Create + Give Givaway!! (Guest post by Meg Hulsey)

<a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/meg_guest.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/meg_guest.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br /><br />Hey all! It’s Meg here again with the keys to the wonderful Benfield Blog for a day, honored as always.<br /><br />So, January rolled around this year as did resolutions, lists of things done, longer lists of to-dos and I really had to take a look at myself and ask: what are some basic things I can actively improve? No more general resolution statements like “eat healthy” without a follow up goal like “cut sour patch kids out of your diet” (this is only an example, I would never cut sour patch kids out of my diet). The two broad resolutions I set for myself were to create more and become more generous. <br /><br />Now, if you know anything about me or have read the Benfield Blog for awhile (huge shout out to the constant support Dale and Mere give me) you know I operate a not-for-profit called <a href="http://artfeeds.org/" target="_blank">Art Feeds</a>. A quick rundown for those of you who don’t know is that Art Feeds exists to mobilize creative healing. We do this by giving free therapeutic art and creative education to over 2,600 children weekly, you can read more about it <a href="http://artfeeds.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. I had to take a look at myself in the 2013 year and realize that I’d become a bit of a hypocrite. Something we teach our students every day in Art Feeds is to continually create, move, mold, express and stir the stagnant. Although since I started Art Feeds 4 years ago my creativity has been used in the not-for-profit setting, it had been a long time since I created anything just for me--for the sake of simply making. So I decided to create more and pair this with the other half- become more generous. My continuous ambition is to do exactly what that last sentence says. The follow up goal to my broad resolutions was simple: create something and give it away. This has been revolutionary for me. Since January 1, I’ve been making at least one creation per day and giving it away on Instagram in what I call the #createandgive giveaway to a random “Liker” at <a href="http://instagram.com/artfeedsmeg" target="_blank">@artfeedsmeg</a> . No gimmicks. No hidden fees. It is what it is. I get the joy of making something and giving it away each day and a random Instagram user gets a surprise present. I don’t know how long this will last, but I’m having so much fun with the challenge now I don’t know when I’ll want to stop. Here are the #Createandgive giveaways to date:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/createandgivemural2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/createandgivemural2.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/createandgivemural.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/createandgivemural.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of my recent #createandgive giveaways was a sweet little apron I re-purposed out of my Wedding decorations. This apron was a play area for children in its (most recent) former life.<br />Transformed into this:<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/7.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I’m going to give a tutorial on how to make your own. It would be a great little apron to wear for upcoming Valentine’s festivities- cooking for your husband (are you reading this husband of mine? Are you snorting with laughter?), baking with your girlfriends or even to finish off an outfit for a <a href="http://arkansasboudoir.com">Secret Session</a> (I 100% recommend you book one with Mere now!).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/1.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Materials Needed:<br />Vintage Lace Curtain (or any sort of fun lace or chiffon material)<br />Ribbon or Lace<br />Small Fabric Heart<br />Scissors<br />Thread<br />Needles<br />Fray Stop<br />Sewing Machine <br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/2.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Step 1: Carefully cut the curtain to desired length. I found this curtain at a garage sale and the detailed scalloped edge was the perfect length for an apron, if you are just working with material 16” is a good length. Use the fray stop to save the scalloped edges from fraying. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/3.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Step 2: Fold 1/4 “ seam around the perimeter of the apron and pin. Then run a seam straight line around the entire border with your sewing machine. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/4.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Step 3: Take your ribbon or lace and measure it around your own waist to be certain you have enough material. Create pleats in the apron fabric by folding it under itself and secure with pins. More pleats= more poof. Do whatever you feel comfortable with. Then carefully sew the apron to the ribbon or lace. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/5.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/6.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />Step 4: Add any sort of embellishment you like. I chose a heart cut from vintage fabric. Some other ideas would be a vintage hankie or vintage dish rag. I placed the heart where I wanted it on the apron and used the sewing machine one last time, running a border around the heart. All done! What types of things will you be cooking in this? (I’m gonna be honest, I’d do what I do best in the kitchen, which is pour a bowl of Honey Crunch cereal with almond milk)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/0213_createandgive/7.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br />Xxo meg<br /><br />To follow along on my daily #createandgive giveaways follow @artfeedsmeg on Instagram. As a special gift to all the Benfield Photography Blog readers, I will give one random commenter this Sweetheart Apron! Just leave a comment below telling how you will use the apron if you win (comment by midnight tonight!!). Be sure you’re email is connected to the comment! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links! <br /><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 800px;"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/contact.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Contact Dale','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/contact_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Contact Dale" height="200" id="Contact Dale" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/contact.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/signe.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Vista West Ranch Wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/signe_albumdesign241x362.jpg',1)"><img alt="Vista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TX" height="200" id="Vista West Ranch Wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/signe_albumdesign241x362.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/chelsea.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Couture wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/vera_wang_designer_wedding_bridal_portrait_arkansas_7_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Couture bridals and exquisite wedding details" height="200" id="Couture wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/vera_wang_designer_wedding_bridal_portrait_arkansas_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/ashley.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Southern outdoor wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/ashleyreagan2dale_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Outdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine" height="200" id="Southern outdoor wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/ashleyreagan2dale.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/athena.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Wedding by Lauren','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/athena_d_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Hollywood themed wedding by Lauren" height="200" id="Wedding by Lauren" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/athena_d.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2010/11/hey-everybody-im-super-excited-to-share.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('engagement video','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/fayetteville_engagement_portraits_Benfield_1_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Adorable engagement video" height="200" id="engagement video" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/fayetteville_engagement_portraits_Benfield_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/101-photo-tips-for-beginning-semi-pro.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('buy photo tips ebook','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/cover800px_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="buy photo tips ebook for photographers" height="200" id="buy photo tips ebook" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/cover800px.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/brooke.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('marlsgate wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/brooke_josh_010540x360_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="marlsgate wedding" height="200" id="marlsgate wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/brooke_josh_010540x360.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table>

