I wouldn't pay $25.00, but that may just be me.

Swarovski crystals and findings? Yes, if they were the real things. My DIL in Germany held a lot of bead parties last year; I forget what she charged but she provided everything and they were successful.Not Swarovski.
If you have the community where they will come to parties like this why not/ It is a quality product I think.

When I lived in a different area I paid $25 for a class on how to make a certain Halloween greeting card.

I might not just because funds are a bit tight, but it doesn't sound too unreasonable for the genuine beads and findings. If you think it might go over well in your area, why not give it a try and see?

I would attend or host one of your bracelet parties in a heartbeat! I think it's a great idea.

When you advertise you might consider showing bracelets made for little girls as well. It would promote the idea of giving a bracelet as a keepsake gift. I'd make them for my three granddaughters. Maybe even add a little, "made by gramma" charm.

A Mommy and me party!! great idea. Or Grandma, Mommy and Me!!

I'll be a voice of opposition. It wouldn't appeal to me. I think this venture would not work for a lot of the same reasons that people get out of selling Mary Kay or Pampered Chef. I think you'd have a hard time getting past one or two full six people parties because the focus is limited and mainly a one time deal. Not everyone is craft minded and bracelets are not a 'need' like other other things are. The cost is higher than a lot of people are willing to pay for something you can teach yourself or easily learn from someone else.

I think if you were interested in crafting as an opportunity, you might teach a series of classes where you get a group together once a week, month, whatever time and charge $5-10 above the cost of materials to do a different craft each period. Continuing education classes at colleges are often set up like this. I also know someone who has done it out of her home in the past. It might not be a huge income, but at least your money wouldn't be tied up in inventory and you could easily get out if you decided group classes weren't the thing for you.

I agree that it might depend on your community. However, Michael's offers classes that cost this much or more by the time you buy materials.

I think that the key to your success will be to build your reputation and your clientele. Perhaps you could start by teaching a class in your local adult education program?

gail

I do it every Tuesday night...a different jewelry project, for $30.00 a person they make a bracelet, necklace, earrings and sometimes a set. I offer a "block" rate of 4 classes for $100.00. We use everything from Swarovski Crystals & Pearls,Sterling to Lampwork beads. On average I have 10 students and in the winter, up to 20-25.
The first week of December this year I had to hold 3 classes that week all filled to the brim. A lot of folks are hands on learners and this is perfect for them. If they just take one class they have the basic idea and skills to move forward to make more projects.
I supply the materials,sodas/water, and tools to borrow or buy. I also offer extra kits and supplies.
When I started making jewelry I really wish I would have had the chance to go to a "Make & Take" Party like this.
It started as part of a Jewelry show I did last year for huge office building and grew into a Jewelry show every Friday at the office building Conference room to a weekly teaching gig on Tuesday nights in the same conference room. They bring their daughters with them some nights for a bonding experience and in May I have 2 teen birthday parties scheduled to teach jewelry making.

I offer my classes in Seasonal Quarters with a newsletter every week via email to let anyone on the list know what is coming up and the opportunity to offer suggestions or questions. I offer email and phone assistance for any of my students. This is good customer service and keeps them either coming back or word of mouth.
I have been contemplating starting an advance class on Monday evenings. I don't know how the outcome will be I haven't offered this option to my students yet.

I wish you much luck!! You don't know until you try!! I say go for it!!! Fliers, Emails, Bullentin Boards are a wonderful free resource for advertising. Classifieds are also a wonderful idea!!!

GO FOR IT!!!!

ginger

I think it's an excellent idea. All you need is the right people and the right promotion. I know the price of swarovski's ... not cheap ! For a sideline - you could always put together "kits" with the exact amount of beads and instructions .... maybe even have glass beads as a cheaper alternative. Good luck !!!! - I think it's a great idea !

This could work in your community, but depends on where you live of course. Here they are cheap...bottom line, and wouldn't pay that much.

What you would need to emphasis with the crystals is how much it would cost them if they purchased otherwise. For example, if they went to a craft show, would it cost them $50? Let them know that, and then the price for the class will seem much more reasonable.

The idea of having kits made up for extra purchases is a wonderful idea, I would think many, once they put together one would be thrilled to buy more kits to do at home.

Let us know how it goes!!

Now might be a good time to try - promote it as a Mother-daughter event with Mother's Day coming up.

honeysuckleridge - where are you located?