*** BACK IN THE STUDIO ***

Now that the International AER conference has come and gone, and my husband, boys and I have had our whirlwind drive through Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania (all, much cooler last week than Texas is now) I'm back at the bench, working on orders from the conference, and new ideas for different styles! I was swimming in ideas and inspiration after a trip to a fabulous land of ephemeral enchantment in NYC - the Tinsel Trading Company. While Eric and Ethan went off in other directions and talked about the financial possibilities of a cute, young blind guy panhandling in NYC. (Weren't we trying to avoid that, honey?) Spencer and I found so many wonderful, vintage buttons, metal pieces, ribbons and papers at Tinsel Trading that I had to start putting things back because the total was so high!
Look for little bits of this and that to begin showing up in the Steampunk Braille pieces! (Oh, and don't worry, we managed to convince Ethan, the immediate financial gains to be made by panhandling were greatly outnumbered by the long-term drawbacks of the loss of dignity; whew!)
Thanks again to those of you who stopped by my table at IAER, and thanks also to everyone else who didn't get a chance to go, but visited the site!
Let the school plans begin!

***OUT OF TOWN***

Just a reminder I'll be out of town July 21-August 2, exhibiting at the International AER conference, and then (whew!) on vacation, driving up the East coast with my husband and two sons.

I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE/MAIL PACKAGES DURING THAT WEEK.

Thank you very much for your interest and understanding!

Traveling, braille alphabet beads and the blog

Once again, I've gotten a note from someone wanting to buy the alphabet/cell beads. though I am trying to wrap my head around marketing them properly (and well), they are my design and I'm the only person selling them. At least, I better be! So, just write me directly, atfirstsight@ligondesign.com, to place an order. And thanks for the interest and enthusiasm!
Since I'm leaving town in less than a week and things seem to be continually thwarting my plans to plow through all there is to do, while still leaving enough time to breathe, not totally ignore my family, I'm putting a time-out on Internet orders, now. though I can't really afford to, and I sure don't want people going away dissatisfied and/or unhappy, I need to take a break from the computer (i.e., TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY!)
When I get back in August, I'll get back on, pay more attention, and most important - concentrate on making it better, more accessible and easier to use, manage, and order. I appreciate your patience and support, and hope I'll see some of you next week or in the future!

Happy trails,
Leslie

Traveling

I've just taken the last one-of-a-kind order I can still make and mail before leaving for our family trip; I'm sorry if I'll be missing a special date or occasion you have coming up.
My husband, Eric, Ethan, Spencer and I will be driving up to Little Rock and then, on to DC and NYC to visit family and friends we rarely see. AND I'll get to see the man my older brother, and oldest brother's wife, Therese, call their personal chef - TJ (Trader Joe's, aka, my dark-chocolate-raspberry-heroin-stick supplier!) I may have to make a trip to the nearest department store to get the next size up in jeans if I'm not careful! If it's anything like my friend, Lisa's and my tendency to go bouncing from one TJ Maxx/Marshall's to the next while we're out driving, this could be a crazy route to and from the East Coast!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer and stays cool and happy with kids all around - or not!

Best,
Leslie

New Friends - A Good Day

This afternoon as Ethan and I got off the elevator during a visit to the ocularist, there was a man sitting on the bench by the elevator with his little girl. As I glanced over at them, I could see she, like Ethan, had her lenses out, and since Ethan had his white cane in hand as we got off the elevator, the man could see we, too were members of the "Planet of the Blind."

It's always nice going to Randy Trawnik, the ocularist's office. Everyone's there for the same reason and is relieved not to have to explain to anyone or ignore rude looks; we're all in this together.

The dad and I struck up a conversation, and as it turns out, he, his wife, and their three kids moved to Austin (the only good place in TX [I can say that 'cause I was born here]) and his m-i-l lives with them, as well. I thought maybe with a three year-old who's blind, he might need and/or appreciate some helpful resource info, but it turns out his wife was a pedi- nurse, so they quickly got their ducks in a row, and moved out of Nevada as soon as he could get a company transfer!

