Or, why I cant teach one or two students
even if you buy me dinner.
even if you buy me dinner.
Steampunk Herringbone Cuff by Leslie Rogalski (c) 2011 Only one student signed up. Cuff was recently selected to be featured in the new Lark book Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry now on advance sale on Amazon. |
So I write up tutorials, a laborious and lengthy process. I spend days re-making designs I have so far only made intuitively– measuring the number of beads, calculating sizes, counting components, and simplifying technical aspects as I re-create my one of a kind pieces so I can teach them clearly and step by step.
I take photos I hope will entice, fill out forms meant to present the projects as fun and doable, and submit packages to events. I'm ecstatic when I get juried in. I make hotel and flight reservations. And then... I get one, maybe two students (thank you!) who sign up.
I can just feel all you other teachers sighing and nodding. It is never an impulsive decision to cancel a class even if we have but one student, because every single student is important and valued, very valued.
Cubic Right Angle Weave Fiesta Links bracelet Leslie Rogalski (c)2011 Only two students signed up. Have been told by those who learned this from me that it's the best class ever to learn this stitch. |
It's not a profit just to pay your way and break even. That's living hand to mouth. I bet most of you are close to doing that no matter what your jobs are.
Purple Path Tila Herringbone cuff by Leslie Rogalski (C)2011 Taught it to several "I'll never like seed beading" friends who now can't stop beading. SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS AT BEAD FEST SPRING |
Sometimes it's hard not to be mad when a class you signed up for is cancelled. Teachers think you are the BEST PEOPLE EVER for wanting to be our students. We just wish there were more of you signing up. Then we can not only come to the shows and teach the classes, but eat, too.
There are a couple amazing shows with registration open NOW for fabulous classes, with renown, master teachers. They are very varied in time and cost and skill level, so there is bound to be at least one class you'd love. Maybe even one of mine.
Bead & Button is in June in Milwaukee, and Bead Fest Spring is almost here, April 13, 14 and 15th at the Oaks convention center, easy to reach, just a few miles from Valley Forge PA.
Hollywood Filmstrip loom cuff by Leslie Rogalski (c)2012 Sign up for it at Bead Fest Spring Kit includes the loom and beads and the cool special bezel cuff! |
Well said
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy.I felt it needed to be said, though I believe most folks students or teacher already know the truth of what I wrote. Plus it did give me a chance to plug my classes and bead show workshops in general!
ReplyDeleteVery eloquent, Leslie. And very understandable.
ReplyDelete