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As an artisan, you have expertise in your craft. Teaching is a great way to share your skills, stimulate interest in your work (and your craft), and earn more money for your business. In today’s post, I’m sharing 5 reasons you should strongly consider adding teaching to your creative business.
Plus, find out how you could win a copy of my new eBook below!
Teaching isn’t seasonal
Many creative businesses are seasonal with a high volume of sales happening during a relatively short period during the year. It can be difficult to make these earnings last through the “dry spells.”
By adding teaching to your business, you can make cash flow more regular throughout the year because people are always looking for opportunities to learn new skills and get project inspiration.
Teaching often pays better than other crafty ventures
While there are many possible compensation models for crafts teachers, you can generally earn more per hour (and with less effort) than you can by selling your finished crafts. This allows you to teach just few hours per week (or month) and add a steady source of income to your business.
Teaching builds credibility and reputation
People often assume that those who teach have more talent and skill than others in the field. Students also love to talk about their favorite teachers and share their work with friends and family. In addition, as a teacher you can piggyback on the reputation of the venue where you teach, such as a museum, local charity, or college continuing education program.
Teaching gives your body a break
Many creative business owners spend hours repeating the same motions or hunched in awkward positions bringing their creations to life. While teaching crafts usually includes demonstrations, as a teacher you’ll also spend time walking around a classroom, looking at student work, and doing other activities that are less repetitive. It may give your body a much needed rest after a week of working on projects.
Teaching lets you travel and attend events at a lower cost
Use teaching to subsidize your next trip. Once you establish yourself as a teacher, pitch workshop ideas to venues in city you plan to visit, or submit teaching proposals to events you want to attend.
These are just 5 reasons to consider adding teaching to your business. You can find more reasons, as well as everything you need to know about getting started as a teacher, in my new book, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students. Although it’s focused on crochet, most of the information is relevant to any crafts teacher.
Bonus eBook giveaway!
We’re giving away one copy of Marie Segares’ new eBook, Make Money Teaching Crochet: Launch Your Business, Increase Your Side Income, Reach More Students to one lucky winner!
This contest ended.
And the winner is… Susan Hall-Amado!
Susan, Marie will contact you for your prize. Thanks to everyone who commented!
What’s your best tip for learning to crochet?
Marie Segares
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- 5 Reasons to Add Teaching to Your Creative Business + eBook Giveaway! - June 17, 2016
- Networking Business Strategies – Part 2 - October 9, 2015
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Tip: You can do it regardless of age.
You can learn to crochet regardless of age.
When I started crocheting I learned by making a doily. I would never recommend that to anyone because the patterns are not always correct and causes a lot of frustration. What I would do now is learn by making a simple scarf and starting out with single crochet to learn how to get the correct tension and ingrain what the stitch is as well as learning how to hold the yarn correctly. From there move to half double, then double crochet and so forth. This allows you to practice each stitch while perfecting your tension and memorizing each stitch. Making a scarf also allows you to rip back the row when needed to fix stitches. I assisted in teaching a beginners crochet class and the main instructor was all over the place in teaching methods and really frustrated the class so I ended up taking over the class and used this method. It worked great and alleviated the frustration level of the class.
My best tip would be to relax! This will keep the yarn tension and your hands from being too tight. Also just keep practicing don’t give up!
practice alot and dont give up. i watch youtube videos to learn new stitches and for ideas
My best tip for learning to crochet is to start with smaller projects that can be done quicker and can build your confidence quicker then practice, practice, practice.
I recommend using a large hook and worsted weight yarn or bigger for new students making afghans. They will see their results more quickly. Also start with a simple pattern. After they have finished a few projects this way, they may be ready to try something more advanced or work with finer yarns.
Crochet is lots of chain stitches worked in patterns.
Crochet is lots of chain stitches worked into a pattern
Marie I love your work & I would love to learn how to teach to give back what was os freely given to me & Literally saved my life!!!! Thank you for all your hard work!!
Thanks for your kind words, Susanne! I know many of us feel the same way about crochet.
The most important tip that I can give to anyone wanting to learn how to crochet is “never give up”, keep on trying. Even little mistakes can turn into the most beautiful pieces of fabric and, you never know, you might create a brand new stitch…that’s how I learnt.
My best tip for learning crochet is to have patience with yourself. Learning any new skill can be frustrating at times, but once you catch on, you’ll be working through all sorts of patterns and projects.
My best advice to learning to crochet is to be observant and take your time and follow step by step and ASK QUESTIONS!!…don’t feel a question is not appropriate. It is important to you or you wouldn’t’ need to ask it.
Crochet is quite easy to learn if you clear out all negative thoughts you might have had in the past about it first of all, and be patient with yourself until it feels comfortable to you.
Some really good food for thought here!
I have been crocheting for so long I tend to put my own little spin into things I make from patterns. I still have not tried to teach to much other than family. Would love to try and learn how to teach.
For those new to crafts, don’t be so hard on yourself. You are learning at least three different new things at the same time! Relax and have fun.
I used to crochet and tat and quilt when I was in my 20’s but with life I didn’t have time to keep up but recently have have retired and now have just crochet my first baby Afghan for my great nephew and up to getting back into it.
When you want to crochet, find a comfortable location. I like to use a piece of paper to mark completed rows crocheted so I do not lose my place from the pattern.
i have no idea as I am looking to learn
Loved the information you shared. My best tip for learning to crochet would be something “visual”. I am a visual learner and often search you tube posts to learn new stitches.
My best tip would be not to give up. If you really want to learn, keep trying.
Make Sure You Have Enough Light!! You can’t crochet if you cant see!!
My best tip is to have patience 🙂
My tip is to start with a simple project.
Start with a small project in a color that you love.
My best tip for learning to crochet is… do not be afraid of ripping out your stitches! You’ll get a better product if you rip out a few stitches and try again than if you keep doing it incorrectly.
Don’t give up!
watch online videos to learn new techniques