Speaking at a seminar at Craft Hobby + Stitch International earlier this week, Sharon delivered practical advice for any craft business running, or looking to start, their own workshops. “Workshops will bring in sales later down the line, and if you've got the time and space, run workshops during the day,” she advised. “People shopping will notice and make enquiries if they're interested.”

Don't just think about adults, either, she said, as teaching the younger generation can attract a lot of attention and do wonders for business. “Try running classes aimed at teaching a craft to children,” said Sharon. “You will get some mums who try to use you as a creche, however, so offer the classes as parent-and-child or, even better, grandparent-and-grandchild. We find that grandparents really love to learn crafting with their grandchildren.”

And the story of crafting being passed down through the generations is something beloved of local media, who often jump on such a wholesome and positive story. “Invite a local paper to come and enjoy one of your classes,” said Sharon. “Or, better still, invite a journalist to bring along their own child for a spot of crafting. Hopefully they'll give it a good write up.”

Craft Workshop Advice

When it comes to costings, it's best to sit down and plan through what your total expenditure will be. “You should be looking at the very least to break even,” said Sharon, “so price workshops accordingly.

“Things to consider include the cost of a tutor, any helper's fees, and any admin, such as advertising. For example, you might want to have leaflets produced for libraries, or even take out adverts in local papers,” she said.

Another thing to consider when running an all-day workshop is whether or not to provide lunch, or simply light refreshments. “If you're providing food, obviously you'll need to factor this in to the price of the workshops. In our experience, it saves hassle if you simply allow a break and for people to go off and buy their own lunch, but it all depends of course where your premises is situated.”

Be innovative and don't be afraid to ask other local businesses for help either, Sharon advised. “Local businesses are usually happy to help each other out, and so don't be afraid to ask the food establishment across the road if you need to borrow an extra few chairs or a table – if they're not using it they're likely to be happy to help.”

And finally, plan properly so that you can get the most out of your workshops. If people arrive on time, always start when you said you would; waiting for latecomers isn't fair on those who arrived on time. And, said Sharon, finish a bit earlier than planned. “If you've given the finishing time as 4.30pm, try and round things up just after 4pm – this leaves plenty of time for people to browse and buy something while they're in the mood. Everyone will have worked out before hand which bus or train they'll be getting home, and so allowing some time at the end is very useful.”