Episode 34 - Craft Helpers

Today I'd like to talk about craft helpers. Things that help us either see our crafts better or craft more comfortably.

So lets talk about the right lighting. Its very important that the area you craft in is well lit. The type of light you use will determine if your colors are true and your eyes don't get strained. Especially if your doing needlework or painting. OttLight makes a wide range of True Color lights from floor lamps with adjustable arms to clip on lights ranging in price from 49.99 to over 200.00

Now that you have the right lights, let make sure you can see well. Some of these lights come with magnifiers attached, which is really great for fine needlework and embroidery. You can also get clip on magnifiers and sheet magnifiers that help with reading patterns. Just remember that the higher the magnification the smaller the magnifier will become. The Ultimate Armchair magnifying Lamp has light, a magnifier and a clip to hold your pattern for $259.99, a bit pricy but if you craft for profit you can make this back quickly by being able to craft longer more comfortably. Another magnifier option is the MagEyes. this fits on your head like a head band and you can adjust it to see your work. This is what my grandma has been using for years to be able to see her craft work. They are relatively inexpensive at 34.99. But if you really need to see fine detail work you might want to consider OptiVisor Optical Glass Binoculars. These start around $40 and are more powerful for the really fine detail work you might do with jewlery.

Your hands are a very important thing to a crafter so you need to make sure to take good care of them. But when your crafting you don't want to use a greasy hand cream that will dirty your work. Well there are a few places that make cream just for us. Thimbleberries inc has a Hand Care Lotion thats non-greasy which moisturizes your hands, not your projects. for about $18 for a large pump. Sew help me is another brand that come in smaller travel tubes.

But sometimes your hands get tired crocheting those 20 doilies you promised and you need a little support. HandEze are fingerless gloves that support your hand and wrist while you work and are very comfortable. I don't craft with out them. From their sale sheet. “HandEze therapeutic craft gloves provide non-restrictive support for both hands and wrists. HandEze retains body heat which will help improve circulation, massages hands with four way stretch lycra and is proven to produce relief from arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and continuous motion syndrome.”

From the same company that brings us magEyes they have The Body Rite Posture Pleaser It's an ergonomic posture aid that reduces neck and upper back pain. At around $40 its a steal to help us with our postures.

Remember when you're crafting, get up, stretch. Make sure you have a comfortable chair in a well lit area. You will be crafting for a long time as long as you take care of your body.