flower Archives - Keeping With The Times

Hope Springs Eternal

March 20, 2017 by Barb 2 Comments

Here’s a perfect example that hope springs eternal. These anemone bulbs look like dried prunes and are hard as rock, but in a few weeks I’ll be soaking them for 24 hours, then planting them indoors to be put out in the garden later (usually around the 24th of May) which btw seems like forever …

I’m not really sure it’s going to work, but I can hope. I’ll be posting my process and their progress in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed my friends (but it could take all year ;)

I already have Anemone sylvestris or snowdrop anemone which run rampant in my garden throughout May and June. They’re a hardier type native to meadows and dry deciduous woodlands of central and western Europe and they spread rapidly by root suckers.

Although they can be invasive, they’re one of my favourite flowers; delicate-looking and unassuming.

So what about you … are you dreaming of gardens and all things green?

30 Ideas to Make June Magical

June 15, 2016 by Barb 18 Comments

Coming up with 30 ideas to make June magical may seem like a lot, especially since it’s already the middle of the month, but trust me, there’s still time to dream!I live on a small lake in the middle of the beautiful boreal forests of Central Alberta, Canada, and I draw inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds me. As I type this post I’m listening to loons, geese, crows, and robins as they begin their day. It’s a regular cacophony!

It’s also pouring rain (again) for which I am always thankful! When you hear me say I’ve had enough rain, it will be time to get on the Ark ;)

For the last few years, I’ve primarily been a still life photographer, but there’s this other side of me that swoons over the dreamy, the impromptu, the unexpected.

Artful images that make my heart skip a beat when the light hits a subject a certain way, and reveals the magic in a seemingly ordinary moment.… or leads my eyes (and my thoughts) into the distance …

One of the things I want to see this month is fireflies flitting through the aspens. Little sparkles that, when you first see them, defy comprehension. The first time I saw these little miracles, I was incredulous. I stared into the darkness and laughed and pointed in amazement until I realized how many there were, then I fell silent and simply watched. And I want to see them again.

So here’s my list of ideas to make my June magical:

30 Ideas to Make June Magical

Watch fireflies on a warm evening.
Wear comfortable clothes that flatter and flow (maybe even a skirt)!
Explore the beautiful countryside where I live.
Photograph it’s beauty.
Spend an afternoon on a blanket spread out on the lawn, with only a stack of magazines and a cup of tea to keep me company.
Find a great used book store.
Take photos of fences, and barns, and cows.
Visit the Devonian Botanical Gardens. It’s a half hour drive from my home and I haven’t visited in years and years.
Spend as much time as I can in my garden. Maybe even stay out until dusk, coming inside just in time for a soak in the tub, and then to bed.
Photograph my garden in creative ways.
Have a campfire. Roast marshmallows.
Pick and arrange tiny bouquets from my back yard and garden.
Press flowers.
Snip a few peonies before they open and place them in a bag in the fridge to be brought out and enjoyed a few weeks later.
Use fresh herbs in all my cooking (I have tons of them growing in pots on my deck).
Eat extra fresh fruits and veggies.
Try a new recipe from one of my many beautiful cookbooks.
Sit on the dock early in the morning with a hot coffee and muffin (and maybe my hubby ;)
Take a slow boat ride around the lake, again with hot coffee and a muffin, and definitely hubby!
Say “no” to extra commitments.
Go to the local town garage sale (this weekend – woot)!
Keep my home clean and clutter-free (now that’s a dream).
Sit at the kitchen table one afternoon with tea and a beautiful magazine. Watch the leaves on the aspens shiver in a light breeze.
Have a pedicure.
Get a haircut.
Dream about a few classes I want to take this fall. Actual “in-person” classes. Maybe even book one or two.
Sleep in as much as I can. I’m such an early riser, so a lazy morning is truly special.
Have the occasional glass of wine … preferably red.
Eat dinner outside.
Put up patio lights.

I invite you to make a list of 30 things you want to experience this June. They don’t have to be big, earth shattering moments … keep it simple, and think magical.

Imagine … if you dream of 30 things, and 15 or even 10 come true … what will that feel like when the calendar turns to July? Pretty fabulous I’m betting!

*This post was inspired by my Bella Grace Instagram takeover earlier this month.

Trying to Stay Positive

May 27, 2016 by Barb 13 Comments

If you could see me, and my days, the title of this post “trying to stay positive” would seem ludicrous. My life is good, and rich, and happy.

