Beyond Layers - Week 4

I'm continuing on with my creative 52 week course.  This week, Kim encouraged us to set up our own little mini studio using natural light. Then we were to put some thought into setting up our still life image.  She gave us several techniques to give a try.  This is where I need creative help, friends.  I really am challenged when it comes to putting together a still life setting.  I gave it two tries here.  The first is somewhat creative.  The second is totally not!  So here we go.
Let's sew! - These patterns are my mothers.  She sewed most of our clothes when we were growing up.  I have a LOT of her old patterns. I think they are really cool!  And for any of you that sew now, notice how inexpensive they were in the 50's!
For this image I set up in a sunny room with the light diffused onto a white background.  In photoshop I used a vintage action, Kim's vintage gradient and her revolution texture.

And this next image is totally unoriginal.  But it is a cool vintage camera!  I set this up in front of a window with direct light coming in behind the camera.  I used a white diffuser to filter the harsh light.  I then set up a white foam board to the front and side to give a bit of light on the front.  Then in photoshop, I adjusted the levels and added Kims plastered squared texture.