art feeds diy projects DIY Wedding giveaway Meg Bourne Create + Give Givaway!! (Guest post by Meg Hulsey)

Hey all! It’s Meg here again with the keys to the wonderful Benfield Blog for a day, honored as always. So, January rolled around this year...

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The DIY Wedding, by Guest Blogger: Jamie

<a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/jamieGuest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/13Blog/jamieGuest.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Hello Y’all!<br /><br />You can only imagine how excited I was when I received an e-mail from Dale asking me to be a guest blogger while he and Meredith are enjoying snuggles from precious Cece! If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting the two of them you know they have hearts the size of the moon, so I am delighted to help them in any way I can!<br />As you read this post it’s important to keep two things in mind: I’m from a very small town- Marvell, Arkansas, in the heart of the Delta, and I’m a 2nd grade teacher. I believe these two characteristics were evident in the style of my wedding! Dale asked if I could give a few DIY tips since most of my wedding consists of personal touches and was FULL of DIY projects!<br /><br />When Ben popped the question on August 4, 2011, I, like most other brides was ecstatic! I had stumbled upon Dale’s blog when I was a freshman in college and knew from that moment that I wanted him to photograph my wedding! So, of course, he was the first person I contacted as far as planning goes!<br /><br />Being from a small town, I knew I wanted my wedding to feel “comfortable” yet chic. I had always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding. This leads me to a piece of advice: THIS IS YOUR DAY! During the wedding planning process there will be PLENTY of sweet helpful people who want to offer advice and insight- which you should receive with open arms, but you must keep in mind that this is your day, you call the shots, and in the end you want this day to symbolize the two of you, your beliefs, and the love you share!<br /><br />As I said- I am a 2nd grade teacher therefore, I believe creativity and “crafts” are just a way of life for me. I discovered a wonderful website that fit my style: <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/">http://www.save-on-crafts.com/</a> . It is reasonably priced and full of fun finds! This website allowed me to create so many things that truly symbolized our relationship and the journey we took to get to our wedding day. <br /><br />One of my favorite things about the centerpieces at our reception was the standing chalkboards inside the floral pieces. I was able to order these in bulk from save on crafts. I used a white chalkboard marker to write scripture that was meaningful to us, phrases we say to each other often, and song lyrics that reminded me of the two of us. Looking back at the pictures (that Dale & Mere captured), I can see that they not only fit into the style of the wedding but they were wonderful reminders of “US”. <br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0523_jamie/teal_yellow_outdoor_wedding_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="800" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0523_jamie/teal_yellow_outdoor_wedding_001.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Another DIY project I took on was making hanging fabric (ball) lanterns to hang in the trees above the ceremony. I ordered white paper (ball) lanterns in various sizes in bulk. I then bought (many) yards of fabric, traced circles onto the fabric, and used a rotary cutter to cut out the circles. I gathered each circle in the middle, and hot glued the point to the lantern. I hung them in the trees using fishing wire. I will tell you this was a very time-consuming project, but the end result was exactly what I envisioned---and who knows maybe I’ll find use of those wonderful little pretties (that are sitting in a storage bin in the attic) for decorations in a wedding shower, baby shower, or MAYBE a nursery…?!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0525_jamie/teal_yellow_outdoor_wedding_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="533" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0525_jamie/teal_yellow_outdoor_wedding_003.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />DIY project #3 was our table runners. Burlap played a big role in our wedding. I cut burlap for DAYS! Then, I discovered I’m allergic—what fun! I ordered a 100 ft role of burlap and cut 2 ft x 6 ft strips to make table runners. My talented mother-in-law sewed on white lace to the ends of each strip. They were gorgeous!<br /><br />I also made my own programs! YEP! By doing so I saved $480. Going through the Elementary Education and Master’s Programs at the U of A required that I make lots of “cute” things using a computer, so after getting the quote on the programs I wanted, I decided to try making my own before clicking “submit” on my Etsy order. I was completely satisfied with my production- as were my parents.<br /><br />Of course, I would still be cutting out circles to finish fabric balls to this day if I hadn’t had help from friends and family with all of the DIY projects I thought up, but luckily we have so many wonderful people in our lives that were willing to help with whatever we needed. The best advice I received during wedding planning really had nothing to do with wedding planning at all. I was told “People won’t remember all of the tiny details of your wedding, but they will remember your attitude and how you handled things”. It was important to us to make sure everyone that played a part in our wedding knew how much we appreciated them, and that we knew how truly blessed we were to have them. So, keep in mind that you may not use the advice or make the decisions that everyone demands of you, but you want your wedding day to be remembered as a joyous occasion rather than the day Bridezilla married Frankenstein! <br /><br />I wish you all happy planning, and pray you are able to soak up every tiny memory that you are about to make! <br /><br />Thank you, Dale for allowing me to ramble on about my perfect day! <br />Jamie<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0524_jamie/yellow_teal_wedding_portraits_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="533" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/0524_jamie/yellow_teal_wedding_portraits_3.