Trying to Stay Positive, Keeping With the Times

The one lone lilac image I captured this year …

It’s just … that I’ve been too busy. Too on the go. I feel overwhelmed and discombobulated.

I look at emails in my inbox and my eyes glaze over. I see the mountainous pile of laundry and my heart pounds (can I not just throw it all out?) I look at my garden and think “I’ll never get a handle on this.” I think about capturing a photo for Instagram, or writing a blog post, and I freeze. My friends have been wanting me to go for a walk for weeks (and I’ve been declining.)

This morning I woke up (with the robins) before 5:00, and started thinking about the days I could hardly wait to get to the computer, or the camera, and I started wondering … what is going on here? It has me a bit concerned. But then I poured a coffee and went and sat on the deck for a bit. I listened to the birds, checked the rain gauge (more rain!) and marvelled over the incredible green wall of trees that surrounds our yard.

I began thinking about this coming summer, and how I want to spend it. It’s right on the doorstep and I’m not ready.

More and more my heart is telling me that I just want to “be”, but what that looks like, I’m not sure. The one thing I do know is that I can do whatever I want. I just need to get some laundry done, and stay positive.

Lilac Party II

June 9, 2015 by Barb 9 Comments

Today I thought I’d better get on with the lilac party … even though the shrub I picked these from has finished blooming. It happens so fast … but I have another type that’s just starting … too much fun around here I tell ya!

Lilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_dreamlike

Original

You can’t even imagine the scent … or maybe you can …

kk_QuietDreams

Here’s a favourite from last year, edited with the new preset kk_Hush …

Lilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture TuesdayLilac Party II, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_Hush

I take hundreds of photos and it seems that once a few weeks (or years) have passed, I don’t feel right using them. Well, I’m on a mission to get over that! Does it matter whether I took a photo today or last year? I don’t think so … a lot of work goes into setting a scene, shooting, and then processing images. It’s a self-imposed restriction I’ve put on myself … one of many it seems.

I do think a side note letting viewers know you’re using an older image is all a person needs to do … or maybe not even that? Anyway, seems like I was into a lilac series last year as well:

Melancholy Lilac I

Melancholy Lilac II

Melancholy Lilac III

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Lavender Love

June 5, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

I can’t believe how fast I went from the lilac party to lavender love … but when I spied these lovely plants at Costco I was thrilled!

I haven’t been able to find this specific type at any of the greenhouses I’ve been haunting. I love the small, slim wands with the tiny flowers.

The scent is beyond words … but even more so when dried (I know because I’ve already dried a few sprigs).

So far I’ve simply photographed the plant like it’s growing in a field that goes on forever, but ideas are spinning around … small bouquets, dried bunches, perhaps even a wand or two …

Lavender Love, Keeping With the Times, Friday Finds

kk_Hazed

I want my summer to look like this … lazy, hazy, and dreamy …

kk_Hazed

Thank you for dropping by, and have a wonderful day!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Lilac Party Part I

June 2, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

Oh my heavens … it’s lilac party time around here and I haven’t shared any photos on my blog! And I’m so overwhelmed I’m going to have to break them into Parts I to III, or maybe even IV or V.

Spring is one crazy season in these parts … it’s like a dam has burst and every plant is pouring blossoms out in torrents. Everything from shrubs and perennials, to annuals in the garden and pots on the deck … flower overload … and then there are the wildflowers popping up everywhere I look.

Therefore, today I’m going to take it slow and concentrate on my #fromthechippypottingbench series from Instagram.

Lilac Party Part I, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

kk_Lilly

With the rustic nature of the bench and the tools, I felt stronger edits (presets) were in order; kk_SoftLight and kk_Lilly. Both enhance clarity and colour. Everything just pops, including the white paint, but believe it or not, there’s a slight (de)saturation adjustment as well … and that’s a good thing …

kk_SoftLight

Here I set a few snippets on the back of my “green” door, which is white …

kk_Lilly

OK, I guess I’ll stray one tiny bit and share my white lilac that clearly is not white … note to self … don’t buy shrubs unless there is at least one bloom for colour verification …

So, I'm going to go slow and concentrate on my #fromthechippypottingbench series. With the rustic nature of the bench and the tools I felt that strong edits (presets) were in order.

kk_DayDreaming

“Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see”

Oh I had fun trying to give credit for this quote! Who do you think said it?

Happy Texture Tuesday everyone!

Kim Klassen dot com

Spring Flowers

May 26, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

It’s a good thing my friend asked me to go for a walk last week, or I may have missed these Marsh Marigolds entirely. There’s one spot in the ditch where these flowers flourish … technically its a mini swamp. A mosquito-infested mini swamp … ask me how I know … .

