A survey of sorts.

I don't take classes at my LSS - first my LSS is small and they don't have many classes; but most importantly I don't feel comfortable in a group setting. I do much better scrappin' at home. That is one of the reasons I love BPS - hope you will be teaching there some day soon! I love being home with my things and doing something at my pace, which sometimes is slower than a class setting allows.

I wish we had a local scrapbook store in this area! The only thing here is a Michaels. And their classes aren't put together well for the scrapbooking one anyway!

i like to learn somthing - not just get told put this here, paint this , cut that... i dont take any classes that look like i could copy that layout on my own... the store by me does not offer any classes so I went to CKU- I loved that classes that taught ideas and concepts

Hi Ali.
It is because of the teacher, the workshop(fun or learning more about something(new)) and taking some time off to do something just for myself.
Of course it is nice to meet people over there that are just as addicted to scrapbooking as me. :)
So, when are you coming to Holland? ;)
xx

I don't usually take classes at my local scrapbook store for a few reasons. One is the times are not very convenient. I work full time and a lot of the classes seem to be geared to stay at home moms.
Secondly is the classes seem to be like "make and takes" and I like to create my own design, layout and use the products I like, not that someone else likes.
I would be more interested in learning how to use a new technique or product I was considering purchasing, even small products. Showing different ways to use them.
I think it would be better if the class was designed like "bring 3-5 photos, 3 coordinating papers you like, 3 embellishments, etc." and then learn how to use XX technique/product in your layout.
When I attended a CK Convention in KC last year I attended a SEI create-a-scrapbook in a class. What I like most from the class was learning to put embellishments on the outside of the page protector and how to do inking, not the actual scrapbook. This is just an example.
Thanks for all you do! Love your blog, books and layouts.
Just my two cents!

I mean to take classes -- but it's hard to fit it into busy weekends - as a working mom, we end up spending a lot of time together.
I love the community that is built around cropping and learning, so hopefully before long, when my little guy is happy visiting with friends, etc - we'll try that.
Also the expense is just another barrier. If I don't have experience w/the teacher - a hefty class fee is a block.

I take classes only rarely now (one on-line class and one regular classroom this year for me), and here's what I look for before I sign up:
1. Gotta love the teacher's style. I've taken a class by you, Ali, and by Heidi Swapp, this year.
2. Gotta be excited by the project.
3. Gotta love the techniques to be learned.
That's it in a nutshell for me. :)

I like classes that are under 2 hrs. Easy 'bites of the elephant' in terms of actually being able to accomplish the ENTIRE project. And personal/heart warming moments shared by the instructor.

oh, i am so happy that you asked this...
i like to let students have a little of everything in my classes. teach a technique that they may have seen but don't know how to use with "their" style and give them several different examples of how i used it in my work. then give them the time to adapt it themselves. and i think providing directions that contain pictures is an added bonus so those who do not complete the project before leaving have something to look back on for reference.
and of course techniques can be taught in a mini book format a lot of the times as well. explain how you built the base of your pages and/or the technique, provide the examples and understanding of the completed project but then let them build onto that with various embellies, etc so each person can walk away with a project that is their own.
and i just want to say that reading everyones thoughts has been wonderful. it will definitely help as i finish planning two classes that i'll be teaching in norway in october.
thanks!
xoxo

Hi Ali:
I have shied away from taking classes at my lss because the last one I attended, I felt like I wasn't welcomed by the clique that goes there each week. I know that's weird in the usually super friendly scrapbooking world, but I definitely got some bad vibes and I like to think I'm pretty easy to get a long with, so it scared me off. Perhaps I'm the only one where the other patrons have curtailed my learning. I doubt I'll ever go to one there without a friend in tow, but that's how uncomfortable I was that day.
I might suck it up and attend more if they offered babysitting!
Incidently, an Archiver's just opened nearby recently and I stumbled on a free make-n-take and the teachers were so wonderful, I think I'll give them a chance before my lss. I miss learning new techniques and expanding my creative horizons.
Thanks, Ali.

Several reasons I don't take classes any more at my LSS's:
*classes at ours tend to be extremely basic
*classes at ours tend to be overpriced ($20 make 4 cards or for a 1 hr class)
*class times don't generally fit into my work schedule - yeah, the REAL job, the one I do because I have to earn $$ to pay for all my scrappin' LOL! I have been known to take a class a lunch to make this work.
*been there, seen that and done it - at least here, that's what we get
We aren't lucky enough to have you, Ali, come to our LSS so generally the instructors have either the same or less experiences I do to start with so they really aren't offering something NEW. Teacher personality and experience are REALLY important as well as NEW techniques.

I do not take classes at my LSS, because the "example" of what they are going to teach is usually not my style at all. They look too put together and thought out to me (i.e. matted photos, perfectly placed embellishmenet, border).

I take many classes, as I creating in a social environment. I love to learn new things, but in the context of making a project. I never take any classes that are a layout. I can do that at home. I am looking for novel things, that have product put together that is new to me. Something I may not have thought of.
For an awesome teacher, like yourself or Tim H. I will and have driven far.
My LSS has some very creative and inventive gals who teach and I have enjoyed those classes very much.
Good luck with your survey...
Btw- did Simon see the lunar eclipse? We have the video of it on our home page at www.chabotspace.org. We had a big lunar eclipse party from 10pm - 4am. Loads of news coverage- even national and lots of fun.
Sharon F.
Oakland, CA

The classes feature LOs that aren't my style. Stickers and themes that just aren't "me". Archivers has some good classes occasionally but they usually conflict with my work schedule. What is truly unfortunate is that our LSS can't keep up with the demand for new product and they markup the prices too much. For instance, I wanted the McGill tab punch- it was $22 at my LSS and down the street Hobby Lobby had the same punch for 50% off. I do try to support my LSS when I can, but sometimes Hobby Lobby just has a deal that's too good to pass up.

