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Ok, yesterday I was a lurker, and today I am actually posting a question!! I have been asked to teach four classes at our local community center (one a week for four weeks). I have to have class descriptions by next week for publication. Has anyone done this before, and does anyone have suggestions on what topics to cover? The classes would be from 7-9pm. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I am starting to teach monthly classes in my home. It seems that everyone wants the age old question answered--"How did you do that?" I would suggest to do techniques classes. Maybe embossing (heat and dry), backgrounds (tissue and acetate, rubber cement, brayer shaving cream, etc.), gift items (stamped candles, notepads, pens, etc.) and Think outside the Box. What else can you do with your stamps--paper casting, making seals, something like that.
I do a monthly stamping class. I focus on techniques. So many out there that I may never run out. I like what Chrisrebold said. They sound like great topics and should appeal to a large audience. Embossing is such a huge class that you may actually want to break it down to only basics or do two classes. I did a class last month on embossing and I could have easily done more than one class.
I have a lot of fun teaching classes. I can use products that SU doesn't carry and I don't have to continually bring up a product name. I say use a Black pigment ink, a brayer, and and adhesive. Pretty simple.
I usually do at least 2 take home projects. Very short me talking section b/c I want them to try out the tech. and tweak it if they want. I have a few samples already done that they can see and then I run over the tech and different products and any tips. Then I let them loose. I have several different stamp sets and inks and papers. I guess I could make it easier on me by making everyone use only one stamp set and inks but this way they can experiment and I can even see different ideas too. I think everyone wins this way.
__________________ Melissa Wadkins (Mel)
Peace begins with a smile.
Member #3785
How long is each class, and is it for new, intermediate or experienced stampers?
If it's for newbies, I'd start with a very simple class explaining stamping basics like cutting paper, different types of ink, how to mount unmounted stamps (including the different mounting systems), how to ink up your stamp, how NOT to mush it into the paper, different types of adhesives, background stamping, and two step stamping. I'd also talk about resources (SU, lss, online groups) . (If it's for more experienced stampers I'd still cover these topics, just more quickly). Everybody could make some simple cards using basic stamping techniques.
In the next class I'd cover Embellishments 101 (embossing, eyelets/brads, ribbon, glitter, vellum) and then in the third class I'd cover cool techniques like shaving cream, brayering, crayon resist, & polished stone, and how to use cool products like Pearl Ex, Twinkling H2Os, Xyron, microbeads etc. in the last class.
Since you're likely to have at least a couple of scrapbookers, even if you don't work on any display some pages & talk about how the techniques & products can be used on scrapbook pages.
I've been teaching classes for a couple of months now and a lot of my newer customers got confused when I used too many techniques, so I suggest you start out slow each class and then determine where to go with each project based on how well people catch on. For example, if you do 4 cards in a 2 hour class, you can make 3 quick and easy ones and 1 more difficult. If you planned to emboss for the 4th card, but the class is going longer than expected because people just don't get it or can't get over their fear, then do the same card, but don't emboss !!!
You can do these types of themes - Birthday Cards (big hit for me), Thanksgiving (autumn), Christmas (winter) and General Greetings (maybe a floral set).
Just have fun and do what makes you happy . . . your happiness and enthusiasm will be contagious !!!
Teaching Classes?
