How to Start an After-School Craft Club with No Financial Risk

Are you a mom, teacher, or crafter with a passion for creativity and a desire to build something meaningful while earning extra income?

Do you dream of starting a business but worry about the financial risks or how to get started?

Imagine...

• having the flexibility to set your own hours, 
• doing something you love, and
• making a difference in your community by inspiring kids to explore their creativity. Sounds amazing, right?

Starting an after-school craft club might be the perfect opportunity for you!

It allows you to have 

• control over your schedule, 
• the freedom to be your own boss and 
• the satisfaction of knowing you’re making an impact on children’s lives through creativity. 

And the best part? You can get started with little to no financial risk!

In this blog, we’ll explore

• how to start your own craft club, 
• why schools are the ideal place to launch your classes, and 
• how an after-school craft club can provide you with the freedom and flexibility you’ve been looking for.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

 Why Start an After-School Craft Club? 

You might be asking, “Why an after-school craft club?” Here's why:

• Extra Income: Whether you’re looking for a little side income or hoping to grow this into a bigger business, running an after-school craft club is a great way to earn money while doing something you love.
• Flexibility: If you run one class per day, you only need to commit around 1.5-2 hours of your time each day. This makes it easy to manage alongside other responsibilities like raising kids or working another job. You set your schedule, and you’re in control.
• No Financial Risk: Parents pre-pay for the month/term before it starts, which means you don’t have to worry about buying supplies out of pocket. You’ll have the funds you need upfront.
• Low-Stress Business: Because marketing is simple and parents pre-pay for the program, there’s very little stress involved. You can focus on having fun with the kids and teaching them something valuable.
• Be Your Own Boss: You get to choose your schedule and run the club the way you want. It’s your business, and you’re in control.
• Impact Your Community: Teaching kids to create, problem-solve, and express themselves through crafts is incredibly rewarding. You’re not just running a club; you’re making a difference in their lives.
• Build Confidence: As you successfully run your club, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities. This could lead to new opportunities, such as expanding into other schools or offering craft classes, birthday parties, events, and workshops at other venues in your community.

 Getting Started: The Step-by-Step Roadmap 

Starting your own after-school craft club doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple roadmap to guide you: 

Step 1: Reach Out to Local Schools

Schools are the perfect place to launch your after-school craft club. Why? Because parents trust the school. If the school approves you to run the club, parents are much more likely to trust you as well. This means you don’t have to spend a lot of time or effort building your credibility—parents will automatically feel comfortable signing their kids up. 

Start by contacting the after-school program coordinator or principal at local schools. Offer your services and explain how the club works, emphasizing the benefits for the school and the kids. You might even offer to do a free trial class to show what your club is all about!

Step 2: Design Your Craft Curriculum

This is the fun part! Think about the types of crafts kids would LOVE and what would be age-appropriate and topical for the students in your club.  

You can create fun toys (like hobby unicorns, puppet theatres, or marble runs) or games (like snap cards or tic-tac-toe) for each week. You could also include seasonal crafts, holiday-related activities, or simple decor projects (like dream catchers, bunting, or paper bed lamps) that teach kids basic crafting skills.

You don’t need to overcomplicate things—kids love getting creative with simple materials like paper, paint, glue, and scissors. As they gain confidence, you can gradually introduce more advanced crafts. The key is to keep it fun and engaging while they learn.

A great tip is to incorporate plenty of recycled materials. Not only will this save you money, but it also teaches kids an important lesson about sustainability. Think cardboard, paper rolls, plastic bottles, and more. Check out these fun crafts made from recycled supplies!

If you're looking for a ready-made curriculum, our Ultimate STEAM Craft Curriculum is perfect for you! It includes over 300 lesson plans, helping you teach crafting to kids with ease—no matter if you're just starting out or already have teaching experience. Plus, you can get the curriculum at 50% off during your first 30 days as a CCC Academy member. Join the waitlist today by clicking here→

Step 3: Set Your Pricing and Time

How much should you charge? A good rule of thumb is to look at other after-school programs in your area to get a sense of pricing. Remember, parents are willing to pay for activities that are educational and fun and provide childcare for a little longer in the day. Click here for our top tips on pricing classes, and download our free pricing calculator.

