class help

[CKMom]

I have agreed to teach a card class to a church group. I've been told to plan for 50, yikes! I have never had that many, though they could be broken up into smaller groups, I was told there would be a morning and afternoon session. I have a card ready to go, but wondering how many stamp sets should I have available, inkpads too. I was planning to precut all layers but the logistics of this is starting to worry me..anyone do this often and can give me some pointers.

[SeattleStamper]

With that many people I'd design 3 cards and have 3 stations for people to visit. When designing make sure you don't duplicate supplies so this limits what you have to buy several of. It will also space things out so that everyone can have minimal wait time for products.

For the teaching part I'd reccomend showing all how to make all 3 and then let them have at it or get some help and have a teacher at each station to give instruction.

For prep I would strongly suggest making kits of supplies for each project and handing them out at the station or as one packet. This helps people mentally understand these are their supplies and they don't get to use as many sheets as they like because it wasn't stamped "just so". When you have piles of the supplies sometimes people will take the liberty of altering the design or using several for mess ups and then none are left for others to complete a card. I would also stress that supplies MUST stay at each station.

Good luck and have fun!

[NikiM]

You did not mention how long the class is.

One of the most important things with a class that large is to have VERY clear directions.

If you can pre-cut the layers it will make things run smoother. Cut extras - about 20%

[deborahruth1]

I usually have a sample of the card at the station as well a step by step written instruction to take care of the different type of learners.

I also make up kits for each person as well as having back up supplies because people do make mistakes, But by having them ask for a new one of whatever usually causes them to try to be more careful.

If you're going to collect money, have someone else responsible for it; you have enough to worry about. You'll be having to answer questions every which way.

See if you can get a helper at each table. That allows you to be able to walk around after you've given the initial instructions and gives you the liberty to oversee and troubleshoot.

Also arrange to have people help you clean up, to let them know how you want things put away.

If you can get away with utilizing stamp sets, use one part for this card and another part for another card, it will help keep your costs down.

If you are dealing with people who have never stamped before, (especially with that many people) I have gone so far as t stamp the images ahead of time and let them to the coloring. Then you don't have to worry about teaching newbies how to stamp and use a stamp-positioner.

HTH,
Debbie