Best websites, videos, magazines, classes, etc?

Another print magazine is Creative Scrapbooker. They are out of Canada, but subs to to US are not too bad. I think it's published quarterly, and is thick with a heavy cover. I've noticed pages in this magazine sometimes use older product (probably because they aren't tied to a store), I love seeing things I may already own used in a fresh way.

I enjoy Shimelle's classes, and have taken a few with Victoria Marie that were also good. Shimelles class "Learn Something New Every Day" might have that writing prompt angle you are looking for-not 100% sure since I haven't taken that one.

Many of the manufacturers offer free video demos and tutorials online for the stamps, dies, and stencils that they sell, but the style really varies. What style appeals most to you? If you prefer elegant, Heartfelt Creations might be of interest to you. If you prefer cute, then My Favorite Things, Lawn Fawn, and Mama Elephant (and others) might be more to your taste. For grunge, Tim Holtz is a favorite for many who like the artsy, grunge look. There are so many companies out there, and most offer videos, blogs, etc., to get you to buy their products. I don’t have any LSS near me anymore, either. I buy products that I like online and shop my stash for the rest of my needs.

Look through the gallery here. If you see layouts you like, perhaps ask what products and videos their posters use and like. That might save you time and get you to products and videos you like best. I took magazines for years, but most of the layouts and/or cards weren’t my style, so I rarely, if ever, scraplifted anything. I didn’t get much out of the mags other than the temporary thrill of a new magazine. There is so much content on the internet for free, and the folks here post their creations, so you can get a lot of inspiration from the gallery.

Some brick and mortor scrapbook stores also offer videos. Mom & Me Scrapbooking in Salt Lake City is one that shows a lot of page, card, and mini album ideas on their Facebook page. I actually use Facebook sites a lot. I can see new products, learn how to use them, get inspiration, and adapt their ideas to my own style without spending money on anything but the products.

My favorite companies are Heartfelt Creations, My Favorite Things, and Queen & Co., but I’m not limited to them. I found them and other favorite companies at scrapbook/stamp conventions. I discovered companies at conventions that were never or rarely showcased in any scrapbook or card making magazine. It’s one way to see what is out there and learn how to use products. They often do demos or make-and-takes at conventions, as well as classes.