Thanks so much + thoughts on technique.

You hit the nail on the head. Technique is something repeatable that can be pulled out of your bag of tricks to add a finishing touch, or to be a complete project in and of itself. Many folks have mentioned Tim Holtz -- he is a all about technique, and they're not all that difficult to do. And it's all about using your existing supplies differently, or maybe adding one or two new things to it.
I'm still having trouble doing my own rub-ons, and I want to do more with inks and paper -- page embellishments. Oh, and anything to do with vellum. Love it, want to learn to do more with it.
Thanks for asking.

Another interesting challenge. I have to agree with you completely on what I think of as technique. Whenever I go to a class that is labeled technique, I expect that I will be walking away with new ways to use product that I may not have thought of. Many times I purchase product with only one use in mind. Technique classes make me think outside of the box - to look at product from a new point of view.
I think the most important thing about a technique class is to remember that it is not about the finished project, but about the use of the products that is important.
As far as teaching at an LSS, I would LOVE that kind of opportunity. I have had my eye out for a while, but I just figure that God will open the door for that when the time is right.
Thanks for your constant inspiration!!

I am a store owner and I loved your comment on sharing your skills as a teacher...I would LOVE to have someone offer to teach a technique ! It is so hard to come up with so many ideas by myself and I am NOT a natural born teacher-it is a huge struggle for me.From my point of view I say Go for it ladies...approach your LSS , bring some samples,even if the project seems easy to you you'd be surprised how well it will be received. Keep it simple. And if you live near Erie PA-come see me!! hahaha! IF one person comes forward and starts to teach then maybe others will too and before you know you will have a nice collection of classes to choose from. I'd love to do a series of "Customers Teach" classes.

Hi Ali-for me, as well...I like to learn "new techniques" I can use in other projects, or duplicate over and over (e.g., learning to make mini-books; binding techniques, masking/with paints); so I enjoy both technical classes and project classes (having a finished item to take home). For online classes, I steer toward "design" techniques that interest me (e.g., your color class, tips on creating balanced layouts (properties of design) - etc.)
For LSS classes I love tips on how to use "old" products in new ways, how to make the most of supplies, etc.
Also--the best treats and most appreciated are samples of your projects (step by step or photos from different angles) on your blog & in your newsletter- I have "scraplifted" more than one idea/project from your blog. ALSO love when you guest design (like with Cocoa Daisy) or do a challenge, etc.

For me, techniques are what I am looking for in a class. New ways of using different mediums. One of the best technique classes ever,was Tim Holtz's paint dabber tag book class. In about an hour and a half he taught 6 completely " different" techniques for using paint dabbers that I could have never come up with on my own! I love that you are talking about this... I have taken way too many classes, where the teacher guides you through step by step, and at the end everyone's end product reflects the teacher and not them. For me technique is about learning something that you can translate into your own with your own style over and over again.

I am loving this post.
Ali, I just received my latest CK and the LOs you did for the "girly_girly" article are wonderful. "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life" canvas is to die for. :-) Not to mention the "SEE" mini-book is excellent.
Then I bought the "4x6 photos" magazine and your photo journal mini-book of Tokyo textures is seriously brilliant. This would be a great class - challenge students to take detail photos and create something like this with it.
I would enjoy taking a class where we have been given photography homework beforehand and then be challenge to scrap unusual photos like this in class.

Hello little darlin'!
To me technique is really any class that offers a new way to use a product -- it could be doodling, stamping, inking, using transparencies, etc. But my favorite kind of class to take by far is one to find new ways to use patterned paper. I find that card classes often offer the best options for this one. I've taken classes on iris folding and quilt pattern cuts that I've really loved. Not sure if you remember signing my much dog-earred copy of your book about using patterned paper, but I'm one girl who loves finding new ways to mix my favorite supply.;)
I'm anxiously awaiting my copy of your newest book!
Rest. Eat chocolate. Be good to yourself.
XXXXOXXX

Hi Ali - I love how you're asking for input! I agree with Rebecca's comment above - I want to learn how to use something I already have (or could easily acquire) in a different way. And I am very into art journaling right now - making/altering books and especially how to do the covers and the binding (remember your post on your one little word album and how you did the "go" on the cover - or the cool blank journal you linked into today's post?) - I've seen several postings with how-to's but nothing beats an in person demo where I can do it myself (and take away instructions :-)

Technique can be the how to use an old technique like chalking today. When I think of technique I think of tool (ability-not physical tool) in my tool box and texture. I went to a scrapbook class last year on Christmas cards and it was cut and paste-no technique there. So I crushed, inked edges, and sandpapered highlights to give it more character and put my stamp on them-during class. Did I love all of them-no? But I tried it and left we a few cards worth sending.

Your definition of 'technique' is a good one!
In terms of what I would like to learn:
- Scrapping your extremly average photos. Not all my photos are prize winning but some tell a good story. I would love to learn a technique of placing these photos so they draw attention to the subject/story and not the average photography skill demonstrated!
- Layout|Color|Design
- I would also like to learn to digi scrap but just have not taken any time to sit and "play".
- Something demonstrating Tim Holtz products.
Recently went to Stamp Camp and we had a workshop on Art Canvases and it was excellent. The instructor went through some design theory and then a batch of techniques we could use to produce a piece. After trying all the techniques we were given a small canvas to play with. It was the best fun.

In regard to technique: I think the key to any technique is to get your hands in there and do it. I would love to learn how to use all of the paint that I have, more ways to use ribbon, how to use chipboard, etc. I can read all about that stuff in the latest magazines and think the ideas are great and try to remember to use them, but I learn by doing. If I take a class and actually use the paint in different ways, use the ribbon, use the chipboard, I'm going to remember and use it again. For me, it's about actually getting in there and "playing." :)

I think you nailed it... I want to see what else my supplies can do. I devour the parts in CK magazine that show me how to do that. I see an idea and that sparks another idea and so on... Making a project is ok but I really want to see what new skill I can learn even if it's a new way of "seeing". The project is just a bonus. I especially like taking my scrapbook suppliles out of the scrapbook and onto other projects. That ArtFest looks so completely amazing!!! THAT's the kind of event I want to go to.... Alas.... I live VERY far away!! Even worse I have family in that area so I couldn't go to the event without stopping to see family so I'd have to add extra days to the trip. I hope you have a blast!!!