Keep the club time manageable—about 45 minutes for 2-6-year-olds and 1 hour for 7-12-year-olds is ideal. It’s long enough for the kids to have fun and create something but short enough that you can keep them fully engaged the whole time without needing to stop for a snack or toilet break. 

Step 4: Promote Your Club

Once the school gives you the go-ahead, promoting your craft club becomes a breeze! The school will likely help you spread the word, whether through a flyer in the kids’ backpacks, a mention in the school newsletter, or even an email to parents.

Click here to get our comprehensive marketing guide.

 Why Schools Make It Easy 

One of the biggest hurdles new business owners face is gaining the trust of their audience. But when you partner with a school, you eliminate this challenge right away. Here’s why getting into schools is such a big advantage: 

Parents Trust the School: When the school endorses you, it’s like getting a stamp of approval. Parents don’t need to research you or worry about whether you’re credible—they trust the school’s judgment.

Built-in Audience: Schools are full of potential customers! You don’t have to search for your audience—they’re already there. All you have to do is tap into it.

Easy Marketing: Schools typically send home flyers or announcements in kids’ backpacks. You don’t have to spend money on advertising; the school does the hard part for you by getting your club in front of parents.

No Need for a Social Media Following: While social media pages are helpful in other business models, you don’t need to build an online presence to be successful with a school-based after-school program. The school’s platform is enough to reach your audience. 

And the added bonus is….

Schools Help Your Business Grow

As you get to know the kids in your club, they’ll often want to host birthday parties or special events with you. These parties, in turn, introduce your club to even more kids who may want to join your classes or host their own events. It creates a snowball effect—one party leads to another, and your club grows naturally through word of mouth.

The school environment offers constant exposure to potential students, helping your club grow without the need for costly advertising or extensive marketing efforts. It’s a win-win for both your business and the kids who join!

 What You Need to Start: Supplies and Budget 

Since parents pre-pay for the club, you’ll have the funds to buy all your supplies upfront, meaning there’s no financial risk to you. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for:

Basic Craft Supplies: Think markers, glue sticks, scissors, paint, brushes, construction paper, and any other materials needed for your craft projects. 

Click here to get a list of our supply must-haves.

Remember, kids don’t mind sharing. Here, you can see we had six kids sharing one set of paint. Don't overthink it.

Storage Containers or Bags: You’ll need a way to organize and transport supplies to and from the school.

 How to Differentiate Your Craft Club from Others 

In a sea of after-school programs, how can you make your craft club stand out? Here’s how you can set yourself apart and attract more parents and kids to your club:

Offer STEAM-Based Craft Classes

One of the most effective ways to differentiate your craft club is by focusing on STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) craft classes. Here's why STEAM crafts are a game-changer:

• Valuable Skills: STEAM crafts go beyond just making things. They help kids develop essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These are crucial for future careers where innovation is key.
• Future-Ready: By incorporating STEAM principles, you prepare kids for the future job market. They’ll learn how to approach challenges with a creative mindset and apply practical skills that will benefit them in many areas of life.
• Engaging Projects: Your crafts won't just be fun—they’ll also be educational. Kids will work on projects that often turn into toys or games they can play with after class. This makes learning even more exciting and rewarding.

Keep Parents in the Loop

Parents love to know what their kids are learning and how they can support their development. Older kids (7 and up) are able to relay what they’ve learned in class, but younger kids still need a bit of assistance in that area. That’s why, for the younger age groups, we provide a parent handout after each class. Here’s what it includes:

• Class Highlights: A summary of the key skills and concepts covered in the lesson.
• Home Activity: A suggested activity for parents and kids to do at home to reinforce the skills learned in class. This encourages further practice and helps keep the learning going beyond the classroom.
• Craft Uses: Information about how the crafts made in class can be used as toys or games, showcasing the practical and creative aspects of the projects.
• Photos and Videos: Share photos and videos of the class in action with parents. This not only shows the fun and creativity happening but also helps parents feel more connected to their child's learning experience. It’s a great way to highlight the exciting projects and achievements of the kids.

