Promote Acceptance and Spread Love with this Autism Awareness Scrapbook Layout

Posted on by Noreen Smith

Chances are you know (and love!) someone with autism, as the Autism Society estimates that currently 1 in 59 individuals are affected by autism. Although we now know much more about autism than we did when it was first identified, there is still much work to do. In 2008 the United Nations declared the second day of April as World Autism Awareness Day, and now the entire month of April is dedicated to promoting autism awareness, acceptance, information about services and supports, as well as a better overall understanding of neurodiversity. See how blog contributor Noreen came up with this beautiful autism awareness scrapbook layout in this blog post!

Noreen’s Inspiration

My son Sam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was three. Over the years I’ve documented his challenges, therapies, support and services, but always had to substitute generic kid-themed or primary shades of scrapbook supplies. I was thrilled when I saw the new Shine Bright Theme Pack and the fun Puzzle Punch, as I knew I could finally document Sam’s journey with these products specifically designed for autism awareness!

Theme Packs are great because they have everything you need to create a few layouts about a specific theme or occasion — four pieces of double-sided designer paper, two sheets of stickers and a piece of coordinating cardstock. And even thought the puzzle shape is associated with autism awareness, I know it’s going to be a versatile punch to use for many other projects.

IMG_4459

To create this layout, you will need:

NOTICE: We are currently not able to accept any orders due to Minnesota’s COVID-19 stay at home order. View Details >

Walk through with Advisor Noreen Smith as she explains her process and how she created this layout in the video below!

Step 1: Use the sheet of Blue Cardstock included in the Shine Bright Theme Pack as the base for your layout.

Step 2: Trim the red puzzle/dot patterned paper to measure 11″ x 11″ with the 12-inch Trimmer. Gently fold the square in half — DO NOT crease the fold too sharply! Draw a half of a heart shape onto the paper along the fold. Cut out the heart using All-Purpose Scissors. Erase any pencil lines, and set the heart shape aside for punching puzzle shapes from.

IMG_4479

Step 3: Open and smooth out the square and adhere it to the Blue Cardstock base along the outside edges only with Tape Runner.

IMG_4452

Step 4: Mat photos onto White Cardstock (if desired) and tuck them UNDER the bottom edge of the heart. Adhere the photos with Tape Runner to the Blue Cardstock base only along the sides and bottom of each photo. This will create a pocket at the top for the journaling tags.

IMG_4450

Step 5: Punch using the Puzzle Punch from the leftover paper heart and from the yellow light bulb/blue watercolor paper. (The number of puzzle shapes will depend on the size of your heart and how close you want to them to be. I ended up using 24 puzzle shapes to go around my heart!)

IMG_4454

Step 6: Arrange the puzzle shapes evenly around the opening of the heart. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, adhere each with a dab of Tape Runner Adhesive.

Step 7: Cut two 2-1/2″ x 6″ pieces of paper from the remaining yellow light bulb/blue patterned paper. Punch one end of each with the 3-in-1 Scallop Tag Punch to create a tag. Cut two 2″ x 5″ pieces of White Cardstock and adhere to the middle of each tag. Journal on the tags with the Black Dual-Tip Pen and then slip the tags into the pockets created behind the photos.

Step 8: Create a title/embellishment cluster at the lower right-hand side of the heart with stickers from the Shine Bright Theme Pack. If desired, add a couple of stickers to the upper left-hand side of the heart as well. Use Foam Squares on a couple of the stickers to create dimension and interest.

Do you know and love someone with autism? Document their story with this fantastic Autism awareness scrapbook layout!

5 thoughts on “Promote Acceptance and Spread Love with this Autism Awareness Scrapbook Layout”

  1. What an adorable layout. Loved the idea of the tags tucked in with journaling and the puzzle punch looks like a great tool to have. Love to your son and you, as he navigates the autism journey through life.

    Reply

      1. So Sweet! I work with autistic children in Sunday school. Love them to pieces!

  2. Noreen – thank you for this absolutely STUNNING page, showing the new puzzle maker punch – and your beautiful clever son! You’ve knocked it out of the park this time!! I’m a Top Fan and the Grandmother of a high functioning Autistic grandson who is achieving great things. Thank you for your wonderful work and for your caring and sharing. God bless!! Gerri Tarchuk, Surrey, BC

    ________________________________

    Reply

Leave a Reply