A survey of sorts.

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 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!).

what keeps me going back is if I'm a big fan of their style..plus when the topic is on a different technique, a how to, or something artsy.

The classes I take at my LSS are usally technique and design oriented. I like to be able to translate what I learn to many different projects. The teachers are a plus, but I really like all the girls that work there - they have great personalities and are very helpful. The classes I have taken here run from $25 to $30 and, for me, that is an issue.

Wow Ali what a subject that has received so much input.
As someone who has paid a great deal for classes in the past, present and future here is my opinion:
I take classes for a few reasons, one is techniques..if I want to learn a new technique if I have artists block that is one reason, the second is the instructor. As an educator of nursing, I feel that the instructor can make or break the environment. Sometimes the technique can be simple but the instructor will give different ways to utilize the tool, ink, paper, etc which makes me more opt to purchase something that has multiple options for use. The final reson I take classes is the product. If a particular product is showcased in a class it gives me a chance to 'try it before I buy it" Over the years I have spent thousands of dollars (yes thousands-don't tell my husband)on products that I have bought because they are the latest and greatest..only to see that they were not what I thought they would be once used.....so classes gives me a chance to "play" with things beforehand. This especilaly is useful for high end items such as punches, die cut machines, etc.
As always Ali...LOVE LOVE LOVE reading your blog

I like both types of classes: technique and project. If I see a particular project I like, I'll take the class-especially if I like the teacher. I love finishing a project in one sitting. But I also love technique classes where I can learn something I can transfer to my art when I get home. I don't take classes in my town because no one offers technique classes or project classes that I like. Unfortunately, because I have taught scrapbook classes, I am very picky about what classes I would pay to take!

I never take classes because the projects aren't cute or are things I would never use in a million years.

Our 'local' stores are very new and small and only offer classes taught by the owners, and so far, none have really caught my attention. However, we did travel about 3 hours to take classes with Donna Downey (I was so sick, and my fried that went with me had her husband at the ER all night, so we were tired and drained, but it was worth it.) We chose the classes first by the teacher, then by what sounded like the best projects for the money and the project. This month, I'm travelling to the same store to take a Photography Q&A with Karen Russell... again, first, because of the teacher (When are you coming to Memory Lane again? :) I couldn't get to the Split Rock resort) But also because this class will be very useful as far as knowledge gained. I have tons of ideas and idea books and websites to scrap-lift from, but I look at project vs cost (have to be able to convince my husband that it will be money well spent- especially since we have added cost of travel/stay; and also being the great husband that he is, he thinks I can do anything, so why do I need to take a class. I love going to crops, but hate packing everything up, plus I have a room so it's hard to justify the money spent for a crop.) If it's just a version of something I've done or seen before, I probably won't take it, no matter who the intstructor is. But if it's something fresh or new, or just plain good information, and the cost is reasonable, I'm more likely to convince the hubby I need to take the class.

I don't take classes. My LSS is very small, doesn't renew their inventory often and priced to high. The times are inconvenient, if offered at all. I usually don't like the projects, I am not into filling a page full of stuff. I like it simple. I would love (double time) to take a digital class. I have considered online classes. Last but not least. I am shy, and quiet, I hate toting my stuff around, and it is quite personal.

When I take a class at a scrapbook store it is because the price is right. I love to get out of the house too, but I don't have a lot of money to spend on fancy classes, so the price is more the thing for me.

I don't take many classes from local stores because the projects seem to be something that I am able to do on my own without any real teaching involved. I would like classes that are a little more challenging and up to date such as the new clear albums. The teacher makes a big difference also but I would take a class with a teacher I didn't like if I loved the project.

I don't take many courses at my LLS, becasue I could copy most of what they teach. I like courses that focus on a technique or show a new use to use another product. I prefer project classes vs layout classes, becasue most of the latter is simply telling me where to paste.
I want a class where I come out knowing more about design theory, photo tips or art techniques. Those kinds of classes help me feel like I know more when I approach my own scrapbook pages. I also really like classes that let you pick out your own materials, and classes that have a project that I can reinvent for other themes/gifts.

