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5 Reasons Why This Still Life Works For Me

October 25, 2013 by Barb 16 Comments

vintage, barb brookbank, kim klassen, friday finds, texture, photography

On my last post I wrote about how I sometimes don’t like what I see when I’m shooting a still life. A lot of you told me that you also struggle with that self-doubt, and I appreciate your encouraging comments. I guess we just have to accept that we are not going to love every single thing we create. But the key is to keep creating. Show up every day, do the work, and then share it (or not)!

When I came across this chippy enamel spoon in my favourite junque store, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. I saw my mom standing at the kitchen counter making supper for 6 hungry kids, and memories of how it felt to come home to the smells of bread baking, and some kind of hearty meal simmering on the stove washed over me. There was no doubt that that spoon was coming home with me.

As I was looking at this little scene, I knew I loved it, so I sat there and wrote down every reason I could think of as to why I loved it. I was creative BIGstorming; a technique I learned at my blogging convention. Then I spent about half an hour on this shoot, focusing on the top 5 things on my list.

So here are 5 reasons why I like this vignette:

  • It’s simple.
  • It makes me feel something.
  • Late autumn sunlight is streaming onto the table, and I love late autumn light.
  • The spoon is resting on mom’s cookbooks, and that feels right.
  • The close details of the rustic edge of the spoon, and the soft worn cover on the cookbook, are comforting.

So, although there was really nothing wrong with my previous still life, I guess I just wasn’t feeling it. It may have been my mood that day, or perhaps I was in a rush to just get something. No matter what though, it was totally worth the effort and I’ll continue to show up and do the work. You never know what will come of it.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Still Life Tagged With: friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop, still life

Autumn Photography

October 18, 2013 by Barb 19 Comments

adobe, photoshop, barb brookbank, autumn, nurture photography, friday finds, kim klassen

This tenacious little Amur Maple sits at one corner of our house, underneath a window.

Two years ago, it got so big and unwieldy that I cut it right to the ground. I did say sorry while I was doing it though…

It must have forgiven me, because it has come right back and its beautiful fiery orange, red, and yellow leaves are gracing our yard once again.

barb brookbank, autumn, nurture photography, friday finds, kim klassen

Just one of those perfect autumn moments…

Orange-Fiery-Still-Life

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY Tagged With: autumn, flowers, friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop

Yellow, Yellow, Everywhere

October 11, 2013 by Barb 21 Comments

Yellow-Lake-Scene

Yellow-Trees-Lake

Yellow-Single-Autumn-Leaf

Yellow-Leaves-Nurture

Yellow-Autumn-Love

This past week I spent one full day at our country home soaking up our autumn colours and taking photos. I felt guilty, but this beauty is so fleeting that I knew I would regret it if I didn’t. Now, as I sit here this morning in my city home, I absolutely know I did the right thing.

I’m looking forward to getting together with family this weekend. It’s Thanksgiving here in Canada, and I see a turkey in our future.

I hope you have a lovely weekend too!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY Tagged With: autumn, friday finds, kim klassen, landscape, photoshop

Friday Finds with Kim Klassen

September 27, 2013 by Barb 19 Comments

Friday Finds

… and a little sneak preview of my autumn tablescape.

Last Friday I went to the market garden with a friend, where we found all kinds of fabulous veggies, and pumpkins, and squash. As the owner was taking us for a ride in his little ‘gator, and we were tearing around in his fields, I spied a patch with some white “things” way off in the distance. When I asked what they were, he told me that they were some kind of weird squash, just an experiment, and he was going to plow them under.

OK,  wait a minute… take me over there…

As soon as I saw them, my heart did a little leap! How pretty, and how fun are these?! They were just what I was envisioning for my autumn decor. They sparked an idea that led to my autumn tablescape. Warm whites, pinks,  greys, and greens. Love!

friday finds, autumn, sedum, squash

I do have some amazing light in my dining room…

friday finds, kim klassen, tablescape

Later today I’m going to post my complete tablescape. I’m so thankful that I was able to finish up the photo shoot given the fact that for most of the week I could hardly move. My back has much improved and I am so, so thankful!

Have a wonderful Friday!!

Linking up to Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com.

 

Filed Under: LIFE Tagged With: autumn, flower, flowers, friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop

Friday Finds

September 6, 2013 by Barb 14 Comments

Here are just a few of the extraordinary things that I found this week…

A nasturtium and a marigold that I dug out of the garden about a month ago and put into a pot on the deck are rewarding me with a profusion of new growth.

friday finds

friday finds

Crispy and colourful leaves on the driveway leave no doubt as to what is on it’s way.

friday finds

Morning sunlight streaming through the trees and onto the dewy grass.

friday finds

Some beautiful light shining into a farmyard.

friday finds

This slippery salamander was on the road as I walked to meet my friends. It seemed to be frozen, so I had to push it along to the ditch so that it wouldn’t get run over. In the ten years that I’ve lived here I’ve never seen one until now.

friday finds

It was a beautiful week.

