Earlier this spring I had the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on Scrapbook Soup and appear in a segment on crafting tools that help you make crafting easier as you age if you have vision, hand, or posture problems. I personally know a lot of crafters UNDER 40 that have conditions such as RA, Lupus, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel– so using adaptive crafting tools isn’t just for the senior citizen crowd. I wrote this article to accompany the segment- but since the show is not available to view in all markets, I thought it would be good information to post here.
UPDATE: Here’s the clip for you to watch!
If you are over 40, you will notice the effects of aging on your crafting. It’s not a judgement, just a simple fact: once you reach “a certain age” your joints get stiffer, your eyes work differently, and you may need to upgrade your tools to help you keep crafting without pain and frustration!
Eyesight
If your eyes are failing a bit, here are some great products that will give you a boost!
- Natural Spectrum Lightbulbs or Lamps. Did you now that aging eyes need more light? Just swap out your old incandescent bulbs for an immediate boost and use task lights. You’ll see colors more clearly & you’ll save yourself the eyestrain.
- Magnifying Lenses. Use hand-held lenses for quick tasks, or head-mounted visors for more long-term crafting. No more fumbling with your “cheaters!”
You can also find a number of paper trimmers- such as the Martha Stewart Brand– that has a mini-magnifier in the cutting housing that will help you see the increments more clearly!
Hand Dexterity/Strength
I started experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel in my mid-twenties- so I take my hand comfort seriously. And with these simple tools/ modifications, you caSwn reduce a lot of strain and pressure on your hands.
- Paper Trimmers over Scissors. While Paper Trimmers aren’t the best for every job, you certainly can swap out your scissors for a number of tasks- even cutting coupons! And if you are doing a big job- like making holiday cards- a paper trimmer saves time and effort.
- Spring-Assist Scissors. When you MUST use scissors, use the ones that spring back- they reduce the work load on your hands by 50 percent! That really adds up! (You might want to read my review of the Westcott Spring-Assist Scissors for more infomation.)
- Squeeze Punches. I love my paper punches- but they can be hard on your hands and wrists. Swap out your most-used ones with squeeze handle punches. They make the most of your hand strength and are very ergonomic. (I have more information about squeeze punches here.)
- Look for built-up handles. You can save yourself a lot of hand strain if you use tools that have built-up or “chubby” handles. My favorite awl has a soft, ergonomic grip that makes it so much more comfortable to use. Even SweetHeart Inkers have handles that make grasping easier.
Posture
I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, I’m having more neck and shoulder pain- and some if it is from hunching over my craft table! Just a few simple tools can help with poster issues, as well.
- Spin the project, not you! Sometimes when I’m working on a three-dimensional piece, I catch myself reaching around to paint the sides or back. By using a Versa Craft or a simple kitchen lazy susan, you can spin the project around and keep your posture intact.
- Elevate your work surface. There’s a reason that architects and illustrators use drafting tables that elevate to a 45 degree angle- it saves a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. You can do the same by propping up your work in progress on a book stand or a Scrap ‘N Easel. Your shoulders will thank you!
I hope that you’ll think about how your tools can help you to prevent- and alleviate- pain or discomfort as you craft. Which of these products do you already use? Which ones do you want to purchase?
Disclosure: some of these products are were provided for review; others were purchased with my own funds.
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Brenda B says
I so appreciate these fabulous tips!
Caryn S says
These are neat tools, and not necessarily for the aging. I’m not too terribly old and I still think the lazy Susan is a great idea! Would eliminate so much of that lower back pain and fatigue that would come from leaning over 3D projects for hours. Even in my 20’s I would experience this when working on something for a long period of time.
Bev says
I have RA and I appreciate this very informative information.
A tip I have found useful is to make handles larger for your “must have” tools by covering the existing handles with polymer clay. Not only does it make the tools easier to handle but your tools can become very decorative by your choice of colors and patterns used.
Thanks Jenny for sharing.
Diane R. says
Thank you for this excellent information & where to buy these items! The prices are much better than the local craft stores. Depending on what time of day it is, colors of paper can be deceiving & the full spectrum light bulbs will make finding the correct colored papers for projects easier!
Jen Clark says
I have many of these tools – and I especially love my spring-loaded scissors!!! I have both the Westcott ones (which I use for paper crafting and general purpose) and I have the longer Fiskars ones you have linked in your widget, which I use for fabric only. Both of them have helped me SOOO much! I also love my squeeze-handle punches. One tool you left out is the Pick-Up tool by Silhouette or the similar one by Scraperfect. I would be LOST without those – I can’t pick up anything small at all, and I am constantly turning to those…I have TWO of the Scraperfect ones and one of the Silhouette ones, and I have to have one nearby at all times!! Thanks for a great article on a great subject!
Jenny says
Thanks for your comment, Jen- I’ll have to look into those for future post! : )