Held my first workshop yesterday--boy is it hard work!
By Suzieqmom
@Suzieqmom (2755)
United States
January 24, 2011 10:49am CST
I had my first card-making workshop yesterday, and had 8 attendees. It was a TON of fun, but it is a LOT of work. I stood throughout the demonstration, and circulated to answer any questions, so that is somewhat tiring, but having to be "on" throughout the demo and be able to answer any questions (or find the answer) is even more exhausting! Now I see why professional crafters/demonstrators charge so much money for their time--because it is far more exhausting than most "desk" jobs (I've had several of those, too).
But it is rewarding, and a lot of fun too, and I got to meet some new, really nice people, so I will definitely persevere!
Have any of you fellow crafters held demonstrations/workshops/tutorials? Any tips or experiences to share are much appreciated!
2 people like this
11 responses
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
1 Feb 11
How fun--I love cross stitch. You are teaching counted cross stitch, I presume?
1 person likes this
@browneyed (2522)
• United Kingdom
24 Jan 11
Congrats on not only setting up but getting through your first workshop.
I'm not a crafter, but I've lead creative writing workshops in the past, so I know how energy-taking facilitating workshops can be, but also how energy-giving it can be too.
I'm not sure what tips I can give because we do different things. However, maybe you could do warm-ups at the top of the workshops, as well as a fun little way to do individual intros. Also, ask for feedback/testimonials at the end of the session and permission to use it for promotion (and whether they want their name quoted).
You could also keep a personal journal for yourself as you embark on your workshop journey.
Well done again and all the best.
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
26 Jan 11
These are all FANTASTIC tips--I really appreciate them! I am getting ready to do my next one--a kids' class--which ought to be both more tiring and less, if you know what I mean.
1 person likes this
@browneyed (2522)
• United Kingdom
26 Jan 11
You're welcome :-)
All the best with your next one.
Take care...
@jillhill (37353)
• United States
28 Jan 11
I have been to several! I also make cards! They are so much fun but I can see all the work you must have had to put into it to have the workshop itself! I also belong to a stamping club...we take turns teaching different techniques....and you have to basically bring the things everyone will need for the card you are demonstrating! But it is fun...do you sell stamps etc too?
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
29 Jan 11
I am a member of a couple of scrapbooking clubs, and it is through this that I signed up to a demonstrator. At first I did it only to get free products, but am finding I like it so much that I want to actually teach it. And yes, I sell stamps, paper and such too, but I honestly like the classes better.
It sounds like we do some pretty similar stuff. It is fun, isn't it?
@marsha32 (6631)
• United States
25 Jan 11
It sounds really interesting! Is this a class that you are teaching and charging for as a way to earn an income?
I don't feel that I am good enough at any of the crafts that I do to actually teach any sort of a craft. Although.....I've finally gotten the hang of making the rugs with toothbrushes. An elderly lady that attends our sewing club at church offered to show us all how to make them. She doesn't sew with us, but comes every month and helps to iron material, cut material and help us tie the quilts we make.
Marsha
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
26 Jan 11
Yes, these are classes. Some will be free, and then ask people to order supplies, and some will be a flat fee, and they keep the items they've made. I am "between jobs" as they say, and hope that this will generate enough income that I can stay that way!
@Porcospino (31365)
• Denmark
28 Jan 11
I also make cards. I have never held a workshop, but I am thinking about it because some people have asked me if I wanted to teach them my techniques. I think that it could be fun and interesting to do something like that. It is something that I really enjoy and it could be interesting to meet other people who share the same interest. Right now I am busy with other things and I don't have the time for something like that, but maybe one day 
@xinshunhe (132)
• China
25 Jan 11
A little shame that I'm not a crafter nor demonstrator to give you some suggestion. I've browsed it carefully. Anyway,congratulations to you on raising your own business!
@palonghorn (5479)
• United States
6 Feb 11
That is great, glad it went well. There is a lot of time and effort put into doing workshops. I will be starting my own soon, as well as all-day crops, and weekend retreats for scrapbooking. I want to incorporate at least one make-and-take for each crop. I also just started my own business selling scrapbooking supplies which I am very excited about. So, as far as tips go, I don't really have any other than don't give up. Just keep going, with each one it will become easier and you will get more comfortable with each time. Good Luck
@coffeebreak (17797)
• United States
5 Feb 11
Good for you! I have always thought of doing something like that. I was skilled in so many different crafts, but just don't have the "public speaking" part down! Now I don't do much in crafts anymore...think I burned myself out! BUt I still look at watch and think about them! I think the first time is hard to cause you don't know what to expect out of the students, but now that you know, each time you will be more prepared and I bet soon, it will be a breeze for you and you'll love it every time.
@la_chique (1498)
•
24 Jan 11
that's so good! Well done. I''ve thought about doing this for crochet in the next 6 months or so. How did you get into that? Just call around local places?
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
26 Jan 11
No, I started with people I know, who would host the workshop for me. As I become more experienced, I will start reaching out to local businesses and such.
@marie2052 (3691)
• United States
14 Apr 11
Boy can I hear an echo as I read your discussion. I used to do ceramics as a wholesale/retail business of finished items.
I met people along the way who wanted to learn ceramics and I thought it would be fun to have a one night a week craft class.
i had to give it up because as I sat and helped one person I was in the process of doing 3 or 4 at the same time they were doing one. I was just self taught and worked at a fast pace that was comfortable for me.
however sometimes I did ceramic ornaments with the kids at gradeschool as their roommother. It was fun to see the kids try to be so correct when working on their ornament. I was a roommother for 5 children from kindergarten to 6th grade. When I think about it whew I did a lot of stuff with those kids LOL
@Suzieqmom (2755)
• United States
26 Jan 11
Good for you--that is truly a rewarding experience--and a challenging one. If you wanted to share your knowledge further, you could consider volunteering to tutor at the local library or something. Or, make it a part-time service and charge a fee. But focus on your nephew first--sounds like you are really helping him. 
