At First Sight Braille Jewelry

2012 - FREE STUFF!

2012-01-16T02:18:00.001-06:00

After only a few hick-ups, our new year has started well; I hope it has for everyone else.

First thing on my jewelry to do list is offer customers something more. So, the big news is - FREE SHIPPING for all orders over $35.00 and shipped through USPS within the continental US! There have always been shipping cost differences and discrepancies and I'm often spending a lot of time figuring shipping charges before I'm able to add it in and give a total price. Now, no one has to worry about that; it's done!

The next thing on my list is to add more pewter pieces. Soon, I'll have a page simply titled PEWTER where you'll find my most recent pieces, hand made and finished by me, right here in Denton, TX!

Don't let Valentine's Day creep up unexpectedly - it'll be here before you know it! Start clicking through the site, looking for just the right thing for a sweet, special someone. Don't forget to treat yourself, too!

Last, remember there's the ongoing BRAILLE FASHION CHEAT-SHEET CHALLENGE 1000. For the 1000 person who signs on to the Facebook page, as well as the person who refers them, there'll be a free fashion finish alphabet bracelet and sterling silver, "follow your dreams" spin ring!

May your new year be filled with the challenges and happy moments with people and things you love.

Cheers to you all,
Leslie

Say Goodbye to 2011

2011-12-19T21:49:00.000-06:00

I appreciate all of the orders during the holidays, and all of your support throughout the year.

From tonight, Monday, Dec. 19th, through Friday, Dec. 24th, I am able to take (VERY) last minute orders, but they will all have to have expedited/overnight shipping. Please call me if you're not sure whether or not your order will be arriving by Christmas! (USPS is already recommending Express Shipping for all packages if they're to be expected by Christmas.)

I hope you'll all have a wonderful Christmas season, and look to your dreams for fulfillment in 2012!

Happy holidays,
Leslie, Eric, Ethan and Spencer

Happy Holidays Here & My 10-Year Salute to Braille's Best!

2011-11-30T13:46:00.002-06:00

I probably shouldn't blab it on my own web blog, but, I do often tell people I have no business having a business!

Ten years ago, I flew to Shanghai to propel an order for 2000 (that company's minimum) braille hearts. I had no business 'plan,' and no idea if the hearts I designed for mass-produced would actually sell or if we would just end up with an expensive bunch of Christmas ornaments for our tree the following year.They sold!

It was also ten years ago that my husband and I stumbled (before everyone had a home computer) on a braille literacy conference being held in Philadelphia; definitely meaningful to have it in Freedom City - it was certainly where our own braille freedom was born!

Eric and I flew to Philly, leaving our two little boys with a university student the boys knew from the child care lab. Tucked into my purse was a little piece of paper I'd been wagging around for a couple of months; on it, I'd drawn a heart design with the word 'love' in braille amidst some lovely swashes culled from 17th century bookplates from one of Eric's old letter press books. I showed the drawing to a few people that weekend, and they were all encouraging me to continue pursuing the braille jewelry dream, as well as the dream of crossing over the bridge to braille with Ethan, who was four at the time. We couldn't imagine letting him go off into real braille literacy without us, any more than letting him go away to school!

That conference was an incredible turning point in our lives, and I couldn't be more proud to be able to help out the amazing people who pull this conference together every two years on a limited budget, by donating my time making the 'keys to knowledge'.

Over the net few days (and nights) I'll be casting 300 flying book-keys with the phrase "key to knowledge," and will be hanging them from book hooks, key rings and lovely, rich, deep-turquoise satin ribbon for tree ornaments.

Whew! Hopefully, that will leave me enough time to make (with help from my new high school pal/bff, Sally - thank you, dear : ) lots of fun pieces to take with me to exhibit at the Getting In Touch With Literacy conference next week.

I hope you'll be able to take some time to check out GITWL's site. At their conference you'll learn all kinds of things about braille literacy, contracted braille and where that's going with new global braille codes, as well as meeting lots and lots of wonderfully nice, talented, underpaid braille divas! (It's for the fun; they do it for the laugh's, right?!) And my favorite - meeting 'new' parents. <3

I hope you'll have a wonderful, family-and-love-filled holiday, everyone. Remember to call me if you want to place a special order, but keep in mind my little side trip to Louisville for GITWL, Dec. 7-10. Otherwise, I'll see you on the flip side of the calendar!

Cheers and best wishes,
Leslie, Eric, Ethan and Spencer

Making it Work!

2011-10-06T12:06:00.000-05:00

Mid-September appears to have marked the beginning of one of the busiest Fall seasons I've ever been through. Beginning with an amazing, dream-like Teen Design Fair in Washington DC, co-sponsored by the FIrst Lady, where I was invited to join the 2011 Smithsonian/Cooper-Hewitt Design Award winners for a morning Q & A at the Nationl Portrait Gallery with over 400 area teens interested in design careers, followed by a fantastic four-course meal at the White House...

with First Lady, Michelle Obama. That day just could not have been better; incredible food and an inspiring speech by Mrs. Obama were topped by a delightful dollop of lunch time companionship with several entertaining people, among them...

lucky me; seated at the same, design darling and educator, Tim Gunn, who is genuinely kind and incredibly focused, as you might expect!

