Workshop/ demonstration experiences please

[Anna Wales]

I keep being asked to do either workshops or demonstrations/talks on jewellery making. I haven't got anywhere that I could do them at home but could go out to venues and quite like the idea of maybe doing a few simple project making sessions. Can I have advice, horror stories ,good experiences and anything else anybody would like to add. Also what are the charges for this sort of thing? I could supply the tools and silver.

Thanks and Happy New Year to everybody.

[Patstone]

Where abouts are you, I have been trying to find like minded people in my area but they dont seem to exist.

[Anna Wales]

North Wales coast Pat so a very long way from you I'm afraid.

[Patstone]

Pity, I even wondered if I could do college demonstrations that take the evening courses, but not sure if thats for me.

[caroleallen]

In the past I've taught in college using my own equipment which was a nightmare as I always managed to forget a vital tool each time. You have to be super organised, which I'm not.

I've taught in my own studio for several years and it's much more relaxing. I only had a few at a time - 3 is comfortable. It's not something I made a lot of money at though. I was charging £95 per day for one, £70 per person for two and £60 per person for three. I gave it up because I didn't have time but I may take it up again now that I have lots more help in the studio.

My advice is to start with everyone making the same thing, i.e. a ring as if everyone's making different things, it can be exhausting. Once they build up some skills, they can be left to get on with it a bit more.

[Anna Wales]

Thanks Carole that's really helpful.I think this will be more of a one off several times with different people so they will perhaps only get one go at it. The point about everybody making the same is a very sensible idea. I'm still not sure if I'll have the patience to do it but just fancy trying it.

[pearlescence]

However you do it make sure the insurance is sorted. Otherwise the person who sets himself on fire with the torch will be just the one to sue you

[Anna Wales]

However you do it make sure the insurance is sorted. Otherwise the person who sets himself on fire with the torch will be just the one to sue you

In these days of sue the pants off everybody that's going to be one of my first questions. Thank you for the reminder.

[Moon Willow]

Carole is spot on !!!

Teaching is so exhausting, I've taught a class of 11 students at the B.C. School of Jewellery, that nearly killed me I slept for a week after that
I was answering questions none stop and demonstrating techniques at the same time for five days, once only and never again.

You need to be mentally strong to teach or just a raving lunatic and be prepared to have a wide knowledge of the industry because
some of the questions you get asked are quite deep even when teaching novices.

Although tools were supplied by the school (not good standard) like Carole I had to bring in three big tool boxes to supplement them
and still found myself bringing in specialist tools daily.

Carlton

[Aurarius]

Unless you're teaching from your own workshop and teaching only a very small number of students (say 4 max.) don't let the students use your own tools unsupervised. I taught a different craft to mixed classes of undergrads and post-grads in a university Art and Design department for a couple of years. There were usually around twenty students in the studio at one time. There were always a few of them who had no tool sympathy and apparently no sense, who wrecked tools and sometimes caused injury (fortunately minor under my watch) to themselves and others in the process. You can't have eyes in the back of your head.
Yes, see to your insurance and get them to sign a health and safety warning sheet with attached disclaimer.

[Dennis]

Anna, I have attended the same jewellery class for twenty years, with people coming and going and accidents are rare.

But I have seen a mini-torch flare. The student threw it on the floor and everyone just stood around and stared. They need to be put out as quickly as possible, preferably with a fire blanket.

Another problem has been people burning their fingers on soldering bricks, recently vacated by someone else and then trying to blame them.

So yes you do need eyes in the back of your head and ears for that matter. Dennis.

[Patstone]

Gosh Dennis that must be a record. I suppose London has its own rules, down here you are lucky if the class lasts the "one evening a week" for the whole 10 weeks. The one and only course I attended was at Exeter College and was one evening a week for 10 weeks, it started with about 20 students, at the end there were only about 5 left. I have learned quite a lot from you guys, and of course YouTube, but I think if you have a practical mindset you can work out how things should be done. The biggest problem is to make a piece of jewellery look as you envisaged, then make other people want it.

[LydiaNiz]

I've done a few one-to-one workshops, one with 5 x 10 year olds - and 4 times a year we have open studios & a market. We do have-a-go events at these and I do simple hammered silver wire rings with people (over 10 - shatter your thumbs), it's a cheap gig - £10 a ring - but they are very quick and a lovely way for folk just popping in to have a try at soldering/forming and help us do a bit of community bonding. My thumbs are usually mashed flat by the end of the day though ;-)
My insurance covers me for teaching workshops & £5 million personal & public liability. I've been asked to do some further afield, but am uhming and ahing over lugging gear (I don't drive).

[Anna Wales]

I might very well fall into the raving lunatic category. Thanks for all the replies, very helpful and certainly needs thinking about. I'll let you know what happens.

[Patstone]

Learn to drive girlie, it will open up your world.

[BRJ]

I only teach one to one, in my studio - I always need a tool which is somewhere else, even when I think I have everything prepared for the lesson. I find it exhausting, and only do 2 hour sessions at a time. I am stopping now, as its too time consuming and does not pay enough.

I start with the basics, soldering, piercing, and we can normally make a simple silver ring in that time, beaten finish or stamped with a pattern. Its very rewarding for the student to finish something in one session. I polish it for them before they leave if it needs it. I send them all a detailed list of what they should be aware of, some safety rules, and what to wear. You might think its obvious, but I have had people turn up in smart shoes and long hair!