A survey of sorts.

The cost is a big thing for me. I always think about what else I could do with the $20+ wanted for most classes. There is a class offered monthly at my LSS that offers a new technique each time. You get supplies for the class and then are supposed to go home and try it and come back and share what you did. It is only $15. This is the only class that I can find that interests me. I like being challenged to try a new technique and then finish it to share at a later date. I also like the idea of seeing what other people have done. The price is right and there is a social element too. Unfortunately, due to my husband's travel schedule I can't seem to make it.
I echo others in saying that I do not want to learn how to do a specific layout but am interested in a technique. I would prefer to pick my own papers, etc and then use a technique taught in the class. I don't want to copy someone else's layout. I can do that easily at home using magazines, books or the internet.
An important thing for crops is to make sure the supplies (tools, etc) are in good shape. Recently I went to a crop where the paper cutter shredded my paper. I paid $35 for use of a bad paper cutter, use of a die cut machine, snack mix & a diet coke and of course a bit of table space. I was expecting a little more from the tools. I know when I first started going to crops 7 or 8 years ago, you could use all the LSS's tools. I haven't been to one in years, has this changed?? Or is it just my LSS?
Good luck!

New technique and/or new products. The last class I took introduced me to acetate and I am hooked. Looking for more classes that make me want to leap out of my comfort zone.

The project! If it's not a great project...it just doesn't catch my eye.. Then the teacher...but if you don't have the great combination...ughh!

Ditto on the technique everyone is talking about. Especially if you're an advanced scrapper. I also don't like to be surprised with the wasting of my time. I like to hear the instructor, and I love samples, but I'd rather not listen to her talk for 2 hours and then only have 1 hour to complete a project. I like having color copies of the project so if I don't finish, I can take it home. Cost is also a factor. I want to know I am paying for the project and supplies, not just the teacher. If I pay $50 for a class, I feel as though I should walk away with that much in product. (BTW - You do an AMAZING job at this)I also love freebies - that little extra that a teacher or store can add. Goodies on the table, door prizes, ticket drawings - what ever it is. Even if it's worth isn't great, it's always fun to win. And atmosphere. You have to feel welcome and wanted at the store, rather than a burden. If I'm traveling out of town or even down the street for a class, the store should acknowledge your presense.

I don't go to many classes due to the time- I have to leave work early to get there on time for the night class. Weekends are for family.
It isn't about the teacher, because often I don't know them before I take the class. (except for CKU's and CKC's.)
I do it for 2 reasons: a new technique or restart-get going again. I paid $35 for an acrylic album class at a new LSS. It was a bit pricey, I thoutht, but I have a great album-that I probably would not have tried without the class. Now I will make more and better acrylic albums, because of all the great ideas I saw in class.
The benefit is the community. Scrappers are so friendly and sharing as a general rule.
And if you don't take classes at your local store, why not? I've taken a few, but friends and family are not in the area of my LSS.
I have attended CKU and CKC alone, but it is more fun with friends/family. Most of the time teachers you want are already sold out so I take technique classes. Teachers that I have had bad experiences with I won't take again. We don't get a lot of celebrities here in the Northeast (even at CKC Manchester)-except Tim Holtz.
At CKC and CKU I must admit some classmates have not been considerate of others by talking during class so loud the teacher has to almost shout. The other issues is that they must finish the almighty project before they leave the class. Get real. It is about the spirit of learning and sharing for me.
I love to learn, but I do things from my creative way. I love teachers that say there is no wrong or right way; just try it and have fun.
Tools are a small pet peeve: usually not enough or they don't work. Let's work with the stock tools-sand paper, (eye) ink pad, black fine pen, push pin, corner punch, and glue tape/pop dots-maybe a stapler. I don't want to drag a bunch of tools to class. Spoiled, I know.
It is fun to leave the class with something you can show off when you get home-even if your home is all guys who say-"yeah, it looks good."
Thanks for asking.

Majority of the time, the date and time of the class just doesn't work for me. They should off the class more than once. I would like classes that demonstrate more techniques or the use of products because that's what makes me buy more products! :-P

The Teachers! I love the classes I took from you, Ali, at YoungPlay. I have also taken classes with Donna Downey, MANY with Tim Holtz, Michelle Hill and I'm signed up with Melody Langworthy.
Aside from the teachers, I look for a DAY and TIME I can be there.
Next is techinque or class content.
HTH, Carol

The Teachers! I love the classes I took from you, Ali, at YoungPlay. I have also taken classes with Donna Downey, MANY with Tim Holtz, Michelle Hill and I'm signed up with Melody Langworthy.
Aside from the teachers, I look for a DAY and TIME I can be there.
Next is techinque or class content.
HTH, Carol