The days' festivities culmintated with the nicest young man - one of about 20 students chosen to join us at the White House, and seated at our table - gallantly offering me his arm as we took the long staircase down to the sidewalk in front of the WH. (In a rther dancer-like way, he barely moved his arm, but it was enough that I noticed and couldn't mistake the gesture. I told him, that was it for me and that magical day; I'd simply have to call my terrific husband and ask for a divorce! He just smiled and said, "Oh, sure, Ms. Leslie." (My own two teenage boys shall learn from this graceful, handsome young man, and believe me, I've recounted this portion of the story many times!)

I'm winding up this week with a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art for a family art demonstration, showing young kids and their families how I make some of my braille pieces, different ways they can make their own art incorporating braille if they'd like to, and ultmately, how art I view at museums and in architecture influences what I make and the way I think about what do.

Likely most of the designers, along with me and Tim Gunn, told the hundreds of teens at the Design Fair in DC, design is all around us, toucing, influencing us every moment of every day; most people just don't realize it! Art is there, too, in such open, free spaces as Dallas' Northpark Center (thanks to Ray Nasher) and outdoor sculpture, as well as museums and galleries.

Next piece (despite my inability to control and manipulate time, I'm determined!) based on this magnificent number displayed at the Renwick - one of my favorite small DC galleries. Perhaps one day I'll make a baille piece large enough to be hung in someone's gallery!

Enjoy the Fall days, everyone, and remember continue referring people to join us here and on the Facebook At First Sight Braille Jewelry page for the BRAILLE CHEAT-SHEET CHALLENGE 1000, where the 1000 person to join our FB AFS community, as well as the person who referred them, will both receive a braille fashion alphabet bracelet and (added for this special mark) a sterling silver "follow your dreams" braille spin ring!

Sale Ending & Phase III, High School !

2011-08-24T22:55:00.000-05:00

Like many other kids, our boys went back to school this week with relatively few glitches. Nothing like some kids in Virginia, who had a real reality check Tuesday, when the 5.8 earthquake hit the Northeast! Our biggest problems weren't bricks falling on our heads; only felt like that a bit when we heard Ethan won't have his braille copies of textbooks until three weeks after classes start, and his Apex (braille notetaker) took longer in repair in Canada, hey, so he started school with only his netbook. Could be worse.

Though, not as dramatic a start as the Virginia kids, Ethan was off Monday, to his first year of high school, and so far, it's been a pretty good beginning. He's already met a new friend in Latin, and lots of kids are participating in what many blindness community folks like to refer to as, "the parting of the Red Sea," when he's coming down the hallway. He told us tonight at dinner how funny it is when he can hear people in the hall saying, "Look out, the blind kid's coming!" Of course, we've now encouraged him (I'll up the anty by putting $$$ on it) to shout, "Oh, my gosh, there's a blind guy?! Where?" Keep on laughing, right...

Speaking of laughter, could ours be heard all around the country, as we walked last night, laughing about the Christmas decorations a few people have started putting up around here in our 3-digit weather? Some people's humor - sheesh! ;-D

With all of these new beginnings going on around us all, the hotter-than-&*%% temperatures in Texas, and new, special pewter pieces to start working on for an upcoming winter conference and Dialog-in-the-Dark museum exhibit, I'll be ending the alphabet bracelet sale at the end of August, but starting a new challenge: The Facebook At First Sight page Braille Fashion Cheat-Sheet Challenge 1000! The goal is to get 1000 people in that social network community, so tell your friends and tell them to tell their friends, because the 1000th person - as well as the person who referred them - will both win an expandable braille alphabet bracelet and a spin ring! So, go on, now - exponentiate!

My sincerest best wishes to everyone for a refreshing Fall~

Dog Days Sale and New Pewter Pieces

2011-07-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

I've been running around the yard this last month, chasing my tail and trying to keep everything from dying - alas, it looks like I've lost three new trees; there's been NO RAIN! :-(

But, in light of my somewhat futile attempts to save plant lives, I've decided this is the perfect time to have...

A SALE! So, 10 percent off everything, and/or 25% off fashion alphabet bracelets!!! (What that means is, sorry, there's not an additional 10% off the already 25% off fashion alphabet bracelets.) Hopefully, this let's get something good out of this awful drought, right?! (I'll post a discount a.s.a.p.; until then, just order if you'd like, and I'll give the 10% off of whatever you order, and/or 25% off of the fashion alphabet bracelet after you've purchased.)

Also, if you're interested in any of the 'Dirty Braille,' (I've had a lot of requests for the 'f-bomb') or any of the other pewter pieces, such as the 'Touching Words,' pictured on the blog and FB, just ask. Sad to say, we've been so busy with house painting in 100+ degree temps and planting things that need babying in this heat wave, we've yet to post photos with proper buttons!

