Artemio Hedgerow stamps. Background is a colour wash of Cosmic Shimmer Mists painted on in broad brush strokes. Stamp two ferns in Eden Green Stazon, stamp and emboss the central image with black ink, clear powder. Emboss the whole piece with the Cuttlebug or similar folder. Use a Zig glue pen to highlight some of the embossed surfaces. Let it dry. Foil the glued areas. Mount. Mount again. And Again! stick to card. For me..a ten minute card. For a person that needs precision, possibly half an hour.
I conducted a workshop on Thursday and this was one of the cards. It's a variant that will crop up at a workshop on Monday actually, but without this and that and adding that and this. Anyway, I made a mistake in the preparation of the workshop and so two gals didn't finish all the cards and so I promised to post it here for reference. Interesting isn't it...the fault lay in my slapdash attitude and 'that'll do' approach. One of the other cards also required 3 layers of matting. My method is this: stick the image onto the first mat and eyeball the trimming. And then repeat repeat repeat....I only briefly check each layer will still fit on the card face by holding it against the card briefly and that's how it works. For me. But of course, we don't all roll in this casual and alarming manner, and I did not allow for measuring and rulers and pencils and those sort of timings when I put the workshop together. See, it's a real quandry to me. I recognise that anyone who comes to a workshop and pays good money for it wants to receive a couple of tips they may not have heard before, maybe try a few products that they wouldn't dream of buying without the chance of trying...and ultimately, come away with something finished and nice. Mostly, my 2 hour workshops offer four cards. Logistically, it works well. But I do panic that if people don't finish, they may well feel cheated. Although of course, there are those who come to the workshop and cheerfully don't do one or other of the cards because they don't like them - of course I have no problem with that - this is a very subjective thing, isn't it. There is a dynamic to be maintained at a workshop...the supplies need to be moved around so that no-one wastes time waiting, but you can't force people to hurry really, that's making them be slapdash and out of character if they work slowly, so then it's not a nice experience. Is there an answer? I don't know. In all the years I've been doing them, people have either been too polite to complain or it's not nearly as much of an issue as I think. It would be interesting to know what you think, if you are a workshop goer.
Enjoy the weekend!
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25 comments:
That is ...in my opinion ...a stunning and interesting card ...I I really would like to give it a go ...but I know that by the time I clear an area ... and find what I need...the urge and inspiration, will have gone.As you may have guessed I was not shamed into tidying.lol
As for work shops ...I went to a 'stampin u'p one but everything was in a rush ....I really did not enjoy it. When we had a crop I sometimes did the classes ...I was happy to try new things and loved the ones that went at a slow pace ....was I bothered about not finishing??? ... no ... as long as I had the instructions and had fun xx
I'm never where the workshops happen, so I can't help much either, but I am sure that if people keep coming back, that must mean they are happy. I love the card, by the way, the stamps look interesting and need-able if you see what I mean. Have now done my crop homework ready for next week, Miss!!
I just talk too much to get anything finished. I often don't hear the instructions and am usually slow to pass things on because I don't realise they've reached me - because I faffing with catching up on the previous bit.
The above rings true for the only workshop I've ever been to - and that was about 3 weeks ago when I went to the Warehouse belonging to Stephanie Weightman - it's just down the road from me, and she lives close to me too (too close she would probably tell you lol)...
Anyway, Steph ended up having to trim for me because I was having a rather 'wonky' day (I blame the guillotine)... Basically, I'm your worst nightmare if you run a workshop.
I like fun, new things I've not tried before, and to incorporate them into a project - usually a card.
I don't mind finishing it off at home (I can get all the wonky bits proper straight). I wouldn't be one to refuse to do something because I didn't like the look of it - I'd still take part. I would never be so rude as to refuse to do something. I might be talkative, I might even have been called 'gob o' the north (by the leader of the council where I used to work (a term of endearment because I won a comp to be the voice on the councils telephony... but rude? Not my style.