Quite honestly I think my head may explode … there are so many flowers starting to bloom right now and I can’t keep up. It’s like a parade on fast-forward.

Marsh Marigold, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday, Still Life

kk_DayDreamingLightRight

So of course I had to have a bit of a play in Lightroom …

Marsh Marigold, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday

Original

kk_Raw

kk_Midnight

Caltha palustris, known as marsh-marigold and kingcup, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Ranunculaceae, native to marshes, fens, ditches and wet woodland in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Radish Tea Sandwiches

May 21, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

My food styling post is now on the blog at Kim Klassen dot com where I explain my process, as well as the trials and tribulations of a still life artist ;) … but for now, here’s another version of the Radish Tea Sandwiches, and the travelling knife …

So what is the travelling knife? Well, it’s a knife that’s travelling the globe, making it’s way to several members of The Studio Online. My turn has come and gone, and I must rush to the post office to send it on it’s way to Spain! Yes, the knife is heading to Rosana … and I can’t wait to see what she does with it!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Fabulous Friday Finds

May 15, 2015 by Barb 21 Comments

Good morning! Another week has flown by and I have some fabulous Friday Finds to tell you about.

What an amazing week! I’ll start with my second best find—a chippy little green door … to.die.for. but I think I say that about every treasure I drag home … look at that chippy goodness, the dirt, the scratches, the colour … swooning here … and it’s small and light, which makes it easy for me to pick up and carry around.

When I walked into One Man’s Treasure, there it was … the sun was hitting it, and I think I heard angels (just kidding). But those people that own that store can see me coming, and they set these treasures right at the front, in a very prominent position, and I’m a lost cause … .

It was just what I needed to set beside my new chippy potting bench from the Carvel General Store …

… so let the fun begin, it’s green door party time! Notice that little door knob … I wonder how many people get excited about door knobs … adore …

So, now, here’s my best Friday Find this week: Carolyn! When I first “met” Carolyn in The Studio, I knew right away she was a lovely, lively, sweet lady. She’d made some comments that made me laugh out loud, and I knew she was for real. Then, much to my surprise (because I am hopelessly reserved, and an introvert as well), Carolyn contacted me and asked if I would like to meet her for lunch. She only lives about an hour away … amazing … why hadn’t I thought of that! Um, because I am hopelessly reserved and … well you know.

Anyway, long story short—we met, we hugged, we laughed, we talked—we connected. A kindred soul who shares a passion for food, photography, and life, (hey … that’s part of my blog by-line!)

We met for lunch at 12:00 noon and didn’t leave the restaurant until 2:30, and that was only because we had some serious shopping to do.

shaky iPhone shot …

I could go on, gushing and gushing, but I’ll finish by saying how amazing it is to be a part of The Studio Online. So much goodness in there … and not just still life, but real life. On-line friends, and “irl” friends. What more could you ask for? I am already looking forward to seeing Carolyn again, she has the biggest heart (truly).

So, have a wonderful weekend everyone! We’re heading into our first long weekend of the year. The dock is in, the boat is (almost) in, and the s’mores supplies are ready.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Potting Bench for Friday Finds

May 8, 2015 by Barb 15 Comments

Of course you knew you were going to get more of the potting bench for Friday Finds … right? And about Friday Finds …I can hardly believe it … where did that week GO? It’s just … gone …

kk_MatterFact

It was a crazy, chaotic, and creative week—I had messes all over the house; from the basement, to the deck, and everywhere in-between …

kk_still

Parts of it were a bit more organized, like when I went to town to get a hair cut, and then groceries. Of course I had to visit every greenhouse in the area (just to look, I told myself).

However, I did bring home a few pretties … such a miracle after a long, cold, colourless season …

kk_litely

Oh yeah … we did have a bit of this … aaacckk …

… and I fell down some icy stairs (ouch), but other than that, it was all good …

Potting Bench, Friday Finds, Pansies, Keeping With the Times

kk_Midnight

Thank you so much for dropping by today!

Hapa Zome Book Mark for Mom

May 7, 2015 by Barb 17 Comments

The technique of “Hapa Zome” just blew me away when I first discovered it on the Terrain blog.

Oh my gosh! the possibilities!!

Make one for your mom, a friend, yourself … it’s so easy, make one for a stranger!