As we leave tomorrow to drive Ethan to his three-week NFB-CO Indipendence Initiative program, and Spencer goes next weekend to stay with his Nana and Papa in Hot Springs Village, Eric and I are looking forward to two weeks free of any obligations other than our own! BIZARRE!!!

Conference Season Starting!

2011-03-22T21:38:00.001-05:00

I'm going just down to Dallas for my next conference - about an hour from here - to the Texas AER teachers and parents conference. It's one long Thursday and a decent Friday of hotel land and gettig to see people I only see once a year. The people attending ad presenting sessions are those wo povide services throughout the state. Some of them are the best of the whole US crop, and I'm anxious to see whatthey've got at te sessions and get caught up on the newest technology from Dan the Man, our Human Ware rep! For those of you with kids who aren't yet using electronic note takers, just wait; your kiddos will be flying with them! Connecting t the Internet, writing papers, downloading and reading books...
there's so much you can do with them. I was hoping Ethan could go Friday, but no luck, he's got state mandated pre testing!

I'm getting a lot more jewelry ready for the second of my Spring/Summer conferences. New, lower priced items with the silver plated cell beads, soldered copper and brass bracelets on leather or chain, a handful of Steampunk Braille and chain maille braille, as well as LOTS of new pewter pins, pendants, bracelets, necklaces and bookmarks. Whew!! There will be a lot of things I can make at the conference soyou can take it when you leave, instead of waiting to haveit mailed. (I swear I wn't forget my tools this conference!)

Heather, from the UNT metals class, has been here a few times and has halped me put together a lovely sterling silver and copper multi-layer locket, and she's chomping at the bit to throw some pieces into the caster for bronze reproduction! (She's just got to get through her final weeks of classs, first!) I'm hoping she and I will be able to get to a lot more fun, creative and inventive ideas during the summer when we're not busy with work.

I've been designing pieces for the five-year-old's graduate classes at the Anchor Center in Denver, a wonderful school providng servces and a social arena for children birth through age five, and two pieces for the Little Rock Foundation, a camp with its headquarters based in Voorhees, New Jersy. There are also pieces in the works for several people retiring or graduating from high shool and college. Casting has allowed me such an amazing outlet, and the people at Reaper Miniatures couldn't be more friendly and easy going, which makes the times I go in to work there much more fun!

I'll see you Texas folks at TAER, and of course, look forward seeing the other exhibitors from out of state - let the braille jewelry throw-down begin! ;-D

New Creations Springing Forth!

2011-03-07T22:49:00.000-06:00

There's a lot going on this week! I leave Wednesday for a conference in Seattle sponsored by the American Foundation f/t Blind (AFB), the Washington School f/t Blind and the National Association of Parents of Children who are Visually Impaired (NAPVI). This is a first time conference that coincides with a conference I've been going to for 10 years in California. There were a couple of reasons I chose to go to this new conference instead of one I've loved attending for so long, the main one being a freind with AFB, Scott Truax, expected this conference to be a real first time success for everyone - let's hope so! Another big reason is the other parents I hope to see in the Pacific Northwest who I've been corrosponding with for years, but have never met; finally, a chance to meet some of them, as well as the professionals in the area who aren't often able to get to the California conference.

I've been making all kinds of new things - and some of the standards - for the conference, but we've been celebrating around here because I finally have gotten some new designs cast in pewter, and gotten the hang of a cople of techniques that I'd just not really run with. I'm able to make my own designs, organization logos, most anything, and for the first time - quite easily!

There has been a somewhat unknown jewelry product available to people in the craft arena for years. It's called metal clay, and for those of you who do art/craft work, it's worked and sculpted a bit like polymer clay. Metal clays, however, are fired several different ways - I use a kiln or a torch - and when it is, everything burns out of it (rather magically) leaving only the desired metal shape. The "always friends" pendant is made from silver metal clay, which becomes fine silver (.999%) silver after it's fired.I earned Level One teaching certification in 2005, and have played and taught a bit with the silver since then, but the work most people wanted from me seemed to be pieces made with the individual cell tiles I designed for the alphabet bracelet. So, I inadvertently got passed by as newer, more easily worked - and by far, cheaper - clays became available in copper, bronze, steel and even glass. I'm determined to play catch-up, and have begun working with a couple of University of North Texas metals students who are brainstorming - a HUGE ingredient for creativity - with me and my witty, comm design prof. husband, who never fails to have witty, direct word play ideas I can bounce ideas off!

We have had the best time the last couple of months, and frankly, most of it in the last couple of weeks. Some of the ideas won't be on display at this week's conference, but will be at the following, Texas Association of Educators and Rehabilitators (AER) conference, slightly more than a week after this one ends.

I'll have lots of new pieces cast from pewter or bronze (Heather, one of my UNT student cohorts) loves bronze casting, so I'm taking her up on it - then, she can give me pointers! And, there'll also be pieces in bronze and silver clay, and hopefully some in the newest for me - steel!

