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Workshops and Teaching
Teaching jewelry making workshops or classes is a wonderful way to earn some extra money if you love making jewelry of any kind. It's a fun and easy market niche, where you work for yourself and share what you love most. teaching jewelry making workshops can earn you extra income as well as provide you with the satisfaction of helping others.
First you would need to consider what you are going to teach.
Are you going to specialize in just one category or one thing?
Start with projects you enjoy the most.
Perhaps you enjoy working with wire, or beads stringing is your "thing". To make it easy on yourself, I would start with either making your own kit or purchasing one and completing it all the way through to see how long it takes,the necessary supplies and tools you will need to complete the project. You don't want to short change yourself on the price you will charge for per person for a specific class/project. Remember, your time is valuable too! I would not go over 2 hours on any project. The usual time is 1 to 11/2 hours on a project. They don't necessarily have to complete the entire piece, just as long as each student understands how to the process works to complete the jewelry at home. Another point to remember when choosing the project to teach, are the tools that you will need to provide. This can get costly and my all means making sure the students return back to you.
learning to make jewelry
teaching others to make jewelry
The second step is a place to hold your classes. Local rock and gem clubs often teach classes, so they already have a place designated for this and may be in need of instructors. If you can't hook up with any established club.
Other locations to consider:
Bead stores or craft stores.(of course, they would want customers to purchase supplies from them)You may not be able to use your own kits and would have to work with the beads tore for other arrangements. It would be a good idea to develop a rapport with them to maybe have beads classes through them and you could split the cost as they would provide the customers!
Community centers(contact your recreation department)
Civic Organizations(the Lions Club and Jaycees often rent halls)
Churches (they normally have class room space available)
New Age Book Stores (they usually appreciate working with stones and crystals)
Girl Scouts
Women's Clubs / Organizations
Country Clubs
Community Colleges
Private Schools
Home-school Groups
Active Retirement Communities
Activity Centers
Trade shows (networking teaching workshops and parties)
Event Planners
(workshops during trade shows and events alongside event planners is good way to generate business and attract attention)
Another avenue to consider is Workshop/Home Party. There would have to be a hostess gift to think about. And it is also a way to get more appointments for other teaching parties.
The could be a lot of fun and are more personable. Maybe have home workshop at a family member's house with a few friends. Just to get the feel of doing a workshop party and getting your confidence going, making things a little more comfortable.
As far as cost goes, that is entirely up to you. If you don't feel comfortable making your own kits, there are plenty of kits out there. I would choose something you feel comfortable with and uses less tools. If you supply it, make sure you included it in your cost. There are lots of wholesale and retail suppliers out there that have all these items for you. If you haven't already found your favorites that suite you, I would keep searching until you find the ones that suit your needs the best. And don't just stick to one, never put all your eggs in one basket! One supplier may be out of stock of an item you need right away so, you will need an alternative. Always remember those shipping costs are important factors to consider for the bottom line.
Have fun and happy teaching!!!
As always, please email me with any questions you have, I am happy to assist. : )
Blessing to you~
April
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