I agree it must be uber hard to please everyone - maybe they get a choice to freestyle with the same products if they don't want to follow what you do. You've got the hard end of the stick, and prob always will have.
Big hugs
Paula x x x
I adore this card Julia and would feel chuffed to bits if I walked away from a workshop with one like it. Yep, I would probably be the last to finish every time (spend way too much time faffing with details for my own good:) but as you say, they can always be finished later if you know what to do so I'd go with the cram in the knowledge approach.
One thought - you could always use a teaching technique called 'differentiation' (fancy eh?) Create cards which are achieveable for the slower ones, and then have suggestions about how to do more to them for the speedier crafters. If the speedier ones have to think about the additional steps for themselves (with you hovering and discussing their ideas with them) it will slow them down sufficiently for slowbies to catch up! In this way the onus isn't all on you, and you are making the students do some of the work themselves - believe it or not they get just as big a sense of achievement from this, trust me. (If it works with stroppy 16 year old males who hate education I bet it would work for the wonderful crafters you will have the pleasure of teaching:)
Sorry, just realised this is war and peace, but I hope it provides food for thought. See you next Wednesday, if not before. Hugs, Buttons x
I've never done any classes/workshops, so can't speak from experience, but it has to be a bit like training people- everyone does stuff at different speeds, and everyone learns differently. Some people need audio instructions, some do better with visual,some only have to get instructions once, others don't 'get it' till half a dozen repeats. You can't be doing too much wrong to have been doing these for so long!and you can never get it perfect for so many people at the same time. It is probably just you worrying that you are getting something wrong- everyone is probably extremely happy with the classes. If you want some feedback, why not leave some feedback sheets on the tables, or in the packs, that people can 'tick-box' and add their own comments anonymously, then drop them in a box before they leave? Might set your mind at rest,:) I love the card you made, I'm filing this one away to try myself in the future,lol.
I would agree with the tip from 'Buttons' - prepare cards which are easily achievable for everyone, but the speedier crafters could add extra details to while the others are catching up. I can't be bothered with all this messing about with measuring etc myself - such a waste of time! I tend to follow your technique and judge everything by eye, unless I have lots of something to do, production line style, then I stick a piece of tape on the guillotine and line up the edge of the card to it, so that I can get them all the same quickly.
Bernice
I did a class, many years ago and I took everything pre-cut as it was a beginner class. This idea, for beginners is great. If I were to do it again I would have 2 samples made, a simple one and then a more advanced one (adding embelishments) for the speedier crafters. If they keep coming back then you are doing it right!!
Love the card>
Hi Julia, well there is some fantastic advice above! I won't add to it other than to say I am not a measurer either but also not the fastest kid on the block but I thoroughly enjoy classes whether I finish or not - I go to learn and have fun - not necessarily to finish. I went to a 'Speed Crafting' workshop once where cards had to be finished in 10 minutes before moving on - none of us finished but we sure had fun trying! I think you strike a very happy medium. Crafty hugs, Anne x
Sorry, Julia, I love your fabulous card too! A x
It is very difficult to make everyone happy, but those who go always have a good time as they go for companionship too. You are doing a grand job...don't worry about a thing.
Everybody works at their own pace which means from slow to manic...(I used to teach workshops...now I am a lady of far too much leisure...)
:)
:)
xxx
i am slow at workshops as I chit chat too muc! I am haoppy to finish up at home as long as I have some instructions and supplies.
Usually what I do if I feel like I am falling behind is make sure I get everything done that can't be done at home...like stamp off the image, ink the edges in the matching ink etc.
Then I am perfectly happy to take it home to complete.
As a person who attends workshops, I have to say that I go for the inspiration, the fellowship of like minded crafters and sometimes just to get out of the house and do something different.
