The Shop Model
The Shop Model is a set of working practices developed by founder, Delanie Holton-Fessler after working in studio and workshop spaces as an artist and educator for 20+ years as well as her own research on the history of handcraft. The Shop Model sets the stage for young makers to develop working habits that will serve them for a lifetime. Creating with children is all about the process, the product is nice but not necessarily of primary importance. Use The Shop Model as a guide, as a tool to reflect on the working practices of the children in your care.
- Make a plan, it can and will change
- Don’t be afraid to collaborate
- Be responsible for your own safety
- Failure is an option
- Ask a lot of questions
- Get a second set of eyes on your work
- Find an expert; follow their lead
- Craftsmanship is as much about process as product
- Clean up your messes (literally & figuratively)
- Be responsible to yourself and your shop mates
- Go slow, have fun, it’s all about the process
- People work best in a beautiful and functional space
