[stylist] NFB Krafters Division

[Robert Newman]

Dear STYLIST members: I received the following text in a recent message. I
think this is one of the more interesting new divisions to come about. Talk
about creativity!

It came from Joyce Kane, President
NFB Krafters Division
 
Krafters Korner
By Ann Petrous
 
Inspiration comes from many different places, and reaches from all walks of
life. One might become inspired just by attending an event, hearing a song,
or  hearing bits of conversations. This was the case for Joyce Kane,
President of  the NFB Krafters Division, for the National Federation of the
Blind. (NFB)
 
12 years ago, Joyce lost her vision, due to open-heart bypass surgery. Kane
worked two jobs, while her children attended college. A year after surgery,
and  with time on her hands, Joyce decided to pick up her knitting needles
and next  was her sewing machine. "I pulled out my old Feather weight sewing
machine that  was as basic as you can get, just straight stitching, and
played with it. I  loved sewing, and for 8 years worked the craft shows
making dolls while my kids  were young and growing up," Joyce explains.
"I wanted to start with something  I was very familiar with."      
After attending the  NFB convention two years ago, Kane was inspired to
create a division, where  blind people can come together, to share creative
ideas, and tips on the art of  craft. 
Joyce contacted the head quarters of the NFB located in Baltimore Maryland,
and the rest is history. A month after returning from Georgia the Krafters
Korner list was started on the NFB's official website. In one year, people
took interest, and joined the mailing list. With Guidance from Joann Wilson,
the first meeting was held in Dallas Texas, to finalize details on a
constitution and vote in officers for the division. 
 
Within the next year, classes were developed. All classes are taught by
blind Krafters, to folks who were interested in learning. The classes are
conducted by conference calling. Classes include jewelry beading projects,
beginners, and advance knitting, Origami, Fun Making soap, Beaded
Snowflakes, sewing Machine Discussion, with tricks and tools used by other
blind folks, etc.
 
Upcoming classes such as coil basket weaving, how to read knitting patterns,
basic hand sewing skills, more jewelry beading, and Origami classes,  
will be offered.   
A mini craft show was held in Detroit at this  year's Convention, where
Krafters displayed, and sold their creative, talented  work. The NFB
Krafters division has also gone internationally, where Krafters  from other
countries, join via Skypes.
 
A weekly conference call is held on Monday nights at 8 P.N. Eastern Time.  
You can join in by calling 610-404-9100 and the code number is 2 7 2 3 8. To
sign up for the Krafters Korner mailing list you can go to
_http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org_
(http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org)
For  class information and payment for membership go to
_http://krafterskorner.blogspot.com/_ (http://krafterskorner.blogspot.com/)
For  the official website visit _www.krafterskorner.org_ 
(http://www.krafterskorner.org)     

If you would like any further information you can contact Joyce  Kane by
email at _Blindhands at AOL.com_ (mailto:Blindhands at AOL.com) .
 
There are no limitations, when it comes to blindness. Talent comes upon
anyone, regardless, of disability.  
 
Keep on Krafting!
 
_______________________________________________
Nfb-editors mailing list
Nfb-editors at nfbnet.org
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
Nfb-editors:
http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-editors_nfbnet.org/newmanrl%40cox.
net

President NFB Writers' Division
Robert Leslie Newman
Email- newmanrl at cox.net
Division Website- 
Http://www.nfb-writers-division.org