Etsy's Handmade Blog
If You Know It, Teach It!
Story by imakecutestuff
Published on July 30, 2009 in How-To 		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

Tags business, classes, Competitions & Opportunities, deals, Etsy Mini, How-To, HOW-TO, learning, Marlo Miyashiro, teachers, teaching, TeachStreet, websites
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90 comments     Login to add your own!

July 2, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. VintageEyeFashion

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

July 2, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. littlepinkpebble

wow they are so talented .... sigh

July 2, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. SusanFaye

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

July 2, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. TheNightjar

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!

July 2, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. KOALACaddie

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.

July 2, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. BeadinBabe

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

July 2, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. beautifulbridget

Absolutely talented!!

July 2, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. evihan

wowww...great picks:-)

July 2, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. objecked

yeah Marlo! woot!

July 2, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. crankbunny

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

July 2, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. BeadsInTheBelfry

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!

July 2, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

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!

July 2, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. KathrynRiechert

Great tips!

July 2, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. nomadcraftsetc

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!

July 2, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. dragonhouseofyuen

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

thank you Marlo and etsy!

July 2, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. paramountvintage

what a beautiful way of thinking!

July 2, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. anandi

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 :)

July 2, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. sandali

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. DeborahVoizin

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. Iammie

Nice!

July 2, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. jewelrybyjackie

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. StudioCherie

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.

July 2, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. AUTOMATIEK

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. baconsquarefarm

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. GlassElements

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. redyellowandblueink

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.

July 2, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. aBreathofFrenchair

Great advice!

July 2, 2009 at 12:41 p.m. Radness

So many wonderful artists here :) Yay Marlom!

July 2, 2009 at 1:27 p.m. ArtWhims

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!

July 2, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. tigersanddragons

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

July 2, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. scarywhitegirl

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

July 2, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. livewire

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

July 2, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. aworldaway

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

July 2, 2009 at 2:55 p.m. sucree

Hurray Marlo!

July 2, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. imakecutestuff

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!

July 2, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. SelenaEon

Thank you for being you Marlo :) Go Etsyrain!

July 2, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. daveschappell

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

July 2, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. MyJunkyTrunk

Three cheers for teachers! LOL! Check out "Teachin' Tush" from the MyJunkyTrunk Girlz Collection!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

July 2, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. imakecutestuff

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!

July 2, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ItsMadeAtHome

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

July 2, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. sweetanthem

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

July 2, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. PepoPark

Great article!

July 2, 2009 at 6:34 p.m. LoveMeKnotCreations

Marlo is the best teacher, and team leader :)

great article!!

July 2, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. ACraftyArab

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

July 2, 2009 at 11:40 p.m. GemmaBeads

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!!

July 3, 2009 at 3:52 a.m. RedHarp

Great article, Marlo! Making EtsyRain proud!

July 3, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. PawPawsWorkshop

Great stuff

July 3, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. stitchknitsew

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

July 3, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. HalinaB

Love it and your picture came out great too ;)

July 3, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. hautegoat

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

July 3, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. TreeHuggerStudio

Rock on!!

July 3, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. DPeaGreenDesigns

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

July 4, 2009 at 6:53 p.m. QueenHeronCreations

Really helpful information! Thanks Marlo! Go Team EtsyRain!

July 5, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. wiretree

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

July 7, 2009 at 7:57 p.m. TripleLDesigns

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

July 8, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. LadyLuLus

So talented!

July 9, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. junkyjunk

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.

July 13, 2009 at 11:02 p.m. Sewspoiled

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

July 30, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. spacejam

great article!!

July 30, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. crownofrue

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.

July 30, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. jewelrybyjackie

Much Congrats to all the most deserving winners!

July 30, 2009 at 1:38 p.m. steinschmuckdesign

That was very informative,
Thank you so much!

July 30, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. kukubee

This is awesome! Thanks for the great article!

July 30, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. beachhouseblues

Lovely Work!!

July 30, 2009 at 2:04 p.m. worksandfinds

Awesome. Thank you for sharing.

July 30, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. VixVintage

I am awe of all the talent.

July 30, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. VixVintage

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

July 30, 2009 at 2:28 p.m. babook

Thanks for sharing : )

July 30, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. RockPaperSilver

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!

July 30, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Yea marlo~

July 30, 2009 at 3:24 p.m. BellaMcBride

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

July 30, 2009 at 3:38 p.m. tldgrainwear

Great post!

July 30, 2009 at 5:11 p.m. evihan

very useful article:-)

July 30, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. klacustomcreations

great tips and yes teach, influence, inspire!

July 30, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. megalunostudio

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!

July 30, 2009 at 7:05 p.m. MetroGypsy

Great article!

July 30, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. mgilinfo

Thanks for the links.

July 30, 2009 at 10:04 p.m. Venbead

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.

July 31, 2009 at 12:51 a.m. amoronia

Thank you!

July 31, 2009 at 1:13 a.m. patspottery

Congrats to all the winners.

July 31, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. Tina669

Great advice!

July 31, 2009 at 12:59 p.m. LisaFerinDesigns

This was inspiring! Thanks.

Aug. 1, 2009 at 3:21 a.m. artwithallie

You are awesome for sharing so much Marlo!!

I agree teaching is extremely rewarding especially when you are teaching kids.

Aug. 1, 2009 at 4:43 a.m. hazelnutcottage

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!!!

Aug. 1, 2009 at 5:07 a.m. tinycharm

thanks for sharing, Marlo!

Aug. 1, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. Radness

Aw! Cute felt sushi!

Aug. 1, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. JesseMosher

interesting article , thanks .

Aug. 2, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. ALIlight

Very cool. Thanks! :)

Aug. 3, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. monkeyandsquirrel

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

Aug. 25, 2009 at 12:49 p.m. janewearjewelry

Fabulous, helpful info! Thanks :)

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