I didn’t follow the directions exactly, but what I did worked beautifully:

Set a flower face down on a piece of watercolour paper.
Cover with some parchment paper.
Pound with a mallet.
Peel away paper.
Peel away smashed flower … that’s it.

PIN IT

Oxford Book of Garden Flowers

April 24, 2015 by Barb 14 Comments

I had some pretty special “finds” this week, and one of them was The Oxford Book of Garden Flowers … when I first saw it, I mumbled out loud, are you kidding me? Then I sheepishly looked around the store to make sure I hadn’t offended anyone … then I said it again, are you kidding me!! I quickly flipped to the front to see what they were asking for it, and $5.00 later I was walking out the door with my new treasure.

Botanical illustrations are extremely popular right now, and these old books are hard to come by (ask me how I know.) But this baby was meant to be mine! I had about 10 minutes to spare before my hubby and I were to meet friends for lunch (my other special find this week) so I picked one last antiques store and quickly walked straight to the back, scanning as I went.

In the back corner, on the top shelf, sat a handful of books … and the rest is history … .

Here my lovely ranunculus drew their last breath …

kk_oldendays

And here’s my other special “find” …

Yes! the lovely Melinda of Melinda Anderson Photography. How fun! What a sweetheart she is, and we had the most wonderful visit (lovely hubbies included). This photo just makes me smile.

Don and I had taken a spur-of-the-moment road trip to Prescott, and when we got there I texted Melinda to see if she would like to meet. I guess the stars were aligned that day, and it all came together … another serendipitous moment.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Lightroom Preset Play with Ranunculus

April 21, 2015 by Barb 15 Comments

Applying a Lightroom preset to ranunculus (or any photo for that matter) is like watching magic unfold.

While I still love original images, I adore the rumpled and dreamy edits.

Kim has a wonderful demonstration on her blog today … she’s amazing … and it looks like she’s going to offer her presets for sale!! Right now they’re available only through The Studio|Online, so this is pretty exciting news!

kk_rumpled

kk_dreamlike

kk_rumpled

Original

I had the following image printed at Artifact Uprising (as a card) and oh my … gorgeousness …

Original

… I’ll be doing a post on that later … .meanwhile, I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Chocolate Ranunculus and Tea

April 16, 2015 by Barb 19 Comments

You would not believe how many hours, and how many photos were shot, for me to get this Chocolate Ranunculus and Tea series just the way I wanted it! Whew! It was quite the production and I’ll tell you why … but first … the story behind my finds.

This week, I was on my own for a couple of days while hubby was away on business.

But just before he left, we stopped at Trader Joe’s because … well … really, do you honestly need a reason to stop at Trader Joe’s?

I’m just looking, I said …

… but he was on to me … and, as a matter of fact, hubby was the one who spied the ranunculus and was more than happy to lead me to them. I tell you, I nearly fell over (really). I turned a bit quickly and stumbled ever so slightly.

I’ve been dying to get my hands on some after since seeing so many gorgeous images on Instagram … every time I saw one I was filled with longing (drama queen here).

I ended up buying four bunches, three brightly coloured, and one white because at $4.99/bunch I did not feel one bit bad about it. In fact if I get the chance I’m going back for more.

But today I’m sharing only my white ranunculus. When I started arranging them on this sweet teacup (which I also found this week) I was swept up and way (more drama).

When I applied Kim’s kk_chocolate preset I was stunned. That preset tends to blow out whites in photos but oh.my.good.heavens … when my heart starts pounding, that’s when I know I’m on to something.

I spent almost a whole day taking shots and as I was posting them on Instagram, I noticed an old problem of mine. I had used different white backgrounds and shot my images in different lighting. Well, that’s OK for IG I thought, but I’m going to fix this because I wanted a good cohesive series. So the next day, I redid the whole shoot using the exact same setup for each one and I also shot them all within an hour, beside an east-facing window …

… because I wanted this …

… a collage with matching tones.

I learned so much by doing this shoot, even more than I’m going to share, so as not to bore you to tears … oh, hello? … are you still with me? If so, thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful Friday!

Free Download for Subscribers

April 10, 2015 by Barb 13 Comments

I can’t believe it’s time for Friday Finds already, and today I have a free download for subscribers!

Goodness the days fly by …

I found a couple new-to-me stores here in Arizona. First, Home Goods which is much like our Home Sense in Canada, and then a Marshall’s right beside it.

