World Autism Awareness Day Blog Hop

Hi Crafters!  

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, a group of crafters have joined together in a special Blog Hop to help spread awareness.  We have all created a handmade card with the focus on supporting those people with or in support of caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

With approximately 67 million people world-wide affected by autism, it is more than likely we all at some point in our lives have known someone who suffers from, or someone who supports someone with autism.  

Autism or autism spectrum disorder is classified as a lifelong developmental disorder, present from early childhood, that is characterised by difficulty in communicating and social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviours.  The range and severity of symptoms can vary significantly, however with early recognition combined with behavioural, educational and family therapies, these can assist in reducing symptoms, and support in the development and learning for those affected.     

This is the card I created:

For this card, I wanted to create something encouraging & textural yet encompassing the trademark autism awareness puzzle piece & the colour blue.  Sometimes as a stamper or crafter, you need to think outside the box, and this card definitely challenged me in this area.

The card base was made using Dapper Denim cardstock, and layered with a strip of Iridescent Glitter Paper (from the Myths & Magic Glimmer Paper Pack) and Marina Mist cardstock.  The white splattered background was heat embossed in white from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set (retired). For the puzzle pieces, I used one of my daughter's puzzles to trace two puzzle piece shapes on whisper white cardstock, fussy cut them, and then stamped the Sheet Music background stamp in Marina Mist ink onto one, and the Marbled background stamp onto the other in Dapper Denim ink.  The filigree cutout was done using Dapper Denim cardstock, and the Petals & More Thinlits Dies.  These elements were then layered using dimensionals and glue dots, before silver thread was added as a decorative feature.  

The sentiment on the scalloped vellum cutout, was white heat embossed, the word "Priceless" taken from the stamp set "You're Priceless" (the same stamp as the interior card sentiment was used, however only the word "Priceless" was inked).  Then came the creative bit!  I used a puzzle piece and heat embossed it twice using silver embossing powder, so as to not see the image shine through.  Two wooden heart embellishments were added as a finishing touch - the solid heart was glued & Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter adhered, the other I coloured using a Dapper Denim ink pad.

The card interior was kept simple with Whisper White Cardstock lined on either side with Marina Mist cardstock.  The sentiment was stamped in Dapper Denim using the same stamp as the card front, and I used a dauber dabbed in Marina Mist to gently apply over the sentiment. 

I have always held the firm belief that we are all created as unique & valued individuals - none of us are mistakes, no matter our flaws, disabilities or shortcomings.  People with autism are no different..  
 

If you would like to donate financially towards Autism research, and support this worthy cause please click HERE.  Thank you for doing so, every little bit helps!

I hope you liked & were inspired by my card.  Please feel free to leave a comment as I would love your feedback.  There are many more fabulous creations you won't want to miss, so make sure you check out the next person in our blog hop, Sandra Mastello!