Knot workshop

Jewelry Discussion
1

I just recently conducted my first-ever workshop on tying wire into
a knot to make a bracelet, and now I feel somewhat readier to take on
more of them. I’ve been asked about this in the past, so I know that
there are some people who are interested, now all I have to do is
find them . . .

So, my question(s): should I try to manage the whole thing myself,
or should I stick with the same process that I just went through,
letting an organization (in this case it was the Florida Society of
Goldsmiths) run the show and just charge a combination of flat fee
and per-student rider? Locally, I could get the use of a small hall
for the purpose, but if I travel elsewhere, there are all sorts of
details like that that would be easier for a local person to manage.

If I do get someone to arrange things, how much should I charge? I
didn’t feel that I got as much as I should have, this last time, but
how much is too much?

I must say, the students impressed me a lot. I had eight, nine
counting the studio helper, and every one of them managed to complete
a bracelet before the day was over. We had facilities to solder the
ends, so several of them were able to wear theirs, with justifiable
pride, as they left, though the pieces could really have stood some
time in a tumbler first. :wink:

Loren http://www.golden-knots.com/

2

Hello Loren,

  I just recently conducted my first-ever workshop on tying wire
into a knot to make a bracelet, and now I feel somewhat readier to
take on  more of them. So, my question(s):  should I try to manage
the whole thing myself, or should I stick with the same process
that I just went through, letting an organization (in this case it
was the Florida Society of Goldsmiths) run the show and just charge
a combination of flat fee and per-student rider? 

One of the things I do in my day job is programming - that's the

code word for putting together all the details involved in setting
up a continuing education session. I’m sure you could do it
yourself, but it does take time and patience, as well as a network
of resources. You need to ask yourself what is the best use of your
time.

You might contact a local university or college (most have an

office for continuing ed) and find out what they charge for the
service. It could work well if they have lab space available for
your class, adequate parking, etc. The office on our campus does
everything from advertising the event and taking registrations, to
making nametags and goodybags.

My advice would be to cooperate with the sponsoring organization at

least one more time, and take notes on what they do and list the
services. You will be in a better position to decide how you want
to proceed. Certainly, you want your workshops to be well-received
in every way so that word of mouth will help fill your classes.
Observing those who do it well will help you, should you decide to
do your own programming.

 A distinct advantage of sponsorship by a professional organization

is their ability to advertise to prospective students. If you add
up the cost of postage to send out mailers to 500 people, let alone
developing a mailing list and stuffing envelopes, you begin to
appreciate having someone else do it!

Best of luck and avoid the naughty knots, Judy in Kansas Judy M.

Willingham, R.S. Biological and Agricultural Engineering 237 Seaton
Hall Kansas State University Manhattan KS 66506
(785) 532-2936

3

I wanted to thank the people who offered advice and encouragement
when I asked about my workshop organizing. I’m going to actually
take everyone’s advice, at different stages, and to different degrees
. . . :wink:

Meanwhile, thought I’d just let folks know that I’ll be conducting a
Prolong Bracelet workshop in Tucson, on February 9th, Sunday, the
last day before I head home again.

I’ll be driving out there, and intend to stop and visit with friends
on the way out and back. It looks like there will be some
opportunities for some workshops along the way, if anyone is
interested enough to contact me between now and the middle of January
or so and let me know where they are. My route will be adjustable,
within reason, as long as I make it out to Tucson on time and make it
home in time to keep my boss happy.

So, if you’re between Florida and Arizona, and can spare the time
when I’m in your neighborhood, let me know. One-on-one sessions
probably wouldn’t take more than a few hours. Of course I’d have to
set aside some time for actual driving, so I’ll have to plan
carefully.

Loren