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Post by angel97701 on Mar 18, 2024 21:41:32 GMT
So after moving, and not having anyone nearby in real life to craft with in my new locale I am checking into online craft retreats.
Anyone have experience with Altenew retreats? I've done the Scrapfest from Scrapbook.com--one year ordering some of the supplies and following along with the classes I was interested in doing.
I've been binging on Jennifer McGuire videos recently, and have purchased a few items from Altenew as well.
I have to decide by 3/23 to get the ultimate discount . . . it's happening the weekend before Mother's Day. I've looked at the suppies and do believe they are something I would enjoy, and am not really duplicating what I already have. (which is a lot!)
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,382 
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Post by kitbop on Mar 18, 2024 21:55:04 GMT
Hmmm - hadn't seen that one. There are a LOT of options this year: Concorde and 9th, Brutus Monroe, Pinkfresh, and the Scrapbook and Cards Today event. I've been seriously tempted by all. Have to admit that I am less tempted by single company events. It's a LOT of money for supplies from 1 company that tend to feel similar in aesthetic. I think I would still go with SCT because I had such wonderful experiences the other 2 times I did them. I loved the mix you get with SCT. Here's the list for September: Gina K. Designs Lawn Fawn Concord & 9th Spellbinders Taylored Expressions Hero Arts Pink & Main Brutus Monroe Ranger Ink Honey Bee Stamps Scrapbook.com Crafter’s Companion LDRS Creative The Stamps of Life Picket Fence Studios MFT Stamps Altenew OLO markers Angie Blom Designs “Mix it up” presentation with Jennifer McGuire (sorry about that cut and paste format). I'm not actually trying to sell you on it, just wondering if it was in your sights because I did love it my other 2 times...but...I am on the fence about signing up, and if I had a friend doing it, it might push me over the edge  ***eta: dang it angel97701! I just bought the SCT event for September. After looking at the Altenew one, and seeing that it's only 1 day for more money, I got serious FOMO and joined up. It's 16 classes, 3 mini-classes, 1 "class" with Jennifer McGuire, and 4 FULL days. |
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Post by angel97701 on Mar 18, 2024 22:52:31 GMT
Hmmm - hadn't seen that one. There are a LOT of options this year: Concorde and 9th, Brutus Monroe, Pinkfresh, and the Scrapbook and Cards Today event. I've been seriously tempted by all. Have to admit that I am less tempted by single company events. It's a LOT of money for supplies from 1 company that tend to feel similar in aesthetic. I think I would still go with SCT because I had such wonderful experiences the other 2 times I did them. I loved the mix you get with SCT. Here's the list for September: Gina K. Designs Lawn Fawn Concord & 9th Spellbinders Taylored Expressions Hero Arts Pink & Main Brutus Monroe Ranger Ink Honey Bee Stamps Scrapbook.com Crafter’s Companion LDRS Creative The Stamps of Life Picket Fence Studios MFT Stamps Altenew OLO markers Angie Blom Designs “Mix it up” presentation with Jennifer McGuire (sorry about that cut and paste format). I'm not actually trying to sell you on it, just wondering if it was in your sights because I did love it my other 2 times...but...I am on the fence about signing up, and if I had a friend doing it, it might push me over the edge ***eta: dang it angel97701 ! I just bought the SCT event for September. After looking at the Altenew one, and seeing that it's only 1 day for more money, I got serious FOMO and joined up. It's 16 classes, 3 mini-classes, 1 "class" with Jennifer McGuire, and 4 FULL days. What kind of supplies did you get the other times you did the SCT event? The Altenew is $251 with the discount, which is about what the supplies would cost . . . plus I can see what is in the kit for the event. Not knowing what is in the kit makes it more of a mystery, and not sure all of the companies are on my favorites list. Hum, what to do? |
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,382
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Post by kitbop on Mar 18, 2024 23:43:48 GMT
