by Lucy Edmonds
Some of you may remember Loving Touch Connection and its proprietor, Kathy Keck, because she exhibited her products at the ACB convention in Rochester, N.Y. in 2019. Since 2011, Kathy has been hand-painting designs and custom braille words on coffee mugs, beer glasses, drink glasses, wine glasses, salt and pepper shakers, spice jars, magnets, soap and lotion dispensers, and many other cool braille products! I recently purchased a number of coffee mugs from her, and she put names on them, along with a cool saying and a hand-painted design with raised outlining and raised picture!
Kathy has never formally learned braille, but she has developed a fascinating process of using paint to set raised-dot braille sayings and raised outlining to her hand-painted designs on her products. Here is an excerpt from her website: “Using a proprietary technique, each product is meticulously handcrafted with raised dots for braille words and beautifully painted designs. Each piece is designed to provide tactile and visual delight, bringing joy and practicality to everyday items. … Our unique approach involves hand-applying raised-dot braille messages onto the surface of each piece. The default braille used is uncontracted, but contracted is available upon request to cater to different preferences. Each message is not only applied in raised braille dots but is also hand-painted in an elegant, easy-to-read script below the braille word or message, ensuring both tactile and visual accessibility.”
Kathy goes on to say: “For the past 14 years, Loving Touch Connection has been committed to providing products that are not only practical but also add a touch of artistry to daily life. Each item is crafted with care, ensuring that it meets our high standards of quality and design. … In keeping with my passion and desire to support and encourage the blind and visually impaired community, a percentage of profits from Loving Touch Connection (R) sales are donated annually to various non-profit organizations who assist the blind and visually impaired.”
If you’re looking for a unique braille gift for someone, or just want something for yourself, visit her website, https://www.touchedbyfantasy.com/braille-gifts.html, and you’ll see what I mean! There is also a video there which further explains her process, as well as some customer reviews. One customer’s review reads: “The Loving Touch Connection braille accented items are beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to read the inscription written on the glass and also to feel the outlined detail of the design pictured. The braille is raised enough to make it very easy to feel. The braille is also true to size and durable while touching. The raised edging of the outlined design depicted on the glass allows the visually impaired person to recognize the creative artwork. I’m pleased with the prompt delivery of my orders and the outstanding customer service I receive. I will continue to endorse the Loving Touch Connection - Braille and Art products for the visually impaired. Thank you, Kathy, for your amazing ability in creating and designing accessible glassware for the blind and visually impaired community.”
Kathy provides wonderful customer service, as well as being a great person to get to know. I can’t wait to place my next order!