A survey of sorts.

I haven't taken a class at a LSS in years. Once I got beyond the basic level, I found that the classes being offered weren't particularly interesting--they didn't cover anything that I hadn't already read in a magazine. If I can find the information elsewhere (i.e. how to take better photos, principles of design and layout) I'm not going to plunk down money and learn it from someone who may not be any more knowledgeable or talented than I am. That's the other reason I stopped taking classes--they were being taught by people with no particular talent for teaching and only mediocre scrapbooking skills.
The classes that I do like to take are all project based--a couple of hours where you actually produce a mini album, or a collection of cards, or make your own book. The actual techniques involved might not be new, but the creative approach to the project is. I usually find these classes at conventions, but my Stampin' Up demonstrator also does monthly workshops like this that I love to attend.

I don't take classes very often at my LSS because they are "copy cat" classes (everyone makes the same thing) & I prefer to learn techniques & ideas. Also most of the classes are too basic & aren't teaching anything new. I do LOVE online classes & kits though!!

no restrooms provided

I have to drive an hour to find any LSS (even though Utah is supposed to be the 'meca' of scrapping). I relish the one Saturday every 3 months or so that I make it there. I struggle with what to bring, and I always get more done in the same amount of time at home, but being among the people (and all that product!) refills me in some way.
Scrapbooks Etc in Monticello, UT really goes all out. They provide lunch, they offer little raffles throughout the day, and while their classes are often too close to being just a 'make and take' with little new information, they do always make sure that what you leave worth was worth the price of the class.
Stores probably will always need to offer new comer or beginner layout classes. Still, at this point, I think they need to focus more on delivering workshops that are just celebrating scrapping for people who already "get" it---offer challenges and provide opportunity to play with new product.
Thanks for the chance to give input!

Hi Ali,
I take classes at my LSS all the time and what mainly keeps me coming back is the projects. I like to learn new and different techniques or something that I think will be useful to actually use after I make it. The teacher is also a big plus; sometimes I may take a class just based on who is teaching because I have always liked their work before.

Ali - I think that there are 2 types of scrappers. My mom would rather take a class and recreate something faithfully to the sample project and she gets discouraged when that is not possible - she is very literal about it and figures she took the class to make the SAME project. I, on the other hand, enjoy a technique class where I can translate what I am learning to other projects.
Having said all that, there are two reasons I don't take classes at my LSS's: because most are too basic and the techniques are already things I know or because as a full-time worker, they are not convenient for me to take (i.e. during the day or on early weeknights when I have not gotten through traffic to make it to the store).
Hope that helps.

I don't take classes at the LSS because the classes don't fit my time schedule or that of my friends. I would love to take a class if all my friends were in it with me and we could just crank out layouts wihtout any time-consuming techniques. I don't want to wait for paint to dry, I don't want my layout to be so bulky that it won't fit into my page protector, and I don't want to sand and ink every edge of everything. I just want TIME. Time away from the house to scrap with frineds and good food and good music and good movies. No learning, just doing. Just give me a well-coordinated KIT full of the latest and greates products from several manufacturers that I can use to create a bunch of pretty layouts!

I haven't taken a class at my LSS- it seems like they are always the kind where you just copy what the instructor does- where's the creativity and fun in that? I'd go if it was to learn a cool new technique or if the instructor was one who really encouraged "thinking outside the box".

I've been driving about 45 min. to an hour to take classes. I go because that's where the best classes are. The projects keep me coming back. They're also pretty friendly. I try to shop at my LSS as well but the classes are limited. The other store we take classes at is Young Play Memories where we met you. That's about a 1.5 hour to 2 hour drive depending on traffic. We go there because of the teachers they bring in.

I am LOVING all the responses here.....I am one of those who teaches scrapbooking and I question every quarter what people would like to see.
I, personally, like techniques that I can use on anything else I'm working on. I do do classes for projects but I am one of those who suggests to "Do it YOUR way!" when actually making the project. I always stress they can add their own take on things. Some are very creative and some like doing exactly the same as the sample.

The only reason I ever take a class is the teacher. If I know I can learn something from them, I'll keep returning. There is no point in going to a class from a teacher that I could out-teach because I understand design, composition, and current trends more. I feel like a lot of the teachers at my local LSSs are just now hitting 2004 trend-wise and that is frustrating as well. I'm not saying I know everything or that I'm totally hip or whatever. But I read the current magazines and spend time on message boards and such. It just doesn't seem that hard to stay current so it's disappointing when people teaching the business have no clue what is really happening WITHIN it.
Sorry for the rant. I just get so frustrated by it all!

I like to take classes that are different and not run-of-the-mill projects. I can copy a layout. I can copy simple projects that come out of a magazine. I like techniques that make me think out of the box. I like learning new ways to use old products.

Ali,
As a class-taker and class-maker I've found that there are two types of people. 1. People who like to come away with a finished product and 2. people who like to learn something new.
This makes it difficult to teach classes because you are going to disappoint one or the other depending on how you format the class. I always try to do a bit of both. Meaning that I have instructions provided so that anyone who wants to get the project done can follow along with me or go through it to their heart's content at their own speed. If they don't finish they have the instructions. By having instructions it allows me to talk and offer advice and show people how to use tools. In fact, one class I taught on tags I brought about 25 different examples of how to use tags. We then made 3 projects showcasing different ways to use tags.
I also encourage anyone to "step outside the box". My LO is a guideline if they'd rather embellish something differently they can. There are no rules.
As a class-taker I've enjoyed warm, engaging and funny teachers. They make the project fun. Good stories helps too. :) I also enjoy learning a technique that I can apply. A favorite of mine was learning how to make a mini-book at CKU-KC. I've used that technique over and over again. Lastly, I enjoy getting product.
I've spoken with my sister on this issue and she is in total agreement with me. In fact, after we took some CKU classes in Kansas City a couple years ago we both decided we appreciated classes that taught you a technique that you could use instead of just getting a product done. Most of the time the product won't fit for everyone anyway, so it's useless to more than half the class. Which is a shame because the projects tend to be pretty cool.
So, there's my opinion. :)
Jen

Most of the classes offered seem to be 'projects' versus just day to day scrapping methods/ideas/techniques. I really don't need to make a clip board or memory box. I just need to feel like I have a fresh new way to scrapbook the photos I take everyday in mass quantities!

