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What's reasonable in terms of bringing your own supplies given the fee?
This is a class to make 6 cards. the class is 2.5 hours and is $24. I think the fee is reasonable. But, I would have to bring
Adhesive, pop dots, glue dots, Ranger craft sheet, 1/8� tacky tape (double-sided tape), hole punch or Cropadile, paper piercer, paper distresser, brown ink, bone folder or Scor-it, ruler, scissors, x-acto knife and pencil.
I don't teach classes and don't want to seem like I am criticizing. I'm just trying to get some feedback to determine if this is reasonable. (Yes, I have all these supplies.........):mrgreen:
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I am not responding as a class teacher - more a class student. So my 2 cents:
the class is basically $3 per card. The supplies listed (that you have to bring) are almost all nonconsumable...except for the Adhesive, pop dots, glue dots, Ranger craft sheet, 1/8” tacky tape (double-sided tape), brown ink.
Having taken lots of classes at Archivers - usually 3 or 4 cards for $15 - and everything is supplied... I don't think the price is too bad. And I would pay it and bring my stuff, if the cards had lots of embellishments, or I was learning way cool new techniques.
Hmm, that is quite a list of things to bring. My SU demo has workshops for $15 where we make 10 cards (2 each of five designs), and we have to bring adhesive and scissors, and occasionally a paper trimmer. But her cards are all strictly SU product and rarely very embellished. She also limits the number of time-consuming techniques because so many people attend (usually 16 people). I know she doesn't make much (if anything) off the classes...it's orders she's fishing for, and boy, howdy, does she get them, LOL!
If this class is independent, has cards that are worth $3+ each in terms of supplies or skill level, and uses some new-to-you or at least cool techniques (6 cards in 2 hours--you better!), then it seems reasonable to me.
As a "teacher" I've always charged $5 for 5 cards and provided everything including an envelope. My cards aren't Fan Club worthy but they have layers and embossing and ribbon scattered throughout. I know I've always charged less than SU demos but maybe I should relook what I do!
But maybe you will walk away with some incredible cards!?!
Personally I think the price is steep. Most of the classes I've gone to supply everything except basic adhesive. I'd probably pass unless there was a technique or something that I really wanted to learn.
__________________ My Gallery Team Jasper! "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Mt. 6:21
I think it's kinda weird that they are asking you to bring your own tools. They normaly have these things in a LSS and just pass them around. All the card classes that I've done you only need your tape runner. I think I would pass.
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All the LSS around here (southeast Michigan) charge about the same thing ($15 for 4 cards) and the supply list is almost exactly the same. Sometimes they introduce a new technique or tool but not all the time. Usually they offer a 10% discount on the items they used in the class if anyone wants to purchase them after the class.
I would probably pay it but then again, I live rural and these kind of offerings are pretty much non existant....however anything that I have been lucky enough to drive to...people are usually very generous and share supplies...even the demonstrator....who will usually ask you to just bring scissors and adhesive
Well, my SU demo charges $10.00 for to make usually just one card in an evening. We don't have to bring any supplies, but because she is fairly new to it all, we all have to share the supplies that she has. I don't mind. It is a social evening, and I don't really decide whether a class is worth it on a per card basis. I don't usually learn anything new or fantastic, but I still find I enjoy and learn something from the class.
My LSS charge variable amounts - depending on the class. One of my LSS usually charges about 15.00 for the class, and you have to bring all of your adhesives, bone folder, aquapainter , glue dots, scissors, inks if you have them , ruler, on and on!!. Generally we make about 3 cards. The are not often fabulous ( in my opinion ).. but you get some new ideas.
I do think that is a long list of stuff to take but my LSS ( or one of them ) asks folks to do the same thing - but the cost is not unreasonable - at least I don't think so.
Maybe I'm just "spoiled", but it sounds a little high to me. I've attended several SU stamp camps and the class usually runs $17-$25. The only thing we have to bring is adhesive (she supplies everything else - and we've done some fairly "fancy" stuff). Typically we make 5-6 cards/items AND if we place an order within a week, she takes $10 off for attending the class.