This is a tricky one, as a workshop goer and giver. In my workshops I dont have a set 'piece' I usually have a general plan, then we make it up and change it as we go along, and just have fun. I am happy as long as I learn the techniques, it should fun too.
janet
Never been to a card workshop but do know I would never get this super caqrd made in 30mins. So long as I had seen the demo and written enought notes its not a problem. Hugs Mrs A.
I have never been to a workshop as my area is rural and we only have a small Hobby Lobby and to my knowledge the only thing they do is beading workshops. Your card is lovely and looks quite interesting! I would have enjoyed coming to your workshop but there is just a huge amount of miles and ocean to cross!
I used to go to workshops, now i just look and look and say I can do that... usually it is in my own style but I can repeat things. I am a looker. As for measuring now way in hell do I do that, I am a slap, place, trim and stick girl. I create things with my own flair. I make them up as I go along too. I would hate to write a tutorial I think I would be stuck and blow a fuse. LOL
Eliza
love this!
It took me longer to read your paragraph than it probably took you to make that card. Although I've never taken a workshop, and never taught one (sad, but true), I can make art and talk at the same time, unlike some people. After all, I'm used to working in a factory (and NOT in the office). There are some things I'm speedy at, and others, LIKE STAMPING, I'm slower than molasses in winter.
I think you must do a great job, or you would not have any turnout at your card making classes. Repeat customers probably prove that, too.
I thoroughly enjoyed the class and for me the pace was just right. I was surprised that we made 4 cards in such a short time but to me that was down to your preparation beforehand. Personally I would have been more comfortable with a bit more measuring of my layers but that's just me being picky (or whatever word you choose!)and I'll do that more when I make the cards again. But it was the techniques that I wanted to learn and how to use stuff that I have bought previously and never used and especially different ways to use them. The class wasn't local to me but well worth the journey. x
Now this is a very interesting post and it's great to hear what everyone has to say in response. Having just held my very first card making workshop I have plenty of room for improvement! The card is lovely and I'm an eye ball kind of girl too, but a couple of my ladies were the measure to the last millimetre sort. We all got there our own way. Just the fact that you're still doing it after all this time and the folks keep on coming must mean you're doing a grand job :o)
What a pretty card! I am so frightened of workshops even the online ones that say you can take your time. My take your time and theirs it may expire LOL!
Gorgeous and interesting card, love it! I haven't been to a workshop for ages as my local craft shop closed. I was always a bit slow when I used to go but if I didn't finish, I didn't mind cause I learnt lots, had fun and made friends. Everyone works at a different pace but if it all gets to precious, the fun goes out of it. It sounds to me people have fun at your workshops or they wouldn't come! So I think you should stop stressing and enjoy! xx
Wow, I really love this card.
Love the card! If I were at your workshop for sure I would have wanted to finish this card because it is way off the norm for me.
Well, at all workshops I'd rather finish the card before leaving. I don't mind adding glitter glue at home or other fiddly stuff later but I hate going home with unfinished cards, because they tend to stay that way forever.
I don't know how your workshops are structured. Does everyone work on the same card at once? Or are all card kits in play at once? There are pros and cons to both ways.
You just never know with workshops what card will be the hardest for everyone or what will take way longer than you planned on. For sure people are into knowing the exact measurements. About the only thing I can guarantee (with my group anyway) is that someone will put a black inked stamp into the red ink pad. EVERY. TIME.
I'm one of the slow ones at workshops and I'd rather make three cards I can send than four I've rushed where at least one ends up in the bin. I don't feel cheated if I don't finish them all and quite like 'tweaking' them at home.
I'm guilty of not wanting to make a workshop card if it's radically not my style, as you know only too well, Julia! A workshop should be for whatever you personally get out of it, whether that's finishing all the cards, new ideas or just being in good company - not like school and being told what books you have to read whether you like them or not!
A girl after my own heart - eyeball it and mount like you do. Not that I very often get them even but I guess I am just cock eyed when it comes to layers.
Love this card, images, embossing, colour - the lot.
Hugs Neet xx
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