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY Tagged With: autumn, flower, flowers, friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop, wildlife, Yard and Garden

Garlic Bulbils

August 23, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

I went to our favourite u-pick yesterday and found this garlic. I also learned something new. Not only can you use a garlic bulb, you can also use the bulbils that form in the flower at the top of a very tall stalk.

The man who owns the garden showed me how to coax the little seeds out, and said I should taste one. Well, it nearly knocked my (boots) off! Serious garlic going on here. How very intriguing… I had no idea…

Garlic Bulbils

Garlic Bulbils

So when I got home, I did a little research.

I found out that they are called bulbils, which are like miniature garlic cloves, and that they are actually a sort of seed. This seed can be planted, but it takes two or three seasons for the plants to produce. Apparently, it’s a great way to grow garlic because they don’t harbor soil-borne diseases.

Anyway, I had garlic mashed potatoes on the brain and couldn’t wait to get home and whip some up. When I boiled the potatoes, I threw about 10 bulbils into the pot and cooked them all together. I left the skins on the potatoes because they were fresh baby potatoes (yumm), and it makes them rustic, and probably more nutritious.

Anyway, the result? Too mild. Boo. Next time, I’m going to crush and add them when I mash the potatoes. I think the residual heat will cook them, but still preserve the intense garlic flavour. Or maybe I’ll surprise hubby and put some in the ice cream… see if he notices…

Garlic Bulbils

 

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY Tagged With: friday finds, photoshop

This is What I Found

August 16, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

Clematis-in-Bird-Bath

I found a Clematis flower and set it in the little bird bath that I fashioned out of a big bowl that I found at Winners, and a rusty stand that I found at our town-wide garage sale this past spring.

I’ve found that my iPhone can take some kick*** photos. Here I used CP Pro, which is the $1.99 version of Camera +. It has the capabilities to set focus and exposure, as well as a burst mode, anti-shake, and you can touch the screen anywhere to snap a photo. Way cool! I don’t know how these would print though, since even though it is over 2000 pixels in width, and 3000 pixels in height, it’s still only 72ppi. Hmmmm, this is something I should find out (I’ll let you know). I should mention that this is SOOC, except for a crop. Pretty amazing stuff.

I’ve found that I’m loving my morning walks. It’s been almost 6 weeks and I’ve hardly missed a day. I walk the first part alone, in the quiet, misty mornings…

Misty-Morning

Misty-Morning1

Misty-Morning2

…then I meet up with my little group at the mailbox and we continue on from there. Takes about an hour.

When I get home, I walk around the yard, check the garden to see what’s new (see my quirky little bird bath?), then head inside to start my day.

Misty-Morning3

I tell you, I’m living the life of o’riley…

Filed Under: PHOTOGRAPHY Tagged With: flower, flowers, friday finds, kim klassen

Friday Finds

July 19, 2013 by Barb 6 Comments

Well, what I found this morning, is that I forgot it was Friday… feels like my summer is going by with lighting speed.

So I thought I’d share this photo from the Phone Photography Project. We were supposed to find something “far away”. I kinda thought the little building looked far away.

phonephotography

Here’s the original, and I kept thinking that the sky was too blown out – not bad, kinda artsy…

IMG_4178

…but it needed something… like a bird…

IMG_4192

In one of Kim’s earlier classes, she had recommended PS Touch. I’d used it a bit, but not much, and I knew that it allowed you to work with layers (duh, it’s PS, Barb!!) So I added the photo of the bird and used the “Fade” function to blend it (there is also a gradient option). Too. Much. Fun.

Cool, huh?! all dreamy and mystical.

phonephotography

Well, I have get dressed to go for my walk. It’s been three weeks now and I’ve been able to keep up with my two friends, and have found that I look forward to it.

My legs still hurt a bit, I miss my morning ritual at the computer, and I think I do get a bit behind on some of my stuff. But for some reason, it just feels right, like it’s what I’m supposed to be doing.

I have to trust that.

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Phone Photography Tagged With: friday finds, kim klassen

One Thing Leads to Another

July 12, 2013 by Barb 12 Comments

My Friday Find for this week is a roll of rustic cotton “ribbon”.

