♥ Embracing Life

Photo Credit - CassiaBeck

Today I was given another article from my dad, who continues to show his support by giving me inspirational articles to read.

The article reads the following;

'Too often the everyday stresses and struggles of life drag us away from the things that make life fun. These may be family travel, or the simple pleasure of gardening. In the fast-paced 24/7 world, it can take real discipline and commitment to make sure that we take the time out to do what we really enjoy.

Like with many other things in our lives, having fun can take some planning. First of all, we need to discover what it is that makes us tick - where our passions and pleasures lie. Once this is figured out, we need to think about what we'll need to achieve this.

1. Prioritize - We often spend too much effort on the things we think need to be done, but which could probably be done less frequently. Think about shifting your priorities so that things that make you happy are a priority and not an afterthought.

2. Take small steps - It may not be possible to get where you want to be straight away. Try to set smaller goals along the way to keep yourself motivated.

3. Be disciplined - Competing demands will inevitably make enjoying life difficult from time to time. Try to make sure that even when times are tough you still find the time to enjoy yourself, even just a little' - Source unknown.

- Ree ♥

A Taste Of The Old

It has been forever since I have made a treasury on Etsy.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Etsy, a treasury is a list you can create which brings together a collection of your favorite handmade items, supplies, vintage finds or colors. If you're lucky enough, your treasury may end up on Etsys home page.

So, here is my latest treasury...


A Taste Of The Old

I hope this week finds you well,

- Ree ♥

WIN! $20 Worth Of Beads!

Everyday, I am reminded that there are more than a handful of suppliers on Etsy selling beads, that is why I am eternally grateful for those who continue to support my little bead store. My bead business has given me a new lease on life.

So to thank those who are regular customers I would like to offer them the chance to win $20 worth of beads for the month of August. Simply make a purchase between the 1st-31st of this month (no minimum limit) and you go into the draw.

- Ree ♥

What Is Aperture You Say?

Photo Credit - Kevin&Amanda

Well I have had my SLR camera for just over a year and it is only now I have taken the time out to really learn what my camera is capable of.

For some time, I have only been using the auto settings to take photographs of my beads.
As the naive armature I am, I didn’t realise how important shutter speed and aperture were.

Just to clarify, shutter speed determines how sharp your photos will turn out.
Aperture defines the detail or the area you would prefer to focus on.
Large apertures (low f numbers) reduce the depth of felid blurring the background behind and in front of the object. Small aperture (high f numbers) can increase depth of field focusing on the picture in whole.
Both settings come together to create a better photo.

It seems large aperture (low f numbers) are better for my etsy store, to blur the background and show the detail of the beads I have on offer, whereas small aperture is perfect for portraits or landscapes to bring all that’s to be seen into focus.

I'm looking forward to photographing my latest bead order now!

- Ree ♥

♥ Good Things In Life Never Come Easy.

Photo Credit - Sparksoffire

My dad bought home a news paper article the other day with some positive words of wisdom which I thought I would share...

"I've come to realise that, without motivation, goals can remain pipe dreams.
You need to care about and really want a certain outcome, then pour your heart and soul into achieving it.

I've seen in others, and learnt myself, that the human body can endure more and perform better than we give it credit for. But it's not the body working alone. The body is just the nail being driven in; the mind is the hammer, the driving force that will push a person far beyond their own expectations and on to success.

I think what stops some people is that they fear the act instead of focusing on the outcome. Only occasionally does my mind let go and I catch myself thinking "what if?" But then I give myself a mental upper-cut.
Life is here to be lived. And with the right attitude and willingness to deal with the hurdles. it really can be bloody awesome!" - Source unknown.

A great article for those in indie or like-minded businesses.

- Ree ♥

♥ New Beads - July

This month I have, again been listing lots of unique beads in my Etsy store, with more to come in August. I have a new store section, ‘new beads. july’ so you can view all the new beads with ease.

♥ Your Blog Will Rock Their Socks

Sharing Time - Like many, and myself included, I know creating a unique and intriguing blog can be a difficult task for many. So I thought I would share this site, Shabby Blogs... Her new look website has just been launched with loads of new background designs, tutorials and blinkies for your blog.


Take a day off and enjoy creating yourself a ridiculously awesome new blog!

Website - ShabbyBlogs

Love A Little More

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day for just couples.
I like to see the day as a time to reflect and take note of all the things I love and appreciate in my life. A little like Thanks Giving. I think it’s a positive way of looking at being single.


1. I love my family and friends. I also love how the internet allows me to make friends through Twitter and Facebook. Friends with the same interest and passion for an indie life.

2. I love my creative life. Without my beads and my passion for taking photos I can’t imagine being happy. I love that I am able to express myself through my bead site and now my blog.

3. I love my animals (I prefer to call them furr kids.) As high maintenance as they are, I love feeling needed and playing a mother like role in their lives.

What do you appreciate and love in your life?

♥ My Days Work

Thanks to our modem dying I was unable to check my site for the last couple of days and this is what I conjured/worked this morning.

♥ The Importance Of Taking Good Photographs

This year it’s my goal to change all my photographs. My past photos, to me felt a little too commercial, so I am going with a more crafty, natural look.
Since I have changed my photos, I have seen a huge increase in page views, treasuries and even sales.