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by! I've updated the blog every single day since 2008 (over 4 years), so be sure to come back tomorrow! Here are some fun and helpful links! <br /><table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 800px;"><tbody><tr> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/contact.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Contact Dale','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/contact_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Contact Dale" height="200" id="Contact Dale" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/contact.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/signe.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Vista West Ranch Wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/signe_albumdesign241x362.jpg',1)"><img alt="Vista West Ranch Wedding in Austin TX" height="200" id="Vista West Ranch Wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/signe_albumdesign241x362.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/chelsea.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Couture wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/vera_wang_designer_wedding_bridal_portrait_arkansas_7_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Couture bridals and exquisite wedding details" height="200" id="Couture wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/vera_wang_designer_wedding_bridal_portrait_arkansas_7.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/ashley.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Southern outdoor wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/ashleyreagan2dale_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Outdoor wedding, featured in Southern Bride Magazine" height="200" id="Southern outdoor wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/ashleyreagan2dale.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> </tr><tr> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/athena.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('Wedding by Lauren','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/athena_d_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Hollywood themed wedding by Lauren" height="200" id="Wedding by Lauren" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/athena_d.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2010/11/hey-everybody-im-super-excited-to-share.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('engagement video','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/fayetteville_engagement_portraits_Benfield_1_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="Adorable engagement video" height="200" id="engagement video" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/fayetteville_engagement_portraits_Benfield_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://benfieldphotography.blogspot.com/2012/08/101-photo-tips-for-beginning-semi-pro.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('buy photo tips ebook','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/cover800px_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="buy photo tips ebook for photographers" height="200" id="buy photo tips ebook" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/cover800px.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> <td><a href="http://www.benfieldphotography.net/brooke.html" onmouseout="MM_swapImgRestore()" onmouseover="MM_swapImage('marlsgate wedding','','http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/brooke_josh_010540x360_mouseover.jpg',1)"><img alt="marlsgate wedding" height="200" id="marlsgate wedding" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/blogPost_footer/brooke_josh_010540x360.jpg" width="200" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table>

diy projects DIY Wedding guest blogger tips for brides wedding planning The DIY Wedding, by Guest Blogger: Jamie

Hello Y’all! You can only imagine how excited I was when I received an e-mail from Dale asking me to be a guest blogger while he and Meredit...

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My Piano Remodel, by Kirsten Blowers

Hey everybody!<br /><br />I have a cool remodel project to show you today. Kirsten Blowers, Riffraff owner and interior-design-rockstar, remodeled my piano for me recently. And I'm in love with it! I took a time lapse video (18 seconds), of the creative genius at work...<br />(if you get this post in your email, you'll have to click the link above to see the actual post to watch the super cool time lapse) <br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/47565527" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benfieldphotography.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.vimeo.com%2Fvideo%2F47565527"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br />Here are a couple before and after images...<br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/piano2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/piano2.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benfieldphotography.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benfieldphoto.com%2F12Blog%2Fpiano2.jpg"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/piano1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://www.benfieldphoto.com/12Blog/piano1.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><a class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benfieldphotography.blogspot.com&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.benfieldphoto.com%2F12Blog%2Fpiano1.jpg"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a><br />Talk to you soon,<br />Dale

diy projects Kirsten Blowers personal piano remodel My Piano Remodel, by Kirsten Blowers

Hey everybody! I have a cool remodel project to show you today. Kirsten Blowers, Riffraff owner and interior-design-rockstar, remodeled my ...

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