Is it worth me holding jewellery workshops in my home?

Actually, it's a good strategy to hold your own classes (on any art/craft) in your home. You'll likely make more money that way as well as being able to do the classes (or change them or what you offer) depending on what you want to do and not be under anyone else's rules/ideas.

A lot of people do do this, and many more could if they understood they could and how to do it.

I have never heard of women having problems with "dangerous" crafters in their homes, but you could always meet prospective class attendees somewhere else first or get info from them first (driver's license, address, phone number, etc, then call or look up to make sure the info is correct). It's usually not women who do things like that, and especially if they're doing craft things and/or in groups (too much risk, too little to gain).

IF you do many classes, you may need to get a business license or pay taxes on them (minus the amount of any supplies you buy--cheaper with the license), etc, though. Most people who do this probably fly under the radar though as long as they aren't doing a LOT.

As for the kinds of classes you might want to do, or evolve to, personally I'd probably start with 2-6 people in a class learning something you already know how to do well (since it would pay better for you and also be affordable so you could get more people).

You could have the class be project-oriented where the class actually leaves with something finished they've made (or over a few classes), or you could have it be technique-oriented where they learn some kind of technique (how to make findings and other wirework, how to do beadweaving, how to make simple shapes with polymer clay and perhaps molds from it too, how to use cordings and clasps, how to use resins in various ways and perhaps photo charms which are quite popular these days, etc)

You can choose whether to supply materials or ask class members to bring certain things (especially if there could be color choices, etc). Think of the amount of time you'd be spending shopping for and buying things, preparing kits, storing extras, etc, since that will come out of your time and therefore your profit (especially down the road).

Also think about what you'll be leading people to expect you to do every time (sometimes better to start with less, and offer more if that works out later, than to take something back).

In that same vein, realize that doing anything *custom* will take more of your time and energy than doing something you can repeat for many people (in terms of working out the best way to do something, planning it, setting up for it, supplies, etc). You'd definitely want to charge more for anything you did custom (just one time, or even a significant variation on something you normally do). In the same way, "custom" lessons for one person or even going entirely by what a person or group wants to do will take a lot more time/effort in the long run, especially if the changes are frequent. Once you "learn how to do a class on something" (for example, simple beadweaving), the easier and easier it will be for you to repeat that in the future...you'll have it down pat, no more planning, etc.

As for design, that might be another thing. You could build in tips on design in any class, you could teach the fundamentals of design to a class especially for the kind of thing they may be making, or you could do individual-person classes that focused on or just included design. You're adding an entire other element with design though (in addition to supplies, preparation, teaching, cleanup, etc).

One other thing you might want to think about too. That is that kids can be a gold mine when teaching craft classes at home. Mothers will often spend much more on their kids than they will on themselves, and they also like the fact that their kids are learning something, branching out, and just have something to do (much less the fact that you're freeing the moms up to do other things during the class).

Whatever you do, you might want to start by saying that the price or specific classes or providing or supplies or other options you offer are *temporary* and that you may evolve into other options for those things as you "see what you're able to do" or what "works best" for you or for them (this is also so you can see what works best *for you* without having accustomed them to something you don't want to continue, or to continue in the same way).

Check out some of the info on these pages at my site too about doing a "business" related to crafts and/or teaching crafts (my site is about polymer clay, but most of the elements would be the same for any art/craft):

http://glassattic.com/polymer/business.htm

http://glassattic.com/polymer/teaching.htm

and perhaps: http://glassattic.com/polymer/shows.htm

.

I don't know about how things work in the UK, but this is my opinion.

First, what can you handle? Bear in mind that the people you're going to be dealing with are likely to have different skill levels. You might have to do a lot of running around to help them.

Second, many bead shops have official classes. If there are any such (or even craft shops that sell bead supplies as well as everything else), you could approach them with some samples of your work and see what they say. Not sure how funding works; many such instructors are also employees of the store. Supplies can be included or not (I've seen both) but make sure you say so and what people need to bring with them very clearly. A craft store will likely want you to use things they sell and may have pre-arranged kits the students can buy.

I've included a couple links to US bead shops that offer classes. You could probably email them and ask about how they pay the teachers and other information--admittedly living in another country could make that harder or easier. Yes, you're not likely to offer a class through them, but on the other hand, you're not competition, either. (and some places open up and do a party as opposed to a class--they're not all making bracelets, for example, or learning a particular seed bead technique, so I've added a couple links about parties)

http://www.beadinhand.com/classes.html

http://www.beadstogo.com/servlet/the-Classes/Categ...

http://www.wolffcreekbeads.com/Parties.html

http://www.beadniks.com/chicago/

And I know I've seen chains like Michaels or JoAnn's have classes in beading as well as cake decorating, etc.

I would add that if you're working out your home, make it a small group and never be alone with a group of strangers. And only go to places where you know the host. Think Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, etc parties. Just basic precautions there.

Best of luck! Hope I've been of some help.

You are right to want to use your talent. I definately agree to not holding the classes in your home unless the classes are just to your personal friends. I would not go into a strangers home as you describe. But I have attended many, many classes at stores and shops. I managed a fabric store years ago and our main office would give us the ok to bring in different types of artists. I have taken classes at bead stores. I have taken quilting classes at fabric and quilting shops. If you truly want to try this I think you need to get out and about and visit fabric stores, bead stores, hobby stores------get to know the staff and spend some time with them. Then start mentioning to people you think would be receptive about your talents and your wishes, and see if they would let you have classes in their stores or shops. I would not spend any up front money for the kits until you have a place for your lessons and have a list of people that sign up with some $$ down. You could also check with nursing homes and assisted living homes, being a disabled veteran I have lived at both kinds of places, circumstances sometimes put people there that would love to do something with their time and hands from the outside world. I wish you the best.

The bottom line is Nobody knows.

It all depends if you are in the right place at the right time.

Give it a go. What have you got to lose.

You are holding the event at your home so there are no overheads such as hiring a hall. You could advertise asking to book in advance so you only buy in enough materials for a known number of clients/pupils whatever you want to call them, plus a few extra for last minute. If no one books you have lost nothing.

If people book then it depend son you to make it so much fun that those present tell their friends and bring in more customers.

I would include materials in the cost then you can tell people there are no hidden charges.

I wouldn't. I'd be worried about insurance, and whether my homeowner's policy would cover a small business in my home. You might be able to contract out your classes at bead stores, craft stores, and community centers in town. That way you're covered, advertising is easier, your audience base is broader, and your home is secure.