Oh my … the hubs is a saint taking me to all these places … I found so much loveliness … I never buy anything too expensive, just a lot of little things which add up … we talked about that at The Open Studio last night. It seems to be a problem with all of us lovers of “still life”, but I think we beat ourselves up a bit too much. I don’t spend money on much else … I certainly have no vices (insert smile) … anyway, I found some sweet little garden-themed props to go with my hyacinth print. I’m including a link to the full resolution file of this print with my next newsletter (going out today).

I also found three hyacinth bulbs which I scooped up, brought home, and proceeded to plant into their own separate little containers. I think I’m trying to satisfy my gardening bug whilst in Arizona … in a condo.

I love what the “chocolate” preset did to the following image … and do not those scissors look like they are sitting right there?

Tip: if you need a prop, perhaps a photo of a prop will do :)

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend (perhaps I’ll see you on Sunday for Sunday Sundries.)

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Hyacinth Print Download

April 9, 2015 by Barb 6 Comments

Just popping in with a quick note to let you know I’ll be including the full resolution file of my “Hyacinth and Tulip Fling With Spring” in my next newsletter as a free download.

It’s approximately 8″ x 8″ and I printed it on plain white photo paper using my colour laser printer. I was pretty pleased with the results.

It now brightens up the table at the entrance to our condo.

Original:

Then of course I had a bit of a play in Lightroom using Kim’s presets, and because you will have the full resolution image, you could edit it too.

How fun! I’d love to see what you do with it!

Please use it any way you want – as a framed print, card, journaling material … all I ask is that you use it for personal use only, and give credit to me if you post it online.

So, if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter and would like to have this print – check the sidebar for details!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Barb

PS … my copyright won’t be printed on the image …

Hyacinth, Willow and Tulip Play

March 31, 2015 by Barb 16 Comments

I was happy to return home last Friday (home sweet home) but there isn’t much colour around so I remedied that with a quick trip to the grocery store for a spring bouquet filled with hyacinth and tulips.

But since I felt overwhelmed by the fullness of it … I plucked out one purple hyacinth, one yellow tulip, added a sprig of pussywillow, and suddenly I could see clearly … ahhh … simplicity …

A little preset play was in order … so on the following image I used kk_within … one of my favourites …

km_within

Next … kk_chocolate with a little brightening of the yellow in the tulip:

Hyacinth Willow and Tulip, Texture Tuesday, Keeping With the Tiimes

kk_chocolate

I’m linking up at Texture Tuesday with Kim Klassen dot com.

Wildflowers Still Life

March 24, 2015 by Barb 28 Comments

I love wildflowers, and when I saw this beautiful Globemallow growing in huge clumps in ditches and vacant lots, I couldn’t help but pick a few to play with.

Let me say that I only pick wildflowers that are abundant. I would never pick a rare or threatened species.

The bright orange flowers of Globemallow sway gently on tall stalks, and as we drove by, I swear they were waving at me … pick me … pick me … I’m sure I heard it …

Wildflowers also bring to mind something Kim wrote in The Studio Online about her experience with ranunculus.

kk_within

kk_chocolate

I can’t reprint her story, but let me just say that wildflowers are not intimidating.

They’re understated, and many times you have to look close to see their gorgeousness. I also love that they’re seasonal (usually). Where I come from, I’m not going to be finding any purple vetch in the middle of winter — and that would make this Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet a rare and beautiful thing, wouldn’t you say? I included some some tips on how to care for wildflowers in that post if you want to take a peek. They are more delicate than you might think.

Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

Sunflowers I, II, III, and IV

March 20, 2015 by Barb 31 Comments

How much fun can you have with a $5.00 bouquet of sunflowers?

Would three days of photo shoots be enough? I think so … yes I do, and now I’m going to set it on a table and simply look at it. I’m done …

For my first image, I put one sunflower in the new blue vase I found at Target, set that on an old baking sheet, and added a little yellow dipping bowl. Then I threw in the vintage fork for no other reason than I don’t have a hand carved wooden spoon (smile).

Sunflowers, Friday Finds, Keeping With the Times

kk_dreamlike

The backdrop for the following image is the board that slides into my desk to hold my keyboard (you gotta get creative!) Then there’s the old burned stone/clay pizza pan I found at a garage sale (hubby was perplexed), and finally, some sharp thorns I found in a ditch.

kk_within

The collage I made for By Arrangement, with the page from an Anthropologie catalog:

… and finally a side view with a piece of artwork by Emily Winfield Martin which I found in a Flow magazine. The little caption on it (which you can’t read) says “spoil yourself” … ummm … OK …

… don’t mind if I do …

I promised to share my Anthro purchase but I didn’t get it together in time to get some good photos so it will have to wait … perhaps I’ll have it ready for Sunday Sundries … (it’s a cookbook). However, I did find an interesting site whilst I was visiting Anthropologie online. It’s called Terrain, and oh my … it’s filled with wonderful eye-candy. Have you seen it? You should have a look!

