Autism Awareness Airplane Sky Banners by Semi Sweet

Hello! I’m Mike Tamplin. You can usually find me sharing cookie ideas at my blog, Semi Sweet. I want to thank Kim for inviting me over to her blog for the day. I was recently introduced to Kim and her work after a fun, cookie collaboration project we did together. I was so honored when she asked me to be a guest blogger this month to help bring awareness to autism.

Like many guest bloggers before me, my exposure to the world of autism was very limited. I was aware of the disorder from news stories and recent debates on the topic, but I did not know anyone with autism directly. However, after Kim reached out to me to be a part of this month’s blog project, I did my best to learn more about the disorder. My research began with Kim’s own story of her son, Collin. From there, I became more familiar with her blog, where I found a great resource of information on autism, Autism Speaks, as well as the wonderful group, Cookies for iPads.

As I still continue to educate myself more on this disorder, I wanted to do my part and contribute to the awareness this special month with a special cookie batch. I made a cookie platter that illustrates a method that typically reaches a large audience- aerial advertising.

I made cookies of airplanes in flight, towing sky banners behind them. My goal was to create an interesting cookie scene, while also incorporating elements that symbolize Autism Awareness Month.

I colored the airplanes cookies using the four colors of the Kim's Cookie Puzzle logo- red, blue, green and yellow. I added a puzzle design on the wing for kicks. To complement the airplanes, I made supporting cookies of clouds made to look as if they were conjoined puzzle pieces.

The banner itself says, "Autism Awareness", which is bound to get anyone’s attention. I know I took the literal approach of bringing awareness to the cause with this cookie design, but I think it’s fun. My hope is it encourages people to start a dialogue of what they could do to bring more awareness to autism.

Thanks again, Kim, for inviting me over today to be a part of your wonderful cause. You are indeed an inspiration. And most of all, I'm lucky to have "met" you and call you my new cookie friend.