A survey of sorts.

My thoughts are going to sound conceited, so beware..... I don't take classes at my scrapbook store, because I don't feel I need them. If I want to create the projects that they're going to make, I feel like I can figure them out on my own and save the cost that goes beyond the class price. At one point I did take a few classes (a long time ago...) regarding a
"technique of the month". But in my own little world, $15 buys me the supplies I choose for myself and will use. That's another thing, I suppose. Of any of the classes that I've ever shelled out money for, I NEVER USE what I make. Which becomes a waste of money for me. Now, that being said.... classes are AWESOME for the person who hasn't been addicted to scrapbooking for almost 10 years. AWESOME for people needing inspiration. And if I didn't have access to the internet or CK/SS/MM mags, I would sign right up for each class I could.
woo-wee....you can have your blog back now! :)

Hi Ali
I take classes at my local scrapbook store for many reasons. Time for myself, new ideas, the fact that it is a "class" allows me to believe I am still a "student of life"... and another biggie, I scrapbook about myself whereas at home I tend to scrapbook other people....
these classes are addicitive, I just joined "Club Clipper" where the same group of women meet once a month to scrapbook about themselves... Very Cool.
hope this helps.
Jeanne

A very interesting question. I do not take classes at my LSS, usually. Most of the time, I do not like the layouts. I usually like the products being used, just not in the structured way a class uses them. I know that I can "make it my own" but many times I do not have the additional products necessary to do that.
Another issue is that classes at the LSS are almost always mini books. I have more mini books than I could ever use, so making another one is just not appealing at all.
I suppose if I can make the time to get away from the home for a little while, I would prefer to spend the money on product and crop time rather than a structured class.

It's been fascinating catching all the comments on this post! You post a thought provoking question that I tried to let go but had to sit and address.
Believe it or not, in major metropolitan Phx, AZ I don't have any LSS that are truly close to me. Any that have been nearby have closed. The large chains seem to have fulfilled the need here, I think mostly for products and not really much interest in the market for classes. Any LSS of interest is a drive to get to - ~45 min - difficult with 2 small ones, 1 of them in school, and commute travel. So, proximity is a factor in taking classes. A store I like does tend to have awesome classes and bring in "name" teachers, but they're a bit pricey. I've resorted to online classes lately with BPS - VERY fun! I've been pleasantly surprised. They certainly fit into my time schedule needs with the flexibility and the pricing has been right. Timing of classes is a challenge in going to a LSS.
Classes that even pique my interest - it's gotten tougher as I've been scrapping and stamping for 7 yrs now. Many in stores seem basic. I'm also not interested in classes where I make a page and fill in with pix later. I'd much rather have my pix in hand, more choice in color than is provided, and more choice in a lot of things about a page than can be done in this format. I steer away from these when I consider the CK conventions that come to town. THOSE classes are a massive rush for me to create something of a "sample" page that I'll never use - waste of my time. For the CK conventions that come, I'll look more toward "idea" classes - how to organize better, take better pix, "classroom" style info. I'm probably leaning more toward "project" style classes these days - ones I can replicate as gifts, put my own spin on, that sort of thing. REALLY into home dec scrapping ideas now - loving Donna Downey's style right now! Nice to put scrapping into a "craft" sort of format instead of strictly "page." I learned today my mom's actually felt guilty about not taking up scrapping with 2 grandbabies in the house now - I never dreamed she'd even CONSIDER scrapping! (paper and glue) She was relieved when I told her she HAS been doing what is being promoted (a la Stacy Julian) as a broader definition of "scrapping" by her putting pix into collgages and framing and her version of home dec - she was THRILLED to think she can actually be considered a scrapper! That was a great feeling to be able to enfold someone into the "club" of scrapping who's never touched paper and glue and journaling.
Thanks for giving the opportunity for input! Good luck with your class. It's been an interesting little "class" catching the comments here!