Linking up with Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Tulips for Texture Tuesday

March 3, 2015 by Barb 23 Comments

Tulips in their last moments are absolutely stunning. Delicate, transparent petals curl this way and that, clinging to pale twisted stems that can no longer hold them upright.

As I was making dinner on Sunday, I looked up at the bouquet I’d had for over a week. A few petals were dropping silently onto the counter in front of me. A bit of yellow pollen filtered down and sparkled in the sunlight that was streaming in from the west windows. It’s funny, until that moment I hadn’t had any urge to take photos of them. I’d simply enjoyed their frilly orange selves standing straight and tall in a glass container.

But suddenly, I was more than ready to trade a vegetable peeler in exchange for florist scissors. I walked into the pantry, pulled out a rustic piece of black painted metal and set it on the floor. I gently snipped the blooms and ever so carefully laid them down.

I was amazed at the light coming into the pantry and how it was making the petals glow. Here are two more edits in LR.

Tulips Last Hurrah, Keeping With the Times, Texture Tuesday, Dark and Moody

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kk_touchadrama

Linking up to Texture Tuesday at Kim Klassen dot com

I hope you’ll join us tomorrow for “app” happy wednesday! Come and link up an image edited with apps of any kind – there really are no rules!

Chocolate Hydrangea

January 17, 2015 by Barb 22 Comments

Good morning! as I sit in a hotel room (in the dark) and listen to the hubs (snoring) I’m playing around with one of the new presets that Kim included with The Studio|On Line class. There’s lots of activity and excitement going on in there …

Anyway, I had taken this shot of some hydrangeas early one morning as the sun shone through a frosted glass window in our bathroom. I love the light in there, which is probably why that quote popped into my head. Or maybe … it’s because I’m sitting in the dark? hmmm…

The backdrop is an old barn window (door) which I painted with a creamy chalk paint. It’s a heavy brute so I haven’t used it much. The vignette is natural, captured in camera – gotta love that!

Processed in LR with kk_chocolate

I’ll be posting this on Instagram, and if you’d like to see what others are doing check out #thestudioonline

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Autumn is a New Beginning

September 23, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

Good morning, and happy first day of autumn! Where I live, the autumnal equinox started at 8:29 pm last night. It’s astronomical! Literally …

“autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” albert camus

I love September, I love autumn, and I love the feeling of a fresh new start. To me, it feels more like a new beginning than January 1st.

I’ve been feeling extremely energized and creative. One minute I’m outside cleaning flower beds, then suddenly I spy a mushroom and I’m off to grab my camera … 30 minutes later I remember what I was doing in the first place, and head back to the garden.

Next, I spy some gorgeous, mottled cotoneaster leaves and am off to grab my camera again. This time, the quote by Albert Camus came to mind and I ended up creating an autumn flower.

Right after breakfast I’m heading out on a photo search … it’s another perfect day with a little bit of cloud cover. I want to soak up every single delicious autumn moment before it’s gone.

I’m excited to begin the new Start to Finish class later today, and I have some more baking to do, so I’d better get a move on!

Have you signed up for my newsletter? I’ve already sent out two this month, and there’s been a great response so far. You can sign up using the form on the sidebar – I’d love to have you!

One last thing … there’s going to be a slight change to “app” happy wednesday, starting tomorrow. I love seeing your art, and I hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Wabi Sabi: Setting Up a Still Life

September 16, 2014 by Barb 19 Comments

Today I want to share my process in setting up this still life, and how a simple change of angle gave my wabi sabi image much more impact.

I’d been watching a gazania wither and dry for over a week. As the days went by, I knew it was going to be my post for Texture Tuesday. It could qualify for Be Still 52 as well because it took some thought (but not effort), for me to visualize what I wanted to do with it.

I knew I was going to set it on an old wooden door I’d salvaged quite some time ago. I also knew the photo was going to be taken “from above”, and that I’d be using my little garden snips, and twine.

I really wanted to show you a “before” image as a mouseover, but I cannot get it to work in WordPress… grrrrrr … if WordPress doesn’t like a certain html code, it takes the liberty of stripping it from a post … major grrrrr. If anyone knows a workaround for this annoyance could you please share it with me?