I don't tend to take a lot of classes. I am a person that does NOT like to do the same thing as everyone else. I like my creations to be MINE! UNIQUE!
However, when I do take a class it's usually because the class is being taught by a wonderful teacher and/or it's a project that is soo good I don't mind doing something everyone else is.

Hi Ali
I just took a class last week. We made a pet album. It was great because all materials were provided. We had templates to make each page. The final project was great! I love to learn new techniques and use different products that I would not typically buy. It also gives me the chance to try all the latest tools from stamps, inks, cutting tools, punches, etc. I end up always buying something new.

I have never taken a class at my LSS for many of the reasons already stated -
1. the classes focus on basic techniques
2. they tend to look like crop and copy classes - I don't want a page that looks like everyone elses!!
3. I want to be challenged
4. The thought of hauling my gear to a store is daunting...I rarely pre-plan pages and instead pick and pull from my various resources at home. Half of the fun of creating pages for me, is re-discovering papers or embellishment or stamps in my stash and using them.
Like others, I would love to attend classes that show me easy ways to do things, how to use various stamping techniques, transparancies - anything, but in a way that I can explore and create on my own.

I take classes for techniques or very good teachers. I've really slowed down taking classes because I am sick and tired of mini books. I'd rather do layouts that I can use in my family albums. I have about 40 unfinished mini books that will eventually be thrown out. Unless the techniques are really good, I just pass on classes now.
I took a class a month ago where the teacher just had a sample and wanted us to copy it. She did not give us instructions or pictures because we had to do it in class. It took me an hour (the class was advertised and charged as a 3 hour class). No techniques and no teaching. I'll never take a class at that store again.
Classes seem to be too much about pushing the buying of new product and not enough about using the products.

I love Courtney DeLaura at our local sb store! Plus, I take classes with friends and we just have fun going together... Haven't taken one in awhile and it is about time..

I guess most things have been said...
But I have to agree..
*the teacher..if they are engaging and give good direction..I'll be back
* the project..something I wouldn't normally think to do myself...ie; your "a week in the life"..Donna's Letter class or make your own journal class AND SCRAPBOOKS TOO, MN..their Acrylic Scrapbook class was AWESOME
*The goodies you get w/the class. I noticed some people said they don't want to haul their stuff all over..but most classes you dont' have to. If the class just requests a basic kit..that works for me..which usually means they have included everything else I should need. At Scrapbooks TOO..I didn't even need my own adhesive
**** why I wouldn't.. I don't live real close to any LSS that has a lot of classes.
It's kinda sad..just this week 3 of our better LSS's are closing their doors. Scrapbook Too's owner Sue is even giving her store till the end of the year..it's just sad!!! THe little guys/gals are getting pushed out by the "industry" that used to be a hobby!!
Good luck w/your classes. I havn't even taken a bad class or gotten a bad idea from you or a few others..not all necessarily people who have blogs or teach anywhere other than their own back yard. HA!
Wendy WVG

oh..sorry forgot to mention WHY the Acrylic book class was so awesome..besides the fact that you got everything to complete your kit that you would 'need' you also had adhesive and tools available and you weren't copying anyone elses idea. you had an idea to look at but this was all yours and you were given enough to supplies to change it up as you wanted too. it wasn't about pushing anything new, selling anything more from the store. It was all in fun..and the instructors encouraged you to be free to create!! Thanks Sue, Susan and SUE TOO!!

1. I want technique (process) classes not project classes. I have way too many started but not finished projects as it is.
2. I want a welcoming environment where the teacher is great and knows more than I do or has a perspective that's new to me.
3. I want room. My not-so-local independent LSS crams too many people in at a table, and I just don't like being that cozy. My only other alternative is Recollections, and they never offer the classes I want when I can take them.
4. The store needs to have current product, especially the product used in the technique.
5. Big names are always helpful, but not all big names are good teachers.
6. "Classes" like those offered at GASC are usually like what many stores offer, and those just don't interest me.
7. I want to have fun! The instructor can't be a classroom nazi - yes, I've had those.
8. Many stores organize around theme, but I don't know one single theme scrapper. I know they are out there, but I don't know any. Leave the theme and teach us universal techniques and processes we can use on any page or adapt to other projects. (I don't shop at my LSS for that reason - nothing but themed stuff).

I took classes @ my LSS in Tucson but now that I've relocated I do not take classes @ the LSS here as they are, well, how do I put this..."frumpy" - not at all trendy and they NEVER (I mean NEVER) have the new product lines - you know, the ones everyone wants...I'm disappointed everytime I go there.

I've taken classes because of the teacher (Donna Downey came to Palm Harbor a few months ago & I took her class) but otherwise I really don't take classes.

Unfortunatly I have only taken one class at my LSS. It was a fun class, but I knew more than the lady teaching it, and it really was more suited to children than adults. I want to take classes that challenge me and make me want to step out of my comfort zone. If I want to so just fun little projects that anyone can buy online then I will just stay home and do that.
I was just @ CKU Nashville and was in your Saturday album track. Now that is a class that has made me step outside my comfort zone and really let loose and have fun as well as stop and take a closer look at my daily life. I want to thank you for that and to let you know that I am a few small pages away from having it finished! Thanks so much.