Teaching and Demonstrating for Cash

June 15, 2008 4:12 pm Craft Professionals

Extra income can be earned by teaching others a craft you know well. You can also be hired to demonstrate crafting techniques by stores and manufacturers. This area of crafting has great potential for the Professional Crafter. There is less labor than production work and if you can build a following of students you can bring in a steady income to your business. Keep in mind that you will be working directly with the public and that demands you enjoy interacting with others.

Where Can You Teach A Class?

Art Supply Stores
Adult Education Programs
Book Stores
Churches
Children After School Care
City Parks
Civic Club Lunches or Meetings
Craft Shows
Craft Retail Stores
Community Colleges
Community Festivals
City Recreational Centers
Cultural Associations
Day Care
Elementary Schools
Family Gatherings/Reunions
High Schools
Hardware/Do It Yourself Shops
Home Show or Home Party
Libraries
Local Chapters of Associations
Middle Schools
Museums
Nursing Homes
Senior Centers
Scouting Groups
Trade Schools
Trade Shows
Universities
Zoos

Getting Started

Select a craft or technique and select a project allows a beginner to complete the project as well as a student who may know a little something about the craft. It is best to select a design that uses supplies readily available to all students.
Have a class outline for yourself and a class handout for your students. The class handout should include (if needed): a brief bio of your experience in this craft, a glossary of terms, patterns, instructions, hints/tips, and materials needed. Be prepared. Know what you are going to teach. Practice several times and be prepared for questions. Never assume your students with get new techniques with one try.
Bring your patience to class. You are almost guaranteed to have at least one of the following in your class: The Bewildered- doesn’t listen and can’t figure out why he/she is not understanding what is going on in class. The Know It All- doesn’t need you help, but can’t complete the project. The Untalented- believes they have no creativity or skill, but signed up for the class anyway to annoy the rest of the class, also referred to as The Whiner. Absent Minded Crafter- forgot all the supplies needed and wants to borrow from fellow class members. The Perfectionist- his/her project must look exactly like yours or they have a fit.
Bring extra supplies but have a price set for them. Do not give away your supplies. In some cases it may be practical to sell a kit for the class. Figure out how much the supplies cost and add at least 20% for your time.
Get to the classroom early to make sure there is enough room and setting for all the students. Give yourself and the class plenty of time to complete the project in the classroom. This is where practicing will come in handy. Extra time can be used to answer questions. Go an extra step for your students. Bring a plate of cookies or bowl of candy. Bring paper towels, water containers, glues, or scissors.
Pricing your class might be difficult for you, but if you do not make money for your time you might as well just volunteer. Usually, classes are priced by the hour, so how much do you want to earn per hour? A separate price may be set for kits or supplies. Look around and see how much other teachers are charging and consider what your local economy can afford. Always have your next class in mind. Have a sign-up sheet at any class you teach.