By offering STEAM-based crafts and keeping parents engaged with detailed handouts, you'll not only make your club stand out but also build a strong reputation as a program that delivers both fun and educational value.

 Overcoming Self-Doubt 

It’s completely normal to feel a bit unsure about starting your own business, especially if this is your first time. But remember, you don’t have to go it alone. Many other moms, teachers, and crafters have been in your shoes, and they’ve found success in running their own clubs.

Think of the impact you’ll have—not just on the kids, but on yourself. You’re building something meaningful, finding your purpose, and creating a path to more freedom and flexibility. You’ve got this! 

 They've Done it, and So Can You! 

Curious to see what's possible with an after-school craft club? 

See inspirational stories from our members!

Jessica's Story: She Was Tired of Working for Someone Else 

Teacher Jessica found herself wanting something of her own. She was tired of working for someone else. 

She loves working with kids and crafting, so starting a craft club was the perfect fit for her.

After joining CCC Academy, she approached her son’s elementary school, and they invited her to run classes at their summer program.

In just three weeks, her enrollment doubled!

Click here to watch our interview with Jessica. 

Juliana's Story: She Grew from 0 to 60 Students in Under a Year and Built Her Dream Cabin 

After spending a decade as a violinist and a stay-at-home mom, Juliana was eager to start something new.

She wanted to do something meaningful and educational for her son, but it also needed to require minimal initial investment.

"I didn't see myself as a 'teacher' at all."

Despite her initial fears, Juliana joined CCC Academy and started conducting STEAM-crafting classes at her son's school.

In less than a year, she's expanded to 3 schools and now has almost 60 students every week.

"I have earned enough to build a small house in less than a year."

Click here to watch our interview with Juliana.

Natalie's Story: How ONE flyer turned into an extra $1280 per month 

After sitting on the idea for a year, Natalie joined CCC Academy and launched her after-school craft program at a local elementary school.

"I had my flyer in their Friday folders, which go out at 4 p.m.

By 5 p.m., I already had 10 kids signed up.

I had to stop at 16 kids, and there are another 25 on the waitlist."

She then created DIY craft boxes to serve the students on the waitlist.

Click here to watch our interview with Natalie. 

Cara's Story: She Expanded her Club to 28 Schools Within 2 Years 

Coming out of the pandemic, teacher Cara saw her students struggle to create and yearned for a creative outlet herself.

"I was bored teaching the same curriculum at school."

After joining the CCC Academy, she started a craft club and devoted herself to helping kids think differently, learn to problem solve, and develop the confidence to create.

She's since expanded her club to run after-school classes at 28 schools, hiring 7 instructors to help her keep up with the demand.

Click here to watch our interview with Cara. 

 Take the First 2 Steps 

Starting an after-school craft club is a fun, flexible, and financially low-risk way to turn your passion into a business. Whether you’re looking for extra income or the chance to be your own boss, this is a perfect opportunity to make it happen. 

The first step is setting up the basics of your club. It’s easier than you think. You can do so by joining our 1-hour Get Started workshop. Click here to get all the details and sign up.

The next step is reaching out to local schools and proposing your idea. With the school’s support, you’ll be off to a great start, and parents will be lining up to sign their kids up for your club.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today! You’re closer than you think to achieving the flexibility, freedom, and purpose you’ve been dreaming of.

 Want a Shortcut to Success? 

If you’re ready to start your after-school craft club but want a clear, step-by-step roadmap, we’ve got the perfect solution! 

Inside the CCC Academy, we offer all the tools and resources you need to launch and grow your club with confidence. From detailed lesson plans to what to say to principals, pricing guidance, and tips on standing out from the competition—we cover it all.

Join the waitlist for CCC Academy today, and let us help you build the craft club of your dreams! Click here to join the waitlist.

Photos credit: Shoutout to our amazing CCC members for the fantastic class photos! 📸 Thank you for capturing the fun!