facebook sharing tips

You can get up on stage to promote your community group or business, it is wonderful and effective.

But how about reaching people who don't already know about your activities-who aren't in your audience yet? Facebook is an easy way to grow your community group or small business.

It is cheap(cost of internet) and is available for your group or business to use to promote and inform at no cost, right now.

I have my own personal facebook page, one for dash robin and one for Village life at Northey street. Why? Because the potential audience and resources available is far too good to resist.

There are around 6 million active Australian users of facebook....that's a lot of people facebooking!

To get started follow this link to create your own page. It is user friendly. Once you have created your own page you can then create a business or community group page.

Now you have found some friends, uploaded great photos of your groups members, shared activities and invited people to events.

Perhaps you've decided it's time to turn your attention to sharing your interests or helping grow healthy communities.

Beginners guide to facebook sharing...

Discover more and share your favourite community group, businesses and services amongst your network simply by searching for them and 'liking' them.

Each page will have a thumbs up symbol. Once you have clicked on this you have liked a page. You will get updates on your facebook home page whenever this page has any comments, photos or links.

To share this pages news with other relevant pages and your online community is easy!

When you enter a comment or status update you can create an active hyperlink to another facebook page.

Simply type the @ symbol before you write the page name in. This short cut will make it effortless for people to click onto another page. Don't we love effortless?!

Here's an example; the Village life at Northey street page was developed to showcase the Village life social enterprise market which I co ordinate.

We are a community centred market, so low cost and effective ways to promote ourselves are what we need.

Each time I comment about a particular stall holder I create a link through to their page.

So Village life fans may become the stall holders fans too-by clicking the good ol' like button again!

To link your own liked pages all you need to do- as I mentioned above- is add the @ symbol before typing the facebook page name.

As you type in the name of the page it will show up in blue as you can see

Village life market at Northey Street (my facebook page name)

The Herbal Gardener will be back this Sunday with her amazing biodynamic organic *magic* creams...(my comment and hyperlinking)

Readers now have the option to click on these words and go directly to that page.

All your liked pages' latest news will appear on your home page.

You can share these individual news updates too.

Clicking on the share button will post this news onto your own page profile.

I shared a Gum nut hill stationery page update about their new range of refillable pens made from recycled Australian timber. This is how it appeared on the Village life page.

Gumnut Hill Stationery

Recycled newsprint paper pencils

http://www.gumnuthill.com.au/o

nline-stationery-shop/recycled

-paper-pencil-tube

We now stock refillable Fountain Pens made from sustainable timber. Feel free to visit our online shop for more photos and browse the full range of Gumnut Hill Eco-Stationery :Dwww.gumnuthill.com.au

By: Gumnut Hill Eco-Stationery

437 Impressions · 0.46% Feedback

Friday at 4:57pm · · · Share

It is a win-win situation. It is showing the range of things available at the market, it is promoting gum nut hill stationery and ultimately supporting the aim of developing sustainable local business.

I also add links to facebook fan pages with external websites which have relevant inspiring books, courses, events, groups or films.

I love to highlight positive or pro active social and environmental resources. As our market is a eco friendly local market these are targeted to our networks existing interests.

This example linked to the permaculture course page of Northey Street city farm.

Village life market at Northey Street via Northey Street City Farm

new courses coming up soon-book in early to secure your spot.

Northey Street City Farm » Courses & Workshops

www.nscf.org.au

Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments. It aims to bring food production back to where people live and to develop new, sustainable ways of living in our cities and rural areas.

208 Impressions · 0.48% Feedback

· · Share

In this case the impressions reads 208, (see the text I highlighted in red) which means this little piece of information appeared on 208 individual home facebook pages.

By utilising the share option your whole network learns more about something you love.

It is all these small and big details which can help keep us up to date with what is going on.

Good luck and I hope you find this helpful!

xKate

from little things...

I ordered some business cards last week to hand out to folk enquiring about having a stall at Village life market, impulsively I chose to quote the title 'from little things big things grow'

To inspire me each time I look at it, to remind me of the earth and to ground me (all at once!!)

