Sometimes a person needs more than a single source of income. Finding a way to generate multiple sources of income is often worth the effort required. I make one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, so once I sell an item, I have to make something new.
By teaching crafting classes, I can generate income on a more continuous basis. Teaching crafting classes is also an opportunity to meet new people and share my knowledge and creativity. There are a many factors involved in deciding on the fee for a craft class. Supplies are only a small part of the expense involved in preparing for a class. A lot of advance preparation is required for a class to be successful.
10 Things to Do to Prepare for a Craft Class
- Locate classroom space
- Determine fee payable for classroom space
- Calculate cost of supplies provided to students
- Establish rate for your teaching services
- Research local and online supply sources
- Create materials to publicize class
- Promote class on social media (Facebook, Pinterest, etc.)
- Make samples of project
- Compose and print instructions for class handouts
- Organize supplies and create kits for students
The most difficult item to quantify is the time involved in learning a new technique. This time and effort is valuable. The next class on my schedule is Basic Victorian Ribbonwork. I can make a folded ribbon rose in a few minutes, but that was not the case when I first tried it. I bought numerous books, spent many hours practicing, and bought yards of ribbon.
I learned many of the techniques I teach from “The Artful Ribbon” by Candace Kling.
“The Secrets of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers” by Helen Gibb was also helpful. Although I use the traditional methods I learned to fashion roses, lilies, tulips, and other flowers, I have developed my unique style.
In summary, teaching classes allows me to share something I love, while encouraging students to try traditional techniques that are new to them.
