Share Your Creativity, for a Living
With a Proven Curriculum, Clear Path, & Everything You Need to Get Started
BECOME A CERTIFIED TEACHER
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Turn your passion for quilting and creativity into a flexible, fulfilling income stream — with a complete “business-in-a-box” that shows you exactly what to teach, how to teach it, and how to get booked.
Through the Certified Teacher Program, you’ll get:
- A proven, in-demand curriculum
- Done-for-you teaching materials & scripts
- Mentorship and support as you grow
- A clear path to booking paid workshops — both in-person and virtual
This Might Be For You If…
You’ve felt a quiet pull toward something more creative… more flexible… more yours.
And you’ve wondered — even just briefly —
“Could I actually do something like this?”
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Generous Creative
This program may be a perfect fit if:
- You’re approaching retirement (or already there) and would love a way to bring in meaningful, flexible income doing something you enjoy
- You feel burned out in your current work and are craving something more creative, fulfilling, and on your own terms
- You already have a creative business — but the income feels inconsistent, unpredictable, or tied to constant production
- You’ve been quilting, crafting, or creating for years (or just started) — and love the idea of sharing what you know, but aren’t sure how to begin
- You're looking for an income stream that is stable even during tumultuous times and the rise of AI.
And maybe, underneath it all, you’ve had thoughts like:
“I wouldn’t even know where to start…”
“I’m not sure I know enough to teach…”
“Who would actually hire me?”
You’re not alone in that.
In fact, almost every Certified Teacher started right there.
Not as an expert.
Not with a big following.
Not with a fully formed plan.
Just with a love of creating… and a willingness to explore what might be possible.
The Opportunity Most Makers Don’t Think About
When quilters start thinking about earning income from their craft, the same ideas usually come up:
- Selling quilts
- Designing patterns
- Starting a longarm or service-based business
- Opening a shop
And while all of those can work…
They all share one common challenge:
You have to find customers. You have to:
- build an audience
- market yourself consistently
- compete for attention
- and hope people find you
Which often turns into a full-time job on top of your creative work.
But there’s another path that most people overlook.
One that’s usually simpler, faster, and far more direct.
Teaching Workshops!
At first glance, it might not seem obvious.
But when you look a little closer… it changes everything.
Because instead of finding customers one by one…
You step into rooms where they already exist!
- Quilt guilds (or other craft guilds)
- Shops
- Retreats
- Creative communities
These groups are already:
- meeting regularly
- filled with people who love making
- actively looking for programming
Every. Single. Month.
You’re not trying to get attention in a crowded online space.
You’re walking into a room where people are already:
- seated
- interested
- ready to learn
It’s one of the most direct paths to income in the crafting world.
And yet… most people never consider it.
The Demand is Growing
There is a quilting or craft guild in almost every town in the US and all over the world.
And they need programming EVERY MONTH.
Guilds and creative communities are constantly looking for:
- fresh workshops
- new ideas
- engaging teachers
In fact, many are struggling to find enough programming to fill their calendars.
It’s Incredibly Stable
Unlike many creative income streams that fluctuate month to month…
Teaching is typically:
- booked months (or even years) in advance
- confirmed with contracts
- built into established budgets (providing stability even in tumultuous times)
Which means you can actually look at your calendar and know:
- what’s coming
- what you’ll earn
- and where you might want to book more
It's AI Proof
Patterns can be copied.
Tutorials are everywhere.
AI is getting better at generating content.
But one thing hasn’t changed:
People still want to learn from a real person.
They want:
- guidance
- encouragement
- connection
- a shared creative experience
And that’s something technology simply can’t replace.
Which is why teaching has remained one of the most reliable and rewarding paths in the creative industry.
Not just for income…
But for connection, confidence, and creative fulfillment.
But, how do you actually step into this world — and do it well?
Imagine this...
You arrive at a quilt guild — maybe down the road, maybe across the country.
You bring a suitcase, a few samples, your materials.
People begin arriving.
They greet friends. Pour coffee. Walk over to see what you’ve brought.
Some say, “I’ve never tried this before…”
Others say, “I’ve been quilting for 30 years — but this is new to me.”
You introduce yourself.
Not as the expert.
Not as someone with all the answers.
Just as someone ready to guide the day.
You demonstrate the first step…
And then something shifts.
The room settles into its rhythm.
People begin creating!
You walk around the room:
- answering questions
- encouraging someone who feels unsure
- celebrating small wins
- helping someone see what’s possible
There’s laughter.
Conversation.
Moments where something suddenly clicks.
And by the end of the day…
Your students are holding something they made.
But more than that — They feel proud. Capable. Inspired.
You hear things like:
“I didn’t think I could do this.”
“This was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”
“I feel so much more confident now.”
And then you pack up your materials. Say goodbye. Get handed a check. And head home.