I have not taken a class in a long time. I'm an experienced artist and scrapbooker and don't see much in the way of class offerings beyond the beginner things, locally. I am very intrigued by the paper arts and would jump at the chance to take a class that taught me to look at a process or technique in a new light or to really dig deep creatively. I've seen some artist workshops online but they've always been in other states and that kind of travel isn't feasible for me. I want a class that's organized, fun, and leaves me the freedom to be creative. The few classes I've done in the past have been glue piece "a" to spot "b" and use the pink embossing powder on the pink cardstock and glue on the pink button here... I'm much more free spirited and usually take the supplies at hand and do my own thing. Last time I did that the teacher got flustered because I was mixing it up and going off the class plan. That was frustrating! I mean, I paid the fee.... What should it matter if I mixed the orange carstock with the pink powder and what not... Sorry-started to ramble... Would LOVE to take one of your classes someday!!

I read every single comment but nobody said this one...
The reason I DON'T go back to my LSS is because they ran out of stock on materials taught in the class everytime... I would enjoy the classes - they had wonderful ideas, used the lastest stamps and pattern paper... BUT... they would never have enough in stock incase the class wanted to duplicate the project. For example.. If we used a flower stamp for the project.. and if I wanted to by the stamp we used.. it would be a wrestling match with the my classmates.. They only would carry 2 in stock.. I would have to wait 2 weeks for the re-order.. Why offer it in class if you don't have enough??

Hi Ali. I have 2 local sb stores within a 30 minute drive from my house. One is a bit closer, but the atmosphere at the store is not as friendly and it is not well stocked so it's not worth the drive for me. The other is a bit farther away but the service is OUTSTANDING and the people (staff and customers) are so much nicer. So, yes community is also important. Why fight traffic and spend time to go to a store with a less than appealing community?
The last class I attended, I took for the teacher (Donna Downey). But I like classes that teach new techniques that I'm nervous about trying on my own at home. I like classes that will let me play with new tools or product to find out if I like it before I spend money on it and risk finding out I don't like it which is a waste of my money and my storage space. The teacher is a definite draw for me. It doesn't have to be a celebrity (although I think that is SO FUN. When are you coming to Dallas, TX??) but if you have a good teacher that is FUN to take classes from I would definitely sign up for more classes from that teacher.
Brick and motar stores need to realize that service is important. If service isn't important then I'll just shop online. And there are a MILLION online sb stores! And more and more online sb places are also offering classes. But, I'll make a drive to my favorite store to buy something from them or take a class from them and help them stay in business.
Thanks for asking for our input!

I take classes at LSS (and sometimes not so local, LOL) for the most part to get time to myself and get some type of scrapping done. I usually only go though if the project is of interest to me and I have nothing(or done) like it. If it is just a basic class with plain layouts that teach nothing new, then I won't go. Price usually doesn't deter me from any class but I know it does for some people. And I am sure you know this, but if you look on 2PEas under general scrapping there was a thread not too long ago about this. :)
Hope you are well.

i never took the classes at our (now closed) scrapbook store because they seemed way too rigid. the project would have restrictions like "bring 4 4x6 swimming photos" or something along those lines. i am pierced, tattooed, and childless, and a LOT of the classes were children focused or just very mainstream. when i was part of a layout-a-week club there, everytime i would take my book in to get stamped, the staff would crowd around to flip through it because they had never seen or even heard of "freestyle" scrapping. their lack of knowledge of trends, lack of current trendy product, and just sucky customer service in general is what stopped me from going there, and i'm suprised the store stayed open for as long as it did, because i had predicted its closing waaaaaaay before.
additionally, they just up and closed out of nowhere. no notice or compensation to anyone who held a preferred shoppers card or gift certificates. prior to their closing, they held erratic hours, which was frustrating for someone like me who drove 20 minutes to get to the store, only to find out they were closed at 4 on a day they were supposed to be open until 9.
anyways, i got really off topic, but i would take classes if they were trendy techniques/new hard to find products that i was seeing in the magazines or on the boards. also classes that didn't have a very restrictive theme, and were instead focused more on a color or technique. i would love to take a class with an acrylic minibook, or a cool project involving 6x12 layouts that were bound together at the end of the class.