But the best news to me...

the parents and the m-i-l all read braille! I was so happy to hear that, I tool off the alphabet bracelet I was wearing (no, not a sterling one!) and gave it to him to give to his wife for me. In those early days, Eric and I kept wishing we could find people who felt the same way we did, and we did meet a few, but not so many when Ethan was younger. I guess that's more due to the increased Internet connectivity.I love running into people who get it; don't you?!

Nice Notes

Hello, Leslie, I want you to know how absolutely thrilled I am with my bracelet! Actually, I've worn it every day (and even slept in it the first night) since receiving it at my retirement party on April 29th. It is a pleasure showing it to my students, and explaining its meaning when others take notice. I want to thank you for putting so much love into this memorable piece.  I will truly cherish it.

Most Sincerely,

Joani M., Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland

STEAMPUNK BRAILLE

Always friends in contracted braille in fine silver (metal clay) with 3 Swarovski crystal drop. Suspended from an antique International Order of Oddfellows women's chapter group number! SP clockworks dangle from it paired with a dab of light blue Swarovski crystal on one side and a vintage former earring made up as a crystal bird with the added peace offering of freshwater pearls in its beak. The necklace is vintage bronze and brass,, as well as freshwater pearl, sterling silver findings and ending in a two-inch extension with freshwater pearl for punctuation!

One of a kind piece can be made with any word of short phrase in braille.

BUY ME —Always Friends   $87.50

BRAILLE JEWELRY LAND

First day of Spring break:  GLEE soundtrack and Steampunk Braille - "What d'ya say about jumpin' off the edge?" YEAH!

Making lots for upcoming AER teacher/parent conferences. Y'all come!

Great Moms

I just got through talking to yet another power-packed mom; nothing makes me feel as good as I do when I find out someone else is rarin' to grab the reins (or, like this mom, in many cases, already have) and get all they need to make sure their child is getting the best services possible with the resources they have.

(Hmmm, maybe I should skip the jewelry race and get my next degree in counseling...)

Well, I have many fantastic parents out there who just have really made my last few days so much lovelier and fulfilling, and I can't thank you enough for sharing your stories, your children's [and your] adventures, and your hearts!)

Thanks for your business, as well!

Stories from the 'Planet of the Blind!'

As a Special Education teacher, I was contacted by our district's Special Education Director to see if I'd be interested in becoming aVI teacher?  A what? was my reply.  After much praying and researching the idea, I totally agreed to going back to school to become a Certified Teacher for the Visually Impaired. I did not realize what a ride I was in for.
After learning braille during a short 6 weeks time in the middle of summer while trying to teach summer school, I took on many more courses; each more exciting than the last. I was then "emergency certified" so I could begin immediately the awesome task of teaching children braille.  What a sweet time it has been. With many ups and downs, I have learned so much from my students.  Each one has their own, unique story to add to the previous one!
Thank you for making braille so available in such a "fashionable" way. I can't wait to order something for myself.  Hmmmmmmm  what should it be?
Blessings to you and yours,
Kathy Britsch
Certified Teacher for the Visually Impaired
(Life should NOT be a  journey to the grave with the  intention ofarriving  safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but  ratherto skid in sideways, (----) in one hand, lemon meringue pie in
the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, "WOO-HOO, what a ride!")

Always Friends

This simple piece with it's delicate beaded frame can be made as a bracelet, as well. (If you're game, it can even be a pair of earrings!) As a necklace, I can dress it up more, too, with beads at the bottom; a more elaborate beaded necklace. Or, if an equally simple, supple strand of Greek leather makes you feel like you'd like to wear it every day, I can make it that way!

Is there a better way to let your BFF know how much they mean to you?

BUY ME — Fine silver pendant as shown on antiqued sterling chain, $60.00

Traditional Collar Necklace

This style necklace is just lovely tucked up casually, under a shirt collar, or worn with a Jackie O.-style little black boat neck dress. Of course, it can be made in any color palette, with any word or phrase. Just call or write to let me know what you'd like on yours.

