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I've taken 3 -- one was great, one was good, and one was a complete waste of my $$.
Pros and cons? Are they worth the money to you?
I'm now considering one on the composition of collage by Claudine Hellmuth. But I'm trying to me more selective and would like to see your experiences with these types of classes.
Thanks!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
That's funny because Claudine's class is the only online class I've ever taken, and it was amazing. I learned a ton and it was well worth the money.
I guess they're not all created equal! You'll love her though. She's so personable and entertaining. Very thorough, easy to follow and techniques I can use forever. The one I took was more of a technique class with gesso and paint and fun textures, etc.
I have to ditto the recommendation for onlinecardclasses.com. It's run by Jennifer McGuire, Kristina Werner, and one or two other ladies I can't recall at the moment. All SUPER professional. The Tim Holtz class they hosted was also unbelievably amazing if you're interested in the Ranger products. It was a technique class, while the others are a bit more project-oriented with technique and design skills integrated into the projects. After taking that one, I signed up and took all of the others except the electronic die-cutting class, since I don't own a machine. They've all been top-notch. If you take the class after it's archived/non-live, you'll save a few bucks, and they had a promotion a couple of months ago where all of their classes were further marked down by a couple of dollars. Can you tell I love them? ;)
I have taken Tim Holtzs creative chemistry class, A cut above class and just signed up for a stretching your stamps class. I loved the Tim Holtz one, learned so much! Hoping he does another one. I have only done a couple segments of the cut above class and liked it as well, very informative. Looking forward to the stamp one.
I have taken two classes at CMC classroom. The copic advance 5 i really enjoyed. The other class was ok. I have heard of the Tim Holtz class but was concerned it might be like the videos on you tube by him. Is the class quite a bit different?
the class i liked had clear instructions and videos to SHOW me and explain.
The class I hated was a pdf handout! I felt ripped off.
The medium was had videos and interesting projects but I'm not likely to use anything I learned and the projects themselves were not things I'm likely to make.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I was thinking of the " Stretch Your Stamps" too. I don't understand exactly how they work as I have to work during the day. Hope I don't sound like a dope.
I've taken two online classes that cost about the same.
Both had good technique content. I had an expectation to unlock knowledge and understanding within the class content, but only one delivered on that.
Both used video lessons but one of them had ongoing issues with downloading and interuptions - very annoying.
Both had PDF's
One had access for a limited time and the other had lifetime access.
Both had forums for interaction, but it was only really happening in one class. The teacher in the other one rarely interacted, and that set the tone for the rest of the participants.
Both were high recommended.
One class ticked all the boxes and the other wasn't as good value for money.
IMO, running an online class needs the backup and support of a troubleshooting team just for the hosting side alone. If thats not working efficiently it's too frustating, no matter how good the content.
Any purchase that meets or exceeds our expectation is always worth it.
the class i liked had clear instructions and videos to SHOW me and explain.
The class I hated was a pdf handout! I felt ripped off.
The medium was had videos and interesting projects but I'm not likely to use anything I learned and the projects themselves were not things I'm likely to make.
Andy Skinner's class had both pdf handout and videos with clear instructions. plus he opens a forum for each class so if anyone gets stuck he will help them out. I found it well worth the money �15 about $27 .xx jo xx
I just started my third online class with Joanne Sharpe and I LOVE them!! Her blog is Whimspirations. The first one was on lettering - called Letter Love - loved it. The second one was Artful Alphabets where you created completed alphabets in different styles. Because of timing I didn't put as much into it but loved the information. #3 is an Art Journaling class and so far it is great. She does videos and has pdf and also has facebook and flicker groups. The facebook groups have been very active. They're $35 and you have access forever.
I was thinking of the " Stretch Your Stamps" too. I don't understand exactly how they work as I have to work during the day. Hope I don't sound like a dope.
No, you don't sound like a dope!;). They are great. When I did the Tim Holtz one I did it as I had time. I would pop my headphones on and sit there with my notepad and watch the video. I did them as I had time and I wasn't even halfway thru by the time the class was over. But I can go back at anytime and watch the videos as many times as I want. I still havent watched but two of the A cut above class. Now that summer is here and the kids aren't as busy hopefully I will have time. The classes I have done have been well worth the money. If you check out the website they give you an idea of how it works. HTH
Thanks, I think I will sign up for Claudine's composition class. I took a class from her in person and she is terrific. She is an artist first, then a stamper, if you know what I mean.
