Workshop Scheduling FAQ
If you are interested in scheduling a workshop, please
read through the following statement and then email
me to discuss the finer points and tentative calendar dates. Please
note that the following logistical items are merely suggestions and
that I am open to any possibilities. Since I started teaching chain
workshops in 99, I have lead over 109 workshops at a wide variety
of public and private institution nationwide; ranging from a sweet
sixteen birthday party to a PBS special.
Scheduling:
I am currently offering a variety of beaded chain workshops,
ranging from three-hour earrings or pendants to six-hour bracelets.
This flexibility allows more scheduling options to the educational
institution and their students who simply don’t have all day
(9 to 5) to spend in a workshop. Offering several 3-hour workshops
allows that I could lead two different workshops in one day with a
lunch break between. I have found that workshops for a smaller project
in a shorter time span with a decreased tuition is attractive to a
wider audience of crafters.
Private Tutorial:
On the rare occasion that someone wants or needs one-on-one tutorial,
I may be available to schedule for $35/hour plus my travel and lodging
expenses, however, I only teach information and designs out of my
first three books.
Teaching Tuition:
Almost every fine art institution that I have taught at has their
own way of figuring the student cost and instructor's pay, however
in an ideal world I would structure the pay scale as follows. The
total amount the student pays for a workshop is a combination of the
teaching tuition and supply kit. The teaching tuition is typically
$15-20 an hour per student and split 50/50 by the instructor and the
institution.
Toolkits:
I allow a maximum number of ten students per workshop, and can bring
ten toolkits that contain all the hand-tools
needed, unless you would rather I utilize the in-house qualtiy handtools.
My tool kits exclusively contain Swanstrom brand pliers because they
are the best and I want my students to be able to take them for a
test-drive and feel the difference that quality pliers can make. However,
students are free to bring their own flat-nose and/ or chain-nose
pliers if they choose. As well, to help reduce eyestrain students
may also wish to bring their own freestanding light source (with extension
cord) and head-mounted magnification system.
Promotion:
I will provide digital images without watermarks for the institution's
promotion; please specify either 300dpi 6x8" CYMK for paper printing
or 72dpi 4x5" RGB for web site utilization. If there is a secure
(locking glass-case) display space available, I can provide sample
jewelry pieces for an in-store display. I will place the institution's
logo and workshop dates on my web site with a link to the institution's
URL. I fully expect that the educational institution will conduct
their own advertisement for the workshops through their own devices,
such as web sites, course catalogues, local newspapers, regional arts
calendars and postcards. Please note that I do not share my email
or mailing addresses, but I may include your announcement in my quarterly
e-newsletter, or I may send you printed mailing labels to send out
your catalogue that I am listed in at your postal expense.
Supply Kits:
I reserve right to be the supplier for the beaded chain projects
that I teach. Institutions may choose to include this amount in the
total cost and reimburse me in full within 30 days, or I can charge
each student separately in class. I will assemble enough supply kits
for the maximum number of students containing percussion cut and tumbled
sterling silver components and quality gemstone beads. For beaded
projects that I teach at bead shops, by request, I will created supply
kits without beads at a lower cost and let the students choose their
beads from the stores selection.
Book Sales:
For most workshops offered I will be teaching directly from my book,
thus each student will need a copy. I would offer the institution
first choice to sell my book to their students and retail my book
year round in their store. If not, I will bring copies to sell to
my students without compensation. Please note that I do not, and by
contract cannot, sell my book at a wholesale price to the teaching
institution, you may contact Melissa Berger (646) 654-5461 at Watson-Guptill
in NYC for purchasing wholesale books.
In-house Sales:
I reserve the right to sell supply kits and finished jewelry to my
students without compensation, unless otherwise stated by signed contract.
Two-Week Clarification:
Two weeks or ten business days prior to the workshop date, contact
between the teaching institution and Mr. Plumlee by phone or email
must be established to clarify the number of students that have been
signed up and monies collected (preferably with a two-week non-refundable
clause). If the minimum number of students has not been obtained then
both parties must mutually agree to cancel the class and refund the
signed-up students.
By Contract:
Finally, whatever parameters we agree to for a workshop, this agreement
will be put in writing and signed by both parties, feel free to use
your own letterhead contract or I can type up a contract and mail
out duplicates.
Hoping this page helps answer your questions, Scott
David Plumlee
