Learning from my students...

So last Sat was National Scrapbooking Day. Yes, there really is such a thing, and it's usually the first Sat of May or so. I was already having a crop, but to maybe boost attendance and sales, I offered two extra hours of cropping, prizes, free technique demos and of course a special sale.

I was pleasantly surprised to have three new scrappers to the house in addition to some "regulars". Now with the regular crowd, it's a bit easier. I know their preferences, skill levels and how much they do - or don't - like demos and lessons. But with new folk, you just have to tread carefully, try not to get on their nerves and hope they like it enough to come back.

So after lunch time, I started a free demo and had some interest. I was working with SCAL with is a new program for me. I honestly told everyone I was learning too, but that I would cut anything they liked. So it went pretty well, and we continued to cut some more throughout the day, me learning as we went (can you weld them together? Can you find me a cupcake? etc etc) I still have a lot to learn, but wow, what an awesome program!

But then it got even more interesting. I noticed more and more that as I answered technique based questions about using Shimmerz Mists or stamping, more and more people would get up and come over what I had to say. What great fun! A teacher loves nothing more than willing and interested students.

But as I taught, and students learned, an interesting thing happened...As people showed me their creations using the techniques they learned, I learned more about the very techniques I was teaching.

Tammy learned that when she used paper to cover elements she didn't want misted...she could use the same technique to create a layered effect. She cranked out this gorgeous page:



So using that same idea, I took a hand cut template and layered Shimmerz for my own pattern. I just laid it down on white cardstock and sprayed with colors like rock-a-fella blue, plum passion, 4 leaf clover, and sea foam. At the end of most projects, I also tend to add a layer of tuscan sun to help blend it.



And Rachel, who was learning to stamp, reminded me how versatile stamps can be. Rachel was working one of the challenges from the Scrap with Shelby forum. Let's hope she posts the finished product soon in Rachel's Gallery




Sure you can stamp a flourish in the corners of the pages...but I forgot how stamping off the page can completely transform the page. Using the same stamp and color she did (because I loved what she did so much) I created my own background paper from shimmering lilac cardstock:



I guess that's one of the fun things about owning a store and being a teacher. Learning myself. No matter how much of an expert you become, you just never stop learning, and really, why would you want to?

I am already working on my new background pages to turn them into layouts. When I do, I will be sure to post it on the Scrap with Shelby Facebook Fan page. (Be sure to become a fan today so you don't miss any updates!)