Hello!
So I have been putting together a jewelry class for the beginner. I
have written everything down, researched the costs of my bulk
supplies, etc. This will be an eight week program (still a blueprint
at this point). I will begin with basic bead stringing and end with
sheet metals, but will not advance to torch techniques, as I am
still a novice and it requires a whole other set of tools and
expenses.
My target students are people, probably women, who are on a budget.
I’m looking to pitch my class to community centers and non-profit
organizations. My question is how toapproach them. I have everything
on paper (and no, I don’t have a degree). This will also be part art
history; I want to show people what’s beendone in history and what’s
possible with the skills they learn from me, soI’ll show slides
before each class. This is just the way I want to doit and I don’t
have a degree, nor do I see that in my near future, so non-profit
and community centers seem like the ideal places. This will also
keep things affordable for the students rather than holding the
classes at a bead shop where the students would have to buy there
supplies at threetimes the cost.
I am not looking to make a living here, but rather toshare what I’ve
taught myself over the past 20 years and inspire others. Does anyone
have experience with teaching programs in this way? I just wantto
present it the right way and I’m fully prepared to demonstrate if
need be.
Also, for the record, I space all my words in my posts accordingly,
but some words have no spaces between them when they end up on the
forum for some reason. I do know how to construct a paragraph. lol
Thanks!
Sound wonderful, and I love the idea of including a bit of history
and slides! You do NOT need a degree for this, don’t even MENTION
the degree issue - you aren’t applying to teach at a college for
college credit - only time you need a degree 
I would think community centers in particular would love this. You
might also check with Senior Centers, and if there are retirement
communities in your area many of those offer crafts classes also.
Be VERY clear on what YOU need to get per student - the venue will
need to add their charge on top of that. I teach a range of classes
at area community and arts centers, and I tell them what I need to
get per student, and they add their bit on top of that then
advertise it at the final cost. I require a minimum number of
students (my cost per student is based on that), and also set a
maximum to be sure I don’t have so many I can’t provide them with
the individual attention they need and deserve.
Good luck and have fun!
Beth Wicker
Three Cats and a Dog Design Studio
Hi Denise
I have many degrees none in jewellery. When I asked my teacher if we
get a piece of paper for this class. He said “Sure.” and handed me a
piece of paper.
To get the job at the school teaching jewellery I went to the
principal and showed her some of my pieces and explained how the
students could make them. Got the job.
All the best
Richard.
You might try a community college. They are always looking for
interesting classes. You can take a copy of the class schedule and
see if the senior centers can fit you into their schedule. You can
also teach the classes at your home to get your feet wet and see how
they go.
Good luck
Jewelry students shoudl also be taught basic Gemology classes we
offer It is shame that many of the schools and also classes at
commerical shop events have no Gemology Classes or online basic
gemology courses so thta students know what they are buying and how
totell treatments and synthetics, glass, plastic, etc Thgis is the
pruposeof our lectires and presenations made by Peru Blue Opal Ltd
-miners-cutters-manuifacturers for 22 years from Lima Peru and USA
is to educate the public and beaders, jewrely designers and even
Gemologists and Grdauate Gemologist See my presenation for
Washington DC GIA on the net at “Gemstones of Peru” Lee Horowitz.
Education is extremely important. Having been to court as an expewrt
witness in several cases it is the duty and obligation ofevery
designer to insure thye stones or what they sell is what they
claimit to be. So often I hear well so and so claimed it was this
while nto being a gemologist or testing what they have. Dop not be
on the backend of alawsuit and then claim “ignornace” Take all the
education you can get and jewelry and bead programs should start
offering our gemology courses as part of the education proccess.
Lee Horowitz, M. Ed, CAGS, Gemologist
Thanks, Beth! You have beautiful work, by the way.
I forgot to mention that I thought I’d try and find someone to fund
the classes since I was hoping to teach women in crisis. It’s not a
massive cost, but one I can’t payout of pocket at the moment. Do you
have experience with that?
Denise
I have no experience with that per se BUT would suggest you check
with both your local and state arts agencies and those who would
deal with women in crisis, and see if there are any grants that you
might be able to apply for. Once upon a time our SC State Arts
Commission had money to fund grants for artists, and I rather
suspect a well-written proposal for this would have been funded.
Given the current economy not sure how much funding is still going
on, but worth checking out.
Good luck!
Beth Wicker
Three Cats and a Dog Design Studio