If You Know It, Teach It!

imakecutestuff

Story by imakecutestuff

Published on July 30, 2009 in Make

Photo by Venbead

UPDATE: TeachStreet.com announced the winners of the Arts & Crafts Contest! Congrats to these awesome Etsian-teachers:


[The following was originally posted on July 2, 2009.]

School might be out for the summer, but crafting teachers and continuing education instructors are keeping active. Marlo Miyashiro, a.k.a. imakecutestuff and marlom, is a jeweler, crafter, teacher, mentor and an arts business consultant living in Seattle, WA. She’s been in the crafts industry for over 20 years and thrives on helping others avoid the mistakes she’s made. She uses a site called TeachStreet.com to promote and organize classes she teaches. And since Etsy is partnering with TeachStreet, we asked Marlo to tell the story of how she got involved in teaching. 

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” – Maya Angelou

How did you learn your craft? Did you read a book? Take a class? Learn from a friend or relative? Have you ever thought about expanding your business by teaching people how to do what you do? Teaching is a great way to give back to the creative community while adding to your bottom line — and that is worth some consideration in times like these.

If you’ve ever participated in a class, attended a workshop or even spent time sitting around a table chatting with other creative people, you’ll agree that learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Sharing what you know with others not only helps others learn, it also helps to improve your techniques as well.

Okay. I know what you’re thinking; “Now why in the world would I teach anyone how to do what I do? Wouldn’t that be creating my own competition?”

Children’s play money by mamaroots.

I agree — teaching someone how to make exactly what you make right now is probably not what you want to do. But let’s think about the bigger picture for a bit: it’s probably taken you a long time to perfect your techniques, right? You started somewhere and probably had some level of help along the way. That accumulation of knowledge — the little things that are easily taken for granted — is valuable and teachable.

As a jeweler, I began by teaching the techniques with which I started: wire-wrapping, beading and stringing. I taught small groups of people and enjoyed the process of discovery with my students. When my techniques advanced, I eventually found the confidence to start teaching beginning metalsmithing. Then, after ten years of making and selling my work to stores and galleries across the country, I began mentoring artists by helping them learn what it takes to make a living doing what they love. It has been incredibly rewarding work to be sure.

Marlo M’s Top 3 Jewelry Designer Tips:
1. Strive for perfection, but allow yourself to be human.
2. Be kind to your body – take numerous stretch breaks.
3. Design to your liking – not what you think will sell!

Once you reach the decision to start teaching, how do you find students? Thankfully, you can build a teaching business with the same techniques you use to promote your Etsy shop. You can start by word of mouth: whenever you’re in creative company, showing your work or talking with friends, be sure to let them know that you’re available for lessons in your medium. Write a blog. Build a Facebook page. Join Twitter. Check out what other teachers are doing in your area and network with them to find students.

One thing I highly recommend is posting a free teacher’s profile on TeachStreet.com. They’ve made the process of promoting your teaching services quite painless. It’s also a great place to do some research to figure out how much to charge. You can then price your time accordingly. Just remember, your time is valuable and your knowledge has taken years to acquire. Avoid the temptation to undercharge for your efforts. To get a taste, browse the jewelry-making classes on TeachStreet.

Marlo M’s Top 3 Private Class Teaching Tips:
1. Discuss your students’ expectations and strive to exceed them!
2. Have your basic lesson planned — but be flexible.
3. Patience and good humor are key to a successful class.

If this advice sounds familiar, it should. It’s the same advice I would give to a beginning Etsy seller! Using sites like TeachStreet and Etsy to promote your creative offerings go hand in hand. In fact, the two websites have partnered with each other: Now your Etsy mini can be integrated on your TeachStreet profile page. Cross promotion at its finest. And, to give you an extra incentive to add a class and include your Etsy Mini on TeachStreet, TeachStreet is giving away an iPhone 3GS and other prizes to Etsians!

I encourage you to consider opening up your creativity and sharing it with others. While some think that sharing is diminishing their piece of the success pie, I believe that the more we share and help each other, the wider the road to success becomes. Let’s help each other get there, shall we? For good measure, here are a few more tips.

Marlo M’s Top 3 Etsy Selling Tips:
1. Price your work according to what you are worth — not what you think others will buy it for.
2. Doing a bit of research is fine — but avoid comparing yourself to others.
3. Learn how to take amazing photographs (or hire someone) — a good photograph sells!