I think I would go for the project, but I am not going to any at the moment because I "already know" the stuff they are teaching :)

I very rarely attend classes.Generally it is not worth the money (to me) to create a project that I could figure out how to create if it were in an idea book or a store sample.
I go if I think I'm going to learn a new technique or hint that I can apply to many pages or projects. Especially if it seems like something that is hard to learn by just looking at the project. For instance, one of my favorite classes ever was from Kelly Panacchi (sp?) where she taught how to transfer a photo to packing tape. The project I made during this? So so. The learning? Awesome.
Frankly, after having been around this hobby for 5 years and owning 5 years of idea books and magazines, I think it would be very hard to find even a technique class that would interest me.

There just isnt one near me. and certainly nothing digital scrapping! good lord I'm still explaining to most people what scrapbooking is never mind how i do it all with the computer!!!
but I would LOVE to go to one.

I like to go take classes for projects that I might not do on my own. Things that challenge me with a new technique. I also like to have a finished project when I come home. I like to know up front what i hsould bring including pictures. That way when I come home it is a done deal. There is no chance of it becoming unfinished clutter inmy home.

I only got about halfway through the comments and I'm thanking God for my LSS!! (Scrap, Etc.-Hoover and Trussville, AL). This summer is the first time I've been able to take classes and I've enjoyed them very very much. Initially, I signed up for the projects (and teachers) because they were things that I didn't know how to do, or wouldn't do without the class and I like the teachers' work I saw at the LSS and in the gallery. After I attended my first, I also signed up for others because of the wonderful women I met at the classes. That added to the fun.
At the classes I've taken (5 this summer), you could copy the sample by the teacher (instructions provided) just as she did it or there were options to vary it. I tended to do mostly the way the teacher did because a good bit of it is not what I've done and it's good for me to do another style and stretch myself a little. Although the classes weren't per se about technique, I always learned how to use new tools or ways to do things and ended up with some pretty darn good stuff, if I do say so myself.
From what I gathered from the comments I read, I think that it is very important for teachers to be flexible and to communicate in the class description exactly what to expect.

I have not taken a class at my local shop because the classes are not of any interest to me. A lot of what they teach is really basic and I need something that is very stimulating. I believe they also cater to newer scrappers who are just starting out. Since that is not me, it does not serve my purposes.
What would keep me coming back, if I went would be interesting projects and a dynamic instructor.

I was thinking about your questions and realized that the common elements that make me go back for more are:
The Teacher - especially Tim Holtz - he teaches a local stamping store when he comes to town. I would take any class he offered - even if I can't get my first choice. His passion for creating is contagious!
Like many others Technique - I think what makes his way of teaching special is that he teaches a project that involves many techniques. He always encourages the students to do things their own way and the projects always "have room" to create - no need to copy or reproduce the sample (unless you want to).
Friends - I do enjoy going with a friend - I often give a gift of a class for birthdays - then we can go together.
I wish the scrapbooking stores in my area would do classes more like Tim's rather than "copy the sample" classes.
Good luck!

Wow, I love that you asked this question. I teach at my LSS and sometimes struggle with what to teach. I SO wish I was coming to Memory Trends to take your class.
I find it totally depends on the people in the class. Some classes people want to 'copy' my layout right down to the inch. Then the next class everybody kinda wants to do their own thing. I never know what to do or what people want!!!
Part of me thinks (and this is just an idea) that some of the people who take classes wouldn't necessarily read your blog. I have lots of customers who don't know who so-and-so is or what magazine "Creating Keepsakes" is or different manufacturers (and these people aren't necessarily beginners either). So I'm kinda wondering if all of the comments here might be coming from a select group of people. I really hope that doesn't sound rude because I'm not meaning it to but sometimes it feels to me like it's hard to get an accurate survey of just exactly what people are looking for, kwim? Does that make sense? I guess I'm kinda just clarifying for myself because I find it such a struggle to know what to teach and why one class sells out and the next gets cancelled because nobody signed up. So maybe I'm kinda asking myself "how do I get an accurate survey of what classes people really want to take?" And what's new and 'hot' for some people is 'old' for others.
So anyway, that's my never-ending dilemna. I'm no big-name, just a regular person trying to teach classes and inspire others in the scrapbooking (although I can say that I went for dinner with YOU and took one of your classes in Edmonton last year ;) ;) ;) ).
I'm so glad you asked this question, I'm going to read through all the answers and see if I can find some answers for the questions I have. :)
I hope you are having a very happy day!