In any event, I hope her on line class is as fun as the in person one. and I hope I learn something.
There is so much free on the internet that I feel that an online class has to offer something special. I think this one will.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I haven't taken one of Claudine's online classes, but was fortunate enough to take a collage class with her when she came to NYC. She was a doll, and I NEVER did collage work and had a BLAST. She is one of my favorites. I would love to take her online class sometime. I took the ONLINE CARD classes, and Tim's Creative Chemistry. I enjoyed 3 of the 4 ONLINE Card classes, and loved Tim's. My problem arises when I don't have time to do the work while the classes are in session, and I keep meaning to go back and make some of the cards etc, but time gets away..Good thing I copy al the PDF's etc. Great resources for me.
I have taken about 4. One was great. ( And that was free) Another was bordering on good. The other two were not worth it. I was not a big fan of the Tim Holtz class. As rule of thumb, I only take classses that are under a certain dollar threshold. That way, if I am disappointed, I wont feel like I have thrown a huge amount of money down the drain. All of the classes taught or higlighted things that I otherwise found on the internet for free. So look around, the stuff is definitely out there for free.
The Tim Holtz Creative Chemistry class was very good, but not earth-shattering. I read his blog religiously, and there was quite a bit I had seen before. HOWEVER, I am very glad I took the class. There was information on products he has demoed very little or even none on his blog. But beyond that, the info on products he's demoed before was FAR above and beyond the small snippets on the blog. Every day for 10 days there were 2 or 3 videos, each 20 minutes or more. There is also a PDF for each day with steps and photos. Online Crad Classes provides lifetime access, so you can view info as it's posted new each day or view it months or years later. But the classes are not scheduled at a specific time of day, so even when you're taking a class "live," there's flexibility about when you find time to view the material based on your own work/family schedule.
I really want to take her letting class, and the journal class.....her work is amazing, what a creative person!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cindy55
I just started my third online class with Joanne Sharpe and I LOVE them!! Her blog is Whimspirations. The first one was on lettering - called Letter Love - loved it. The second one was Artful Alphabets where you created completed alphabets in different styles. Because of timing I didn't put as much into it but loved the information. #3 is an Art Journaling class and so far it is great. She does videos and has pdf and also has facebook and flicker groups. The facebook groups have been very active. They're $35 and you have access forever.
__________________ AfterHoursStamper.blogspot.com �It is easier to believe a lie that one has heard a thousand times than to believe a fact that no one has heard before�
subbing...online classes have been on my mind too but like some of the others I wonder whether they offer more than what is already available for free on the internet.
subbing...online classes have been on my mind too but like some of the others I wonder whether they offer more than what is already available for free on the internet.
I've wondered the same thing -- subbing to hear more.
I have taken a few. All the ones that had video instruction were great. The pdf ones were a let down. I don't feel like these are a class. I took the online card class with Jennifer McGuire. Fantastic! Worth way more than I paid for it. Also, an absolutely awesome fun class was She Girl Art, a mixed media class with Christy Tomlinson. You will NOT be disappointed with this class either. Tons of videos and pdfs.
I've taken Cameo classes from Kerri Bradford under Jessica Sprague's site. I have found them beneficial and helpful in understanding my new machine. The classes are available forever, so I can re-review anything I have forgotten. A plus.
I also enjoyed Claudine Helmuth's collage class and learned a lot. She made the composition instruction seem simple and very fun with her video demos. The only improvement I would have wanted is for them to be more on-topic for the chats. Maybe it was just the days that I was there.
Cathy Zielske's classes are excellent (I've taken 2) and she's very funny in her videos in addition to giving great design instruction. I agree with the comments above about the video being the key to a great class. For me the pdf takes a little more self-discipline to work through than watching a fun and entertaining video while learning the material. She's has a great design background and a relatively clean, not a cute style which really appeals to me.
And this may be farther off the stamping area but Laura Coyle teaches Illustrator at Renee Pearson and her live videos are really excellent. She has designed for Target and other large clients.