Not from a long day of production sewing…
But from guiding a room full of people through something fun and meaningful.
This is what teaching actually looks like.
And over time, something else begins to happen.
Your calendar starts to fill.
Events booked months in advance. Places to go. People to meet.
You might:
- teach locally… or travel to new places
- lead workshops in person… or from home over Zoom
- return to the same guilds again and again, building real relationships
You’re no longer wondering: “Could I make this work?”
You’re living it.
And it becomes more than just income.
It becomes: connection, confidence, creative fulfillment, a place for your work in a larger community.
For many teachers, it starts with curiosity. And turns into something they never expected:
A business.
A rhythm.
A way of life.
So if this opportunity is so good… why aren’t more people doing it?
It’s not because people aren’t talented enough. Or creative enough. Or passionate enough.
It’s because…
no one really shows you how to get started.
There’s no clear, step-by-step path into teaching. No roadmap that says:
1. “Start here”
2. “Teach this”
3. “Here’s how to get booked”
So most people stay stuck in the same loop:
They think, “I’d love to teach someday…” But:
- they don’t know what they would teach
- they’re not sure if they know enough
- they have no idea how to structure a workshop
Or they assume they need to:
- create their own curriculum from scratch
- design patterns
- build a following
- become “known” in the industry first
Which can take years.
And feels overwhelming before they even begin.
So the idea quietly gets pushed aside.
Not because it isn’t possible… But because it doesn’t feel clear. Or doable. Or within reach right now.
And even for those who do try…
They often get stuck in:
- overthinking what to teach
- second-guessing themselves
- trying to piece everything together alone
Without: guidance, structure, or a proven path to follow
It’s not a lack of ability.
It’s a lack of clarity. And when you don’t have clarity… Even the best opportunities can feel out of reach.
That’s Exactly Why We Created the Certified Teacher Program
Because this path is possible… But it’s incredibly hard to figure out on your own.
The Certified Teacher Program is a complete, step-by-step system that trains you, equips you, and supports you as you become a confident workshop teacher — and build a real teaching business.
It’s part certification program, teaching training, and fully ready-to-go business
All working together.
So instead of trying to piece everything together yourself…
You step into a proven system that shows you: what to teach, how to teach it, and how to actually get booked.
Here's How it Works:
Choose a Curriculum
You’ll select the curriculum you want to teach — each one thoughtfully developed, refined, and loved by students.
4 Options:
- Scrappy Applique
- Color Confidence for Quilters
- Portrait Quilting
- Imbue
Begin as a Student
You’ll move through the curriculum yourself…
Learning the techniques,
Creating your own samples,
Understanding the process from the inside out
So you don’t just know the material —
You truly understand it.
Teacher Training
Because knowing something and teaching it are two very different things.
You’ll learn how to:
- lead a workshop with confidence
- guide different learning styles
- troubleshoot common challenges
- create an experience that feels engaging, supportive, and fun
Business Training
With:
- done-for-you teaching materials, including contracts
- workshop scripts and slide decks
- outreach templates and booking strategies
- and real guidance on how to fill your calendar
Everything you need to run your business smoothly & professionally.
You’re not starting from scratch.
You’re stepping into: a proven curriculum, a refined teaching structure, and a complete business system
Everything has been created, tested, and taught — and now it’s yours to step into.
And you’re supported every step of the way.
With mentorship…
Community…
And guidance as you grow into this role
This is your path in
A clear, supported way to go from:
“Could I actually do this?”
to
“I’m doing this!”
INTRODUCING THE
CURRICULUM TRAINING
Master a Proven, In-Demand Curriculum
Step inside a complete, ready-to-teach workshop experience by learning the curriculum as a student first — so you deeply understand the process, techniques, and flow from the inside out.
TEACHER TRAINING
Learn How to Teach with Confidence
Go beyond knowing the material and learn how to lead engaging, supportive workshops — including how to guide different learning styles, troubleshoot challenges, and create an experience your students will love.
MENTORSHIP & PRACTICE
Get Mentorship, Feedback & Real Practice
You won’t do this alone. Receive ongoing mentorship, join live Q&A sessions, and practice teaching in a supportive environment so you can build real confidence before leading your own workshops.
DONE-FOR-YOU MATERIALS
Everything You Need — Ready to Use
Skip the years of trial and error. You’ll get workshop scripts, slide decks, class outlines, supply lists, contracts, and all the materials you need to confidently run professional, polished workshops.
BUSINESS & BOOKING SYSTEM
Turn Your Teaching into a Real Business
Learn how to get booked and grow your teaching calendar with proven outreach strategies, email templates, and systems that show you exactly how to connect with guilds, shops, and creative communities.
LICENSING + SUPPORT
Credibility + On-Going Support
Become a Certified Teacher with licensing to teach your chosen curriculum — plus a professional listing on our website that helps connect you with real teaching opportunities. You'll also have access to our on-going support calls as you grow.