Anyway, following is the image I was working on to start with, and I just did not like it … can you see what’s wrong?

This is the back of the door, and the support board was going straight across from left to right and it was really bothering me. It didn’t look crooked, but it did not look straight either.

wabi sabi gazania

So, I ended up tipping the whole image, and instantly, everything felt right! ahhh … don’t you agree?

I think this is a much better version… wonderful and very wabi sabi!

I processed it in LR with kk_whisper, then added a layer of kk_quiet on soft light at 50%.

wabi sabi gazania

The following close-up image was processed in LR with kk_gentle.

I’m loving these presets from Kim I tell ya! They add instant charm and a beautiful feel to every still life, and you just know it’s going to be perfect.

lr preset: kk_gentle

I hope you’ve enjoyed the explanation of my process!

I’ve registered for the new round of Start to Finish that begins later this month, and I’m so looking forward to it! Who else out there is taking it?

Oh, and please don’t forget to join me here tomorrow for “app” happy wednesday!

Friday Finds: Oregano

August 22, 2014 by Barb 20 Comments

I seem to be drawn to tiny, understated flowers, so when I saw that my oregano was blooming I had to snip a few sprigs to play with.
oregano-copy-2

I think it would make a great bridal bouquet … for an elf …

Friday Finds: Oregano, keeping with the times

The cute font is free and is DJB Jacked Up Kinda Love from our own fontographer, Darcy Baldwin (from Digital Scrapper). You can find her fonts in the shop here, and Darcy can also turn your very own handwriting into a font! Check that out here.

LR Preset: kk_lightandairy

Texture: kk_poetic

Texture Tuesday: Oh What an Inspiration!

August 12, 2014 by Barb 12 Comments

echinops, lightroom, adobe, adobe photoshop, lightroom template, kim klassen

Today is TT and I’m late to the party … but as it turns out, it’s a good thing.

When I read Kim’s post I was so struck by her words “something good is about to happen” …

Those words! So full of promise, anticipation, excitement.

Something good is about to happen!

I don’t really know what she is referring to, but that doesn’t matter. It’s not the point. If I saw these words on my bathroom mirror every morning I’d be so excited to start the day wondering what it could be … Perhaps it’s only that …

it’s a most beautiful summer day here
the echinops in my garden are glorious
I found the best tools and cleaners for my windows which are now beyond sparkling
I spent over 30 minutes organizing LR and now my presets are in order
I thought of a great new idea for an (autumn) wreath
and on and on … who knows? the day is not over.

For today’s image I used kk_melancholy and the font is Arsenale White on Overlay Blend Mode

Don’t forget! tomorrow is “app” happy wednesday!!

Texture Tuesday: Daisy-a-Day

July 29, 2014 by Barb 14 Comments

daisy, still life, texture tuesday, keeping with the times

kk_way

Oh my, July is whizzing by … as I spend beautiful day after beautiful day with grandkids on the lake or in the yard as they play, I make sure to say a little thank you every day for all my blessings.

lake fun 2014

Here’s my day yesterday:

6:00 am – greeted my youngest grandson (said a little thank you inside) … gave him breakfast and set him up in front of the TV (yes I did).

6:00 – 8:00 I wrote a tutorial. Yes. I wrote a tutorial! Sometimes you just gotta do what you just gotta do.

8:00 – greeted my two older grandchildren (said a little thank you inside) … and then helped hubby prepare breakfast for all.

Spent some time washing their clothes and towels, then made lunch to take out onto the boat. We were out on the lake from 12:30 – 3:30.

lake-fun1-copy

When we came in hubby and I spent the next couple of hours in the yard while they splashed around in the pool.

Hubby lit a fire and we roasted hot dogs and then s’mores. When I glanced over at the youngest grandson I could see he was staring straight ahead with s’mores all over his face. He was zoned out, but blissful.

I took him in, gave him a bath and put him to bed (he actually asked to go …).

At 8:00 I took some Ibuprofen and laid down on the sofa with my iPad and proceeded to watch a marathon of LR-Begin classes. I’m so behind but I really want to get this one finished – it’s bursting with info.

Took a little break and helped the other two fold their clothes and get ready for bed.

Then I went back to LR-Begin. I remember drifting off a few times … I hope I was at least getting subliminal messages …

lake fun 2014

See you tomorrow at “app” happy wednesday!

Vintage Baking Powder Tin Vase

July 22, 2014 by Barb 19 Comments

The flower arranging bug has hit me — and hit me hard this year. I’m not content with putting only one type of flower in a vase and calling it done.