I don't take classes at my lss. The projects just do not appeal to me. I don't want cards or 12x12 pages. I am not so much a scrapbooker. I like mini books (with or without pics) and art journals-more art than craft. I am like certain products (give me Cavallini, 7Gs and Hambly!) I have taken classes at my lss' special events from Danelle Johnson and Theresa McFayden. Their "non-conventional, give you some product and a little direction, let you go at it" products appeal to me. If teachers with tastes/style similar to me would come my way (you or Kristina Contes, for instance-or Tim Holtz and Claudine Helmuth) then I would throw down anyone in my way to take the class because I know I would learn great techniques and make a fabulous project too.
Unfortunately my lss can barely keep me as a customer due to their dwindling stock of "Tracy approved" products. LOL

What keeps me going back is 1. the projects or new techniques and 2. taking the time to do something by myself as a person (not as a mother, wife, etc.) and doing it for myself thing. thanks

I find that taking a class always refreshes me and sparks my creative energy. I like learning new techniques, meeting new people, seeing the latest products, but for me, it's about getting my creative juices flowing when I'm in a slump. It really helps looking at things from a different perspective when you feel like your projects or pages are all starting to look the same!

i have to say- I have found scrapbookers to be so rigid (no offense!...not you....which is why i like your work...) and anytime i have taken a class it seems the teacher/participants don't embrace the creativity aspect of scrapbooking- they have been so militant about it! I left feeling like if I didn't cut and paste so perfectly, I was a failure! It was strange...
so that is why. which is why i really enjoy your work. You embrace the imperfections and creativity of this hobby.

For me it is a few things - definitely the teacher first, then what I am actually learning - is it something I already know how to do?), then it is also the price - if the class is too costly or the product too costly then I don't go to classes. In saying that, I used to travel one hour each way to go to classes with my favourite teacher - so I think teacher is definitely number 1.

I don't live close enough to a LSS to take classes. I used to when I lived closer. I want to take a class where I learn something new or make a complete project in the class(such as a mini album). Cost is another factor for me because I am on a budget. The teacher is not such a big thing with me, personally, I would choose classes based on the project or technique. I wish I didn't live in the backside of nowhere so I could take classes again!
Dana

I am not impressed with the teachers at my LSS. The projects offered are just not my style. I have never looked at one of the sample projects on display and been tempted at all. My LSS seems to offer really cutesy, overdone mini-books and embellished items for the house, usually seasonal.
What I am interested in would be a real-life version of some of the articles in Simple Scrapbooks or Creating Keepsakes, but I realize my expectations are pretty high.
Ali, I did take two classes with you- the only two classes I've ever taken- and loved them. I drove two hours in the snow to get to you and spent more on the classes than I usually spend on supplies in six months. I would take another class with you if given the opportunity. I enjoyed your teaching approach and your personality. I liked the products you brought for us to use, the samples you set out for us, and your friendly attitude.Thanks!

I them to learn something new or if it is a really cute project. That being said I don't take them very often as it is difficult for me to get away with small children and a husband that travels.

For me its the project. Sometimes I *need* to take a class to get back into scrapbooking/sewing/creating etc.--kind of get my creative juices flowing again. I love when they offer something that uses new techniques or trends and then I can walk away feeling energized and excited b/c I learned something new. A good teacher is always nice but not the most important.

