Printing blocks

This is a blip in need of help!

I was trying to improve my skills (limited at best with my DLSR, much better for some reason with my FSLR and lomos...hey ho) and do a still life using dark objects and a light background, and making use of the exposure compensation button. But it looks a bit out of focus - do I just need a tripod for this sort of thing, or do I need to change my settings?

Must admit, its not my first love either, taking photos of still life! Maybe because I know my technique needs help...