When I went to the mailbox last week, I was delighted to find a gift from a friend! This treasure came out of the blue and into my hands on a cold, dreary, uninspiring winter day. Although I didn’t photograph it right away, it inspired me for the whole week and I went about my days with new enthusiasm.
All week I was dreaming about a still life “from above” which has to be my favourite type of image. Don’t get me wrong though, I can appreciate a stunning focus and shallow depth of field just as much as the next person …
I tried not to overthink it and went with the obvious sewing theme. Following is the original image with the usual tweaking in LR to get it presentable; exposure and tonal adjustment, lens correction, and cropping etc.
Read on for the rest of the story, and a couple different edits in LR …
kk_today:
kk_gentle:
So what was the gift, and who sent it? Well, the gift was two vintage spools; one with blue thread and the other with no thread. The gifter was Caz and she blogs at Caz Sultz Photography. I am so bowled over that someone would send me a gift just because … thank you, Caz! from the bottom of my heart! You are a great on-line friend and who knows … we may meet someday. I’ve met quite a few blogger friends in real life, and it’s an amazing and enriching experience.
So just a few more tidbits about the items in my photo. I found the round (thing?) of needles sitting on a shelf in my favourite junque store … no one wanted it … it was dirt cheap … I gasped when I saw it. The embroidery hoop, key, and velvet perfume cover were my Moms, and I added a few dried poppies and leaves from an long ago bouquet.
Today, I encourage you to reach out to a friend. Tell them how much they mean to you. Give them the gift of you.
You will not regret it.
Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com
really cool. you make great art!
yes – those unexpected gifts are the best – and those spools are wonderful! and yes – that round of straight pins – I adore it! so glad you rescued it… Happy weekend Barb – stay warm!
what a truly beautiful gift…..Caz is so amazing….just like you…
lovely story…. both words and image.
beautiful.
happy weekend… xo
Oh my gosh! This is one of the best sewing themed images, ever!! The lines, rounds, and all the vintage pieces. Barb you are just amazing, and inspiring. I love the bottom edit with Kim’s preset…just he right touch of soft and dark colors. Yes, Caz is just a dear, dear online friend, and so sweet for her to send you these unique spindles. And your words of encouragement to reach out to a friend….spectacular! Thank you so much for sharing this.
What a sweet surprise! And you’ve put the gift to good use. It’s so amazing what changing up presets can do to a photo. Kind of fun to play, isn’t it? Have a great weekend!
I’m glad you enjoyed the surprise Barb :) I love that roll of pins you found, and the whole composition. It’s amazing how much the presets change the look !
Wonderful composition and words. Your expertise and contributions to The Studio Online are much appreciated!
Such a great and admirable post Barb, style as well as content… I love your very graphic, clear and efficient composition with sewing notions… and I agree totally, having and keeping friends is such a priceless privilege…
Love the composition and the story. Surprise gifts are THE best!
Wow, I get to admire two friends at once in this post! Barb, I know the thrill of receiving a gift from a friend, made even more special when they arrive for no particular reason. I often feel that my friends treat me far better than I deserve – and this is my favorite definition for grace. Your treasures speak to my heart – you know how much I love the sewing notions. Caz, you are a giving person and we know you like a sister, whether we ever meet or not! Barb, your photos do justice to this lovely gift.
I love the Gentle preset on this. Gifts are so cool. Especially when they speak to our hearts. Sometimes we have trouble believing we are worthy of a gift though.
What a thoughtful gift, and a truly lovely arrangement.
I really love those old spools.