A Simple Path from Creative to Certified Teacher
You don’t have to figure this out all at once.
Inside the Certified Teacher Program, we guide you through a clear, step-by-step process:
Get Certified
Choose your curriculum and begin learning it as a student.
You’ll build your skills, create your samples, and gain a deep understanding of the material — so you feel confident in what you’re teaching.
Learn to Teach & Get Booked
We train you how to lead engaging workshops and guide your students with confidence.
At the same time, you’ll learn how to reach out to guilds, present your workshops, and start booking your first events.
Start Teaching & Grow Your Business
Begin teaching workshops — in person or online — and continue building momentum as you grow your calendar, your confidence, and your income.
Certification Timeline
The 2026 Certified Teacher Program
Choose from 4 Curricula
Get expert-level training, complete curriculum, ready-to-use teaching materials, and mentorship so you can launch your own profitable, fulfilling teaching business.
Scrappy Appliqué™ is a raw-edge appliqué technique where you collage scrap fabric to create your appliqué piece. It is quick and simple to pick up, yet allows for a lot of creative possibilities.
Color Confidence for Quilters™ is a full Color Curriculum that takes quilters from unsure and insecure in their color abilities to being able to confidently mix and match all the fabrics in their stash to create fabric palettes that are beautiful, unique.
Portrait Quilting™ is a raw-edge appliqué technique where you focus on value to create contrast. Using a photograph of a friend, pet, or family member you can create an appliqué piece that is quick and simple yet produces amazing results.
In the Imbue™ program, you will not only learn a myriad of techniques and recipes to dye the rainbow and add pattern to your fibers, you will develop a deeper relationship with the natural world around you and your art materials, and help your students do the same.
Understanding Your ROI
Income You Can Count On
Teaching in-person (or virtual) events for guilds & shops is the quickest and simplest way to bring in steady income in the craft industry.
At a typical in-person event you could earn:
- $300+ for a Lecture/Program
- $500+ for a Workshop
- $200 or more in Product Sales
Total: $1,000 USD or more per event
This is a rough estimate. You can always determine your own rates and your product sales will vary. Some guilds / shops choose to book more or less events, which will adjust how much you'll make.
One of my favorite things about this source of income, other than engaging with other amazing quilters, is that you can know and plan for how much money you will make each month.
Since you will have set fees and signed contracts you can budget and plan your income in advance.
This income stability is PRICELESS for a business owner.
*You only need to book 3 events to recoup your investment in this program -- everything after that is pure profit!*
Your Instructor
Shannon Brinkley is a quilt & fabric designer, international teacher & speaker, author, creator of Scrappy Appliqué, and founder of the Meander Quilt Guild.
Hi, I’m Shannon. I’ve taught thousands of quilters and makers around the world and helped them turn their creativity into income, confidence, and joy. I would love to help you do the same.
If you’re ready to share your gifts, become part of a thriving teaching community, and build a business doing what you love — I invite you to join us.
"Before this program, I had no career in the craft or quilting world. Now, I'm teaching nationally and internationally, both online and in person—with steady bookings for the next two years! The program gave me the knowledge, confidence, and skills to successfully start my first business which has been a HUGE success."
– Kristie N.
SUCCESS STORIES
Hear from our teachers...
So you can begin with confidence...
You’ll receive 5 bonuses immediately—including templates, guides, and tools to help you take action right away.
Bonus 1: The "Pitch Perfect" Event Marketing Guide
Many creative people struggle with marketing themselves effectively to guilds and shops. You may wonder: "What should I say in my first email? How do I follow up without being pushy? How do I stand out from other teachers?"
This guide eliminates all the guesswork from your outreach efforts.
Bonus 2: The Guild Connection Database
Finding guilds, shops, and venues to contact can be incredibly time-consuming. Where do you even start? How do you find the right person to contact? Which venues are the best fit for you?
This database gives you immediate access to a goldmine of teaching opportunities.
Bonus 3: Teachers "Little Black Book"
Teaching at multiple venues requires juggling contracts, tracking expenses, managing inventory, remembering student requests, & staying on top of your calendar.
The "Teacher's Little Black Book" organizer provides a complete, streamlined system to manage every aspect of your teaching business ease.
Bonus 4: Virtual Teaching Technology Kit
Virtual teaching opens up opportunities, but presents unique technical challenges. How do you create an engaging online experience that showcases your teaching skills?
The kit provides everything you need to create engaging virtual workshops without the frustration.
You Might Be Wondering…
Because if you’re considering something like this…
It’s natural to have questions.
“What if I’m not experienced enough to teach?”
You don’t need to be an expert, have a following, or be “well-known” in the industry.
In fact, most Certified Teachers started exactly where you are.
What matters most isn’t being the most advanced person in the room — it’s being able to guide others through a clear, supportive process.