I have taken a few classes at LSS and I think it depends on where you are in your scrapbooking experience. Right now I want to try new techniques that I wouldn't normally do (that I could later do again at home or maybe don't have the supplies for and want to try before investing in them). I used to go more for the theme pages. Now I go for a mini book or technique. As I have gotten more confident in my own abilities I am less likely to attend classes. So many of the LSS classes are just creating a cute page-too cute for me. Also, not many classes have cutting edge products in them.
P.S. Check out our photo from CKU in Oct CK Mail Call! Loved your Week in the Life and getting ready to do another week for my album!
Jill

I like to take classes to complete a project. I don't go for the regular page type classes. The last two classes outside of CKU I took were for a purse style album and a christmas board book project with a visiting teacher..(and a class from you at a store in Detroit last year;-)
I think visiting teachers (like Ali!) are my favorite reason to take a class....Otherwise I am interested in a class when it lets me try a new technique I haven't tried yet. I don't know the teacher's at our local store very well, so it's not like I go because of them. I also like to see the finished project first, before I sign up. I also like if a store offers a discount on the day of class or before/after it. Also best is when they have everything precut and ready, and I don't have to prepare or bring many supplies.
Probably my favorite class other than Ali's was one I took 3 years ago or more which was about creating b-day decorations, invitations, and pages. I left with an awesome centerpiece, and I got tons of compliments on it. The store I took the class at went out of business last year... ;-(
Good question Ali!
Lindsey

Interesting question! Some folks like walking out with a finished (copy) of the sample given and expect it. And then some folks take a class strictly to learn a technique they can apply to their art/craft. There is a definite middle ground between the two I think.
I'll be watching to see your take on this Ali!

#1 Community
#2 Reasonable Location
#3 Unique-Difficult Technique (that I couldn't do on my own) OR a very versatile project (mini-books with a twist)
Reasons NOT to take a class at a LSB? Flaky staff or teacher, written instructions that are vague or missing, a limited project, ie can use only in specific life situations- first born, graduation, etc. I am unmarried and not a mom, so...yeah.

Whenever I select classes at CKU or at my LSS, there are a variety of reasons.
At CKU, the instructor - there are certain "celebs" (you included, Ali!) where you know you're going to have a good class regardless of the project, technique or topic.
At my LSS...
New techniques--but I have to confess, I doubt I've actually used many of the really creative techniques I've learned. But I've had a whole lot of fun learning
New products or tools--really good way to try before you buy
Mostly, though it's the project... I want really clear directions (with a handout) to make the "sample" project, but I'd like to have the flexibility to adapt it if I choose. I consider myself an advanced scrapper, but I've walked out of classes when the instructions (and instructor) weren't clear, the project was too simple or too complex to follow along. Pace is important. Warn people signing up for the class if the project or technique is geared toward beginner, intermediate or advanced scrappers, and if the instructor is fast paced. I know many extremely skilled scrappers who cannot keep up with a fast-paced instructor. There is nothing worse for participants or the instructor than to have a complete newbie attempting to figure out how to work a pair of scissors in an advanced level class.
Really, I try to sign up for classes that are "outside my box". At CKU-A 2006, I did the RP "story of us" album because I loved the theme. I've never been a huge RP fan because it's not my style, but I loved the project. We had great instructions, and I could adapt the project enough to suit my style. I loved that.
For me, scrapbooking is a lot like cooking. I need a recipe to follow to get the idea, but then I'm totally improvising after that.
love ya' Ali! Big Hugs to Simon and Chris!

Most of our LSS's have been run out of town by the "Evil A" - a larger than life SB store that opens up on the backyards of LSS's - for the sole purpose of shutting the competition down.
Honestly - I'm published & been part of the industry. I *know* most of the techniques out there. The ONLY classes I take are Tim's.

It is a combination of things that bring me to my LSS to take classes. The project, the teacher, even the product line being used (like Anna Griffin). Mostly it is the inspiration I thrive on and I try to collect wherever and whenever I can.
I will even travel for the inspiration, like attending Creative Escape next week.
I liked it when you said you are a student of life. I am a student of paper crafts. And I love it.
And speaking of inspiration, the articles you wrote for the October issue of CK are filled with such inspiration. Your creativity enlightens me...truly.