I too think there is a lot of free material if you search around but to me these three, especially the last two had technical and teaching quality that I have not found free on the internet and the prices were a bargain.
I'm having to wait to take Julie Fe-Fan Balzer's classes that she has on her blog. I have bought a DVD of hers and just can't wait. Unfortunately saving for birthday presents come soon.
I just checked out Big Picture Classes and signed up for a free one. If I like it, I will take the plunge with Claudine Hellmuth's class. Thanks for all the great info!
I've taken lots of online classes, and classes IRL -- only 2 were a bust for me. I don't see how a Claudine H class would be bad. She is top notch in the industry. I'm not crazy about her style, but her techniques are why I would take a class from her. Have you ever seen her on DIY or a crafting show? She is very inspiring and easy to understand.
My favorite thing about online classes is that once I download the class, it is 'on demand' so to speak. Meaning I can work through the class at my own pace, taking as long as I want to in finishing it.
I have taken a few. All the ones that had video instruction were great. The pdf ones were a let down. I don't feel like these are a class. I took the online card class with Jennifer McGuire. Fantastic! Worth way more than I paid for it. Also, an absolutely awesome fun class was She Girl Art, a mixed media class with Christy Tomlinson. You will NOT be disappointed with this class either. Tons of videos and pdfs.
A question for those who took the Tim Holtz Chemistry Class: Was it really so much better than all the videos by him on Youtube?
Also, Jennifer McQuire taught 2 classes "thinking inking" and "holiday thinking inking" which were fantastic - and free. My question to pbeck: Was this class so much different? And where would I find it?
Since all the LSS in the 70mile radius of where I live have closed, I have been wondering where I can now take more classes without going somewhere and spending the night in a hotel. Knew about U-Tube stuff, but didn't kno there were actual classes. Subbing to keep informed. You gals are the greatest!
If you want to try the experience of an online class with no cost, check out Strathmore papers. They have several classes, one on Art Journaling and another on watercolors. You can see if you have the discipline to keep up with that style of learning. Also, hewlett-packard has classes on digital photography , which is something we all can use, and you can also try out online learning before committing your pocketbook.
Thanks, I think I will sign up for Claudine's composition class. I took a class from her in person and she is terrific. She is an artist first, then a stamper, if you know what I mean.
In any event, I hope her on line class is as fun as the in person one. and I hope I learn something.
There is so much free on the internet that I feel that an online class has to offer something special. I think this one will.
I'm sure you will love Claudine's online class, Joan! I had the pleasure of taking a class at CHA where she was one of 3 instructors and she and her projects were fantastic!
I already knew how to do what was being taught and had even made similar projects prior, but I thoroughly enjoyed her segment of the class!
I've always heard many positive things about her past online classes, so I imagine this one will be very enjoyable, too! I know she puts a lot into them.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I was thinking of the " Stretch Your Stamps" too. I don't understand exactly how they work as I have to work during the day. Hope I don't sound like a dope.
You do not sound like a dope.
I have been a guest designer/contributor and co-instructor with Jennifer & Kristina at Online Card Classes and am contributing to "Stretch Your Stamps", too!
All you have to do is log in to the class when it works for you/on your schedule. You can watch the videos any time, as many times as you lie 24/7, and the supporting PDF materials are available for download 24/7. You will have lifetime access to all the course materials so even if you don't have time to be active in the class while it is currently in "live" status, you can pop in there 2, 5, 10 years from now and everything will be there for you. You are always encouraged to use supplies & materials you may already have on hand.
Once the class reaches the end of its "live" status, the forums and galleries will remain, but they will be "read" only.
All the classes later become "independent study" versions, after the "live" status has ended, so if you do not take them during that time frame, you still can sign up later on and take them.
Two other things to keep in mind is that during the "live" status:
They do have prize giveaways that will end once "live" status ends.
Their partnering retailers also offer students wonderful exclusive shopping discount codes that are valid for a certain time frame--they terminate at a designated time after the "live" status has ended, to allow students an opportunity to purchase any products shown in the class after they've seen the lessons and projects.
Even tho I've been stamping and teaching for over 20 years, I still learn something new--even as a guest instructor. ;)
Everybody involved with OCC goes all out to make it as fun, enjoyable and meaningful as possible!
HTH!
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Online Classes?
