I often receive compliments on my hand-decorated cane to which I reply, "Isn't it great? My nieces did it!" After coming home from the hospital, I wanted to prove to my nieces and myself that we could still have fun; so I arranged a play date to decorate my cane. We chose to shop for materials together at a craft store, but the 3-D paint and self-adhesive gems also can be purchased online.
To make your own personalized cane, you will need:
(1) plain cane
(1 set) 3-D paint suitable for metal/wood
(1 package) self-adhesive gems
(1-2) children
The paint squeezes directly from the bottle meaning no messy brushes to clean afterward. It comes in a variety of colors including neon and glow-in-the-dark. The gems come in all sorts of shapes and colors. We picked some sparkly dragonflies and butterflies.
If you have more than one kid – let one of them do the top half, and one the bottom. Be sure to tell them to stay away from the handle and the tip.
I forgot to allow time for my cane to dry and had to rush off to a doctor's appointment, which created a drip effect in some places. Plan on letting your cane set for at least a couple hours before using it.
Besides being reminded of my nieces every time I receive a compliment, I never have people mistaking my cane for theirs in the rehab gym. My colorful cane has been a great way to cheer up this otherwise dreary accessory to my disability.
Happy decorating!
Why didn't I think of this?!
ReplyDeleteAwww.. the girls are adorable and so is your cane.
ReplyDeleteAt one point, when I was discouraged, my 21 year old daughter took me cane shopping and told me it was a fashion accessory. She bought me a chrome green one with a paisley design that "went with my wardrobe". I have felt better about the cane ever since.
I am going to pass on your "craft idea" to a few people I know!
Linda
I love this!!
ReplyDeleteAfter I first had the stroke, I refused to even go inside a Rockport shop that carried beautiful (and expensive) canes - because I wasn't going to be using a cane "long enough" to justify it. Later, a stranger (who became a friend) made me a beautiful one covered with bunches of grapes, leaves and tendrils. It sure beats the cobalt blue and black speckled metal one we got at Walgreens to replace my quad-cane. That blue cane could sure use some jazzing up - maybe I'll try!!
I remember being confused about which grey cane to take when I finished with out-patient therapy and got off the para-transit bus. I bought a pretty cane at a medical supply store and never looked back. I love the idea of including your nieces.
ReplyDelete