February Class Review

I participated in two on-line classes this month.  The first, Building Pages, was taught by Debbie Hodge at Get it Scrapped.  The four week class, offering three prompts a week, covered how various design principles can be used to improve the overall look and flow of scrapbook pages.  I loved the class because it explained why and how design principles work, appealing to the left-side of my brain.  I love learning about design principles because I have no design training.  Debbie's lessons were clear and well-illustrated.  They covered a variety of topics, such as how to best use rectangles, white space, foundation mats, diagonals (see above) and balance.  For right-brained folks who are more visual learners, she offered lots of sketches and examples.  Each lesson included at least one digital template/sketch to download for free, and there were many digital scrappers in the class.  But, the class was also geared to paper scrappers.  It's hard to find classes which appeal to both, and I think this class accomplished that.  I also appreciate the fact that each lesson had sketches and examples that could be used by people who scrap with LOTS of pictures (like me) or only a few. There was a fabulous gallery chock-full of examples from other class participants, and a forum for questions and discussions The class was originally priced at $25, but I responded to an early bird special and only paid $20.  All-in-all, it was a terrific class, and I highly recommend it!

The second class, a free on-line class called "Develop on Fridays," focuses on developing photography skills.  Once a week (on Friday), a different lesson or prompt was posted. It was originally scheduled for four weeks and hosted by Paislee Press.  I loved the prompts, and it really helped me think differently and more deeply about my photography.  When doing the sports portraits and team photos at DD's school, I kept the angle lesson in mind and found myself on the floor often, in order to get some good shots.  I especially like the photograph above, which is of two cousins who play on the team.  Aren't they beautiful? There was a forum to post your assignments, but not a lot of participation in the forums.  Instead, many people used flickr and twitter - neither of which work well for me.  After four weeks, the folks who offer the class plan to continue it with a few changes.  It has moved to this new website, and prompts will be offered every other week.  I plan to continue to visit the new website and do the prompts.  The most important thing I learned from the class is that I do want to step up my photography.


Not sure what I'm taking (if anything) in March.  I'm seriously considering Shimelle's Something from Almost Nothing and Dina's Art Journaling 101.  Do you have any classes to review?  Any that you're planning on taking?