It's the title of one of my favourite songs, by two of my favourite singers and is now a story book too-so many stories have grown from this song and will go on growing....what's your favourite song?

By the way, if anyone who is interested in developing a eco friendly micro business in the Brisbane area and who wants to test the waters of their product/service at Northey Streets Village life market feel free to pass on my email; socialenterprise@nscf.org.au

cheerio Kate

Market update

Hello all,

I will be donating 50% of all my sales to the Premiers disaster relief appeal this Sunday. I am setting up at Northey Streets market held in the Northey street car park in Windsor, early Sunday morning til 10.30.

The nursery and toilets will be open as usual.

xKate

excitement building!

This gives an idea of what my house currently looks like...over balancing piles of craft bits in various containers....
and attempts at prop making in the theme of Christmas!
It's been really tricky to get these cardboard trees to stand up-glue wasn't doing it but the old slot method seems to be doing the trick.
Because I have the Christmas BrisStyle markets in Hamilton tonight, then a pop up shop outside nook tomorrow in West end, I am completely excited today and buzzing with energy and ideas....and Christmas spirit (no other spirits, honest.)

Imagine the joy/relief of having presents sorted before December even begins!? That's my plan, to knock it all off and get my hand made local pressies at markets, support my friends and look super funky in the process!

And do I, or do I not totally rock this Santa hat?*
So come and visit the cool chick at the markets....then pop over to me and say hello**
xKate
*answer is, alas, not
**bring me a brownie (subliminal message)
P.S-Lucy won the dash robin bird brooch! Woot, woot-she's a gem!

Hello, hello. These are shots around Northey street from Sunday, it was lovely strolling about with a cup of chai in hand. I know I bang on about it but it's such a beautiful space. My favourite things are the flowers,

the cakes
the chooks
and the shady resting spots. Bliss.

It's been a pretty restful couple days, my littlest one has been home sick so we did a bit of painting together...I was tinkering about with an old sheet of music...


my son calls it doctor love(hee, hee!)
xKate

market days

Brisstyle eco market was so lovely. Setting up stall under a big shady tree was perfect and before the market officially started I zipped around the market and collected a few special goodies.
I have just about ticked off my entire Christmas shopping list. In the photo above you can see a beautiful silky oak owl brooch from Jettas nest, first edition of Bespoke magazine, plushy turtle toy from little jellygnite, air plant by Nell of feybles
and little soaps which will be perfect stocking fillers from warm sigh.

I will be spending some time this week working on brooches and toys, photographing them, etc because happilly I need to make more stock. It's really a joy and so satisfying to be making and selling what I love, that my little dream for dash robin of using materials (which I adore)-organic hand dyed yarns and special vintage remnants is being realised. Thanks to all the supporters of independent eco friendly craft who make this happen!

My music collage suitcase worked brilliantly for displaying my brooches and I have also just found out my lovely friend Nerida has grabbed a vintage blue suitcase for me which will be joining my eclectic collection of props and stands :o)

I had such a great day Saturday, loved sharing the eco stall with Vanessa, of little original who is back on the scene after a small break from the market scene-with very good reason!
I had a delightful morning meeting her adorable new bubsy.

It's really wonderful to display dash robin creations alongside her works, our items are unique and distinct from each others yet seem to really work well together. We will be sharing again soon at the upcoming Brisstyle designers market and I can't wait.

I think its true to say we are 'fans' of each other..we have down a couple of swaps and I am happy to have a few stunning little original vintage fabric and doily chickens and ducks decorating my house. They look gorgeously warm and friendly and children love them so much.

I will be updating soon about Village life too,
so please check back later in the week, won't you!
xKate

eco market

Not much to write of, or rather time to write it in as I am head down, tail up working away on brooches and other little eco lovelies for this weekend...I have the big Brisstyle eco market Saturday and my regular Village life market too.

xKate

my creative space

To display work at markets is always a bit tricky, yes? To find a way to show my smaller multiple pieces (such as nest brooches) without taking up too much of the available space is a puzzle...I have been working away with glues, varnishes, old sheet music and a broken old small wooden and cardboard suitcase this week.