With all of these new pieces and ideas, also comes greater potential for others in the jewelry arena to see how well braille jewelry is received in the blind and sighted communities. Though the numbers of people making braille jewelry and selling it primarily through such hand made arts and crafts sites as Etsy, were a surprise to me, and honestly, knocked the wind out of my lungs a couple of times, most of the people putting braille on anything from rings to hair pins, have fallen under braille's aesthetic spell, and several have come by it through family members who are blind, or were/are braille transcribers - who we adore! My hope is this new generation of braille jewelry makers will continue to ennovate, rather than emulate, and strive to make good braille jewelr; and even - dare I dare them...learn to read and write braille.

I've posted photos of some of the newest pieces, but they won't be available for purchase until about a week after I get back from this week's conference. That gives Mr. Creative (my husband,Eric) time to get the photos and buttons onto the web site!

Last, there's an entirely different air of excitement as Ethan finishes up his last year of middle school, poised for his first year of high school - taking Latin, AP classes, and Band - that truly does seem to have come out of nowhere so suddenly, it takes my breath away. With the rush of images from high school, college, and life on his own flying through my imagination, the words of a wonderful, wise friend and mentor, Patti at The Hatlan Center in CA, come to me now, as I feel myself being pulled toward the Type A mentality I have a propensity for: "What if Ethan does live for a year here; what would that hurt? It doesn't mean you did less than you should have, does it?"

Here's to Spencer, who put it so well I'm determined to get it on a piece of jewelry said, "Kids; they blow up so fast!"

Happy Springing Everyone!

A wonderful news story about my jewelry.

2011-01-21T11:29:00.004-06:00

Last night, our local ABC affiliate (WFAA) ran a piece about braille literacy and my jewelry. (Clicking the image will take you to the video.) They did a really terrific job with the story! (I've written to see if I can post a link to the video, but no answer yet. I'll keep you posted.) And this morning I heard from a dear friend who saw the same story on her local ABC affiliate in California! I am so appreciative of the notice and the well wishes that keep coming my way. Thank you.

Another birth!

2011-01-07T01:19:00.005-06:00

Here's the video my husband, Eric, has produced for application to a juried, international design competition. It's his first and I think he did a wonderful editing job, with help (thanks, Keith).
One of the competition jurors had kindly extended an invitation for me to apply with my alphabet bracelet design, but I couldn't because I've been in business for just over 10 years - their criteria states no more than five. BrailleInk makes it in just before the bell!

I'm as proud of this format as I am of the alphabet bracelet because it grew out of our own frustrations and trials with Ethan in the early reading days...

I remember lying on the floor next to four-year-old, Ethan, reading one of his favorite books, Fuzzy Bear with the fuzzy fake fur jacket. He was doing such a great job of touching the pages 'reading' the dots, as we read aloud together, I didn't want to stop and ask him to move his fingers because I was having such a hard time reading the braille or the print!

We got through that evening's reading, but there were many more times when even his little hands covered the braille we were all just learning, as well as the print that would help me help him with words or letters he hadn't yet learned.

If you've had this situation in your family, you might want to take a look at the video and then at BrailleInk's web site, http://www.brailleink.org/, and check out the two books currently in publication.

With a monetary award like this one, they could actually get the presses up and running again - keep dreaming!

(A note to my friend, Elizabeth: thank goodness this is the only birthing going on around here. Half of us are too young; the other half too old!
;-D)

New Beginnings

2011-01-03T21:49:00.000-06:00

Things are really changing fast around here. Our boys are getting older and even a little wiser (discounting Spencer's decision to go completely into the creek today on the last day of break) and I'm getting settled into my new, larger studio space, really trying to make useful choices instead of just making do with things I've had and/or added over the years in a hodgepodge fashion. (I can't believe all of the waste there was around me before; yikes!)

I'll be traveling to Ruidoso, NM this week to work with another silversmith who will be casting the sterling cell tiles. It's going to be wonderful having them cast Stateside, instead of overseas, and I'll have more input, and control, as well as the benefit of input from another metal worker, which is never a bad thing. I'm also hoping to start casting my own designs - new and old - in pewter. Very exciting! I'll be learning to work with another metal, and have opportunities for making smaller run productions of various designs. That means even more variety, and lower prices! (The pewter heart with decorative bail is $10.00.) Often, though, I have plans to do new things and keep the wheels turning, but seem to be thwarted by the stuff of life (i.e., kids, housework, dance classes) that I don't get to the other side of the planning, so wish me well on this one, would you?!

There are a couple of new articles around -Flaunt Magazine (if anyone can even find a copy of it) and Southern Lady - about my braille jewelry and why I make it, as well as an upcoming news segment; I'll try to post these as soon as they're available to me. Hopefully, these will all go further toward propelling the braille literacy agenda. (Though, some of us are still hoping for A and B to adopt a child who's blind or v.i.!) ;-D

Let's all get going this new year in the directions we want to go in, with personal goals held high and dry, unforgotten, and braille literacy in mind!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T23:48:00.000-06:00

I had so many people comment about the "new" version of the alphabet bracelet while the Christmas special was up (I've had this style for about five years) that I've decided to leave this photo front and center for a while longer!

