Here at Krafters Korner we love creating handcrafted items from a baby blanket to a safety pin beaded ship with lots of other exciting creations in between. We just celebrated our 10th year in 2018 as a division of the National Federation of the Blind. Let’s take a moment to meet our incredible founder and president Joyce Kane.
Joyce is a native new Englander with the Yankee “can do” spirit. She resides in Stratford, CT in a beautiful three-story colonial home. She currently lives with her son J.C. Her 100-years-young mom lives next door. Joyce and her late husband John were married for 42 years. John was always a huge support to Joyce with her crafting adventures. At an NFB convention in Orlando John told me that his philosophy was that a happy wife made for a happy life. Check out the Kane Brewer Fund on our website to learn more about John and how his legacy assists others to reach their crafting dreams. Joyce and John were blessed with three children and five grandchildren. grandchildren.
Throughout the years, Joyce has always stayed active in promoting her crafting passion. These activities ranged from owning a yarn shop to teaching community education classes in all types of crafts.
She has also been very active in the Girl Scouts. Teaching girls of all age’s new crafts.
Joyce lost her vision 12 years ago from diabetic complications. Sure, she initially missed seeing this or that…but she soon learned through trial and error. As a totally blind person she effortlessly began knitting, crocheting, quilting, beading and several other crafts again. Joyce does not slow down with learning new crafting techniques. We can all learn from her willingness to try new experiences. Currently Joyce has begun her own embroidery business she is calling it “Color My World”. She will make custom items from t-shirts, bags to table runners and many other items in between. She uses a computerized embroidery machine that she just started to learn a year ago. Her creations are gorgeous.
Joyce searched for a group of likeminded blind people to share tips and tricks of the crafting world with. After she did not find such a group…she set out to begin her own group.
The Krafters Korner currently has over 50 members and we average around 40 classes a year. Joyce has provided renewed joy and excitement to many. Not just in her geographical area, but virtually all over the world. Joyce gathered a group of people to help create the foundations of this division. They saw the importance of teaching in a format that will not be hindered by the miles that may separate us. This has been accomplished in unbelievable ways. Stop by our website and check out our classes www.krafterskorner.org.
I have been personally so encouraged through my friendship with Joyce, and I know others feel the same. Thanks for your passion Joyce and for creating Krafters Korner!