I also attended a camp a few weeks ago where we made Christmas cards - 24 for $15!! She supplied EVERYTHING (including adhesive, embossing powder, etc, etc). We did 4 cards using the cracked glass technique. This was a SU demo and even with several orders that night, she said she didn't "make" anything, but didn't lose out, either, and it allowed her to make a few contacts. ;)
Hmmm, sounds a little high to me if you have to bring all of that stuff. Most of the LSS's in my area only require you to bring what they call a basic tool kit for classes which usually includes scissors, bone folder, ruler, glue stick or tape runner, craft knife or paper trimmer. And even if you don't bring those items, they will usually provide them for you.
On the flip side, bringing all your own tools and adhesives means you don't have to wait to use them! Especially if there's someone in the class that isn't familiar with the tools, sometimes its a long wait until "your turn."
My sister and I make sure our names are on all our tools, since we go to a lot of classes and crops!
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Well, I have a great demo (thanks, Carolyn!) who charges $10 for 10 cards. We don't have to bring ANY supplies (some of us do, though) and the cards involve different techniques and quite a bit of embellishments. I don't think she makes much profit....just enough to cover costs. On the other hand a LSS charged us $12 for 3 cards and they were pretty simple.
Instead of looking at the fee in terms of what you have to bring with you, look at it in terms of what you get to take away?
My loony schedule is such that I don't get an opportunity to sign up for many classes, but I know my mother has taken some that ran $10 for a single card. Since she got to keep the dreamweaver stencil that was used, the class was actually pretty inexpensive. So if you're making 6 cards that use expensive supplies, $3 a card is not unreasonable.
Sharp Scissors
Embossing Tool or Stylus
Small Cutting Mat
Metal Ruler
Exacto Knife & Fresh Blades
Glue of Choice
Bone Folder
Blending Pen
Water Brush
12" Portable Paper Trimmer
Double-Sided Tape
She calls it your Stamper's Survival Kit. Most stuff seems reasonable. I guess they don't want to keep 12 or so of each item on hand. I hate having to take adhesive. I always seem to forget it. But I think it is fairly standard these days. Pop dots and glue dots - I think they should supply just because not everyone has them on hand and you really don't use a lot of them.
$24 for 6 cards does not seem too outrageous, but I must admit I hate paying for classes anymore. I can learn more here on SCS and have enough supplies to last a lifetime. But it is a chance to socialize, so I tend to look at it that way. But $10 for 1 card with a demo seems very high, not sure I could pay that.
__________________ Martha
"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." Jean Shinoda Bolen
My LSS does things like this. They charge 18$ for three cards THEN mandate a bunch of items to buy. Sometimes this even includes the stamp to be used on the card (which I don't get, can't we just share?). However, they are a wonderful store and I know they must pay their bills, so I do try to attend classes, but sometimes (like you) I get annoyed at all the stuff we are expected to buy/have.
If the local craft store is running a class, they are also wanting to make a few bucks for the time, effort and use of the store plus the Instructor does get a portion for their time/effort. I don't think the cost listed in Post #1 is unfair.
Realize also that the items listed to bring in Post #1 are certainly not mandatory. You certainly could get by without many of them and just do things by hand. So I wouldn't complain about the Tool Box List.
Most crafters would most likely have all those items anyway.
I take classes various places for just the socialization of being with other crafters. I hopefully learn a technique or two or a different way to do an old one. The items I would make in the class, I look at as samples and not something that I would take and give to someone. Then I go home and recreate the projects adding my own twist to them.
I do classes at a chain craft store and charge $15 per person. The store has some machines in the classroom for students to use, but the rest the student is expected to purchase in the store or bring with them. I also hand out a Tool Box List for each student to bring with them.
There are two LSS's in my city and one has quite high class fees ($20-25) and you have to bring that HUGE list of supplies similar to what was mentioned above. I teach at the other store in our town and we supply EVERYTHING.. Absolutely everything.. Even copics when it's a copic class.. In my opinion, and from what my students have said, they LOVE not using their own supplies, and being able to just SHOW UP to a class is awesome. and i agree, that's why I teach there, and not the other place.
