Maiwa School of Textiles Registration
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We also have a STUDENT SUPPORT page.
1. Why is the cost of the workshop in US Dollars? I thought you were based in Canada.
You’re right, we are based in Vancouver, Canada. However, in order for us to accept ApplePay, GooglePay, PayPal, and other forms of e-payment, the Teachable platform requires us to price our courses in USD.
2. Why are the workshop supply kits in Canadian dollars but the workshops are in US dollars?
Since the supply kits are sold on our online store maiwa.com, they are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
The workshops themselves are sold on Teachable which requires us to price in US dollars (USD) in order to offer as many payment options as possible.
3. I was charged tax for my workshop. Why is that?
Your workshop purchase was made through the Teachable Platform. Teachable monitors tax regulations internationally to collect and remit taxes (including VAT). These taxes are set by the governing body in the area where you reside.
Many government agencies have recently updated their tax regulations around electronically distributed goods (including online workshops) to make them taxable based on the purchaser's location rather than where the workshop was produced or sold. Additional information can be found here:
4. Why is there a difference between the registration opening and the course commencing.
This gives us time to send supplies to students for the workshop. It also gives you enough time to gather what you need to set up for taking the workshop.
5. When do the courses start?
Commencement dates for the courses are listed on the course page.
6. How long will I have access to the course content on teachable?
You will have access to the course content on Teachable for 3 years from the date of purchase.
7. Can I work through the workshop at my own pace?
Yes you can! Many of our workshops "drip" the content - offering new content on a weekly basis over the length of the workshop. If you want to move at that pace, you are all set. If you want to go at your own pace, that is fine too. The new content will be waiting for you.
8. What is included in the supply kits?
We have curated a supply kit for most workshops. Supply lists are listed on the workshop page and in the course notes.
9. What equipment & items do I need to gather at home?
You can see the list of equipment you will need on the Supply List for your workshop - listed on the workshop page.
10. Can I use supplies I already have at home or source my own locally instead of buying a supply kit from Maiwa?
Absolutely! The kits have been put together specifically for these workshops and are set at a 20% discount to make it simple for students to get started. However, if you’d like to build your own supply list, please do! The best approach will be to stick to the same fibre types as in the workshop kit and similar natural dye shades.
11. Will I get a discount on supplies at maiwa.com outside of the pre-built supply kits?
A discount is only offered on the supply kit of the workshop you choose.
12. Will I be charged shipping on my Maiwa Workshop Supply Kit?
If you are in Canada or the USA, our free shipping applies and there will be no shipping charge.
If you are outside of Canada and the USA, our standard shipping rates apply. When you add the kit to your cart, you will be able to see the shipping rates to your location.
13. How long will workshop supply kits take to arrive?
We can estimate shipping times though we cannot guarantee them. Let’s just say this, the sooner you order your supplies the better!
14. What if my supplies don’t arrive by the start date of my workshop?
This can happen because of the nature of shipping, especially these days. But not to worry! This is not a problem.
You can choose to start your workshop without your supplies; get familiar with the curriculum and the teachable platform, then get into action when your supplies arrive.
Alternatively, you can wait until everything arrives and get all set up before you dig in. It’s your workshop and you can decide how and when you begin.
15. Will there be opportunities to ask questions? And what about communicating with fellow students?
Five of our workshops have a space for questions at the bottom of each module in the workshop. These five workshops are The Natural Dye Workshop, Print & Paint with Natural Dyes, Journey into Indigo, Ink Making and Tannins Oxides and Indigo. This is a place where questions can be typed in and a response will be offered from the instructor. All students will benefit from questions asked here, as it will be available for all to see and respond to.
Students are able to ask questions from the time the workshop begins through to the final module. During this time, teachers answer questions on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
After the workshop wraps up, the Q&A section from the workshop will remain posted for the entire 3 years that the workshop content is available.
One of our workshops - Natural Dyes: Alchemy Chemistry Craft has a Frequently Asked Question section at the top of each module in place of the Q&A.
Some workshops feature an optional private Facebook Group - as the workshop moves along, students will have the opportunity to join the group with other students in the same course. Here you will also be able to discuss ideas and process with other students, and share photos of your work.
16. I’ve never done a workshop like this online. I’m nervous about the whole tech aspect of things. Will there be tech support available?
No need to worry. Teachable is quite a simple platform with lots of tools to show you how to troubleshoot any issues you may have. We also have a team at Maiwa who will be able to help you with any technical issues that may arise. The best way to contact them is through email [email protected]. They will be available Monday through Friday during our regular work hours.
17. I live in an apartment, will I have enough space to do the workshop at home?
Absolutely! We show you how to work small as well as big.
18. Will there be written documents to go along with videos and modules?
Yes, Maiwa has always been known for its comprehensive student notes. This is also true for our online workshops.
Each module includes information in written format that can be read online as well as downloaded onto your computer and printed out. All recipes are recorded in written form and are downloadable too. There are also videos that you can watch & rewatch as you like.
19. How often is there a new lesson? And how do I receive new lessons?
New lessons become available every week on Monday. You will receive an email from us letting you know it’s time to expand your knowledge & creative process.
It is up to you how you move through it. If it suits you, follow along with the schedule and new lessons. Or if you would rather go slowly or even wait until everything is available, you can do that too.
20. Do I need a facebook account to take part in the workshop?
You do not need a facebook account. The entire workshop is hosted on teachable.com. The workshops which host private groups on facebook offer them as a bonus tacked onto each workshop. We have chosen to use facebook private groups as it is the best place that offers a platform where we can share inspiration, process and images of student work.
When topics and questions arise on the facebook group that appear valuable to a particular module that haven’t been covered or asked on teachable, we will ask students to re-post key questions to the comment section on Teachable for teachers to answer for all students to see.
21. I have a credit for a workshop that was canceled in early 2020. How can I use it?
Please email us at [email protected] to let us know the workshop you are interested in. We will register you for the workshop of your choice. You will need a Teachable account for us to do that so we will show you how to set that up. We will apply your credit and then issue you a credit code for any remainder - that can be used on our online shop.
22. Can I transfer my workshop to a friend?
When you buy a workshop, it is for single use only and non-transferable, so you won’t be able to transfer it to a friend.
23. Can I share my log in for a workshop with a friend?
Workshops are delivered to a single user and intended to only be used by that individual, not groups.
24. Can I transfer to another workshop after I have started the initial workshop?
Once you have begun your workshop, there are no transfers possible.
25. What happens if I want to cancel a workshop after I have signed up?
In accordance with Teachable’s refund policy, a refund may be requested up to 30 days after the date of purchasing a workshop. Students who request a refund after completing and/or downloading workshop content may be prevented from enrolment in future workshops.
26. I am eligible for a tax exemption - how does that work?
The Teachable platform collects and remits taxes associated with your purchase. Maiwa has no access to the taxes collected and no mechanism to apply for rebates or refunds. Depending on your location, teachable provides a mechanism for tax exemptions:
"Students from tax-exempt organizations who purchase products or services on the Teachable platform should submit a refund request to [email protected]. The refund request should include a copy of the purchase receipt showing the sales tax paid and Order ID, as well as a copy of their state sales tax exemption certificate. Teachable will issue a refund once the documentation has been reviewed and approved. Usually the process takes about 7 days."
If you are eligible for a tax or VAT refund and require additional help, we recommend that you contact teachable directly at:
[email protected] or via their support form https://support.teachable.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=14661416450189
Do you have a question not answered above?
Contact us at [email protected]