Once its finished I will post it up but I thought I'd share my progress...I am a big fan of white paint glazing and even the incomplete state of it is pleasing me!

I have also been digging through all my pretty tiny remnants of yarns-little pieces lovely Sam Allan made,organic and hand dyed and oh so soft...I don't have many left at all now, juts enough for small flowers like these


The centre is a bead made with crochet cotton, remnants from biddy bags donated to me. The inner blue piece is from Sam and the outer piece is a yarn dyed myself, which turned out (well how to put this delicately...err...I can't!) very blood like, accidentally mind you!


And this one is made from a bunch of mixed yarns picked up at a garage sale and the beautiful button has come from someones old stash...with buttons all mixed together I've no idea anymore who gave me each one.

Each yarn though has a story I remember, maybe in part because I linger over each one sooo much when I first receive or buy them??


And finally meet Mr Koala here-I call him stumpy. I don't have enough yarn left for his legs and arms-I have a funny idea though which may or not work, therefore may or may not be followed up on here...


xKate
creative spaces here...

happy wet brisstyle indie mother and baby market

When it rains it pours in South East Queensland...

Friends drop by though, despite the weather ;o)

And friends and customers also braved the rains to join the joy of the Brisstyle mother and baby market.
I was delighted with my first dash robin stall at the Brisstyle market, meeting lovely fellow brisstylers -beautiful and generous Sam of Jettas nest, who came along just to lend a hand :o) and sweet Rebecca of Edward and Lily with her exquisite brooches and embroidery and my stall neighbour, gorgeous Teri showcasing her delicate designs of pass the parcel...
so many more too! And all the customers are more like friends, so sweet and generous with praise and suggestions.
I can't wait to attend the Brisstyle Eco Market and see all the other eco crafters...
(and I'm sure to come home with more of my new friends lovely eco arts crafts works!)

There were so many mums and dads carrying adorable babies and children I simply couldn't resist taking one home...

she's been very quiet and well behaved since I retrieved her from her basket...

(see below)

If you'd like to find out more about Brisstyle head here.
This week the amazing Melinda has posted up a dash robin interview
She has thankfully worked magic with my wandering thoughts!
xKate

preparations

This lemur will be finished Saturday by hook or by crook...
(hee, hee, hee, I know it's a terrible pun!)
Sorry for that , I am too busy crafting and stocking up for some big market events to think of quality jokes...this weeks big preparation is for the fabulous Brisstyle mumma and baby indie market.



I have been sewing and crocheting flat chat, I am surrounded by the sweetest little faces...elephants, cats, birds, butterflies...I will be bringing along all my new amigurumi creatures for older kids (yes, and adults), and for toddlers lots of 'hot of the press', (or at least the sewing machine) softies-no buttons or bits.


I am enjoying a burst of inspiration after running a school holiday monster toy workshop last week. It was good fun working with the sweet young folk...and they did a great job!


This squishy guy was made by one of the girls, she crafted him out of a well worn old striped shirt of mine in less than 2 hours- don't you agree she did an awesome job?!
Back to the hook, ciao
xKate

Cold, wet holidays...

I am working from one check list after another at moment with the close knit festival events coming to fruition and markets galore.
The Village life market today was lovely as per usual,
Northey street folk are loyal and friendly visitors-rain, what rain? seems to be the attitude :o)

I had a special moment when a very small girl picked out a cat toy created from some remnants of Holly Hobbie fabric, left overs from one of my childhood dresses, kept and given to me by my mum.

She was wandering around cuddling it close and it gave me the warm fuzzies to see something made from a small scrap squirrelled away by mum for all these years being so treasured.

Lovely Alex joined today with her Luna Bloom goodies, including her brand spanking new range of organic lavender scented car freshners-so pretty and practical!
I bought my camera along, err, hmm, unfortunately, I didn't check to make sure the memory card was in it...you can catch her goodies at Avid reader little market this Friday night though-even better than a photo?