The Teachers! I love the classes I took from you, Ali, at YoungPlay. I have also taken classes with Donna Downey, MANY with Tim Holtz, Michelle Hill and I'm signed up with Melody Langworthy.
Aside from the teachers, I look for a DAY and TIME I can be there.
Next is techinque or class content.
HTH, Carol

The Teachers! I love the classes I took from you, Ali, at YoungPlay. I have also taken classes with Donna Downey, MANY with Tim Holtz, Michelle Hill and I'm signed up with Melody Langworthy.
Aside from the teachers, I look for a DAY and TIME I can be there.
Next is techinque or class content.
HTH, Carol

go to www.thescrapbookoasis.typepad.com and look at the "previous classes" list on the right hand side of the blog. you will see classes that are expensive, but always full, and almost always filled with happy scrappers. if i were a store owner or someone concerned about scrapbooking classes, i'd talk to them.
and no, i don't work there! ;)

i don't take classes at stores because there are no scrapbook stores around here! (sad, i know, but that's downtown boston for ya!). the few stores that do exist that sell a little scrapbooking stuff (mainly paper source) charge too much money for classes--very unaccessible on a grad student budget.
classes that can be done online would be great for me!

I like to go to classes because I always do something new: be it a new technique, use a new product, or even see a new perspective on LOs. All in all I end up trying something that I might have not have if I hadn't taken the class. Plus, they are tons of fun, and you get to meet people too.

Seeing a really special book or page sample encourages me to take a class. Teacher can contribute to it. If it's something new. I also really enjoy the community.

i think for me it's the teacher and the project. there are some teachers out there that i find so amazing that i would take a class with them not even knowing what the project would be (you are one of those people by the way!!). my local scrapbook store usually displays the project of upcoming classes, so if i fall in love with one of them I might take that class even if I didn't know the teacher. :)

I haven't taken classes in my LSS, but I have taken online classes. What I enjoy is a making a cool project and learning something new such as a technique, new product, color techniques, layout, something. I want to be able to take something home with me other than a Project like everyone elses. Also, a good teacher with a great personality who also enjoys having fun is the icing on the cake!

Sometimes I take a class I don't really want to take just 'cause I scrap with a really wonderful group of women and it's just fun!!! I always pick up a little something to use somewhere, someday...

The main reason I don't take classes is because it's too far! There's not much they can do about that though...

I have been scrapping a really long time so my focus on what would keep me coming back to classes is a bit different then it would have been several years ago. When I was first scrapping, I loved to go to classes to learn new techniques, meet other scrappers, and make something fun that I might not have done on my own. Now, I still enjoy picking up new tips, but really know most of what the LSSs for on for classes. Instead, I go for the company, the caliber of the project, and the friendliness of the store and teacher. Just my two pennies. Thanks for asking us!

I have become a huge fan of the online classes because of my schedule. I do take time to go to a few classes for the "artsy" part. This is a bit different from scrapping pics. Like the things in the Somerset series of magazines. I love seeing all the new products and the ways they can be used. I always need creative ideas. I am a good copier, but not so good in the creating dept.

i usually have several reasons for taking classes: 1) i like the project being offered; 2) it's a chance to get out of the house for a few hours and work uninterrupted by my twins on something creative; and 3)it's fun to get around people with similar interests.

I don't take ANY classes at my LSS or online. I feel like I am experienced enough in my skills that I can figure out projects on my own. I use magazines, blogs & online galleries to find my ideas.
Our local shops offer pretty basic classes, nothing my style & use products that I have already purchased & already used to create with on my own. I like to keep up with the newest trends - they don't usually offer that. I feel like, why pay to have someone try to teach my what I already know?
I would probably take a class by a "scrap celeb" just because I feel they should know what they are doing. Hopefully they would be inspiring & teach new techniques.
Cost is definately a factor. Like 5 cards for $25 dollars, taught in an hour-long class. Not much time there for learning new techniques! I can go buy all that product & make MANY more cards, my style.
Thanks for asking for our input - I think you've got some wonderful responses here to work with!!

The reasons are probably as varied as the classes.
- A teacher's presentation and organizational skills are always a plus.
- The type of project is usually the determining factor for me. I want to make something that I can actually use.
- I like to learn new techniques and get a fresh perspective on creating layouts.
- Sometimes I will go in order to spend some fun time with friends.

I used to go to local classes to learn new techniques and work with new items on the market. I think that great instructors and instructions are the key to keeping people coming back. Unfortunately, I don't attend many in my area anymore as all of my local stores seem to be charging an arm and a leg for a class that is only 1 hour long and sadly, the classes have turned into promotions for selling products instead of actually teaching new techniques. Thus I have turned to the web and continue to search the internet for new ideas/layouts/product uses (thank god for sites like yours!).

I don't always go to shop...but to be INSPIRED. That's why I go and why I come back.