I do carry this solid sterling version of the alphabet bracelet - the one I wear almost every day - with the luminescent pearl clasp, encircled by granulation dots of silver to mimic the braille. I also have other gemstone clasps available in place of the pearl. Simply and timelessly beautiful!

FastCompany Magazine

2010-11-28T14:17:00.001-06:00

Robert Safian, the editor of FastCompany Magazine, sat next to me during the National Design Award Gala in October. He was warm and humorous, with a good ear for overly-excited moms who don't get out much. Listening more attentively than I imagined that night, I told him about the sadly dwindling numbers of braille readers over the last 50 years; I even taught him "60-second elevator braille," which, even amidst the melee of that crowded, beautiful hall, he got - just under the wire!

He's generously focused this month's Letter from the Editor on the reason for my having designed and made braille jewelry, trying to please as many tastes as possible, over the last 10 years. It's not about jewelry; it's not even about Ethan. It's about literacy...
which leads to independence and freedom we all want for ourselves and our family.

Thank you very much, Bob, for your attention and interest!

Celebrate with Us !

2010-10-18T00:28:00.016-05:00

You can have your very own People's Design Award-winning Braille Alphabet Bracelet. They make great Christmas gifts for family and friends (or for you own stocking!). And it is a gift that gives back to support non-profit organizations that support Braille literacy. What could be better than that?

To order, just click the link below. You'll be asked to specify the finish (shiny or brushed silver) and size (7", 7.5", or 8.25") when ordering.

Braille Alphabet Bracelet: $47.50

Watch the National Design Awards Gala

2010-10-16T09:19:00.005-05:00

If you would like to watch Leslie's acceptance speech, here is a YouTube link to the People's Design Award sent to us by an anonymous reader. THANK YOU for this, who ever you are!

The Braille Alphabet Bracelet wins the 5th Annual People's Design Award

2010-10-16T08:49:00.004-05:00

The Braille Alphabet Bracelet Wins the 2010 People’s Design Award

October 15, 2010

The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum presented its fifth People’s Design Award to the Braille Alphabet Bracelet Thursday, Oct. 14, at its 11th annual National Design Awards gala in New York. White House Deputy Social Secretary Ebs Burnoughand fashion designer Cynthia Rowley announced the winning design and presented the award to Leslie Ligon, designer of At First Sight Braille Jewelry.

After thousands of votes were cast during the course of the People’s Design Award competition, the Braille Alphabet Bracelet―a bracelet featuring the entire alphabet in Braille on the front and print in the back―emerged as the public’s favorite design.

Ligon, the mother of a blind son, created the line of functional Braille jewelry to increase awareness of Braille literacy. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, as few as 10 percent of people who are legally blind learn to read and write Braille. Several studies indicate that at least 90 percent of the blind that hold jobs are Braille literate. Braille literacy enables the vision impaired to read and write for themselves and is often seen as a gateway to independence. A percentage of the company’s net profits are donated to Braille literacy organizations, including National Braille Press and BrailleInk.
“I’m delighted that the public has chosen to honor the Braille Alphabet Bracelet, which looks good, communicates without a glance and feels great too!” said Bill Moggridge, director of the museum.
Marianne Cusato, designer of the Katrina Cottage, was selected as the first People’s Design Award winner in 2006. Toms Shoes, a company that gives away a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold, received the award in 2007, and the Zōn Hearing Aid took home the award in 2008. In 2009, the winner was the Trek Lime Bicycle, a coasting bike designed for the casual rider.

The National Design Awards are made possible in part by Bloomberg and Procter & Gamble.
Media sponsorship provided by Fast Company and New York magazine. National Design Week is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Target.

Professional partners for 2010 National Design Awards and National Design Week include the AIGA | the professional association for design, American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects and Industrial Designers Society of America New York City.

About the People’s Design Award
Launched Sept. 20, the People’s Design Award website received more than 100 nominations and thousands of votes. By logging on to www.cooperhewitt.org, users were able to browse and vote from the existing nominees or upload images to nominate a new object. Nominees included a range of projects with a social mission such as the Neonurture: Car Parts Incubator, Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE), Hello Rewind laptop sleeves and Open IDEO.

The People’s Design Award is part of Cooper-Hewitt’s largest public education initiative, National Design Week, Oct. 9 – Oct. 17. During National Design Week, the museum is offering free admission for all visitors and hosting numerous free design programs. In recognition of the importance of design education, organizations and schools nationwide also will sponsor events during National Design Week. For a complete schedule of National Design Week events, visit www.cooperhewitt.org.

This press release is reprinted here from the Smithsonian Newsdesk.

Cooper-Hewitt Museum's People's Design Award

2010-09-29T22:34:00.007-05:00

My really great husband, Eric, a University of North Texas design prof, nominated my braille alphabet bracelet for a Cooper-Hewitt Museum People's Design Award. I would be thrilled to make it to finals - it would mean more awareness of braille, and be pretty cool, to boot!

So, if you would, take a moment to go to this link and vote; it's a vote for braille literacy awareness!