Here are a couple more categories of classes to browse:

Arts and Crafts: http://www.teachstreet.com/c/427
Knitting: http://www.teachstreet.com/c/366

Marlo can be found online as the organizer of EtsyRAIN.com — a Team of Etsy sellers based in Seattle — and on TeachStreet at teachstreet.com/teacher/marlo-m.

Find more Competitions & Opportunities | Dive into the Seller Handbook

Discuss: 96 comments

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  • VintageEyeFashion

    VintageEyeFashion says:

    teachers, of all kinds, influence life as we know it in countless ways.

    2 years ago

  • littlepinkpebble

    littlepinkpebble says:

    wow they are so talented .... sigh

    2 years ago

  • SusanFaye

    SusanFaye says:

    I love the Top 3 Jewelry Designer Tips--they really apply to ALL artistic endeavors! Hooray for teachers!!

    2 years ago

  • TheNightjar

    TheNightjar says:

    this is a great article and a wonderful link to a great site. I just checked it out. I teach college level art and believe me there is never a time when you stop learning and if you teach you need to learn even more. : ) you know what they say about the instructor being a chapter ahead of the class!! ha, ha!

    2 years ago

  • KOALACaddie

    KOALACaddie says:

    My goal for the fall is to start a crochet class with middle school students. Thank you for a great article and of course I LOVE the fabric choices.

    2 years ago

  • BeadinBabe

    BeadinBabe says:

    Great article!! Always room for improvement, and learning for sure! :)

    2 years ago

  • beautifulbridget

    beautifulbridget says:

    Absolutely talented!!

    2 years ago

  • evihan

    evihan says:

    wowww...great picks:-)

    2 years ago

  • objeckedAdmin

    objecked says:

    yeah Marlo! woot!

    2 years ago

  • crankbunny

    crankbunny says:

    When you teach and share your craft - you also always end up learning stuff from students. It's a win-win!

    2 years ago

  • BeadsInTheBelfry

    BeadsInTheBelfry says:

    ooh I bought one of these tutorials the other day! lol. Love the article and the top 3 tips especially. Thank you to all the teachers out there! We need you!

    2 years ago

  • 4TheSparrowsNest

    4TheSparrowsNest says:

    Great tips, and nice to meet another teacher! I studied to be an art teacher. And crankbunny is right...students will teach you things, too. Always be prepared for the unexpected!

    2 years ago

  • KathrynRiechert

    KathrynRiechert says:

    Great tips!

    2 years ago

  • nomadcraftsetc

    nomadcraftsetc says:

    I love that you put the tips in there to do what you want and to price and make the things you want to, instead of what you think others want. That is a very good approach and you will love your life as an artist sooooo much more. What a great article! Thanks!

    2 years ago

  • dragonhouseofyuen

    dragonhouseofyuen says:

    super duper article! I hopefully, will be teaching some classes soon - and this was just perfect timing! thank you Marlo and etsy!

    2 years ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    what a beautiful way of thinking!

    2 years ago

  • anandi

    anandi says:

    YAY for Marlo! She definitely helps out the other artists in Seattle, I can attest to that as a member of her street team EtsyRain :)

    2 years ago

  • sandali

    sandali says:

    Sharing is caring indeed !! Awesome article !!!! Happy Days ;)

    2 years ago

  • DeborahVoizin

    DeborahVoizin says:

    I just love the key with the heart and saying on it. What shop has it for sale?

    2 years ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    Nice!

    2 years ago

  • jewelrybyjackie

    jewelrybyjackie says:

    Wonderful advice and insight! Even though I have been creating and selling jewelry for years now, this article is very helpful. THANK YOU!! : )

    2 years ago

  • StudioCherie

    StudioCherie says:

    Thanks for the article. Makes me want to be back home in Seattle, teaching my patterns live! Great idea for a website. I wish you much success.

    2 years ago

  • AUTOMATIEK

    AUTOMATIEK says:

    It's ALWAYS great to learn new things -- especially on the To-Do-Tuesdays -- learning is great, sharing is even better -- HOERA ;)

    2 years ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    Thanks for the tips and insight~ wish you continued success as well.

    2 years ago

  • GlassElements

    GlassElements says:

    Awesome article by a wonderful artist, teacher and mentor. Go Marlo! :)

    2 years ago

  • redyellowandblueink

    redyellowandblueink says:

    wow, what a great article. I have done some teaching in the past and I just looked at this website and it's kinda got me thinking again. But not only about teaching, I saw a couple classes in my area that would be great! Thanks for the article.

    2 years ago

  • aBreathofFrenchair

    aBreathofFrenchair says:

    Great advice!