I have never taken a class at my LSS. The reason why is basically because the times do not work for me. Evening class times would be best for me. Optimal time for me would be starting the class after I feed my family dinner...6:30-7 starting time. My LSS has either afternoon classes or weekend classes. Neither of which work well for me...I work part time and stay at home with my 2 young boys.
Also...not sure I would really be drawn to most of the classes my LSS offers even if they had better hours for their classes. I would love to see more technique classes that didn't require buying a certain gadget that they are pushing...just a technique that was fun and uses basic supplies.
I have taught a class at my LSS...enjoyed teaching and got lots of great feedback on the class I taught. However, I had to get a sitter for my kids while I taught so it didn't seem worth it in the long run. Fun as it was...
I will enjoy reading these responses. Just as a side note, I have enjoyed your blog a lot lately. The organizing post responses were sooo helpful to me as were the back to school traditions...I too have a boy that headed to Kindergarten this year.
Blessings,
Holly

Hi Ali - Well, I am an instructional designer for a software company out here in Cali. The one thing that I notice about all of the classes are that they hand out instructions and then just let you go. That is fine, but what about good ol' objectives that lead to defining what we are going to learn in this class and even sharing as you go.
SEI classes at the expo have gotten a little closer in the development of actual classes, meaning that they use an overhead projector that show the step that they are working on (could use a laptop and projector too) and keeps the class all on the same steps (as much as possible)and they move FAST. When you keep everyone on track and not let them "just go do it" then things become comfortable in their structure and there is less creative crippling going on. These are the ONLY classes that I will go back to over and over again. Everything is pre-cut and it is a matter of putting it together.
Sometimes busy moms just use the classtime to get something done. Prep or pre-cut and defining the class objectives will lead to a more successful class.
Throughtout the class, it would be fun to say..."ok, who in the class wants to share what they did different for this step." They stand up and show something they did, and we can all learn from eachother. I have been in classes where I didn't even know there were other people there, I was so involved, but this would give people a chance to talk too. We do like that and would come away with an experience as well as new cool stuff!
We are in the times of interaction and quick learning and need to keep up if we are going to continue to teach classes and try to make $ at it. Most store I know have cut out classes all together because they don't make $ off of them, this is because there is no structure and you never know what you are going to get when you sign up for a class. If there was a standard structure for the classes at the store, people would know what they were going to get and look forward to the interaction and learning process.
There is also the question of value, does this class add value to my scrapbooking? Classes today tend to be more layout-based or technique-based, but I would like to see more of a class where I take it, then maybe meet again in a few weeks to talk about how you used this again in your latest projects. If I used it again, then that would be of value to me.
My goal one day is to get the scrapbook industry to understand how valuable classes are and how to develop actual material that compliments the class and technique. Oh and to also deliver classses online from digital to paper to digi-paper.
Let me know if I can help with anything!

i tend to get more work done when i scrap at home so it's hard for me to take classes at my lss. i will say the project, techniques and teacher are very important for me.

I have enjoyed reading everyone’s response! I used to work full time at a scrapbook store – a good one, which offered all kinds of classes and crops. The hardest part for a teacher is putting together a class that is creative, new, fun, and within the budget! I found people kept coming back to the classes that offered: a project or several layouts/cards that offered new techniques and included fun/creative ideas, taught by an inspired and enthusiastic instructor, and classes that were within a certain cost. Students like it when the instructor helps them think outside the box (like using supplies/tools in a new way or being creative/altering the project to fit their needs) while having a good time too! I no longer work at the ss and have since then moved to Oregon. I have a hard time getting motivated to go to classes since the classes that are available won’t teach me anything new. Mostly, it is because of $$. I feel like I have just as much fun spending the cost on supplies and hanging out with others at a crop party.

I like to learn a new technique, a different way to use products or use new different products. The teacher is important, too; if she isn't interested, neither am I, and I will not pay for a 2nd time with that intructor.