$155.00

Braille Bangle

These bangles have been very popular this year! Looking great; stylish, sleek and timely, with up to seven cells (letters) They fit over your wrist with a click of the latch on the side.

You can choose any word or name you'd like, and they can be made with either the sterling silver cell tiles or fine silver.

Starting at $75 for a 6.5-inch bracelet.

I.D. style bracelet

With stones and colors you choose, this i.d. style bracelet would suite even the pickiest jewelry people you know! Made to size, so let me know the length. (Hint: 6.5- to 7.5-inches is standard for this style!) $55.00

Forbes Woman Gift Giving Guide!

Wow! At First Sight Braille Jewelry was included in the on-line version of ForbesWoman Magazine's Holiday Gift Giving Guide. To see all of our jewelry, browse the LABEL headings at the top right.

For Fashion Jewelry:
Baubles and Beads: a collection of key chains, book marks and braille beads.
Fashion Bracelets: a selection of easily affordable, silver-plated braille bracelets.
Fashion Necklaces: a beautiful selection of inexpensive, braille necklaces.
Fashion Pendants: pendants with inspiring braille messages you can hang from your own necklace or bracelet.

For Fine Jewelry:
Sterling Silver Bracelets: an inspiring collection of hand beaded, one-of-a-kind bracelets with sterling silver Braille tiles and semi-precious stones and crystal.
Sterling Silver Earrings: A wide selection of earrings made to order with letters of your choice.
Sterling Silver Necklaces: A flirty-to-formal assortment of hand made sterling silver and necklaces

Sterling Silver Personalized Braille Bracelets: If you want something more personal, At First Sight can work with you to create a bracelet with a word or phrase you choose in the colors desire.

Sterling Silver Ring: A fun, sporty sterling silver ring with an inspiring message.

Thanks for taking a look and shopping!

Facebook Page for At First Sight

I've got a Facebook page now, too! (Now, I'm starting to get it, you Twitterers!) So there are no more excuses to at least look. Besides, the holidays are coming, and truly, you couldn't possibly want more clothes, skates, bikes, shoes, cars, food, etc. (Thank you, Tom Theall!) But At First Sight braille jewelry; now, that's what I'm talking about!

Media

This is such a wonderful Reading Rockets segment, featuring families with children whose reading acquisition is something other than traditional print. (While there are several people featured, Ethan is the braille reader.) Several terrific people were interviewed for this broadcast segment, and all of the people featured are full of life

The crew and producers were great to work with; respectful and polite while still asking probing questions about blindness in general and braille.

I hope it will help other families overcome what is often perceived to be an unimaginable family situation.

Please feel free to phone or write if you have questions, concerns or difficulties with your own child's blindness, or any problems related to blindness, braille, or orientation and mobility.

Nice Notes

Hi Leslie,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for the awesome personal service and quality jewelry I purchased from you.  When I was searching for something personal to give a friend to lift her spirits I happened upon your blog and you gave the piece a personal touch that will make all the difference.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the personal service and input you gave, you make beautiful jewelry that has purpose.
Thanks Again,  Rusty

 

I do love the necklace. (The earrings are very cute also, you are a talented designer.)

In 2002, I had applied for a job at our local school district. In the Fall of that year they had a visually impaired student starting kindergarten. I was asked to take the job as her para-educator. I had experience with children, but not with a visual impairment. It has enriched my life. I have learned Braille and so much about orientation and mobility that I would never have had the opportunity to do if (this young student) hadn't entered my life.

I was so happy to come across your website.

Mary H.

Such a lovely note from a very nice tvi just really makes my day!

 "Thanks so much for your prompt shipment of the necklace for our retiring teacher. It arrived in Monday's mail at my house and was given to the teacher at a dinner on Wednesday night. She was touched by the gift and wore it the next day for training."

From Patty W.
Colorado Springs