    2 years ago

  • Radness

    Radness says:

    So many wonderful artists here :) Yay Marlom!

    2 years ago

  • ArtWhims

    ArtWhims says:

    Marlo, I did not know that you were a teacher! How do you balance it all?! This is a lovely article on one of our EtsyRain leaders!

    2 years ago

  • tigersanddragons

    tigersanddragons says:

    Hmm, this has got me thinking about teaching again. I had considered teaching a copper etching course, but there was liability coverage, and paperwork....

    2 years ago

  • scarywhitegirl

    scarywhitegirl says:

    Go Marlo go! :) Great tips and advice here!

    2 years ago

  • livewire

    livewire says:

    WOWOWOWOWOW! What an awesome article! I think you might just make it afterall! (throw hat into air!)

    2 years ago

  • aworldaway

    aworldaway says:

    yay MARLO!!! go MARLO! great tips and advice.

    2 years ago

  • sucree

    sucree says:

    Hurray Marlo!

    2 years ago

  • imakecutestuff

    imakecutestuff says:

    Thanks for the support everyone! I'm so glad you like the article! tigersanddragons: I always have my students read and then sign a liability waiver form before class begins, even if it's a photography class. I also make sure to have adequate safety precautions in place (ventilation, masks, goggles, gloves etc.) and take a LOT of time to explain and demonstrate how to properly use the tools before they dive in! Prevention is best, after all! Good luck to you!

    2 years ago

  • SelenaEon

    SelenaEon says:

    Thank you for being you Marlo :) Go Etsyrain!

    2 years ago

  • daveschappell

    daveschappell says:

    Etsy and MarloM, thanks for the TeachStreet shout-out -- I especially love that Crankbunny's on this comment thread (I've bought some cards from her on Etsy), and am just in awe of all the discussion and tight community love you've built. I'm the founder and CEO of TeachStreet, and a true Etsy fan -- if I (or we) can help with your TeachStreet activity, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks... and, happy 4th! Dave

    2 years ago

  • MyJunkyTrunk

    MyJunkyTrunk says:

    Three cheers for teachers! LOL! Check out "Teachin' Tush" from the MyJunkyTrunk Girlz Collection! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25213063

    2 years ago

  • imakecutestuff

    imakecutestuff says:

    oh, and for the jewelers out there: yes, I am totally melting a piece of metal in that photo! "Here's what NOT to do when soldering..." :D haha!

    2 years ago

  • ItsMadeAtHome

    ItsMadeAtHome says:

    Great article Marlo. Thanks for generously sharing your wealth of knowledge with our community!

    2 years ago

  • sweetanthem

    sweetanthem says:

    Yay, Marlo! She is teaching me photography this month!!

    2 years ago

  • PepoPark

    PepoPark says:

    Great article!

    2 years ago

  • LoveMeKnotCreations

    LoveMeKnotCreations says:

    Marlo is the best teacher, and team leader :) great article!!

    2 years ago

  • ACraftyArab

    ACraftyArab says:

    EtsyRainers love Marlo!! We are so lucky to have her. Go Marlo go!

    2 years ago

  • GemmaBeads

    GemmaBeads says:

    I love learning new things and showing others how to do new things. Thanks so much Marlo and Etsy. And, thanks to all the Etsy sellers with the wonderful PDF's for those of us who want to know!!

    2 years ago

  • RedHarp

    RedHarp says:

    Great article, Marlo! Making EtsyRain proud!

    2 years ago

  • PawPawsWorkshop

    PawPawsWorkshop says:

    Great stuff

    2 years ago

  • stitchknitsew

    stitchknitsew says:

    Excellent article, I have beeen wanting to teach a craft class to someone.

    2 years ago

  • HalinaB

    HalinaB says:

    Love it and your picture came out great too ;)

    2 years ago

  • hautegoat

    hautegoat says:

    and from someone who has taken classes from Marlo - she practices what she preaches! She's an awesome teacher,

    2 years ago

  • TreeHuggerStudio

    TreeHuggerStudio says:

    Rock on!!

    2 years ago

  • DPeaGreenDesigns

    DPeaGreenDesigns says:

    Terrific article, Marlo! Thanks so much for featuring my "Teacher" Chinese Symbol cross-stitch pattern!

    2 years ago

  • QueenHeronCreations

    QueenHeronCreations says:

    Really helpful information! Thanks Marlo! Go Team EtsyRain!

    2 years ago

  • wiretree

    wiretree says:

    I think I've taken three of Marlo's classes in Seattle now! Keep it up Marlo!

