I love the way Manda's photos came out after she did some editing so I asked how she did it and I did some experimenting on one of my favorite photos so far this month:
Original - yes terrible lighting: 
This was my own editing - mainly for lighting:
And here is the final edited version - using techniques from Manda. 
I'm not sure why but I've been feeling very crafty lately! I have come across some wonderful ideas that seemed easy enough to try with 2 preschool boys in the house and I think they've been successful!
Tie - Dyed Pumpkin Shirts
I read THIS article in Family Fun magazine. This is a great magazine that has crafts and projects for the kids (you don't have to be Martha to do these!).
I had just been given a dozen or so white undershirts so this was going to be a very inexpensive project for me! I gathered the other materials and here is how it started:
white shirt:
then once it's tie-dyed: 
and here are a few of our finished products:
The Sock Pumpkin
I first read about this from Kim Wresh on her BLOG. While niece and nephew were over visiting a week or so ago I thought of this. It just so happened that Daniel just cleaned out his sock drawer and had a whole bag of socks to throw out! The littlest ones were having a nap but Hannah & Ryan made these wonderful creations:
Here is Hannah's - they even added a ribbon to the top to make it more beautiful:
And my 'outside the box' Ryan made this Rainbow Pumpkin: (front view)
(back view)
Crazy Pumpkin Faces
Now, all of the credit for this idea goes to wal-mart.... and Chase. We were playing in the Halloween aisle at the local wal-mart and Chase was supposed to be LOOKING at these neat Mr Potato like face pieces that you stick in the pumpkin to decorate it instead of carving it.. and well, he opened the package! The pieces went everywhere. So, after I gathered all the pieces I decided we'd try this little project! Here are the faces the boys made this morning... they might make different faces tomorrow?? hehe
Chase's pumpkin face: 
and here he is taking the pumpkin's nose off:
Ryan's pumpkin face: 
he was so excited about how funny it looked: 
Popcorn Balls
Another great magazine I like it All-You. Check out the cupcakes on the front, they're so cute!! All You has great recipes and great coupons in it too. This month there was a recipe for popcorn balls, so I thought I'd try it (while the boys were resting since it's hot, sticky, and a little messy) and I had fun! And the popcorn balls are YUMMY!! 
Ryan enjoyed his after dinner:
Chunky Letters:
This last project I can't take credit for, but it's so cute I have to show you! My mom made these for the boys:
I let Momma tell you what she did: "They were easy! Got the chunky stand-up letters at Hobby Lobby (when wood stuff was 50% off) and scrapbook papers. Painted the backs and edges of the letters to match the papers, then put a thin coat of Modge-Podge on the face of the letters and laid them down on the wrong side of the paper. Once it dried I cut around the letter with a ... Read Morecraft knife. Then I sanded the edges to make them neater. Added a couple more coats of M-P and then put a top coat of clear sealer on b/c M-P dries tacky. Caution - make sure you've got your letters facing the right way!"
Ryan's: 
Chase's: 
That's all for now. October has been fun-filled for us. So, much is going on and the weather is getting nice! I hope you're having a wonderful fall!
~Steph
Wow, I'm not sure that I've ever posted 4 days in a row before... but here I am! YEA!
I love scrapping with earth tones and the fall colors are my favorite. I'm finding it pretty easy to put pages together and capture the moment in the photos!
Not to mention these kits that are coming out are just AMAZING!! Today I'm posting about Little Mrs Liz and her newest kit FallOween. (Great name don't you think?!) {image linked}
This kit has great elements and her paper has wonderful texture too! You'll love it. Oh did I mention that until 10/27 when you purchase the kit there's a free add-on paper pack!?! YEA!
Here are 2 LO I've done so far with this kit:
Lindsay Jane Designs created this kit with not only Halloween but also Harry Potter in mind.
Here is what she came up with: 
I just love this kit! There are lots of unique elements in here!
I was able to scrap a few pictures from Halloween 2005! 
Happy Scrapping!!
~Steph
I have to show you Lliella Designs newest kit(s)!
Here's the (boy) kit: 
OR you can get the whole bundle!! 
I did a 2 page LO of Ryan & Chase playing in the sprinklers at the park. They had a fantastic time and they were soaking wet: 
and for those who are looking for a little more CUTE - check out Backyard Cuties
