Unique Spirit

Scrapbook Layout - Unique Spirit -

Hello Everyone!,

April is  Autism Awareness month, this is a cause very close to our hearts as my youngest sister was diagnosed with autism at age 2.  After many years of therapy, patience and much love she is able to communicate with us and live a "normal life".  I have to say that my dad and his wife have done a tremendous job trying to make sure she enjoys life to the fullest; she is now turning 19 in a couple weeks, and is ready to go on her high school graduation trip to New York for  her b-day.

To us, Michelle radiates innocence, sincerity and much, much love.    So how do you capture that in a layout?  My answer color... Since the sign for autism is a puzzle piece, i opted for using a puzzle background  cut-file from the Silhouette Store, and backing every puzzle piece in a different colorful paper from the Jubilee collection from My MInd's Eye.

The details of the top right corner of the layout...

I printed the picture in black and white to make sure it was highlighted in this sea of color...  I used some of the same papers to mat and layer the picture.  A few pieces of ephemera and stickers were all that was needed to bring some attention to the piece

I introduced wood details to add more texture to the layout.

I added my journal lines inside one of the puzzle pieces, and added a few details along the layout in order to balance the layout.  I love the results, but most of all I enjoyed seeing the piece come together.  I am sure she will love it, as she loves color...

The finished layout...

Before I leave, I would like to invite you all to read about autism, and how these children interact with the world.  Autism can present differently in each child it affects, as it has a very wide behavioral spectrum.  Once you inform yourself about autism, you will understand that these souls are just like you and me, the only difference is how they process information and relate it back to you.  In our case, Michelle is a blessing in disguise that teaches us all about unconditional love, patience and the power of GOD's love.

See you soon...

Material Used:

Cut file, Silhouette store

Patterned paper, Jubilee Collection, My Mind's Eye

Ephemera, Stitched collection, Amy Tangerine

Chipboard stickers,  Jubilee Collection, My Mind's Eye

Title - foam letters-, Thickers

Wood veneer shapes and words,  Recollection, Michaels