And that’s exactly what we train you to do.
“What if I don’t know what I would teach?”
You don’t have to create anything from scratch.
Inside the program, you’ll be trained in a proven, in-demand curriculum that’s already been developed, tested, and loved by students.
You’re not inventing something new — you’re stepping into something that already works.
“What if I don’t know how to get booked?”
This is one of the biggest concerns — and one of the biggest things we help you solve.
You’ll learn how to:
- reach out to guilds and shops
- present your workshops
- and begin filling your calendar
With real scripts, templates, and strategies you can start using right away.
“What if I’m not confident speaking or teaching yet?”
Confidence doesn’t come first — it comes from doing.
That’s why we include:
- mentorship
- practice teaching opportunities
- feedback and support
So you’re not stepping into your first workshop feeling unprepared. You’re stepping in having already practiced.
“What if I’m not tech-savvy?”
You don’t need to be.
We keep everything simple, practical, and easy to follow — whether you’re teaching in person or exploring virtual workshops.
And you’ll have support along the way whenever you need it.
“What if this doesn’t work for me?”
That’s exactly why we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
You can step inside, explore the program, and see how it feels for you.
If it’s not the right fit, you’re not stuck.
You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just need a place to start —and a path you can trust.
Teacher Certification Payment Options
PAY IN FULL - 1 PROGRAM
ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
$2997
Training in 1 Certification Program
1 Year's Licensing
Mentorship Program
Resources & Materials
Website Feature once certified
Bonuses:
- "The Perfect Pitch"
- "The Guild Connection" database
- Teacher's "Little Black Book"
- Product Starter Kit
JOIN NOW →
PAY IN FULL - 2 PROGRAMS
ONE-TIME PAYMENT OF
$4997
Training in 2 Certification Program
1 Year's Licensing for each
Mentorship Program
Resources & Materials
Website Feature once certified
Bonuses:
- "The Perfect Pitch"
- "The Guild Connection" database
- Teacher's "Little Black Book"
- Product Starter Kit
JOIN NOW →
BUY NOW PAY LATER
If it feels helpful, many students choose Afterpay, Klarna, or PayPal Credit to break their payment into smaller installments. To use one of these options, select the full payment above, then choose your preferred method at checkout. Terms and eligibility vary by provider, and may differ internationally.
*You only need to book approximately 3 events to recoup your investment in this program -- everything after that is pure profit!*
1 Year's Licensing
You'll be licensed for 1 year to teach Scrappy Applique, Color Confidence, Portrait Quilting, or Imbue from the time you sign your licensing contract.
We do not take a cut of the events you book, there is simply an annual licensing renewal fee of $497 per program.
So as long as you book one or two events per year, everything else you make is pure profit
Resources & Materials
We'll start you off with a super helpful kit of resources that includes:
- Your own wholesale link to use to purchase Patterns, Books, and other products at 50% off retail to re-sell at your events
- Workbook, training docs and learning content to assist in creating your own events
- Class Guide / Materials lists that you can customize for your own business
- A contract template that you can use to book your events
- Workshop/program scripts that you can refer for your events
- Photos and slideshows you can use when teaching in person or virtual events
- My exact process and email scripts I used to fill up my event calendar
One of our Certified Teachers described our training and materials as a "Business in a Box", which it is! We give you everything you need for your teaching business! All of the content and tools took me YEARS to develop, and we give it all to you!
Goodie Box of Products!
Upon certification, we will ship you a goodie box of products to sell at your events!
- Scrappy Applique: 3 Scrappy Applique Workbooks, and 12 pattern books
- Color Confidence: 3 Color Confidence Workbooks, 5 Color Palette Guide Books, and 5 Neutral Palette Guide Books
- Portrait Quilting: 3 Portrait Quilting Workbooks, 12 pattern books
- Imbue: 3 Imbue Workbooks, 5 Imbue Recipe Books, 5 Fabric Printing Books
Website Feature
Listed as a Certified Teacher on the Shannon Brinkley Studio website with a bio and contact information. This is where we refer all requests that we get for teachers.
30 Day MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
Enroll Risk Free
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Join risk-free. If you’re not thrilled, we’ll refund you within 30 days.
Limited spots available per certification to avoid market saturation.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specifics for each certification?
I’m a beginner. Can I really do this?
How soon can I start teaching and making money?
Is everything online or in-person?
Do I have to create my own patterns or materials?
What if I need support along the way?
What if I want to wait before teaching?
What happens after the first year?
Are the training sessions recorded?
ARE YOU READY?
Let's do THIS!
Turn your passion into income with Shannon Brinkley’s Certified Teacher Program. Learn expert techniques, get a full curriculum, and start booking paid workshops right away — online or in person.
Have questions?
If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly:
hello@shannon-brinkley.com or send us a message through the chat box below.