    2 years ago

  • TripleLDesigns

    TripleLDesigns says:

    Love this - teaching creates such a happiness for all those involved. I truly believe in sharing your knowledge with others...

    2 years ago

  • LadyLuLus

    LadyLuLus says:

    So talented!

    2 years ago

  • junkyjunk

    junkyjunk says:

    Great work Marlo! How exciting to teach others what you're so passionate about! Doesn't that just sound like a dream job. Best of luck to you, and thanks for the inspiring article.

    2 years ago

  • Sewspoiled

    Sewspoiled says:

    I loved this article! Thank you for sharing so much!

    2 years ago

  • spacejam

    spacejam says:

    great article!!

    2 years ago

  • crownofrue

    crownofrue says:

    Great article. My community is lacking com ed and private instructors - have thought many times that I would like to put myself out there to teach. This article confirms that I should stop pondering and just get out and do it.

    2 years ago

  • jewelrybyjackie

    jewelrybyjackie says:

    Much Congrats to all the most deserving winners!

    2 years ago

  • steinschmuckdesign

    steinschmuckdesign says:

    That was very informative, Thank you so much!

    2 years ago

  • kukubee

    kukubee says:

    This is awesome! Thanks for the great article!

    2 years ago

  • beachhouseblues

    beachhouseblues says:

    Lovely Work!!

    2 years ago

  • worksandfinds

    worksandfinds says:

    Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage says:

    I am awe of all the talent.

    2 years ago

  • VixVintage

    VixVintage says:

    err, that should be in awe of all the talent.

    2 years ago

  • babook

    babook says:

    Thanks for sharing : )

    2 years ago

  • RockPaperSilver

    RockPaperSilver says:

    Right on! Learning/creating doesn't happen in a vacuum. Sharing what you love to do with others is one of the best ways we can connect. It is all about giving back (and most likely making new friends along the way...bonus!). Great article and reminder!

    2 years ago

  • baconsquarefarm

    baconsquarefarm says:

    Yea marlo~

    2 years ago

  • BellaMcBride

    BellaMcBride says:

    Wonderful work everyone! We are never too old to learn something new!

    2 years ago

  • tldgrainwear

    tldgrainwear says:

    Great post!

    2 years ago

  • evihan

    evihan says:

    very useful article:-)

    2 years ago

  • klacustomcreations

    klacustomcreations says:

    great tips and yes teach, influence, inspire!

    2 years ago

  • megalunostudio

    megalunostudio says:

    Great article! Thanks so much for the advice. Articles like this make me love the whole Etsy community so much, as we all grow and share together!

    2 years ago

  • MetroGypsy

    MetroGypsy says:

    Great article!

    2 years ago

  • mgilinfo

    mgilinfo says:

    Thanks for the links.

    2 years ago

  • Venbead

    Venbead says:

    thank you for including my teacher keychain in this wonderful article. my mother was an educator for 40 years and i saw what an important profession she had first hand. she also LOVED every minute of it.

    2 years ago

  • amoronia

    amoronia says:

    Thank you!

    2 years ago

  • patspottery

    patspottery says:

    Congrats to all the winners.

    2 years ago

  • Tina669

    Tina669 says:

    Great advice!

    2 years ago

  • LisaFerinDesigns

    LisaFerinDesigns says:

    This was inspiring! Thanks.

    2 years ago

  • artwithallie

    artwithallie says:

    You are awesome for sharing so much Marlo!! I agree teaching is extremely rewarding especially when you are teaching kids.

    2 years ago

  • hazelnutcottage

    hazelnutcottage says:

    WOOHOO marlo! you go girl! :) i can say from first hand experience that marlo is an absolutely amazing mentor and teacher. she is knowledgeable, real and very encouraging. if you get a chance to take a class from this woman or are lucky enough to hire her for consulting do so!!!

    2 years ago

  • tinycharm

    tinycharm says:

    thanks for sharing, Marlo!

    2 years ago

  • Radness

    Radness says:

    Aw! Cute felt sushi!

    2 years ago

  • JesseMosher

    JesseMosher says:

    interesting article , thanks .

    2 years ago

  • ALIlight

    ALIlight says:

    Very cool. Thanks! :)

    2 years ago

  • monkeyandsquirrel

    monkeyandsquirrel says:

    i always hated the saying "those who can not do, teach". way to prove them wrong marlo! congrats and keep it up :)

    2 years ago

  • janewearjewelry

    janewearjewelry says:

    Fabulous, helpful info! Thanks :)

    2 years ago