I'll be taking a couple of jewelry classes this weekend that will, I'm sure, boost my creative juices, giving me the impetus for designing in a few new directions with new materials. Look for some fun new pieces in the next couple of weeks!

Thanks so much and best to you!

If you're interested in purchasing a braille alphabet bracelet, here's a handy buy me button!

Braille Alphabet Bracelet: $47.50

New Friends - A Good Day

2010-06-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

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

2010-05-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

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

BRAILLE JEWELRY LAND

2010-03-14T16:56:00.000-05:00

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

2010-03-05T14:11:00.000-06:00

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!'

2010-03-01T22:49:00.000-06:00

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!")

Forbes Woman Gift Giving Guide!

2009-11-21T13:02:00.004-06:00

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

2009-11-16T23:27:00.002-06:00

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!

Reading Rockets

2009-11-14T02:45:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-08T20:32:00.007-06:00

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

Hi Leslie,

I am so sorry it took a few weeks to finally get to thank you.

The bracelet you made for my student was absolutely beautiful! The entire team of teachers who contributed towards the gift loved it and many joked that they were keeping it for themselves. When we presented the bracelets to her parents to bring to Lauren at the hospital it brought tears to their eyes.

Thank you so much for rushing this order and for creating such a beautiful bracelet.

Tina Wallace

Teacher of the Visually Impaired & Blind

Eastern Suffolk BOCES

2009-11-05T23:20:00.004-06:00

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.

2009-11-01T21:32:00.003-06:00

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

About Us

2009-09-20T23:33:00.000-05:00

In 1997, at my oldest son, Ethan’s, two-month well-baby exam, my husband and I were told, “Brace yourselves; Ethan can’t see.”

After a specialist determined Ethan’s retinas had detached, we took him for surgery to attempt to re-attach them. One month later, we were told the surgery had not been successful and were offered a rather stark idea of what Ethan might be doing.

With a gift from my grandmother, I was fortunate to be able to leave my full-time job. I wanted to be completely involved in Ethan’s educational and developmental early intervention program, which began in our home when Ethan was three months old. Fortunately, our first teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) was wonderfully forthright, assuring us with an easy air that Ethan would naturally be a reader because my husband and I are avid readers. We were, to say the least, a little daunted.

We set out to learn all we could about Braille though, and were completely astounded to learn what would come to completely change our lives: as few as 10% of people who are blind or visually impaired actually read Braille. We wondered what the other 90% were doing to deliciously pass free time on a summer evening, or how they applied for jobs, or read to their children or grandchildren. We soon found out many people who are visually impaired are told to, “Try a little harder,” to read print, or that older people who’ve lost all or most of their sight think they are too old to learn. One man I spoke to was actually told by a professional rehabilitator, “You won’t learn Braille until you’re totally blind,” which he of course, believed. A professional should know, right?

How easy it would be if these thousands of people, young and old, knew how easy it is to learn at least alphabetic Braille at any age and how liberating it is to read and write Braille even if there is some residual vision. As one woman who is visually impaired says, “Reading print when you’re visually impaired is a little like trying to listen to a radio station that’s not quite within range. You have to work so hard to hear the music it almost completely negates the listening experience. So, when you learn to read Braille, it’s like hearing a symphony clearly for the first time.”

When Ethan was first receiving TVI services we didn’t realize, but quickly learned, not all professionals in the blindness community have the same philosophy about teaching Braille pre-reading skills to infants and toddlers as our first teacher. When Ethan was about two and a half years old, we asked when Braille books were going to be used during his class times. Our highly-regarded teacher replied, “Oh, Ethan’s too young to start Braille pre-reading.” When is any child too young for reading?

With all of this in mind, in 2001, when I began making and selling fashion jewelry, I soon noticed many items (most mass-produced) incorporated Balinese-style, almost Braille-like beadwork called granulation. Since Ethan was immersed in Braille for his first year, it was always around us and I started thinking about creating a fun, funky line of Braille fashion jewelry. I knew other lines of Braille jewelry were being designed, but I wanted something different; something that seamlessly combined the aesthetics of design and the functionality of Braille so that people would be as interested in and attracted to it as they are to jewelry or fabrics with Asian characters or 18th century French script. I wanted to offer pieces anyone would want to wear.

I started shopping the idea around to a variety of wholesale jewelers and got, “No,” or even, “Why should they care? They can’t see,” from most everyone. One day, as I was selling jewelry in a local Starbuck’s, two men looking at my jewelry told me they were mass production jewelers from China. After sharing my ideas with them (starting with explaining what Braille is) they told me, “If you can draw it, we will make it.”

After several failed attempts at transferring design ideas via telephone and Internet, I flew to China in January 2002 and had 2000 of the world’s first mass produced Braille heart pendants manufactured and sent just before Valentine’s Day.

Having launched my first few pieces, my intent is to promote Braille literacy within the blind and sighted communities by offering fun, reasonably priced fashion jewelry for everyone. By playing upon the visual elements of Braille, I hope to introduce the lyrical quality, as well as the importance of it, to people who know little about it.

