Care to Share #3
… the page where we encourage all you budding teachers to do it!
Sharon’s Inspiration
When I first moved to Staines, I wanted to start teaching people.
I started off by contacting my local garden centre and asking if I could demonstrate on one
morning per week, and they were happy for me to do it. They also liked to support me as a small
local business.
I created some posters saying ‘Anyone can learn to paint’. They included details about me, and
that I’d demonstrate how it’s done on Wednesday mornings from 10 am to 12 midday. They let me
display it on their notice board.
I demonstrated simple strokework techniques and painted flowers and leaves. People were
curious and broke off from their shopping to chat to me. I told them they could come along as a
one off, and if they liked it then they could carry on with regular classes. One of the ladies I met
there has been coming to me for nine years now.
Another man I met asked if he could buy some of my painted coasters, which I had on display,
and he spent £80 on Christmas gifts!
One advantage of being in the garden centre is that many people who go there have spare time
and are interested in new things to do.
Find Sharon at: http://sharonwolf.blogspot.com
Gill’s Inspiration
Gill’s teaching is already established, as Acorn Folk Art in Bude, Cornwall.
Although she has healthy numbers of students coming to classes, she knows that they are like the
tide on Summerleaze Beach - they come and they go.
Gill keeps her art and classes in the public eye by taking a table at local craft fairs, and mind body
and spirit shows. She does make-n-take sessions, where people can try their hand at simple
designs. The new trend for mindfulness pastimes attracts students, as there is no better way to
relax than a bit of painting. I love the way Gill calls her students acorns, saplings, and oak trees -
as they progress through her courses improving their skills as they go.
What she charges offsets the cost of the table at the event, and keeps a steady flow of new
students.
Find Gill at: http://fromlittleacorns-bigoaktreesgrow.blogspot.com
…oooOOOooo…
So, if you are concerned about starting your new teaching career, book a table at your local craft
fair, paint some samples to showcase your skills, price them reasonably so they sell, and either do
some simple demos, or offer make-n-takes. Once you attract peoples attention and get them
talking … they’re hooked!
(Contact Gill ([email protected] ) or Kim ([email protected]) for more info)