The best tactile arts and crafts for vision impaired young people

Arts and crafts provide a wealth of benefits for your child’s development. While encouraging creativity and self-esteem, many activities improve hand-eye coordination, grip strength and hand dexterity.

Art is also a powerful tool for all age groups, including older children, teenagers and adults alike. It can help to relax and focus the mind which is key to managing stress.

Although some craft activities are visual, that doesn’t mean blind and partially sighted people can’t get involved or produce beautiful art. Here is our guide to the best tactile crafts out there:

Colouring

Sometimes, there is nothing more therapeutic than picking up a pencil and just letting yourself go. But it’s not always easy when you have limited vision. Fortunately, the RNIB have some great tactile colouring books including these Safari and mythological creature themed ones.

shop.rnib.org.uk/tactile-colouring-pack-safari-94698

shop.rnib.org.uk/tactile-colouring-pack-mythological-creatures-93123

Another company worth checking out is Valleys WordWorks, who provide Braille transcription and tactile graphics production. They sell raised line colouring books and you can even request your own design or a bespoke colouring book.

valleys-wordworks.com/tactile-products

In terms of stationery, your child may prefer to use wax crayons, pencils, or felt-tips. These scented pens from Crayola are also a fun way to identify colours.

www.crayola.co.uk/browse-products/silly-scents-tub.aspx

 

Drawing and painting

If your child wants to create their own pictures, they may enjoy using German Film. This plastic film, available from the RNIB, can be used to emboss lines instantly. All you have to do is place a sheet on the geometry mat, and gently press down whilst doodling with the ball point pen.

shop.rnib.org.uk/braille-and-labelling/paper-and-embossing-film/embossing-film

A great option for painting is Puffy Paint. As it dries and hardens, it will raise the picture you have painted. Note that a lot of brands recommend using Puffy Paint on fabric. However, it works brilliantly on card, paper and wood as well.

amzn.eu/d/2aDBTTx

 

Pottery

Making pottery at home is a very relaxing pastime, and it’s not as hard as you might think. For starters, you don’t need a kiln or a pottery wheel. You can buy air-drying clay and mould it with your hands. This kit from HobbyCraft is ideal for learning the basic techniques of pottery. It shows you how to make a range of items including pinch pots, slab pots and coil pots, and it comes with ceramic paint to decorate your masterpiece.

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-pottery-kit/6676901000.html

 

Jewellery

Jewellery making is not only fun. The action of threading beads has also been shown to boost motor skills and even your memory. At stores like HobbyCraft, you will find everything you need to make your own gorgeous bracelets, necklaces and charms.

 

Decopatch

If you haven’t heard of Decopatch, it’s basically like papier mâché but a lot more creative and hands on. It involves tearing up decorative paper and applying all over with glue to an object of your choice such as a plain wooden box. While Decopatch is super fun to do on your own, it’s also a great activity to do with friends, especially for a Birthday party.

www.decopatchdirect.co.uk

 

Craft kits

For a more unique and challenging project, check out our list of accessible craft kits:

• Make Your Own Hairbands Kit                 

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-hairbands-kit/6600581000.html

• Make Your Own Light Box Rocket

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-light-box-rocket/6677301000.html

• Mould Your Own Dinosaur Magnets

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/mould-your-own-dinosaur-magnets-/6597441001.html

• Make Your Own Penguin Felt Pillow Kit

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-penguin-felt-pillow-kit%C2%A0/6677671000.html

• Butterfly Dotty Art 4 Pack

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/butterfly-dotty-art-4-pack/6377151001.html

• Make Your Own Cat Felt Pillow Kit

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-cat-felt-pillow-kit%C2%A0/6677681000.html

• Make Your Own Magic Bouncy Balls Kit

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/make-your-own-magic-bouncy-balls-kit/6613971000.html

• Giant Box of Craft 1000 Pieces

www.hobbycraft.co.uk/giant-box-of-craft-1000-pieces/6606171000.html

• Jack In the Box the Lil Chef 4-In-1 Craft Kit

www.hamleys.com/jack-in-the-box-the-lil-chef-4-in-1-craft-kit