Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness Blog Hop

 

Good morning, and welcome to the Light It Up Blue for Autism Awareness Blog Hop! You have probably arrived here from Veronica Zalis' or Tenia Nelson's blog.  Both of these remarkable ladies are the reason we have come together today...to spread knowledge, awareness, and understanding and to show our support to all those who are touched by autism.  I am not sure if you know this, but April is National Autism Awareness Month, and this hop affords us an opportunity to further the message of the Autism Society by "encouraging friends and collaborators to become partners in the movement towards acceptance and appreciation by getting [us] one step closer to a society where those with ASD (autism spectrum disorders) are truly valued for their unique talents and gifts."  For the past few years, I have had the pleasure and the privilege of working with autistic adults in a college setting, and they have been an incredible source of inspiration to me.  Each semester, they teach me something new and open up pieces of the world that I was blind to.  They are also a testament as to what can be achieved with patience, understanding, guidance, and acceptance.  I encourage you to visit the Autism Society or Autism Speaks to learn more about ASD; and please, share what you learn with your friends and your loved ones.  The more people that are informed, the better chance we have at making our world a kinder, gentler place for those living with this disorder.

For my card, I opted to keep it rather simple.  In my mind, I wanted to make a card using puzzle pieces like those found on the autism awareness ribbon, and I knew I wanted them to be various shades of blue, since blue is the color theme for this hop.  The only problem was...I do not own any puzzle dies.  Yes, I considered purchasing some, but worried they would not arrive in time.  Yes, I tossed around other creative ideas, but my mind could not let go of the original plan.  What to do?  I did the next best thing to buying dies...I purchased a $1 puzzle, painted the pieces in white, then painted them in three shades of blue, brushed on some Mod Podge, sprinkled some microfine glitter, added a final coat of Mod Podge to seal in the glitter, and voila, the card base was done.  To finish it off, I created the sentiment on my computer (MS Word), printed it out, colored it, and finished it off with some DecoArt ultra fine glitter paint...for just a bit more sparkle.  Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the sparkly stuff.  :)  Easy peasy and fun to boot!  It doesn't get much better than that.

Just an added reminder, there are loads of craftylicious prizes up for grabs to random commenters of this blog hop.  All of the participants' links can be found on Veronica's and Tenia's blogs...heads up, there are quite a few of us, and each one of us are passionate about promoting knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of ASD.  All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog and the other blogs along the hop, and winners will be announced on Monday, April 6, 2015.  Also, if you would like to help spread autism awareness, add your Light It Up Blue creation to the linky list.  You have until Sunday, April 5, 2015. :)  Here is a fabulous digi created and graciously donated by Jessica at Jessica Lynn Originals for you to use on your card/project:

Click on image to be taken to the website.  The image is FREE.

Here is another wonderful digi designed by the talented Amy Purdie from Amy Doodle's Stamp Co. to help you light it up blue:

Click on the image and save to your computer.

Here are all of our generous sponsors:

• Susana from Susana's Custom Art & Card Design is awarding a$25 gift certificate (minus shipping costs) to her awesome store
• djkardkreations is donating four $25 gift certificates to four random commenters
• Ashley Newell is giving one commenter a gorgeous Autism Awareness Bracelet from her wonderful Just Jewelry shop
• Jessica Lynn Originals is offering two $20 gift certificates to her fab store (she also generously provided hop participants with an adorable digital image to use for the hop)
• Tami White has a $30 Stampin' Up gift certificate up for grabs for one lucky commenter
• Kymona Tracey is awarding two gift packages chock full of surprises
• Gina K. is graciously presenting a $50 gift certificate
• Spectrum Noir is furnishing one set of Spectrum Noir Aqua Markers of the winner's choice
• Markerpop is giving one commenter a $25 gift certificate to their store
• Simon Says Stamp is awarding a $50 gift voucher
• Lisa Kramer Henke has one set of Autism Awareness Jamberry nail wraps up for grabs for one lucky commenter
• Paper Smooches is donating a $25 gift certificate
• Anita Autore is kindly awarding a Close to My Heart goodie bag and a $20 gift certificate
• Effie Cho from The Ton Couture Clear Stamps is awarding three $10 gift codes to her fabby store
• Jennifer McGuire Ink is kindly furnishing three spots for her online card class to three lucky commenters, as well as five stamp sets (from her favorite companies) to five lucky commenters
• Amy Doodle's Stamp Co. (Amy also graciously provided hop participants with a fabulous digital image to use for the hop)
• STAMPlorations
• Avocado Arts
• Butterfly Reflections Ink
• Reverse Confetti
• Avery Elle
• Lil' Inker Design
• Paper Temptress
• Stampendous
• SugarPea Designs
• Winnie & Walter
• Catherine Pooler
• Crafter's Companion
• My Favorite Things 
• Latina Crafter
• Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps

Plus, you will find a number of blog participants offering up some special surprises on their blogs as well.  Please, do not forget to show your love and appreciation to all these amazing people and businesses for their incredible generosity and thoughtfulness!!  I know that I could never thank them enough!!  They have all touched my heart immensely! :) 

Once again, I would like to THANK all of the amazing sponsors for their support and their generosity.  

THANK YOU!!!

A huge THANKS to you too for dropping by!!

Smiles and Hugs!!

Carolyn