I can't leave a post without including a pretty piccy though so here's the beginings of a christmas present...starting early...

and check out the markings on this beautiful insect who landed in my bathroom tonight!

xKate

Inspiration

My fingers are 'itching to be stitching' lately...
I can't seem to stop making these tree brooches.
I have been looking at beautiful illustrations of trees and even been getting ever so slightly studious and looking through embroidery books to learn new stitches.

I even took my stitching along to the Northey street Village life market today!

I did tear my gaze from my embroidery when this gorgeous butterfly stopped briefly on one of my purses though...such fragile beauty.

The skies were overcast and rain predicted but it remained clear all morning, which for all us stall holders was great!
I value it so much when people approach me and give feedback, the generous suggestions and thoughtful comments inspire me and help me on my way-so big thanks to all who came out in spite of the weather forecast!

And, of course, anyone who buys anything is as always so appreciated, but gee it was extra nice to hear the words, 'really, thats a bargain!' (and you do photograph well, see ;o) !)

xKate

P.s-any stitchy crafters out there?
For the life of me I can not work out the french knot...it's embarrassing because it doesn't look at all complicated and I could wait 'til Thursday when I see my experienced crafty women friends... but that seems an eternity right now!! Please any suggestions for a good online tute would be very much appreciated!)

Waking up. Village life market.

The mornings have been beautiful here the past few days.

I am not often up and outside at 5.30 am to appreciate them.
Even the dew drops on the large, verdant, healthy,err.. slightly unwanted plants
(ahem-ever present weeds) look pretty.


I had my first go at the Village life market at Northey street on Sunday.

It was freezing in the morning air as we set up but Angies felt creations looked so fuzzy and warm in the sunlight. It rained before the weekend and its raining again now, so yay for market clear skies.

We had an excellent time, the space and people were as sweet as could be.
Lovely Anaheke-thankyou...turning up to find the tent set up was simply wonderful-wouldn't it be great if every market you went to was like this?!
And if every customer was this cute?!
xKate

My creative space

You can still enter my giveaway here, so do that, then read on...

All of us women in the back row of this photo are wearing a scarf...one very long scarf!!
We all contributed to it, part of our efforts towards the Close Knit project,
for the Brisbane Festival.
(I am fourth from the left wearing a a black top and happy grin!)

Brisbane readers may want to keep the 25 of September free because we will be presenting our crochet creations as yarn bombing artwork at the 'Into Africa' event in Yeronga.
There will be a market, dancing, a choir of 200 singers, cute sleepy babies in slings to fuss over and more...I can hardly wait!

And with her big blue dancing gumboots and blue crochet hat on Petronias' angelic daughter sure looks excited and ready too!

On the dash robin crafting side of things I am heading in for the Village life market at Northey street in Windsor this weekend.
I love the place and am rapt to be able to attend. I will be there my lovely friend Angie, who some of you will know from the Avid market.

Over the next few days I am going to use some more of the caramel coloured wool (dyed with gum tree bark) to make more brooches to take in.
I have been busier than ever and thought I might like a break today from crochet, an actual day off from all work related pursuits...

but the beauty of loving what I do means I still yearn to do it in my spare time too.
I am absorbed by the fun of coming up with new ideas, trying different techniques and I get to keep myself busy, contented and my creative mind active.


Oh and Brisbanites also keep an eye out for an upcoming TV special-its a Great South East episode on the close knit project.
I may possibly be in it, in a blink and you'd miss it kind of way, the real draw card is the lovely women of a Sandgate aged care place.
I have been volunteering there and enjoy working beside these amazing women, some in thier nineties, striken with arthritis yet the knitting they do makes me green with envy. Hopefully the show will highlight how thier beautiful, wrinkled, soft and delicate hands can still wield knitting needles or crochet hooks with amazing results.
xKate
P.s-if you do watch it let me know what you think...I have no interest in TV so never hooked mine up, ha, ha, irony!
I also slept through my abc radio interview (it was on at 5.30 a.m) so I have to rely on more reliable viewers to keep me up to speed...:o)
more creativity here