Any advice for running courses/workshops?

[Giggles]

I've toyed with the idea of starting my own arty crafty courses/workshops for a while now. I'm an art teacher so I have no problems with the doing bit, but....
how long should it be, how much, do I supply stuff, class size, pay in full/deposit before the event, etc so many questions...

does anyone have any 'general' advice? Obviously much of it depends on what I'm offering, where etc but any tips would be much appreciated.

[nattynetty]

As you're a teacher already you're in a great position knowing all about lesson plans etc - I always write them when planning my workshops.

Why not try offering 2 different types of courses - a Saturday day long workshop and also a short series of 2hr workshops run over a few weeks on a Wednesday evening (for example). That way you can gauge which way is most popular, or you may find both ways are popular!

As you say, a lot of your questions really do depend on what you're doing but when I run my card making workshops I ask the 'students' to bring the basics (scissors, pencil, ruler) and I supply the rest of the tools (often 1 between 2). I also supply all the materials and make it clear that these are included in the price and that they will take home x number of completed cards at the end of the workshop - that way they'll feel they are getting more than just the tuition for their money.

When thinking about numbers take into consideration the amount of tools you'll need to provide, space available, cost of venue and how intensive the tuiton will be. I used to only have 6 students per class due to space but will be running them in a new venue soon so will have a limit of 12-15 students then - anymore and I think I'd struggle to give the students the individual attention they may need.

As for payment, to guarentee their place I now insist they pay upfront in full as I got too many no-shows when I asked for just a small disposit (which is very frustrating when you've turned other people away).

Oh and I also produced handouts for the students to take away so they remember what they learnt.

Gosh that was a mini essay wasn't it :mummy:

[Giggles]

Thanks very much for that, some great ideas to get my teeth into.

:D

[musivarius]

A couple of other things that I do which are worth thinking about;

If your handouts are over a certain number of pages rather than just staple them together see if there is anywhere that you can get them comb bound. This can be quite cheap, I get mine done for 80p each which includes a clear cover. I have a card frontpiece with a mosaic image on, this way you go from giving out hand outs to supplying a manual. same info different image.

I also have a 'crib card' which is an oversize glossy postcard (Vistaprint freebie) and has a nice image of a mosaic on the front and the short form of the salient information on the back.

Think also about what your students do if they want to continue that type of craftwork. Can you set aside 5 minutes at the end about how to continue, what you need and where you can get the raw materials (can you supply them?). this way you will continue to get business from some of your students even after the course is over.

[Uriel Jane]

Hi

I haven't got much to add but if you don't mind I would like to keep an eye on the info in this post in case it comes in handy.

Thanks
:)

[jencel]

As for payment, to guarentee their place I now insist they pay upfront in full as I got too many no-shows when I asked for just a small disposit (which is very frustrating when you've turned other people away).

Definitely. I've had just the same experience.

And you'll need some insurance, public liability for sure, and probably product liability too. A company that does craft insurance will be able to advise you. A lot of us use Ian Wallace, and he'll certainly provide you need, but there are other companies too.

[Decima]

Hi,

Having run a variety of workshops over a number of years, we have found that our students prefer to pay for their materials separately on the night. That way the course fee is not as expensive for the initial outlay, and the students only pay for the materials they use on a weekly basis which helps their pocket!

For PPL insurance you could try a-n magazine, it's a good deal.

Good luck

Decima

[HF Glass Lady]

I asked a similar question a while ago but with no replies..so to tag onto this one what about if you wanted to do one to one tuition in your home any restrictions/tips to go along with whats been said above? Sorry to crash your thread by the way!!! ;)

[AnnieAnna]

If a museum asked you to run a course/a sewing club how much would you charge per session?
The one we've been asked about is having 'children' (they could be teenagers) making costumes to match portraits. There would be a lot of expertise/tailoring skills/ reseach that we would be bringing to this venture.
Any advice gratefully received.
AnnieAnna

[Giggles]

I thought I might use my daughters first birthday party as an excuse for a test run, I was thinking of a painty party and letting the kiddies paint a canvas to take home. i have lots of mum n baby friends to ask, it'll give me a chance to see how the idea works out in reality.

[brunette]

I asked a similar question a while ago but with no replies..so to tag onto this one what about if you wanted to do one to one tuition in your home any restrictions/tips to go along with whats been said above? Sorry to crash your thread by the way!!! ;)

Any advice on this? I am also thinking of doing small one to one sessions at home.

[AnnieAnna]

Common sense says you will need public liability insurance, maybe product iiability, but if you insure through one of the craft sympathetic insurance companies they should sort you out..
You should inform your house insurers - you might need to alter or change your policy. (Strangers have the potential to wreak havoc.)
Are you going to be alone with children? You oght to be police checked. If you insist the children remain accompanied by a significant adult you should be OK.

If you google, uk, "teaching at home" insurance it should bring up a discussion on another forum (which I think I'm not allowed to mention) but the thread is titled Forums. Teaching from home

It's music teachers discussing the subject. They've got spe******t music insurers. You'll get a better deal if you go to a spe******t arts and crafts insurer.

AnnieAnna

[brunette]

Thanks, this is helpful!