—Leslie

About Braille

2009-09-20T23:26:00.012-05:00

In 1824, 15-year-old Louis Braille adapted a 12-dot cell system developed by a French captain in Napoleon’s army. Invented to allow soldiers to compose and read messages at night without illumination, the basic technique was the first raised-dot reading and writing system.

Louis Braille devised a six-dot cell with the dots arranged in two columns of three. The dots are numbered 1 through 6.

The first 10 cells stand for a–j. With the number sign (it looks like a backwards L) before them, these same cells represent the numerals 1–0.

The second row adds dot 3 to make the letters k–t. (For you Kindy teachers out there, it even makes a cute rhyme: "K through t, add dot three!")

The third row adds dots 3 and 6 to make the uv xyz. Since there was no w in the French alphabet at that time, it was only added later. To remember it, keep in mind, it's the reverse image of 'r.' With its dot 5, 'r' points to the right; with its dot 2, 'w' points west!

Aren't you having fun, now?!

The capital sign, dot 6, is placed before a letter to capitalize it.

If you want to get really crazy, the most frequently used words in English - and, for, of, the, and with all follow suit after z, falling under the letters, 'p, q, r, s, and t.'

So now that you've learned what I like to call, "Sixty-second elevator braille," there's no excuse not to write your daughter, mother, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend, student a lovely little braille note!

Policies: Fashion Jewelry

2009-09-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

All orders must be returned within 21 days from the day the shipment is sent for a credit or cash refund. All returned packages must be in their original packaging and a 20% restocking fee will apply. Please contact us for your Return Authorization Number before you send it back. We will not accept any returned merchandise without a return authorization number on the outside of the return box or on the invoice. Please contact us for a return authorization. For your protection, we suggest that all returns be sent back in a padded, rip-proof package, via a traceable carrier with insurance and that you contact At First Sight Braille Jewelry with the carrier’s tracking number.

Restringing
At First Sight will NOT resting any obviously worn fashion jewelry. If a piece breaks within 30 days of reciept, I will happily re-string it.

Higher-end fashion jewelry is almost all the same, whether it’s from this site or a major department store. Comprised of a white and copper metal mix, it has a heavy plating of silver that will not turn your skin colors as plated jewelry once did. Fashion jewelry can last anywhere from three months to many years, depending on how you treat and wear your jewelry, the acidity of your skin, and many other variables over which we have no control. Often too, people work where there are high levels of toxins and chemicals, which will break down the composition of the plating and the metal even more quickly.

If you wear and treat your fashion jewelry as gently as your precious jewelry, chemistry not withstanding, it will last a fair amount of time. Many of my customers still have pieces they bought when I first began selling my Braille jewelry in 2001. That’s always a nice thing to hear! I cannot though, continue to take responsibility for my jewelry once it’s out of my hands, so if you have immediate problems with something, I can replace it or give credit toward another item if you let me know within the 30-day period, but I will not refund purchases beyond 21 days of the shipping date. I have many great customers, some of whom are good friends and acquaintances. That sometimes makes it difficult to conduct business, but I must keep a clear line drawn or I’ll be unable to hang on to my business for much longer, and that would only result in fewer voices lauding the importance of Braille literacy!

Policies: Custom Jewelry

2009-09-20T23:20:00.000-05:00

Custom jewelry must be ordered by phone at 214 675-4061. Custom jewelry work is begun upon receipt of complete payment. If you decide to cancel a custom order once it’s already been designed, only 20% of the total price will be refunded. NO exchanges or refunds will be made on custom orders. Custom orders require time, extra communication and design. All custom order sales are final.

If At First Sight has made a mistake with a piece of jewelry, we will make every effort make the order right. You must call 214 675-4061 within 14 days of shipment to inform us of the problem. All returned packages must be in their original packaging. For your protection, we suggest that all returns be sent back via a traceable carrier with insurance and that you contact At First Sight Braille Jewelry with the carrier’s tracking number. At First Sight will not be responsible for any packages that go missing or are damaged in transit.

Restringing
If a piece of fine jewelry breaks and the customer has ALL of the original beads, At First Sight will restring fine jewelry for $25.00 plus shipping and handling. The customer is responsible for the shipping expense for return to At First Sight.

If, upon return, ALL of the original beads are not present, the customer will be contacted with an estimate for the repair and restringing of the jewelry. Please call 214 675-4061 before returning the broken jewelry, and include a note with details in the return shipment

Policies: Fine Jewelry Return

2009-09-20T23:12:00.001-05:00

Fine Jewelry Return Policy
All orders must be returned within 21 days from the day the shipment is sent for a credit only. All returned packages must be in their original packaging and a 20% restocking fee will apply. Please contact us for your Return Authorization Number before you send it back. We will not accept any returned merchandise without a return authorization number on the outside of the return box or on the invoice. Please contact us for a return authorization. For your protection, we suggest that all returns be sent back in a padded, rip proof package, via a traceable carrier with insurance and that you contact At First Sight Braille Jewelry with the carrier’s tracking number.

