A survey of sorts.

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.

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.