Craft: Hand-Painted Note Cards or Wrapping Paper

This is one of the many crafts in Craft Adaptations for Adults with Vision Impairments [1] (Revised 2007), the first publication in our New Independence! series, available for purchase in March 2007 as a download from the VisionAWARE web site.

[2]Season: All. Level: Beginner. No glue required. Paint can be messy.

Materials for Craft

• Blank cards/envelopes (any size), or rolls of unprinted newspaper
• Assortment of fresh vegetables or fruit with firm centers (Use whatever is in season
• Sharp knife
• Recycled meat tray or shallow pan (Use one container for each paint color.)
• Tempera paints in assorted colors
• Small container of water and paper towels
• Smock or other covering to protect clothing
• Piece of plain "test paper"

For Adaptation

• 1/4 cup measure
• Fork
• Double-sided tape
• Tacky Putty

Making the Craft

1. Roll out and cut several arm's lengths of paper, or distribute at least six note cards for each person.
2. Cut each vegetable or fruit in half. Be sure to leave a piece that is large enough to grasp comfortably when dipping it into the paint and stamping it on the paper or cards. Alternatively, if the fruit or vegetable is difficult to grasp, pierce it with a fork to hold it securely while working.
3. Pour 1/4 cup of paint into the shallow container.
4. Dip the cut edge of the fruit or vegetable into the paint. Press down firmly, making sure that the cut surface is completely covered with paint. Tap off any excess.
5. Place the cut edge of the fruit or vegetable on the surface of the paper or note card and press down firmly. When stamping multiple images, use your free hand to judge the distance between printings. Be creative and experiment!
6. Hint: It's a good idea to do a practice print on a piece of test paper to sense the amount of pressure required to produce an even print.
7. If you wish to use two or more colors, allow each color to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
8. Cut paper to the desired size and roll it for storage. Insert each note card inside an envelope.
9. Your wrapping paper and note cards are ready to use!

Other Adaptations to Consider

This craft can be adapted to a one-handed task. Stabilize the shallow pan by using double-sided tape to secure it to the work table. Stabilize the card or the paper by placing Tacky Putty at each corner.