Restringing
If a piece of fine jewelry breaks, and the customer has ALL of the original beads, At First Sight will restring fine jewelry for $15.00 plus shipping and handling. The customer is responsible for the shipping expense for return to At First Sight.

Policies: Shipping

2009-09-20T23:10:00.000-05:00

National Shipping
Most orders ship 8 to 10 business days after payment is received. In the checkout process, you will only have the opportunity to select UPS Ground which usually take two -5 business days for delivery. If you need delivery sooner, please contact At First Sight Directly to arrange alternate shipping methods. At First Sight will assume no responsibility for packages shipped via USPS once they leave our hands.

International Shipping
All international orders must be shipped using UPS International.

Handling
There will be a $2.00 handling fee added to each order.

Policies: Payment

2009-09-20T23:08:00.001-05:00

Payment
All payments by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover) are processed through our secure web site. If you are more comfortable paying by check or money order you may send that payment to At First Sight, 1918 Maid Marian Place, Denton, Texas 76209, with a printed copy of your order. If you are not ordering through the web site, you must call to place an order total before sending payment. Orders will be held until checks have cleared. Do not send cash through the mail. We will not be responsible for any lost payments in the mail.

Your Stories

2009-09-20T23:06:00.000-05:00

Have you learned Braille? Were you intimidated, excited, or both? If you are sighted, do you read Braille visually or by touch? How are you connected to the blindness community? If you would like to share your story, please send it our way via e-mail: atfirstsight@ligondesign.com. (We reserve the right to edit stories for length or grammar. We also reserve the right to determine whether or not to post a story due to content.)

Fundraising Opportunities: Process, Minimums & Orders

2009-09-20T23:03:00.006-05:00

Here's how it works: you purchase a minimum retail order of $2000 dollars worth of Braille jewelry at a 50% discount. Then you sell it to your friends, teachers, parents, grandparents, business associates and neighbors, and anyone else you can convince to purchase the Braille jewelry) at the full retail price which allows you to double your money. It is easy to do and has worked for a great many organizations. For example, the Anchor Center in Denver, CO, takes pre-orders for the jewelry they sell (that way they know they are not left with jewelry they can't sell). Their first fundraising effort was so successful they have already placed there second order for the Fall! All it takes is someone who is willing to organize the fundraising efforts!

It has long been our goal to help spread the word about braille and braille literacy in the sighted community, so, we offer our jewelry at fundraising prices to organizations with 501C3 status. Our hope is that audiences beyond the blindness community will discover the beauty of braille though our elegantly handcrafted jewelry.

FUNDRAISING ORDERS
To order, simply phone me at 214-675-4061. Once we talk about what you'd like to do to raise money for your organization or group, you may order your jewelry at fundraising prices (50% off the retail cost). Upon deciding what you want, place your order with me over the phone or through our on-line shopping cart. Always include a phone # in case there are any questions.

The Items available for Fundraising Orders are:

Fashion-finish Shiny Silver Alphabet Bracelet-7" = $23.75
Fashion-finish Shiny Silver Alphabet Bracelet-7.5" = $23.75
Fashion-finish Shiny Silver Alphabet Bracelet-8.25" = $23.75
Fashion-finish Brushed Silver Alphabet Bracelet-7" = $23.75
Fashion-finish Brushed Silver Alphabet Bracelet-7.5" = $23.75
Fashion-finish Brushed Silver Alphabet Bracelet-8.25" = $23.75
Tiffany Bracelet with Braille Heart = $16.85
Braille Heart Bookmark = $14.15
Braille Heart Key Ring = $14.15
Braille Heart on Black Leather Choker = $19.75
Braille Heart on 3-Strand Beaded Necklace = $19.75
Braille Heart Pendant = $8.50
Brushed Silver Faith Pendant on Blue Crystal Necklace = $33.85
Brushed Silver Faith Pendant on Black Velvet Cord = $25.35
Follow Your Dream Sterling Silver Spin Ring = $33.85

We have $1,000 fundraising order minimum order (that's a $2,000 retail order). The price in your shopping cart will display in retail dollars. After you place the order, the full retail amount will show up in the total, but I will only submit the wholesale price for charge. Feel free to combine from any of our fashion categories to reach this minimum. Since much of our jewelry is hand-made upon order, wholesale orders will be shipped 4–6 weeks from order. If there will be delays beyond 4–6 weeks, you will be notified.

PAYMENT
We accept checks from 501C3 organizations, Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. (Half payment is required in advance on all fundraising orders, until I become independently wealthy!)

RETURN POLICY
If an item is defective or if we have made a mistake we will always gladly accept your return. Just put it in a box or rip-proof bag and ship it back with your information. We do NOT accept returns on wholesale orders for any other reasons.

Very Important Note: The cost of the return shipping belongs to the customer. The credit for any returned jewelry will be applied to your next order. Please include the name of the organization and your daytime phone # in the return package.

Contact via e.mail: atfirstsight@ligondesign.com
or phone: 214-675-4061