So i disagree with that large class fee AND the must-bring supplies.
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I think it depends on what the class is teaching. I usually bring my own scissors, bone folder, ruler. And if the class calls for a hole punch, then I would bring one, but it's not part of my "traveling" tool kit, nor is a piercing tool. But, I generally would not bring any adhesive, ink, craft mat or any of the other supplies listed.
What's reasonable in terms of bringing your own supplies given the fee?
This is a class to make 6 cards. the class is 2.5 hours and is $24. I think the fee is reasonable. But, I would have to bring
Adhesive, pop dots, glue dots, Ranger craft sheet, 1/8” tacky tape (double-sided tape), hole punch or Cropadile, paper piercer, paper distresser, brown ink, bone folder or Scor-it, ruler, scissors, x-acto knife and pencil.
I don't teach classes and don't want to seem like I am criticizing. I'm just trying to get some feedback to determine if this is reasonable. (Yes, I have all these supplies.........):mrgreen:
Hey, Joan. I know you already know I teach. :grin: For a 6 card class, I always ask students to bring a basic tool kit of:
Preferred paper adhesive, a pencil, and detail scissors. I provide everything else.
Some students bring a much larger tool kit, and they are always welcome to, of course, if they don't want to share/wait a few minutes to use what I provide. Some of my students always bring their Stamp-a-ma-Jig, eyelet setting tools, a ruler, X-acto knife, and dimensional adhesives, etc.
I would like to mention, however, that if the class fee to you is $24, it's entirely possible the instructor herself is NOT receiving the whole class fee; the store may be keeping a portion of that fee to cover administrative fees they incur. In addition, the instructor may not have been granted a purchasing discount for classes she is teaching in this store.
If that is so, then I'd say the supply list you described, IMHO, would be justifiable.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
The SU demo I go to only charges $7 for 4 cards and she provides everything. She is probably just cutting even on this. She needs to raise her fees! A local shop nearby offers classes, the class to make 4 cards is $55, this is not a Tim Holtz class or anything, just taught by someone at the store.
That is a LOT for me and would not spend that. But this probably includes the cost of the discount she gives which is 10% on anything in the store on the day of class.
As a SU demo I ask students to bring their adhesive of choice--but I always supply sticky strip, dimensionals, glue dots etc. if needed. I have several bone folders and trimmers etc. I think your class fee is plenty to cover extras. Hope you have fun and learn fun new stuff!!
I teach at my LSS. Most classes are $15 for 2 hours. The store keeps $3 per student to cover some of their costs. Between the store tools and my own, we rarely ask students to bring anything. I limit my classes to 6 students. Passing around a particular tool isn't a big deal. I want my students to show up and have fun. No stress.
__________________ Debra ---artist * teacher * designer Say yes. Be generous. Speak up. Love more. Trust yourself. Slow down. ---Patti Digh
Even for our monthly stamp meetings where I know the demo will bring everything we need, I take : detail scissors, bone folder, adhesive, 6 inch ruler, embossing tool/stylus, small black marker, pencil and sharpener, and if she has asked for more I take it too.
__________________ c-mouse-If you can't say nuttin nice--don't say nuttin at all. Thumper. Pansy
Card Sketch Challenge 1-227 done only 396+ to go to be caught up!!!!!
My LSS charges $15 per class, but you can buy a classcard for $40 that allows you to take any 4 classes, so at that rate it is only $10 per class. We usually make 4 or 5 cards and all supplies & embellishents are included. I usually bring my own watercolor or aqua brush when watercolors or H2O's are scheduled because I'm picky about the brush tip. You also get 15% off on all purchases the day of the class.
