I adore vintage windows but when it comes to photographing them in vignettes, I end up having window (pains) … pains in the form of reflections.
But yesterday, as I was teetering on a step stool and cursing the light from the windows behind me, I had an “aha” moment … or was it a “duh ha” moment? No matter, I suddenly thought, why don’t I just throw some cheesecloth over it? I adore cheesecloth, and I especially adore the rag-tag torn look it gets after I’ve fussed with it for an hour or so, pulling it this way and that, getting it caught in the pokey succulents and stretching it across the sharp edge of the frame. But in the end, it was mission accomplished: no more reflections!
Oh, and that window … oh my … this is my Friday Find … swooning here. There were two identical windows at my local junque shop, and I almost walked out with both. Luckily I got hold of my senses and decided one was enough. However, If I’d had anywhere to hang them on a wall together, this story would have ended differently. As it was, only one of them found its way home with me and is now occupying a prime spot on my mantle.
I processed the following two photos in LR with kk_gentle:
The light coming in the south window in the morning is nothing short of scrumptious! I seem to be finding light everywhere these days; we now have 10 hours and 8 minutes of daylight! Woot! more time to play!
I found the tulips at Costco (very affordable) and I plan to have tulips from now until at least the middle of March.
kk_melancholy:
kk_breeze:
Wow! What a find and I love the rag-tag look. It just picture perfect (card perfect.) I would totally use this as a card! Love your healthy succulents too! Hope you have a good day!
Oh Barb you are so good!! Such a lovely way to frame the window with the cheesecloth…so beautiful! Love, love each one of these today…the cute little bowl, the succulents, and oh my, the light on the tulips! Love the extra picture in the second one. And it is SO nice to see you back!
Wonderful images! The cheesecloth was a brilliant idea, functional and beautiful. I love the pale tones and the succulents look great with the tulips.
Oh Barb, this is just a spectacularly beautiful set up, and how brilliant with the cheesecloth, which I too adore for so many reasons! My hubby and I happened across a salvage store in Galveston (I had to remember to breathe) and there was basketball flooring and doors and windows and the old decking from the Tall ship Elissa and some old bricks….it was incredible. But we were on our way home and didn’t have much time to pick through everything….we are going back to get a few things (window frames $25 and most are from old Victorian homes!
really beautifully done! loved your ‘fussing’ for an hour. :)
Oh my that window is wonderful and the cheesecloth an inspired idea.
Woo hoo! Love! Like the added picture to the second shot. Flipping the window around frames the tulips extra nicely and I like how you’ve let the linen piece hang over the mantle for balance. Awesome! I looked at some old windows last week but non were what I wanted.
GORGEOUS!! I have some old windows in my home as decor – I should try this!
I definitely have window envy Barb. These photos are totally gorgeous! And all three edits are perfect…just depends on what mood you’re in. :-D
What a lovely find and a perfect backdrop for your tulips!
Barb, I think you will be using this window lots as it’s a perfect backdrop and I love the cheesecloth on it. My favorite is the edit with breeze; so beautiful…..
Brilliant! The vintage window is awesome but the cheesecloth is magic. Tulips from now until spring thaw sound like a great idea!
What a beautiful find!!! The cheesecloth draped over the window looks wonderful, it gives it all a soft and gentle touch. Beautiful photos, as always!
For the very reason you gave I bought an old window that had frosted window panes. Now it is a good light diffuser as well.
Barb, I love your ingenuity! The final images are worthy of a place in a fine decorating magazine or book! I’ve come to adore the beauty of succulents – all thanks to you – and am now planting them in almost anything! The more creative the container, the better! I love seeing the different versions with different editing styles. For me, as much as I love all the presets, my favorite is the last one – breeze. I have several old windows and use them to decorate my front porch – often as frames for simple versions of my favorite pictures for the season. Such a joy to visit here – always!
Thank you Donna!
could not be more inspired by this Barb… absolutely… WOW… brilliant idea with the cheesecloth… I was cursing reflections earlier this week too….never did conquer them….. had to walk away…
good for you… you stuck with it….made magic…and I will remember this. : )
LOVE……
Happy weekend… xo, Kim
Thank you Kim! xo
p.s. I need some succulents…. can i grow them here? I have no clue…but I must find some… : )
This is so pretty, would love to do a set up like this when I own my own house, and I’m loving the succulents (keep meaning to pick some up). Thanks for sharing.
Kathryn
nimblenote.blogspot.com
The cheesecloth is perfect! These are all gorgeous!
I love the images . Breeze is my fav. Just gorgeous.
As I looked though your blog I saw some wonderful work.. swoon.. wow.
Lovely Barb. Just lovely. stay warm.
I cant comment on the older blogs.
Thank you so much Lisa! I so appreciate your visit and comments. Yes, I closed comments on posts that are older that 15 days or so (so sorry) … but it is because of spam – I was literally getting thousands of spam hits :(
Oh Barb, your series of pictures with that old window is fantastic! I can’t say I prefer one or another picture, I love the four of them…. what a great find you’ve fallen upon! I woulsn’t have resisted neither! I don’t know where to find a window like this in France, I’m not sure we can find them on flea markets… and what an inspired and creative idea to wrap it so loosely and artistically with cheesecloth, like a light veil… the props are perfect, lovely tulips and great succulents with such graphic shapes, love the rustic pots contrasting with the delicacy of the transparent veil…. this is really gorgeous Barb! I agree with Donna, your beautiful photos could be featured on the pages of a home design book…
When we replaced our windows we gave all of our old windows away to a friend and I will admit I have regretted it every since…These are such gorgeous images!