Craft Store Classrooms: The Good, The Bad and The Fab :)

by Kim Congdon (Scrap It Girl)

Do you use the classroom at local craft store?  Do you love the space or do you wish they would make a few changes?
Classrooms in craft stores are becoming more and more popular. Not everyone has a craft space in their home, so we look for places to go. Of course going to a crop or taking a class is better when you bring a friend or two :)
Let's take a peak inside a few classrooms. I went to 5 stores in my local area and here is what I found.

This classroom was a great size and had plenty of space. 

 
This classroom is dark, dingy, and isn't very inviting.


Beautiful & Huge. I love the hardwood floors, comfy chairs, and I like the layout of the tables.  This classroom has windows that look into the store.  You can easily get around this room and you can spread out.
 

This classroom is big but it was full of clutter. Too much product, displays, and tools.  It was hard to feel comfortable in this room. There wasn't enough space to walk around, I felt stuck.

   
Here is a brand new classroom at a Michael's Craft Store. The room is bright, cheerful, and inviting.  However the room was small and the tables are narrow.  I do love the sink, the use of their tools, and the display of ideas.
I currently work in a classroom that needs an update, and I'm excited to be tacking their classroom update for them this fall! While the classroom itself isn't the only consideration for me when planning to attend an event, it's certainly important!
10 Things I Consider When Attending A Class

1. size of classroom


2. table space


3. products on sale


4. cost of crop/class


5. location


6. lighting


7. food/drink


8. prizes/drawings


9. hours of crop


10. clean & inviting space  

This is the article I wrote as the Junior Editor for PaperCrafter's Corner.  I forgot to post it here for those of you who don't follow PaperCrafter's Corner.  To view that article and post pictures of your favorite store classrooms click  My PaperCrafter's Corner Article

Ben Franklin Crafts in Delavan, Wisconsin

Good News for those of you getting ready for your weekend crops in Lake Geneva or in Delavan this Spring or Summer.   I had heard that the "Memories from the Heart" scrapbooking store had moved into Ben Franklin Crafts a while ago, so I wanted to see what they had.  Here are a few photos and a link to their website if you want to see more.    Ben Franklin Crafts in Delavan Here is a peak at just some of the ribbon they carry!
  Do you need any Copics?   Look at this great selection.

 I love it when you can easily find what you want and see that the products are actually in the store.  You don't need to track down a clerk to get you a die from the back of the store.  Everything you need or want is right there.   Do you need cardstock?  Ben Frankin Crafts is getting ready for  150 of the most popular colors of Bazzill Cardstock, they will have it in 12x12 and in 8 1/2 x 11.
Check out their website for their monthly calendar.  Ben Franklin Crafts has a wide variety of classes.   Inky Antics Card Class, Wireworks Necklace class, Beginning Sewing, Beginning Knitting, Tatting classes, Crocheting, Cake Decorating and so much more.  To bad I don't live closer I would be interested in taking a class.
On Tuesdays they have open scrapbooking from 9 a.m.-5 p.m

I am going to a weekend Crop in Lake Geneva in April, so I am planning to stop back in and pick up a few more of those copic markers and some Easter goodies.   I hope you get a chance to check out this store, you won't be disappointed.  Not only do they have a huge selection of crafts, the staff were friendly and helpful.  Stop in and say hi, who knows by the time you leave you may want to learn a new craft!
Kimberly, Scrap It Girl