I was browsing around my favourite country store (shouldn’t have been there…) and spied it almost right away. It stirred something in me. Visions of days gone by flooded my mind. The crafty urge that lurks just below the surface of my being became overwhelming and I convinced myself that I would definitely be able to use it on something, someday. Isn’t it beautiful? Dreamy.DSC_3076

The first thing I did when I got home was rummage around in my (mountains) of scrapbooking supplies that are taking up way too much space in my basement. I looked for papers with similar colours and for some reason, envelopes and tags came to mind. I think because they are easy to make, and at least it would get me going.

friday finds kim klassen

This then led me to my next project… a flower press. I used to have one, but alas, it made it’s way to Goodwill during one of my purging episodes. (More on that next week).

DSC_3077

So what about the ribbon? Have I used it? Most definitely.

 

 

Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot Com

LR Preset kk_lettherebelight

Filed Under: DIY AND CRAFTS Tagged With: friday finds, kim klassen, lightroom, photoshop

Summer Breeze

July 5, 2013 by Barb 14 Comments

Peony-Blue-Table-2

Which of these would be my find? Is it the gorgeous peonies? the white vase? the blue table?

Peony-Blue-Table

all of the above?

Peony-Blue-Table-1

makes me feel fine

sweet days of summer

the (peony’s) in bloom.

July is dressed up and playing her tune.

sorry, I just couldn’t help it… it popped into my head, and now it’s going to be there all day…

Yesterday, I dragged home a table … I didn’t go looking for it (specifically) but there it was, sitting in a corner, all chippy and blue. I just knew I needed it.

Images of tea parties on the lawn, a table laden with flowers, and books, and candles, and food, and great light, filled me with excitement. A Somerset Life. A dream of mine.

But as soon as it was tucked safely in the back of my vehicle, the doubt began. It wasn’t about the money so much as the “uh, oh… do I really need to add another piece of junque to my yard? Well, probably not … but there she is.

As soon as I set the bouquet of peonies on it, I felt reassured.

It’s a harmless pastime, this hunting for treasures, dreaming of photo shoots and trying to capture, express, and share something that’s in my mind’s eye. And honestly, I’m blessed and thankful to have “found” it at this time in my life.

I’m sharing this today over at “Friday Finds” at Kim Klassen dot com

Filed Under: Artful Photography, Texture Tagged With: flower, friday finds, kim klassen, lightroom, photoshop, texture

(Vintage) Friday Finds

June 7, 2013 by Barb 20 Comments

My “find” for this week would be a teaspoon.

I’m always on the hunt for vintage silverware, it’s so full of character and makes me think of farmhouses and family meals.  It makes me think of summer, and bridal showers, and other special occasions.

Teaspoon

But I also found the pretty white teacup at Value Village several years ago. I just loved the green and mauve design, and the slightly worn gold edges.Lilacs-Tea2

After I took all my photos, I sat and drank the lovely green tea and admired my garden. It’s doing ultra well this year. We’ve had a lot of rain and there’s more in the forecast.

lilac, tea, garden

Have I mentioned that I love lilacs?

lilacs, tea, garden

And I love my garden.

Garden-Shed

It’s pretty maintenance free, mostly perennials, with a few annuals sprinkled here and there. Right now the anemones are blooming their hearts out.

Anemone

It’s such a rush! Every day a different plant starts to flower. I can hardly keep up. It’s heavenly.

Filed Under: Texture Tagged With: flower, friday finds, kim klassen, lightroom, photoshop, texture

Friday Finds, and a Little “Find” for You!

May 23, 2013 by Barb 14 Comments

simplicity, simple life, friday finds, kim klassen, barb blookbank

There’s a new meme in town! Friday Finds, hosted by Kim Klassen.

She has invited us to share something that we find each week. It can be anything; from antiques, to flowers, to… whatever!

Magically (it seems), our trees and perennials are starting to bloom, so of course, flowers were an obvious choice. Walking around the yard, I caught a soft, sweet, light scent on the breeze and followed it to our Mayday tree. One quick snip with my shears, and I headed back to the house to look for the perfect vase.

A simple glass jar that had once served as a soap dispenser was hiding under the sink. A perfect “find” don’t you think? I love the cone shape, the small size, and the smooth ridges of glass. Sweet and simple. Love!

After editing the image, and adding texture, etc. it just seemed natural to add a little quote, which I then made into a sweet little graphic. Goodness, when we love doing something we “find” the time, don’t we…

So now, I have a “Friday Find” for you! I’ve made the quote available for you to download! I hope you like it!

 

life-is-really-simple-brush

The word art is a brush in .abr format, which can be used in Photoshop Elements, or Photoshop.

Simply click on the graphic above to download. If you have any questions/problems please ask them in the comment section so others can read them and perhaps find help too.

See you tomorrow at Friday Finds, with Kim Klassen dot com

kk_sybil

Quote by Confucius

Filed Under: Artful Photography, LIFE Tagged With: freebie, friday finds, kim klassen, photoshop, texture

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