In the previous business courses I have done, the instructors could never express enough how your photographs make or break a sale. Your photo, other than the item itself, is the image. You want to present your craft or supplies like you would see them in a magazine. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that your product, (in its near perfect photograph) shouldn’t have imperfections when received from your customers. You have to show your product next to how it is in real life.


Your photos are also your brand. Try to stray away with how other sellers maybe taking their photos. With my photos, I was inspired by how beads are so close to nature, therefore I am now taking photos of them on a somewhat natural background. It inspires jewelry artists to buy/create. You also have to make taking photos fun, otherwise you will soon loose inspiration and you won’t have the energy to create the photos you need to sell.

I hope I don’t give the impression as if I am a professional because I am far from it. I just wanted to share my thoughts/knowledge with methods that have been working for myself as of late.

- Ree ♥

♥ Awesome Stuff! - January

Work seems to be consuming all of my time as of late. Although this year my goal is to focus a little more on my blog. Each month I aim to post four of my favorite items I heart on Etsy. So hear is my 'Awesome Stuff' for January.





• 1 :: Vintage Pyrex Mixing Bowls
by thedancingwren on Etsy
• 2 :: jessica earrings
by EllaScottJewels on Etsy
• 3 :: Tiny Leaves in Teal
by kpglassjewelry1 on Etsy
• 4 :: Vintage Fenton Hobnail Turquoise Glass Bowl
by BarkingSandsVintage on Etsy

- Ree ♥

♥ Marley And Me

Recently I went into a pet-shop to buy a fish and came out with an 8 week old Pomeranian puppy...

To cut a long story short, I called him Marley, after the movie 'Marley And Me.'

I had never seen the movie until tonight. The movie is really quite powerful, showing just how much pets are part of the family. It is quite a sad movie, so if you are looking for a new movie to watch, prepare a box of tissues beside you for some tears.

Although 'Marley And Me', is a sad movie, I did love what they said at the end...

A dog has no use for fancy cars, or big homes or designer clothes...
A waterlogged stick will do just fine.
A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor...
clever or dull, smart or dumb.
Give 'em your heart and he'll give you his.
How many people can you say that about?
How many people can make you
feel rare and pure and special?
How many people can
make you feel... extraordinary?

It is true, 'until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”















- Ree ♥

♥ Featured On Madeit's Blog!

Madeit, have so kindly featured a small 'Quick Five' interview of me and my bead business.

- Tell us a bit about yourself -
I'm 25 years of age and my business is ZoeAndBruno. I think I have always had a love for beads. My mum once took my brother and I into a little indie craft store. We selected a few beads from the old man’s ray of colors and story told... I knew from a very young age, I loved beads and all things colourful!

You can read more of my interview here -
Madeit's Blog


- Ree ♥

♥ Favorite Seller For October

Every now and then a jewelry seller will really grab my attention, with their use of materials, colors and technique. Their jewelry just screams out me and what I like to wear.

A beautiful collection of jewellery created by Thumble on Etsy, are crafted with new Czech glass beads to vintage brass charms and sterling silver findings. I also love the way she makes her photographs her branding. Her store certainly stands out from the crowd.

Take a look at her store for a truly inspirational shopping experience.

Thumble


- Ree ♥

Maybe More Than I Can Chew...

So I have been a little distracted and not updating my blog as often as I would like...

The last two months has consisted of job interviews. Not in this life time would I ever give my bead store away, but as it only pays a minimum wage, I decided that I also wanted a casual position in a shop front. Not only for the money, but so I am mixing with people to help my anxiety levels.

After a small amount of applying for jobs I am now very fortunate to be working at Woolworths Liquor.

This month I have also been busy listing some new beads from one of my more expensive suppliers. I just can’t help myself, I love buying new lines of beads just to keep the business of selling interesting.

So let’s see how I go with the challenge of working two jobs!


- Ree ♥

♥ Awesome Stuff! - September

♥ Summer Breeze
















• 1 :: Doily Clock
by AndFurtherMore on Etsy
• 2 :: Hana Earrings
by PoleStar on Etsy
• 3 :: Quotation Measuring Spoons
by BeeiveKitchenware on Etsy
• 4 :: Mint Brocade Earrings
by Beakee on Etsy


- Ree ♥

♥ New Vintage Cabochons!

I just adore these vintage Cabochons! I had been looking around to purchase these for sometime and I finally found a supplier that holds them.

Lucite (also known as acrylic) Dahlia/rose vintage cabochons are now in my store in three beautiful color combinations, ‘Salmon, Ivory and Pink.’ Each cab is complete with intricate petal detail.

The sky is the limit when designing jewelry with these. They are so inspiring.
Glue them onto ring blanks, ear post, or bobby pins. I have even seen people adorn them onto lockets.




















- Ree ♥

♥ Featured On The Brandi Girl Blog

I have been very fortunate to have been featured on the lovely Brandi Girl blog!
I was so excited to be asked to be one of the first Etsy sellers to be in her '10 Things About' series.


















See my feature here -
Brandi-Girl Blog


- Ree ♥

♥ New Beads Making Their Way In May!

Loads of new beads are finding their way into my garden of beads this month. You can expect to find ladybugs, flowers, cats, nuggets, cubes, table cut rectangles, leaves and teardrops...even dagger beads!




ZoeAndBruno


- Ree ♥

♥ New Beads Are Starting To Appear!

ZoeAndBruno Etsy store










- Ree ♥