Last week after I arranged my Funky Modern Triangular Bouquet I started to see possibilities everywhere … such as this lovely lily and (bluebell) bunch that I placed in a vintage baking powder tin. Easy peasy.

In the past I’ve been quite annoyed by these purple flowers (I think they’re some kind of bluebell) and I would pull them out of my garden like weeds …

… oh, now wait just a minute … I love weeds! so I added some flowering thyme to fill in the spaces and voila!

I processed this photo in LR and used kk_oldendays at a reduced opacity.

Vintage Baking Powder Tin, keeping with the times, vintage, flower arrangement

For these two images I simply let the vibrant colours loose …

Vintage Baking Powder Tin, keeping with the times, vintage, flower arrangement

DSC_0604-copy

Summer is so busy! This week I have three of my grandchildren visiting and the days are packed full. So now before I call it a day I have to muster up some energy and go and water my plants.

So thank you for visiting and I do hope your summer is going as beautifully as mine!

Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

July 15, 2014 by Barb 22 Comments

It’s full-on summer here and I have wildflower fever.

I’m constantly scouring ditches and fields for pretty wildflowers and this year with all the rain and warm temperatures there is no shortage of material. Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

DSC_0375-copy

Light and Airy Wildflower Bouquet

On Sunday I threw on my sunhat, grabbed some shears and a pail of water, and and joyfully hit the road in search of treasures. I’d seen a vision and I was on a mission.

First of all I clipped a whole clump of purple vetch. It’s a must to put it into a pail of water immediately or it’s not going to make it. It wilts extremely fast and has a hard time recovering (if ever does at all). Most wildflowers (weeds) are like that – they need water asap. After I had gathered everything, I let it sit in water overnight (outside and out of sunlight.) The next day in the cool of the morning, I arranged my bouquet.

re-trim ends of all flowers
fill a vase with fresh cold water (I used a plastic cup inside this old cream can)
cut the cow parsley short and into single florets, and cluster them in the centre of the bouquet
strip most of the leaves off of the fire weed and place three of them for height
let the purple vetch do what it does best—spill out over the edge and fall over
add a bit of white yarrow for fill, keeping it close to the cow parsley
keep the bouquet out of the sun and change the water daily

So here’s what I used:

fire weed
purple vetch, white vetch
cow parsley
white yarrow
purple or white clover would have worked beautifully as well

Thanks for stopping by!

Texture Tuesday: Reflecting

July 8, 2014 by Barb 18 Comments

Good morning! The peonies are producing like crazy and I have light pink, dark pink and white ones vying for attention.

Today I have a single light pink blossom to share with you. I’m cheating … I know it’s Texture Tuesday but with all the lr presets that Kim has provided in the Be Still 52 class … I cannot stop playing …

I used kk_oldendays on these … sigh …
Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

… and be still my heart palpitations … I applied kk_darkmood and reduced the clarity from 57 to -44.

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

… good heavens, I can’t decide! here it is with the clarity at 57 … which do you prefer?

Peony Mirror Still Life, Keeping With the Times

Oh my … you are getting off easy today. I could post 15 of these but I’m going to restrain myself and save some for a rainy day.

Happy TT!

Casual Country Garden Bouquet

July 4, 2014 by Barb 14 Comments

This week I’m like a kid in a candy shop. I”m finding flowers everywhere I look. Peony & Lilac Bouquet, keeping with the times, friday finds

To say my garden is exploding would be an understatement. I hardly know what to do with it all! Oh would that I could save some for January, February, and March! But alas I cannot, so photos will have to do.

Peony Lilac Bouquet

I could post a flower-a-day for 365 days I’m sure … .

So here are five random things that made me happy this past week:

Spending time with family on the holiday long weekend.
Lots and lots of delicious food.
Weather ranging from not bad to amazing, and that the big storm with giant hail did not materialize.
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers.
Taking photos (especially with my iPhone) and editing on my iPad.

So what did you find this past week? What made you happy?

Texture Tuesday: Anemone Flashback

July 1, 2014 by Barb 14 Comments

Texture Tuesday, keeping with the times

Just popping in to say hi! and happy TT! Today is Canada Day, so Happy Canada Day to all my fellow Canadians!

We’ve had such a fun holiday visiting with family. Our oldest daughter and her family have been here since Friday. Today they are heading home … so sad … already can’t wait for next time … .

Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you tomorrow at “app” happy wednesday!

kk_awaken
LR Preset Melancholy at 25%