What kind of supplies did you get the other times you did the SCT event? The Altenew is $251 with the discount, which is about what the supplies would cost . . . plus I can see what is in the kit for the event. Not knowing what is in the kit makes it more of a mystery, and not sure all of the companies are on my favorites list. Hum, what to do? That's a lot less than their website says for me ($481)!!! I was thrilled with my crop and create boxes and felt the value covered the cost of attendance. This is the list of what we got in 2021 when there were only 10 classes: Instruction Book (this is full colour, glossy, spiral bound) Gourmet Popcorn from Staij & Co, Toronto American Crafts Scissors DRAWSTRING BAG: • Change the World Stamp & Die Set • Paper Fan Decorations • Custom Crop & Create Delivered Acrylic Block • Gina K. Designs blending brushes (x2) • Photo Play Paper Happy Birthday Stamp & Die set • Therm O Web Roll of Easy-Tear Tape ¼” x 25 yds • Therm O Web Combo Pack of original 3D Foam Squares (1/4” and ½”) • Elle’s Studio Star stamp • Close To My Heart black & white bows • SCT exclusive magnetic backers • Ranger Stickles • Angie Blom - printable • Concord & 9th Inks (Honeysuckle, Sprout & Aqua Sky) PACKAGE 1 – SATURDAY CLASSES • Gina K. Designs: Friendly Silhouettes stamp set, Mask Makers Die set, masking paper (x3) • The Stamp Market: A Bit of Everything Stamps, Dies and Stencils • Lawn Fawn: Frosties Stamps, Dies and Stencils, ink cubes in Sugarplum and Peacock • Honey Bee: Stamp & Die set • Hero Arts: 6x8 Special Thank You stamp set PACKAGE 2 – SUNDAY CLASSES • Concord & 9th: Grateful Blooms Stamp & Die set • Pinkfresh Studio: Daisy Slimline Frame Die & Stencils (+ replacement Stencil) & Scripted Word Dies • Doodlebug Design: Deck the Halls Stamp & Die set, Sprinkles, Papers (x8) and idea sheet • Brutus Monroe: Tree of Kindness Stamp, Die and Stencil set, Papers (x2) PACKAGE 3 - PAPER FOR ALL CLASSES INCLUDING: • Concord & 9th (Honeysuckle, Sprout, Aqua Sky) • The Stamp Market (Tropical Teal, Emerald Isle, Cheeky, Bubble Gum, Citrine, Orange, Cobalt) • black, craft, watercolour & white in 8.5 x 11 • all card bases (various sizes), vellum and envelopes |
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Post by Shakti on Mar 19, 2024 0:07:55 GMT
I have done three Altenew cardmaking retreats, starting with last year's Secret Garden. I have not loved every product I receive in their kits, but I find that I like enough of them and learn enough that it's a good value for me. Clearly, since I keep going back  If you're fond of Altenew's aesthetic, I suspect you'll find them to be a good value too. I will also say that I don't think Altenew is as singular in their style as, say, Pinkfresh. Last year's Secret Garden retreat had an art deco style, this year's seems more fantasy/castle-ish (or something like that), which appeals to me personally less. I am personally unable to craft for twelve hours, so I tend to do the last couple of classes a later weekend. |
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MDscrapaholic
Drama Llama
Refupea #146
Posts: 6,343
Location: Down by the bay....
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Post by MDscrapaholic on Mar 19, 2024 3:00:40 GMT
There are several threads on these events over on the card/stamping board, where we talk about all of them. We are an opinionated bunch. 😂😂😂
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kitbop
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,382
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Post by kitbop on Mar 19, 2024 12:20:07 GMT
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,128
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 19, 2024 15:07:08 GMT
It sounds good, although the price that showed on my screen was $350. I saw no hints of what is included in the kit, until I scrolled to the bottom, where I saw “add-ons” you could buy, and which did not impress me. I realise that they aren’t part of the kit, but they presumably coordinate with parts of the kit.
If anyone has done Altenew retreats in the past, did you feel that what came in the kit was worth the cost? Yes, I realise that part of the cost is the instructors, too, but they say the value is about $900, which I assumes covers the cost of the instructors.
I have resisted retreats from all companies, and I am wondering if I am missing out, since many here seem to love retreats and feel they are worth the cost.
If you have participated in the past, what has your actual experience been, please, particularly with Altenew retreats, but not necessarily limited to just them?
