStudioJewels
After becoming physically disabled with Fibromyalgia, my Etsy shop, and my art, have become dearer to me than I ever could have thought possible. My income is derived purely from my shop, and my art keeps me feeling busy, happy and creative.
Great article, thank you so much for sharing it!
pesmou
Thank you for this article, Kestrell. Great to have you as a guest curator on Etsy.
paramountvintage
ooty
barbdunshee
Kestrell, I enjoyed your article very much. It's inspiring to create art for ALL the senses!
I love saucierjewelry's story behind her braille cuff.
Iammie
QuiltFinger
WOW! What a touching article! I don't think we could ever do too much to help all of the people with disabilities.
LaLah
ArtMind
What a great article! I have been working with another Etsy seller on some braille items and we're excited to list it sometime in future! So great to see so many other sellers doing items for people with disabilities! If you want to check out what we're working on: http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/...
daniellexo
tiemee
PuzzleBoBuzzles
theholybead
There are so many things I wish I could articulate in response to this article, but I don't seem to be able to. I'm just posting to say "Thank you." :)
la01shelle
ColinFrancisDesign
Hmmm...makes me think I should make more of these braille cuffs:
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction....
Great article!
HandmadeWebsites
What a wonderful thought-provoking piece! I just want to add a comment on how important it is for websites like Etsy to follow strict accessibility standards so that all people - regardless of their disabilities - can 'read' content by screen readers and the like. This applies to your personal websites too. There are simple ways to make your website usable for all people, and I think they should never be overlooked. Thankyou Kestrell!
MadeByMari
I am on vacation and was convo'd that I was in this storque with my Cane Catcher. Thank you for featuring it in the photos at the end. It has saved me more than once! (Thx for the tip Cindylouwho2, and for the Createability team plug -- it's a great group of crafters helping each other through understanding of such different yet similar-to-deal-with problems. Crafting brings us all together.
LHogan
Amazing article! Thank you! You sound like an amazing woman, Kestrell! Great picks!
bornlippy
recycledwares
MODERA
birdie1
Zahour
Pearlk2
billyandwinston
anadiazarte
cassidycay
JetWhitePonytail
dreamdancerjewelry
Thank you so much for a great article.
I'm new, and love having a place on Etsy that I can create & help contribute to those working so hard to help families with autism.
~*~*~ Proud member of Etsy for Autism ~*~*~ a great group!
JansArtAndTreasures
Oh thank you. This is a wonderful article and bravo to you for bringing this to our attention.
KayleighsKuttings
TheInspiredNest
Thank you for sharing. Great article, wonderful items and artists highlighted.
AutismLoveHope
Fantastic! This is so wonderful! I love the colorful paintings with braille! My autistic son is also visually impaired and they are teaching him braille! That is so awesome!!!!
MysticLily
Every time I log into ETSY, I find something new and wonderful. Yesterday there was a "DNA" themed Treasury, and now this braille inspired collection - it is thought- provoking, creative and warms my heart!
queenofnostalgia
This is one of the many reasons I love Etsy. It is funny - I was just looking at some of the children's toys and was thinking how the tactile elements would appeal to my autistic son... and then I read this article. Thank you :)
Joycetsy
Applause. I've been meaning to work on "brailled work embroidered on things" -- I work at Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired --- and now I see a venue. I will also have to check with our O&M dept. regarding the "cane gloves" I have seen on some of our kids. Basically a fingerless cone, but I'm not sure if a thumb break (like a toe-sandal sock, but without the ends) would work for cane use.
I'm sure I could crochet some of these and will probably try selling some at school as testers then maybe open the market up for the rest.
joycetsy aka joycets
blackscrapcat
Very interesting article. Going blind has been really tough on my Grandmother, who has been very arty and crafty her entire life -- she still crochets, though, and that polymer-coated crochet hook is a fabulous idea!
blackscrapcat
Very interesting article. Going blind has been really tough on my Grandmother, who has been extremely crafty her whole life. She still crochets, though -- that polymer clay-covered crochet hook is a fabulous idea!
livmangle
SkeweredyCat
We often unintentionally forget that other people have different needs than ourselves (or maybe I'm just really selfish) and I think this is a great article to focus crafters' attention and inspiration toward new directions. Bravo.
sweetgorgeousthings
poprelique
mtowsand
i love the asl things. my niece is deaf, and any asl product are a great addition to the etsy community. thanks
SurrenderDorothy
What an inspiring and fabulous article!
Thanks for sharing.
Art606
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