Tips for Scrapbook Instructors

Below are some tips for getting started as a scrapbook instructor.

If you have a local scrapbook store, contact them and see if you might be able to hold a class at their facility. Usually, they’re happy to accommodate since they are selling the supplies that you will be using, so their sales are almost guaranteed to rise during your workshop.

Contact store owners and talk to them about being a "guest teacher" or a regular instructor at their store. Make an appointment with the store owner so that you can bring samples of projects and layouts that you have done. Have a list handy of all of the classes that you have taught or classes that you are willing to teach.

If you don’t have a scrapbook store or want to hold the workshop on your own, look into renting out a facility. You may also be able to find free accommodations with a local community center or senior citizen facility. This is a great hobby for the senior set, so you may want to trade services for facilities to instruct the older community.

When picking out a place to hold your class, make sure it is well-lit and that there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and work efficiently.

When having classes, pick out a theme. A good rule of thumb is to schedule classes about 2 weeks after an important event. Then center your instruction on creating pages from the photos that your students have taken. Some ideas for occasions should include:

• Christmas
• Easter
• Valentine’s Day
• Fourth of July
• Graduation
• New Year’s
• First Day of School
• Thanksgiving
• Summer Vacation

You’ll also want to schedule periodic classes for other special occasions such as:

• Weddings
• Engagements
• Sports
• Military
• Retirement
• Anniversary
• Pregnancies

You need to figure out what your costs are going to be and how much you will need to make to realize a profit. Most instructors will charge a registration fee. You shouldn’t make it too steep - $5-$10 will suffice. However, you need to decide if you will be supplying materials or if the people attending will have to purchase the supplies themselves or bring along their own.

Keep in mind that you will be teaching people how to put together their own scrapbooks. This will be much easier if you’re teaching everyone with the same materials. Consider raising the entry fee a little and providing all entrants with the materials they’ll need to create a memorable scrapbook page.

Make sure your students understand from the outset what will be included in the class and what they need to provide, along with the time, date and cost. Good teachers do not assume that the retail store owner has provided all that information. Your store owner may be Wonder Woman but she will still have days when a crisis happens and she may not get your class members called.

Take the responsibility off her busy shoulders and call your students. You will make loyal learners by your cheery call. Tell them you're glad they are coming to your class and remind them of cost, supplies they'll need to bring and any added benefits...such as "Remember, you'll get 10 percent off anything you purchase the night of the workshop, so bring your wish list!"

Ask if they have any questions ahead of time and add a request that they provide 24 hours notice if something comes up. Most stores now have a 24-hour cancellation policy unless there is an emergency.

When coming up with your class ideas, make some notes on any tricky things involved. What may seem simple to you might throw a new scrapper for a total loop. Look your sample over with a critical eye and see if there is anything that takes extra explanation or time, or if there is a new product that everyone might not have used.

You may also want to provide a free gift for attendees. One instructor reports that she likes to order bulk quantities of stickers and papers and hand them out at her classes to give her students the added satisfaction of getting something just for showing up. We all love free stuff, don’t we? Your students will too!

When teaching the class, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to be successful. First and foremost, be prepared. Review your class materials the night before so they are fresh in your mind. Have a checklist of everything that you need to take along to a class. Show up early and have the room set up before people arrive.

Be enthusiastic. Even if you are feeling sluggish or having a bad day, you need to always be enthusiastic and smiling during your classes. Listening to motivational cds on the way will help.

Be personable. Try to make eye contact and/or talk to each and every person in your class. Keep an eye out for anyone that may need extra attention and be willing to offer help to them if needed.

Always thank everyone for coming to class. Have evaluations forms that can be filled out and use them to improve any future classes.

Take some of your profit and send out Thank You cards to all the students who attended your event. Since you’ll probably be hosting other classes, they’ll remember your personal touch and are more likely to come back for more classes.

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