Comments on: Help – First Time Teaching a Jewelry Class

By: Wanda byrd

Wanda byrd — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 17:09:25 +0000

In reply to Rena Klingenberg. I read your comment about the class and I'm thinking maybe six people. What should I charge per person if someone wants me to give the class and they're buying the material(basic bead necklace/bracelet) and they're supplying the students?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 05:46:48 +0000

In reply to Wanda byrd. Wanda, I think that sounds very do-able, and it's nice to start out with just a couple of students, then grow to more if you want. Wishing you and your students a wonderfully creative time! :)

By: Wanda byrd

Wanda byrd — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:16:12 +0000

I’m interested in a one day handcraft Jewelry class in basic costume jewelry. I’m only using stretch cord in assembling the Jewelry but it will include a necklace, bracelet and earrings. I want to work with two customers in a class. Does this seem possible to try for a first time in home project?

By: Stephani Moore

Stephani Moore — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 12:47:24 +0000

I have taught several classes and I found it to be extremely helpful to just pick one specific project to work on for the class. Limiting the focus helps the students not be so overwhelmed. I also type out the instructions for the project, giving every participant a copy along with some pictures of the finished product. So, if I am helping someone else, then the other participants at least have a reference sheet. Also, I usually buy my beads for these class either through bulk on my wholesalers. However, I also take jewelry pieces from consignment/thrift shop with decent beads and then dissemble the pieces for the beads.

By: Sandy West

Sandy West — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 01:56:35 +0000

I agree with Sarah about written instructions. When I teach a class, I write instructions. Then I make the project using them to see if there is something missing or needs to be clarified. I print one for each student and myself. On mine I highlight and add “liner notes” so that in class I know what to say. I start each class with a short tutorial about wire and some basic skills needed for that class (making jump rings or simple loops).

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:49:11 +0000

I”ve done a few beginners classes, and each time the tools were supplied – at one class they came in cute little wicker baskets. We could pick the beads we used from a selection the teacher supplied – it was extraordinary to see what we each chose; some went for big and bright, others were small and muted. We all made the same thing but each one was very different. I think if you’re running a beginners class they won’t want to commit to tools at that stage – until they get the bug…
Oh, and having the stages of the project written down and copied so everyone has one is really handy, both in class and afterwards when you’re trying to make it again. Now I’m much more experienced as a maker, I can see how each teacher really cut down the number of instructions/stages to make it suitable for beginners but at the time it was all I could take in.
Good luck and enjoy it! If you’re relaxed and confident, then they’ll be happy.

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:21:47 +0000

The only other thing I would add to above comments is to limit the size of your group. 6 seems like plenty. Teaching a group is different than teaching an individual. Different personalities, different learning curves, etc. Consider doing more than 1 beginner class to keep the size down

By: Judy Bjorkman

Judy Bjorkman — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:34:34 +0000

I agree with the preceding comments — fold the costs of basic tools into the class fee. It also depends on what techniques you will be teaching. In my basic class I taught the use of the jeweler’s saw, hammer decoration, filing the edges of sheet metal jewelry pieces, and using patina. (I did not do beading or wire-wrapping.) Most of my students were beaders who wanted to know more about metal. What a great group — hard-working, fun, and motivated!
–Judy

By: Dianne

Dianne — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 13:01:30 +0000

I have taught in schools, galleries and corporate team-building days. My experience here taught me that I prefer to supply the materials and build them into the price of the class. The reason for this is that regardless of how specific I was to the materials list, they always came with the wrong supplies. As far as the tools, I agree with Becky. They can buddy-up and share tools so you don’t have to have a set for each student.
For beading classes, I supplied kits of supplies in base metal and glass beads in a variety of colors. Keep in mind that it is the techniques you are teaching.
Another thing teaching has taught me is that more than anything they want to have fun! Don’t get hung up on being perfect, just be human and have a good time…they’ll remember that and before you know it you’ll be teaching everywhere! Best of luck!

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:51:09 +0000

When I taught small groups, I would buy inexpensive tools for them to purchase as starters, round nose pliers, cutters, and flat nose pliers. They shared my crimper at first. Then I would have all supplies in individual baggies. That way they have everything they need for the class and can upgrade their tools later if they wish. I would show them a finished project beforehand to make sure that is what they wanted to make. They always wanted to make everything. Good luck.