Teacher's Guide: Scrapbook Class Project Planning

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There are many variables that go in to making a good class. Perhaps one of the most important is the class project. Not only does the project reinforce the teaching points, but it gives the students some hands-on experience. Planning your project is one of the best parts of planning a class.

What makes a good class project?

Fits Description - Most students take a class based on the description of the class. Therefore, your projects need to support that description. Read your description of the class right before you start working on your projects.

Level of skill - If you have stated a level of experience for the class, your project needs to be appropriate for that type of scrapper. This factor needs to be considered in all aspects of your planning.

Creativity - As the instructor, the students will look to you to teach them how to make a creative layout or project.

Timing - All classes have a start and end time. Your projects should be planned so that the class ends at the designated time. You should factor in time for questions and challenges, as well as time to shop if appropriate.

Versatility - There are many different styles and personal preferences in scrapbooking. Your projects should allow some room for versatility, such as modifying a 12" x 12" layout to an 8.5" x 11" layout. Encourage students to put their own style in to their projects, but keep in mind that modifications can sometimes eat up time.

Cost - The cost of your projects needs to be controlled so that there is enough of the class fee to cover materials and your time. There are many ways to keep costs lower without compromising quality, such as using computer-generated or stamped titles instead of sticker lettering.

Product - Many students wants to learn about products and tools as much as they want to learn new techniques. Use a new product or a product that has just been received by your local store. Resist the urge to use a clearance product to save money unless it is more appropriate for a class. If you are teaching at a store, get the opinion of the staff on which products generate more questions.

Ooooh and aaaaaaah - There is always something in a good class that causes students to gasp. Many times it is one little shortcut or tip that you take for granted everyone knows. The whole time you are teaching students how to put together a product, you should be sharing tips that you yourself employ. For example, to make tags in class, I cut one corner away and use that paper as a template to cut away my other corner for a perfect tag, no measuring or tracing needed!

What needs to be in a class kit?

I have found the more organized the class kit, the more smoothly a class will run. Here is what I put in a class kit:

Directions - Many students will want to duplicate or finish a project on their own at home. For this reason, you should include step-by-step instructions, illustrated if possible.

Materials - Students should be provided with all the materials they need to make the project(s). When possible, cut paper to the size needed for class. (This will also help save on cost.) Small items, such as eyelets, ribbon, brads, or shapes should be placed in a smaller baggie for better control. You may want to consider providing extras to allow for loss or mistakes. Also include items like cosmetic sponges and thumbtacks (for poking holes for brads) if needed. These inexpensive tools will cut down on time needed to share class tools.

Color copy of project - This is especially important in larger classes, where your sample may not be seen by every student. Scan and print at a large enough resolution and size to allow detail to show. This can be printed with the directions, or separately.

Resources List - If you will be making references to manufacturer names or websites, have a list of resources in your handout. Let your students know this at the beginning of class, so they need not scramble to take notes. Include your own contact information as well.

What do you need to support the class project?

As the instructor, you need to make a list of items you need to support the class. If they are common items, ask students to bring personal tools to class. If possible, call or e-mail all students the night before with a reminder.

For everything else, pack your own toolkit. I also make a few extra kits, just in case there is an extra student or something is missing from another kit. Also pack extras of all the little items, as they almost always get lost on the floor.

Shared tools and supplies - Almost every class will have some tools that need to be shared. Many stores will have supplies for class use, such as chalk and eyelet tools. Ideally, you want one tool per person. Realistically, you may not have that many. If you cannot do one per table, consider setting up a few stations away from the tables.

Project board or projection - Consider using a foam-core board to mount directions and illustrations of the project steps. If you have a larger class, use a projection system.

Samples - Have a table up front with sample layouts or projects that support the theme or technique being taught in the class. Show these items during class as appropriate, but do not let them detract from the class.

Merchandise Display - Set up an area near the front with the merchandise used in class. You will be able to show the items in their packaging as you teach. In addition, have items used in class near the checkout register for easy purchase after class. If you are teaching at a convention, know which booths carry the product.

Additional tips:

Procrastination is bad - It never fails that if you wait until the last minute, something will go wrong. A supply won't be available, the scanner will malfunction, you will run out of toner, etc. Plan well in advance for class.

Posting projects - Prior to class, should you post your actual project? There are pros and cons to this practice and will depend upon the nature of your clientele. I usually do two projects per class, so I post one and let the other be a surprise. The other way to advertise is to post a project that is representative of what you will make in class. If you decide to post the actual project, pull the supplies needed for class. If you don't, customers may buy out the inventory.

Social time - Allow time in class for socialization. Many students enroll in a class to spend time with friends or to meet new people. When possible, encourage interaction. For example, ask students to share experiences or hold up their projects.

Groupies - Get to know your regular students and what they like to learn and make in your classes. Don't be afraid to ask for input and critique.

Following these tips will help your classes run smoothly and be an enjoyable and beneficial experience for all of your students. Even better, your satisfied students will be the first to sign up for your next scheduled class!

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