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Post by angel97701 on Mar 19, 2024 22:16:33 GMT
It sounds good, although the price that showed on my screen was $350. I saw no hints of what is included in the kit, until I scrolled to the bottom, where I saw “add-ons” you could buy, and which did not impress me. I realise that they aren’t part of the kit, but they presumably coordinate with parts of the kit. If anyone has done Altenew retreats in the past, did you feel that what came in the kit was worth the cost? Yes, I realise that part of the cost is the instructors, too, but they say the value is about $900, which I assumes covers the cost of the instructors. I have resisted retreats from all companies, and I am wondering if I am missing out, since many here seem to love retreats and feel they are worth the cost. If you have participated in the past, what has your actual experience been, please, particularly with Altenew retreats, but not necessarily limited to just them? The kit,
What’s Included in Your Exclusive Retreat Kit:
Cascading Flowers Stamp Set
Flower Bed Layering Stencil Set (6 in 1)
Fresh Flowers Die Set
Leafy Splendor Simple Coloring Stencil Set (2 in 1)
Leafy Splendor 3D Embossing Folder
Scripty Sentiments Die Set
Enchanted Castle Window 3D Embossing Folder
Enchanted Castle Window Simple Coloring Stencil Set (5 in 1)
5 New Fresh Dye Ink Pads (6 inks bundle)
Mini Blending Brush Set
Detailed Blending Brush Set
Glitter Gradient Cardstock Set - Milky Way (6 Colors, 24 sheets)
Brushed Gold Metallic Cardstock
A2 Card Base (12 sheets/set)
And there is a discount code: $90.01 Off (with GARDEN2024) that further reduces the cost. Reserve your spot today, relax, and enjoy our Early Bird Discount. This offer is valid until March 24th, 2024, so act fast!
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,128
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Post by scrapnnana on Mar 20, 2024 0:10:10 GMT
Thank you, angel97701. That helps. Although I am obviously blind to have missed the list of what is in the kit. |
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Post by Shakti on Mar 20, 2024 0:15:15 GMT
I will say that the Crop & Create Delivered event I attended was pricey enough that "I'm going to donate" the things I didn't like didn't seem right. I would say that less than half of the products were things I was inspired to craft with again, so I really did want to try to make up some of the cost with resale. Now, I did that event last spring, when I was not quite a year back into crafting, so it did expose me to a lot of brands I knew nothing about. In that sense, I don't regret it. But as much as people talk about the low per class price of that event, if too much of it is not your jam, the per class cost is not really anything worth thinking about. One thing about single-company events is that they are some of the more popular brands, mostly with dedicated buy/sell/trade groups on FB, so it's easier to resell items that you don't care for.
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Post by twillerbee on Mar 20, 2024 4:16:23 GMT
Altenew platform is not very friendly and I am not a fan of how we need to login into altenew academy to access classes. It's my least favorite for that reason. Altenew event product kits also feels lighter compare to C9 and PF event kits. I have loved some of their products from the kits but not all.
Crop and create events can be overwhelming but it's a great event if you are trying to find out what style of product you like. You will get to try products from all different companies but be prepared for not liking all products. I did them in the past and more than 75% of products were not upto my liking. I still get FOMO when I see something I like from the sneaks they share but I try to stay away because I hate wasting products that I do not like.
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Post by Shakti on Mar 20, 2024 9:30:27 GMT
I think twillerbee said what I meant about Crop & Create better than I did. |
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Post by angel97701 on Mar 20, 2024 15:18:00 GMT
I will say that the Crop & Create Delivered event I attended was pricey enough that "I'm going to donate" the things I didn't like didn't seem right. I would say that less than half of the products were things I was inspired to craft with again, so I really did want to try to make up some of the cost with resale. Now, I did that event last spring, when I was not quite a year back into crafting, so it did expose me to a lot of brands I knew nothing about. In that sense, I don't regret it. But as much as people talk about the low per class price of that event, if too much of it is not your jam, the per class cost is not really anything worth thinking about. One thing about single-company events is that they are some of the more popular brands, mostly with dedicated buy/sell/trade groups on FB, so it's easier to resell items that you don't care for. Ah, this is important to think about. I have items from popular companies, that I would like to move to a new home where they will be appreciated. This may be an easier option that ebay for sure as they are dedicated groups for those who own or are looking for these brands.
With out being able to see the products from Crop and Create I am less likely to purchase a large number of classes. I'm an experienced crafter and know my style already. It has changed over the years but I'm not sure I can justify 4 days of classes?
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If you're fond of Altenew's aesthetic, I suspect you'll find them to be a good value too. I will also say that I don't think Altenew is as singular in their style as, say, Pinkfresh. Last year's Secret Garden retreat had an art deco style, this year's seems more fantasy/castle-ish (or something like that), which appeals to me personally less.
