Hi, crafty friends. Today’s post is extra special to me. Today is World Autism Awareness Day and I’m taking part in the Autism Awareness Blog Hop to celebrate my son.
My son (Aiden) was diagnosed two years ago with Autism and it has changed our lives. While Aiden may face challenges on a daily basis, his challenges do not define him. He is a very smart, funny, and affectionate six year old that lights up the room. He may be different, but he is awesome.
I created three cards using THIS new stamp and THIS die set from Taylored Expressions. Taylored Expressions is donating a portion of the sales of these products to the Autism Society during the month of April.
For the first card…
I die-cut the puzzle die several times and adhered all the pieces on a white background that was covered with adhesive. I temporarily adhered it to the card base and die-cut THIS heart die to create a window. I stamped a coordinating sentiment on the acetate using THIS ink and stamped tiny hearts from THIS stamp set on some of the puzzle pieces.
I also added a blue puzzle piece to the background and a picture of Aiden to the inside of the card so it would peek through the heart window.
For the second card…
I wanted to create a shaker card. I love the sentiment from the set that is geared towards teachers. I can’t say enough good things about the teachers who care for Aiden. They are amazing. He even has relationships with a few staff members there aren’t his specific teacher but go out of their way to bond with him. I wanted to make this card for one of them. She is a special needs teacher down the hall that he adores.
I created a shaker card by die-cutting two of THESE dies together to make a frame. I stamped the sentiment on acetate just like the first card. I adhered some of the puzzle piece die-cuts down on a black note card and then placed sequins and heart embellishments on top. I rubbed down the acetate piece with THIS to remove any static and adhered the frame on top using two layers of THIS foam tape.
For the last card, I created a similar background as the first card but I used an alcohol ink background. I die-cut the piece using THIS heart die and stamped a sentiment using THIS ink. I adhered the heart to a larger white heart for a mat and then to the card base created from a larger heart.
As I mentioned, these cards are part of a blog hop. Click HERE for the next stop on the hop and visit the talented, Amy Tsuruta. You can start at the beginning of the Blog Hop (and find out info. about prizes ) HERE.
Before I go, I want to leave you with a quote from Dr. Temple Grandin, one of the most renowned autism advocates in the world. She says, “Different not less.” I think if we approach any disability with kindness and understanding that everyone is different, this world would be a better place
Thanks for stopping by today. I appreciate your support.
LINKS TO SUPPLIES USED:
*You can find the Autism stamp set HERE and the puzzle die HERE
Also, a big thank you to the sponsors…
April 4, 2018
Your cards are beautiful! I just love shaker cards and your window card with the photo is just wonderful!
April 4, 2018
Heather, your cards are AMAZING! My son received a late diagnosis because someone thought I was being a paranoid mom. But as you said there is so much joy in raising a child with autism. It truly doesn’t define who they are and what they can become. It also teaches you a lot about yourself.
April 4, 2018
Beautiful cards Heather.. Little Champ Aiden is so adorable..Love each of your card.
April 4, 2018
Awesome cards! Love the Taylored Expressions die!
Light it up blue!
April 3, 2018
I love your cards and for a worthy cause!
April 3, 2018
Love the different puzzle designs.
April 3, 2018
Lovely card and I’m so proud of you and your family. I know it can be a struggle but if you dont see it that way, it can be different. You are awesome! Never give up!
April 3, 2018
I love all three cards! The heart really sings to me! These are some of my favorite colors.
April 3, 2018
Heather, love your post. Aiden is adorable. Your cards are fabulous.
April 3, 2018
Love your cards – so bright and colorful.
April 3, 2018
Fabulous cards!! Love the shaker card!!
April 3, 2018
Your love for your child shows in your beautiful art work. Thank you for taking care of yourself and continuing with your art. You and your Aiden appear to be a loving team.
April 3, 2018
Your words about being different not less and the idea of kindness actually brought tear to my eyes…I hope that our world changes towards those ideals. Your cards are just wonderful and thank you for participating and increasing the awareness about autism.
April 3, 2018
Your cards are so beautiful and perfect! My daughter has Asperger’s and is 18. It’s been hard, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world! She has a blog where she writes about being on the spectrum and you might find it helpful: https://findingnewperspectives.wordpress.com
April 3, 2018
You can see your heart in each of these projects…just awesome!