Hi Ali...wow...are you sorry you asked yet? LOL.
My reasons echo many of the answers above:
I first took a class after buying a craft book by Donna Downey. I loved every project in it and when I found out about the whole blogging thing--I hit paydirt! Donna's teaching schedule was right there and it just happened she was teaching at a LSS (local for me is an hour drive!)a few weeks later - so the "big name instructor" was the first draw. What kept me coming back was - meeting & becoming friends with new people who shared my passion for this hobby (hobbies); learning new techniques and the satisfaction of having a completed project to take home (all too often I "wander aimlessly" when left to my own devices---the step-by-step instructions and tangible results are inspiring to me. I usually end up using the techniques over and over again -until the next thing catches my eye!)
I consider the "celeb" classes a real treat--and as they are not inexpensive--I expect a lot - inspiration, fun, lots of sharing of techniques (and industry details! I am endlessly interested in the hows and whys of the scrappin' celebs' work-worlds! How they manage their careers/homelife; how they got their start; how they organize their workspaces, etc.)
Ooohh!! One note--is it just me, or does it seem there are not a lot of 'celebs' making the rounds in the northeast? (I am in Eastern PA.) It seems the midwest and CA have all the best shops and classes. I have to drive and hour for a quality LSS....(and I do not live in a rural area). Michaels and AC Moore just don't compare!

I don't because I can get content online for free and I am advanced enough I can figure most techniques and products out myself.
HOWEVER, I am, for the first time in the 3+ years I've been scrapping, paying to take a class at the upcoming KC CKC. I'm finally doing it because it's a project that I really want to do (a minibook about why I scrapbook) but that I wouldn't otherwise "get around" to doing. So, in essence, I'm paying to force myself to get it done. lol I signed up for it before I knew who was teaching it, so the project made the difference for me.
Although, I was super excited to see Shimelle was teaching it and now sort of wonder if I would have signed up anyway, once I saw she was teaching a class. :-)
Ann Marie

I like projects that are technique based or thought provoking.I don't take classes at LSS because they offer projects that I am not interested in, too cutesy, fluffy.
I have found wonderful classes at Big Picture Scrapbooking and with Schimelle and of course the newsletter that you put out and your challenges. I print out the handouts for my online classes and I end up with a notebook full of information. (One of my technique classes had over 200 pages of handouts and lasted 16 weeks.) Why would I pay 30.00 for a 2-3 hour class to make one layout when I can pay 25.00 for a month of lessons. One of the nice things about online classes that last 4-12 weeks is that we have the opportunity to get to know other scrappers with similar interests and brain storm.
Lastly, it is very hard to find classes that offer personal inspiration, about being a life artist. You can find classes making a travel album or LO anywhere - princess, Disney, baby, birthday, Christmas, event...Where are the thought provoking projects? Where are the lif connectons?

I love taking classes at my favourite LSS. I have to say the main reason I return... the instructors. I love them all... and because of their personalities and knowledge, they are what make the classes so much fun. We laugh and have a grand ole time.
But really, I think so many things tie into why I love the classes at my LSS. It all stems from a love of the store itself. It almost feels like home there in a way... I can spend hours just browsing the aisles and chatting with the ladies. The atmosphere is cheery and fun... lots of advice to be given too if needed. The workshop in the back is always alive with scrappers... and there is a sense of closeness with everyone, even those you don't know. I tell you... it takes a special place to have all that. And that is at the very center of it all... why I love taking classes there, workshops, shopping... or even coming by for a chat or a demo.
Sorry to ramble. I just can't help myself.

I love taking classes at my favourite LSS. I have to say the main reason I return... the instructors. I love them all... and because of their personalities and knowledge, they are what make the classes so much fun. We laugh and have a grand ole time.
But really, I think so many things tie into why I love the classes at my LSS. It all stems from a love of the store itself. It almost feels like home there in a way... I can spend hours just browsing the aisles and chatting with the ladies. The atmosphere is cheery and fun... lots of advice to be given too if needed. The workshop in the back is always alive with scrappers... and there is a sense of closeness with everyone, even those you don't know. I tell you... it takes a special place to have all that. And that is at the very center of it all... why I love taking classes there, workshops, shopping... or even coming by for a chat or a demo.
Sorry to ramble. I just can't help myself.

hey Ali-girl
cool techniques or not. I take so much from a class where the teacher takes time to "connect" with the students on a level that is beyond paper and pictures. When there is heart behind the project and the presentation that I take with me when I leave.
good Luck on your class prep
HUGS,
C.D.

I don't take classes at my local scrapbook store because:
a. I'm digital
b. time
c. I'm not even really sure if I have a local scrapbook store that isn't also a Hallmark store. :)

I have been to three scrapbook classes/make & take events and they were taught by you, you and you. hmmmm I guess that tells me what keeps me going back :)

It's all about the teacher, especially if I already know about their style, read their blogs or know them through a publication.
I don't really care WHEN a class is, if I like the teacher enough---I WILL BE THERE!
:0)
which begs the question: when are you coming to The OC?

My favorite classes have been at conventions...
I'm always looking for something fresh, not necessarily new (ex. new colors, new technique with the same old stuff) OR a class that de-mystifies something that seemed complicated. (ex I used to think covering chipboard with pp would be too hard 'til I took a class where we did it.)
I prefer cards and mini-albums because the layouts never seem to match-up with my needs.

It is all about the teacher and the lesson. If the class is from a teacher that I respect and the technique is new and I will use it again the future I will like the class. I would love to have you in Arizona, any plans in the future? A teacher that I can keep the class moving and still allow enough time to complete the project would be my ideal teacher.