A survey of sorts.

I think it is a combination of things. I really like classes that showcase a new product or idea. Even better if the attendees get to take home a smattering of product to use on other projects. The real key for me is for the teacher to be organized and make the instructions clear for everyone regardless of level of experience. And if some items are to be shared among the group (i.e., a tool of some sort) there should be plenty to go around.
Hope that helps! Dana

I teach a technique class at my local store. Some of the things we do to keep people coming back are:
* Ask for input on the types of techniques students want to learn
* Offer the class in the morning and the evening
* Display the completed project in the store and online
* Offer a 15% discount on the tools/products we use in class (a very popular option when we use clear stamps, the Crop-a-Dile or punches!)
* Call students the night before to remind them, and also give them the opportunity to cancel if necessary without losing their deposit
Most of my projects don't have a specific theme, and I try to ask for input on colors and paper styles as much as possible. Not everyone likes bright colors as much as I do! I have found, too, that leaving the project in the store after the class and having the project online for people to look at once they get home (to see where I put my photos, to perhaps duplicate the technique on additional pages) has helped with repeat customers.
Hope this helps!

It looks like I'm an exception in that I have no interest in taking a class at a local scrapbook store. Partly because the idea of hauling all my scrapping gear somewhere is completely overwhelming (and I don't have that much). :) I credit it to the fact that I have three little girls and so any outing involves at least 2 (sometimes 3) diaper bags, changes of clothes, misc. cups and snacks, etc. :) Also, I'm not into "technique" classes - I a very simple scrapper (life artist :) and for me, the more I start to add in, the more overwhelming it becomes and nothing is done. I stick to the basics a lot with a few goodies thrown in here and there.
That said, I LOVE online classes. I can take them at my leisure and can usually find one to fit my budget. My favorite right now is any class by Shimelle. I generally always come away with a completed theme album and it's up to me how simple or complicated I want it to be. I have done a couple BPS class, and those I've done, I've loved, but most of them are out of my S@HM price range.
Hope that helps.

Ali
When I was paper scrapping, what kept me going back to take classes is if the store offered more than just a "here's the project, recreate it" in their instructions.
Initially, I was very frustrated by paper scrapping. I didn't understand how to do things -- emboss, use the special tools, etc.
I found that good classes, teachers, provided clear, organized instructions, so I didn't feel like the class was just something they threw together the night before.
I also like classes to be on the "cutting edge" and not feel like it's just a way to use up stuff that's not selling in the store.
Since I've turned to the "dark side" and gone digi, I've found that I love how Jessica Sprague outlines her on-line classes, available from DesignerDigitals.com.
Each step is broken down, in increments, which allow you to follow along both verbally and with pictures. I'm a visual learner. It might be hard to follow along with words, but give me a picture and I can use the two tools to figure out how to do things.
I love how she puts up lessons, using new techniques. I don't want to learn "the same things" or do the "same projects" over and over. If I pay for a class, I want to learn something new. I want it to be a challenge. I want to grow and stretch my creative wings, so to speak.
I would want the same from a paper class. Teach me something new. Teach me how to do a really cool hybrid project. Show me how to incorporate digi stuff with paper. Challenge me.
----------A side note.
Recently, I attempted to join a swap at a local scrapbook store. Because I scrap digitally, they were reluctant to let me come, and participate. Typically, I find that paper scrappers view digital and or hybrid projects as "not really scrapbooking." When I contacted the store about printing options, they did not seem to want to help me.
When I went in, to see if I could e-mail the project in, and then have it printed, the store owner did not want to help me -- because of a situation in my family letting me pay for the printing in advance, and then e-mailing the project in, would have allowed me to participate without being present.
By the time I paid for the printing, it would have been equal to, or more than, what I would have spent on supplies in the store. Because, obviously, I would have used some of my stash for the project.
I left the store in tears, because they wouldn't help me -- I was already in crisis mode, because of the family situation.
I would love it, if you told paper store owners, that even though I digi scrap, I am still looking for a local connection. I want to support a local store when I do hybrid and paper projects. I still buy pens, magazines, books and other things which spark my creative muse and let me use my hands.
Basically, because of their attitudes, I won't go back to this store. Instead I will go to a "big box" store for any supplies I need.
Does this help? Don't want to seem too negative (it's been one of those days at work), but I felt like when I said the word "digi scrapper" I was treated like I had two heads.
My initial choice of printing (which I know works quite well) was also looked down upon by the store owner. I was told I couldn't purchase and use cardstock from their store, because "that just doesn't work".
I had to use their photo paper (which costs more). Personally, I like how the textured cardstock looks when it's been printed on.
Oh, and when I signed up for the swap/class, I had to provide "proof" that my digital scrapbooking would be "of the same quality" as their paper projects.
Basically, for that I provided a link to my blog. But really, would a paper scrapper have to do this?
Hope this helps.

I don't go to classes because of several reasons. 1-$$$. I don't always have the money to go. 2-Time: can't fit it in and/or I don't think about making time for me. 3-I feel intimidated because I have limited skills/limited resources. I know it's a class to LEARN but I still feel intimidated.

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.