Teaching Jewelry Classes for Fun and Profit
© by Vershion D. Young; all rights reserved.
I have always been a little nervous about teaching others to make jewelry.
London blue quartz necklace by Vershion Young
Was I good enough to really teach?
A few of my clients approached me about teaching them the basics, and simple jewelry repair tips.
Red coral and zebra stone pendant by Vershion Young
These three ladies were really eager to learn, and had already purchased a ton of beads, findings and tools.
Because I wasn’t real confident about my teaching, and since the ladies had their own supplies, I decided to charge each student $5.00 per half hour.
So I figured $15.00 per student for an hour and a half session = $45.00 for me.
Beaded wristwatch by Vershion Young
So I psyched myself up as the “expert” and really had a good time teaching.
So like I said earlier, an hour and a half, right? Not!!
Four hours later, my students had asked me every conceivable question, and left satisfied with their new jewelry and new techniques.
They were so grateful and pleased with my teaching style, that they even tipped me!!
Drusy and rock crystal necklace by Vershion Young
Also, it occurred to me afterward that these students could later help me with my production work for big shows, since now I’ve trained them “my way”.
My students are now ready to learn more, and they are still my clients, too.
They create jewelry for gifts, but they still come to me for their designs.
I’m going to teach more classes this winter and maybe try to set up online tutorials, too.
Author Vershion Young of Shionne Designs Handcrafted Inspirations in Jewelry has been creating one of a kind jewelry designs for over 11 years. Residing in Detroit, she has successfully sold her designs in a variety of boutiques and gift shops, and shows her collections at art fairs and craft shows around the country.
