A survey of sorts.

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.

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!