I teach a Copic class at a local craft store and charge $35 for a 2 hour class. Students make 1 card. I supply a full kit (including the Copic markers/colored pencils which they keep). The card kit includes two stamped images (1 for practice and 1 for final design), cardstock, designer paper, envelope, embellishments, ribbon, etc. I precut/emboss/punch everything students will need. I bring all tools and supplies that will be needed. Additional card kits (minus the markers) are $5 each or $20 with the markers. So, I don't think $24 for 6 cards is too high of a fee.
just adding my humble opinion...
i teach at my apartment's community clubhouse - free for use, plenty of table space... so i don't have to charge for a location/rental.
we usually make a dozen cards for $15, and i just ask friends to bring their own adhesive (but i bring extra in case someone forgets). this time we are making 10 cards and 10 tags. i keep things pretty simple so that i can at least reimburse myself something for the time i spend putting the card kits together and definitely cover my supplies.
if someone does it out of their house and doesn't feed you or give you any products to keep and has very simple cards, i would say that cost is too high...
if you are at a place that has a building cost (a local store, someone renting a place to hold the class) and/or they are letting you keep some extra supplies and/or they have nice snacks/beverages and/or really deluxe cards with embellishments that may cost more, then pay the money.
Ultimately, if it's a way you'd enjoy spending your time, it's no more expensive than dinner out and a movie ticket (and i'd rather make something!)
...i'm sure you'll learn something new or come away inspired!
I tend not to be TOO influenced by the price, unless it's totally outrageous. I would always take my own adhesives, cutting blades, mat etc anyway, whether I need to or not.
Things like Crop-a dile, distress tools and inks etc I could & would take but I would personally have thought those items may be a little specialised for some. I think if the class is marketing itself as learning eg distressing as part of the skills, then those tools ought to be provided.
For myself, my decision is mostly based around who the designer/demonstrator is & what they are offering or who else is going to have some fun with.
Last edited by little_lottie; 11-06-2008 at 08:13 PM..
Reason: typos
I taught at a LSS and our price for a card class was 25 for 4 or 5 cards. Most of my classes were pretty intensive. They usually lasted at least 3 hrs. I was at the store a total of 5hrs. I was teaching 3D paper flowers. It involved tons of punches. There was lots of prep time involved. I punched almost every piece ahead of time at home and made kits for everyone. This took at least 6 hours plus the design time for the cards and class samples that the store kept 3hours.( Could you imagine the noise of eight people using punches?) I only made about $15 per a person in classes of 6-8. In this case I supplies the glue, punches.all the papers, the card base and all the embellishments. The class students brought very little supplies. I believe the owner sold over a thousand dollars of punches from these classes.
I will say boy did my hands hurt after each class!!!!!
So it really depends on the area you live in and what the market will bear for the type of class.
I owned a scrapbook store for two years and most classes were 10.00. This included everything they needed to make the LO or cards(6-, etc. Everything was precut and ready to go for them! Most classes were 2 hours and that was a good fit for most customers.
Another store charged 15.00-25.00 a class and supplies were included.
For me, I wanted to keep the cost low so customers could attend several classes in a month and several customers came to 2-4 classes a month.
I know in larger cities, classes are generally more expensive... Jan
Personally I would NEVER pay that much to make cards if I had to bring all of that stuff along. Not worth it to me. My LSS charges $15 for 4 cards and the only we have to bring is our adhesive. We share the tools and it take a little bit longer but we are happy. That way as the owner says, we have more money to buy other things like the supplies to make our own cards at home.
I would avoid any class where I have to bring so many supplies - consumable or not. It's just a pain to have to gather and haul all of that stuff. For that fee, the class would have to either be: A) exceptional (as several have said) or B) include a lot more of the supplies/materials. Either way, it sounds pretty pricey and/or troublesome to me.
I am also a teacher. I do charge 20$ for a 2.5 hours class. e do 2 projects mine are complicated. The Cardstock, embelishment, uses of my tools and coloring stuff, ink used in the class is included in that price. I also provide the tools BUT I ask the ones who have their tools to bring them in the class as I share mine and only have one for the whole class and that is OK some people are beginner and do not want to buy everything. I also provide the adhesives except the double side one and scisors.
Fees and Supplies for Classes
