Teaching

Teaching your craft in workshops and classes

Teach candle making, pottery, sewing, crochet, beadwork or leatherwork in small paid classes, at home, in cafes or for groups.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Experienced makers who enjoy explaining and can plan a class where everyone leaves with something they made.

In South Africa: Strong in metros and tourist towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 4 hours a week · age 18+
  • Sewing, crafts or handmade (proven or better) or Teaching or tutoring (learning or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R250 to R1 700 per person

Published SA prices: pottery from R250 a class; candle making R1,450 to R1,700 a person. We do not model monthly income.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R500 to R5 000
Every month
Materials per student, venue, refreshments.
Payment fees
Payment to book a seat.
Margin
Good once you know the material cost per student.

How it is paid: Price per person, materials included. Our viability score for it: 60 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Plan a two-hour class where everyone finishes one item
    • Run one class for six friends at cost
    • Success signal: a paid class that fills

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Choose the one item students will make
    • Cost materials per student and set a price
    • Find a venue or use your home

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Run a trial class and collect reviews
    • Post your next date with a booking link

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Offer team-building packages to companies
    • Add a beginner and an advanced class

A first class for friends builds reviews. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Teaching your craft in workshops and classes: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Adults wanting a creative outing, team-building groups, birthday groups.

A fun, hands-on way to learn and make something.

Is there demand?

Workshop prices published in SA: candle-making classes R1,450 to R1,700 a person (SA Candle Supply Co) and pottery classes from R250 a class (Mmupi and Clay).

Weekend workshopsTeam-building eventsBirthday craft partiesSchool holiday classes

Getting customers

Instagram, cafes and venues, and company HR contacts.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesPartnerships with other businessesResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Empty seats: take payment to book
  • Safety with hot wax, blades or kilns: brief everyone
  • Underpricing materials and prep time

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with company groups and a second teacher.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start teaching your craft in workshops and classes in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R500 to R5 000. Recurring costs: Materials per student, venue, refreshments.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. A first class for friends builds reviews.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy