Our Story
Teach Me didn’t begin with a business plan or a fixed idea of what it should become. It began with a shared belief — that creativity should feel open, encouraging and accessible, not intimidating or exclusive.
For artists John and Yolanda Houston, making has always been about more than finished pieces. It has been about curiosity, confidence and the quiet satisfaction that comes from learning something new with your hands.
“When people arrive, they often tell us they’re not creative,” says Yolanda. “By the end of a session, they’re surprised by what they’ve made — and by themselves.”
From artists to teachers
Creative practice
Long before Teach Me Courses existed, John and Yolanda were immersed in their own creative work. Making shaped how they thought, explored ideas and developed skills across different materials and disciplines.
Learning through sharing
Alongside their own work, they were naturally drawn to sharing skills, explaining processes and supporting others as they learned. Teaching felt less like a role and more like a natural part of making.
Growing together
“We’ve always believed that knowledge grows when it’s shared,” John explains. “Once you start passing skills on, something really special happens.”
This belief became one of the foundations of Teach Me Courses, where learning is collaborative and confidence grows alongside technique.
The space behind the story
Creating a space that feels different
Teach Me Courses was shaped around a simple idea — that the environment you learn in matters. John and Yolanda wanted to create a space where people could slow down, focus and feel comfortable exploring something new.
The move to the Romney Marsh helped bring that idea into focus. Its quieter pace encouraged a more thoughtful, unpressured approach to making and learning.
Designed with care
The studios were planned to be practical, calm and easy to work in. Natural light, well-organised spaces and small group sizes help people settle in and concentrate.
Learning without pressure
Workshops allow time to explore, ask questions and make mistakes. There is no rush to reach a finished outcome — learning and enjoyment come first.
A calm, welcoming atmosphere
From the way sessions are led to how support is offered, the tone is intentionally relaxed. Feeling comfortable helps creativity come more naturally.
Shaped by its surroundings
The Romney Marsh setting influences the rhythm of Teach Me Courses in subtle ways. Its open landscape and slower pace encourage patience, reflection and focus.
Learning, confidence and community
At Teach Me Courses, learning is about more than developing a skill. It is about building confidence, feeling supported and discovering what can happen when people come together to create in a relaxed and encouraging environment.
Confidence grows through making
Trying something new can feel daunting at first, but confidence often grows once people begin making. With guidance and time to explore, participants are encouraged to trust the process.
Confidence grows through action.
Learning side by side
Working alongside others creates an easy sense of connection. Sharing ideas, asking questions and learning together helps people feel supported throughout the process.
Creativity is better when shared.
A community that continues
For many, Teach Me Courses becomes more than a single workshop. Friendships form, confidence builds and people often return to learn more.
The connections often continue.
When students become collaborators
One of the most rewarding parts of Teach Me Courses is watching confidence turn into capability. As skills grow, people naturally begin to share ideas, support others and step forward in the creative process.
It often happens without fanfare — a tip passed across a table, a technique demonstrated, extra hands helping an idea take shape. These small moments are what make collaboration feel genuine.
Some students go on to contribute their skills to larger projects alongside the Teach Me Courses team, bringing fresh perspectives and helping ambitious, community-led work come to life.
“I’m always in awe of my students,” says Yolanda. “Some of our biggest projects simply wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Teach Me Courses today
A creative space shaped by people, ideas and shared experience.
Teach Me Courses continues to evolve through the people who take part and the ideas they bring with them. While new workshops, techniques and projects develop over time, the focus remains on learning, confidence and creativity shared in a supportive environment.